High Achievers Assembly 2023 – From the Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning, Ms Elizabeth Watson

“Shoot for the moon and even if you fail, you land among the stars.”- Jared Garwood (Class of 2022)

Inspiration, commitment and hard work was personified on Thursday, 9 February as students, staff, parents, carers and members of the Waverley community gathered together to welcome back and celebrate our high achievers from the Class of 2022.

These assemblies set the tone for the Academic year ahead. They inspire hope and propel us to strive toward something better, greater and higher.

Waverley is a diverse learning community and in 2022, 160 students choose their own path to complete Year 12. Whether they selected an HSC+ ATAR or HSC+ Vocational pathway, each person’s journey was unique. Their chosen learning path played to their strengths. It engaged their interest and passion to help them succeed.

A common theme among our Class of 2022 was the resilience and determination shown throughout their learning journey. We commend the grit that many of them drew upon to make significant and impressive progress throughout their time at Waverley College.

Despite the fact that two of their final three years of school had extended lockdowns within them, they emerged to lead the College with a positive, no-fuss attitude. They rallied together to build a culture of pride, one of high standards and one that endures to the end. They believed they could achieve great things… and indeed they did.  

We were delighted to hear two of our 2022 Graduates speak at the assembly; Charles Alexander and Jared Garwood. Both indicated that this was the first time they had addressed an assembly, and felt a little outside their comfort zone. They should be very proud of their respective speeches. They were articulate, humorous and motivational. 

They shed light on their HSC experiences at the College and offered some wonderful words of encouragement and advice to our student body. Both highlighted that finding that perfect study technique is very individual. They challenged the students to experiment with different strategies until they find something that works for them. They pointed out the importance of finding the right balance and having good relationships with their peers and their teachers. 

Charles encouraged the student body to find something that motivates them, relaxes them and gives them joy while on their HSC journey. He felt that “with these three things alone, you can achieve anything you wish in the world!” He urged students to take every opportunity to involve themselves in the broad range of activities on offer; speaking of how his involvement in Rugby, Cadets and Music Ensembles gave him balance and discipline with his academic studies.

Charles commended his peers for the way they helped one another, shared resources and encouraged each other to stay motivated and focused. We wish Charles every success as he embarks on a Bachelor of Construction Project Management at UTS. 

It was with great pleasure to award Jared Garwood with the plaque of Highest ATAR 2022 (98.5). In addition to that, Jared made the Premier’s All Rounder List and SMH Distinguished Achiever in Engineering Studies, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, Physics and Studies of Religion II.

Jared reflected on his time at Waverley, acknowledging that each person’s HSC experience is unique. For him, the HSC was about self-growth, responding and overcoming challenges and achieving a good result. It was important for Jared to set targets and aim high. Jared had a goal of 90 plus ATAR and at least two Band 6s. He knocked that out of the park!

He highlighted the importance of “staying connected with the people around you” and said the study technique that worked best for him was peer mentoring. To teach and learn from his peers enabled him to better understand and retain concepts. He found motivation through competition – competition with self and others. He would turn each assignment into a competition, wanting to do better each time. We wish Jared every success as he embarks on a double degree in Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics) (Honours) at UNSW. 

It is safe to say that the Class of 2022 found their success in very different ways. Whatever path our Year 12 boys chose, it is important to remember that they leave the College with much more than just a number, mark or rank. The journey that brought each student to this point has been far more valuable. 

I congratulate the entire HSC Class of 2022 on their fine results and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and give thanks to the outstanding commitment of staff and the tireless support of parents and carers during their son’s learning journey.

Click here to view the Roll Call of Academic Honour for full details of our 2022 High Achievers

 

Ms Elizabeth Watson

Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning

ewatson@waverley.nsw.edu.au