BENJAMIN Dennis chose not to check his Higher School Certificate results when the NSW Education Standards Authority published some in error on the weekend.
"I made the gut wrenching decision to wait three days," the Newcastle Grammar School [NGS] student said.
"I feel I would have had more anxiety about my ATAR and more sleepless nights [if I checked]."
Benjamin, 18, had no cause for concern. He was one of three NGS students on the All Round Achievers list, for students who received results in the highest band possible for at least 10 units.
RELATED
- HSC 2022: The five Hunter students who couldn't be beaten
- Hunter students shine on HSC merit lists
- Newcastle Grammar student achieves Hunter's highest ATAR
- Merewether High counts 10 students with ATARs over 99
- St Francis Xavier's College has five students on 2022 HSC Top Achievers List
- Hunter HSC students overcome hardships to secure early university offers
- Hunter students move away from the traditional timeline of HSC results and university offers
- Hunter students look to vocational education and training for post HSC success
This was the highest number of any school in the region, after Merewether High.
"It's what I consider my highest achievement, being able to get high success in every single subject, not just smashing it out of the park for one," he said.
"I attribute wanting to achieve well across the board as leading to my high ATAR."
He said time management and consistency was key.
"There were certainly days and nights when there were was blood sweat and tears but I think it's more about consistent effort and sharing that journey, you know everyone else is in it and you have the teachers alongside you, with you."
Peer Amy Lalor, 18, said she was hoping to be on the list.
"After putting in so much work it was nice to see that paid off and finally get a bit of closure of all the work I'd done and know now I can move forward and try new experiences at university," she said.
Amy completed Mathematics Advanced and Mathematics Extension 1 last year, which gave her more time this year to dedicate to her other five subjects.
She said working consistently and being passionate about her subjects helped.
"It was about keeping on top of things throughout the whole year, I really wanted to get my rank up," she said.
"Towards the end I was studying a lot with groups and we were giving each other feedback and getting feedback from teachers."
Lily Webster said she was "glad to see" she was an All Round Achiever. "It's nice to know you don't just have one niche, you can do a variety of different subjects."
WHAT DO YOU THINK? We've made it a whole lot easier for you to have your say. Our new comment platform requires only one log-in to access articles and to join the discussion on the Newcastle Herald website. Find out how to register so you can enjoy civil, friendly and engaging discussions. Sign up for a subscription here.
