By Charlene Macaulay
A select-entry government school has topped the list of Wyndham’s best-performing schools for VCE results.
Suzanne Cory High School in Werribee boasts a median VCE study score of 35, with 20 per cent of students achieving study scores above 40, according to the Good Education Group’s latest Good Schools Guide.
Truganina’s Westbourne Grammar came in second, with a median study score of 34 and 15 per cent of study scores above 40, followed by Werribee Secondary College, MacKillop College and Heathdale Christian College.
Suzanne Cory principal Colin Axup said that while he was pleased with the school’s median study score, the school placed more focus on students achieving the ATAR needed to get into their preferred university courses.
“A better metric for us is the percentage of our students who get their first, second or third university course preference … close to 85 per cent of our students get one of their first three preferences,” he said.
The school, which selects students based on their academic performance in an entrance exam, has 875 students across years 9 to 12.
It is compulsory for all year levels to do sport, and every student also has to be involved in a co-curricular activity such as arts, drama or music.
“We’re more than just an academic high school; what we’re teaching is not only the subjects, but we’re also teaching life skills, and that concept of creating a well-rounded person,” Mr Axup said.
Good Education Group chief executive Chris Lester said that while academic results were important, they weren’t the only factor parents should look at when choosing a school.
“They might have modern sporting facilities, a great drama department, access to VET studies – there is plenty to take into consideration,” he said.
