Students across the state received their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) results this week in what is an emotional time for many young people who are finishing their VCE journey.
For the Geelong College joint Dux Bailey Gait, she couldn’t hold back tears when she found out she had earned an ATAR of 99.50.
“I was so happy I cried a little bit, I’m not really sure why but it was overwhelming to think about all the work I put in, not just this year, but in the years leading up to it,” Bailey said.
“My parents cried too, and even my siblings; we were a very happy household this morning.”
Bailey, co-captain of the College’s McLean House, received a number of awards from her school for academic performance, debating and soccer.
She said her academic success was bolstered by her co-curricular activities.
“The only way I could have made it through VCE was by doing a range of things outside of just studying, like playing sport and being involved in the community,” she said.
“My friends and family were also really important. Your network is a reflection of you, and I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Bailey’s fellow joint Dux Remy Locke also found the emotions of the day overwhelming.
“It was surreal; I was shocked to see another 50 and then I saw my ATAR and the tears came,” Remy said.
“Mum was freaking out and my grandma was on the phone crying, so it was a bit hectic, but really fun.”
Remy, who was also a house co-captain for Wettenhall and 1st soccer vice-captain, agreed with Bailey on the importance of maintaining a range of interests.
“I also think the broad range of subjects I studied helped,” she said.
“Physical Education was so different to Chemistry, so I was doing different things which kept it interesting.”
Both joint Duxes intend to study and Melbourne University next year, Remy pursuing a science degree and Bailey hoping to do biomedical science.
The two students paid tribute to the College and their teachers for the support the received.
“I loved my English teacher and am really grateful for all the support she and all my other teachers gave me over the past few years,” Remy said.
“I am pretty motivated, but you still need support and help.”
