From the Principal

Andrew Watt – Principal

Unpacking our HSC Results

Each year, our Year 12 students and their parents must navigate the complexity of the Higher School Certificate results and subsequent ATAR rankings. In NSW, our media networks seek to simplify this system through a School Ranking List based on the percentage of Band 6 performances. The whole-cohort performance of each school will fluctuate every year, depending on both the depth of talent and their level of preparedness.

Whilst we were delighted with many aspects of our HSC results last year, it is evident that there is still room for improvement. Whilst our percentage of top performers (ATAR 98+) remained consistent across the last four years, the number of students achieving an ATAR above 90 declined. On a positive note, the number of nominations for the HSC Showcases and students who finished in the top 20 in State (three this year) remained consistent.

What can we do to improve our HSC Performance?

Our HSC results undergo an in-depth analysis each year, through an external specialist organisation, which provides this service to many Independent Schools. The analysis package, highlighting both strengths and areas requiring further development, is presented to Executive and then to the Board every year. The analysis also included NESA data, providing the results in every question across every subject, including the State average. This detailed data provides excellent information for our Heads of Department (HODs) to develop new strategies, annually. Each HOD meets with the Head of High School and the Director of Studies to identify strengths and weaknesses and to present their individual action plans. Parents can be assured that areas requiring further development are identified and strategies developed to drive improvements. In short, we always take our need to provide high quality academic outcomes very seriously and seek to develop a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Please be assured that we will continue to make every effort to support every one of our students to achieve the best results of which they are capable, and to drive improvements, where required, in individual subjects, using measures that include and go well beyond the current HSC ranking list.

Why do we need to view the School HSC Ranking list with caution?

It is important for parents to understand the limitations of the Sydney Morning Herald HSC School Ranking List. This ranking system, resembling a league table, was developed by the media rather than schools or NESA. It is a very useful tool for letting you know how the ‘top’ (Band 6) students performed but it is a blunt instrument for gauging the success of a Year 12 cohort or the School as a whole. This league table provides no indication of the character or attributes of the students, nor do they provide any information on students’ results below Band 6. Perhaps most importantly, the league table does not provide key information around whether the school has ‘value added’ – i.e. whether each student has improved their performance, and to what degree. This is the most important measure: for students across all ability ranges – did they perform below, at, or beyond expectations/potential? Parents are advised to recognise the limitations of this basic ranking system and to adopt a more holistic view of their child’s education.

As you would be aware, the cohort performance in every school changes every year, depending on the various ability levels within the cohort. The 2023 cohort contained a larger number of students who struggled academically, yet who wished to complete their senior studies – for reasons other than simply attaining an ATAR. One convenient way to improve league table results would be for a school to dissuade their struggling students from completing their HSC year, thus improving the percentage of Band 6 performances. This is not the Emanuel way – we are prepared to support all students throughout their academic journey, to obtain the best result of which they are capable. For many this will not result in a Band 5 or 6 in any subject. Thus, a ranking system based on Band 6 results alone will not favour this approach. Please feel free to reach out to our High School Director of Studies, Julian Abelson, if you have further questions.

I encourage you to read our HSC brochure and watch our HSC student video below, both of which was shared last year. Our students’ voices are very powerful and are representative of the wide range of interests and achievements of the Class of 2023.

Enjoying nature, friendships and challenges

This week, our Years 7 and 8 students found themselves separated from their devices and connecting with their peers amid a beautiful, remote setting. The camp program is designed to grow connections through shared experiences, where students eat together, sleep in tents and share in a wide range of outdoor activities. Their Peer Support leaders and House tutors provided magnificent 24/7 care and support throughout the camp program, joining in activities and working with the Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre leaders. Our students will return feeling proud that they engaged with some challenging physical and problem-solving activities – and still thrived!

A huge shout out to those students who struggled with anxiety or a physical ailment on camp, yet still turned up. For those who made it part way, please know that you showed courage, and your next outdoor experience will be that little bit easier, if you continue to persevere. Our students will carry with them many great memories from their time at camp.

Enjoy this gallery of photos below from across the week.

The Speedy Sloth

At last year’s 3-6 Graduation Assembly I used the children’s book, The Speedy Sloth, as a reference and inspiration for my speech. I was delighted to recently receive a signed copy of the book from the author, Rebecca Young, who had heard about my application of the principles that she so wonderfully reinforced. Our Primary Library gratefully received the gift of both books, along with several books, beautifully illustrated by Emanuel parent, Carla Hoffenberg.

Mazal tov

ASSISA Representative Tennis Trials

Taal Ismin, Year 6, d Taal won all his matches in the final stage of the competition and his remarkable performance made him the number one player to represent ASISSA in the upcoming CIS Tennis Championships.
Emma Kaplan, Year 6, also showcased her talent and competitive spirit on the tennis court. Emma emerged as the sole female representative selected to represent ASISSA in the upcoming CIS Tennis Championships.