‘The Class of 2019 really embody the spirit of Westbourne – that which they do, they do well – with a strong sense of community and care for each other, ambitious to embrace the world, their futures and to make a difference. We are so very proud of them.’ – Meg Hansen, Principal.

Cohesive, inclusive and highly supportive of each other and the school’s values, the Class of 2019 have been active participants in all that Westbourne offers. In particular, these fine young people have shown themselves to be strongly committed to their community, taking student voice to a new level of engagement through their management of senior assemblies and enthusiastic involvement in the full range of sporting, cultural, leadership and service activities. The school is extremely proud of these achievements, which reflect the hard work and enthusiasm of our students as well as the professionalism and dedication of Westbourne’s teachers. In congratulating everyone we also commend the nine of our international students who attained an ATAR over 90.

Overall:

• Median ATAR of 86.10 – the highest ever recorded by Westbourne Grammar School
• Five perfect study scores of 50 – in English (2), Biology, Health & Human Development and Further Mathematics
• 36.2% of students achieved an ATAR of 90.00 or above
• Dux of School achieved an ATAR of 99.80
• Three students achieved an ATAR of 99.00 or above – ranking them in the top 1% in the country.
• 19 students achieved an ATAR of 95.00 or above – ranking them in the top 5% of the country.
• 50 students achieved an ATAR of 90.00 or above- ranking them in the top 10% in the country.
• 88 students achieved an ATAR of 80.00 or above- ranking them in the top 20% of the country.

The school is extremely proud of these achievements, which reflect the hard work and enthusiasm of our students as well as the professionalism and dedication of Westbourne’s teachers. In congratulating everyone we also commend the nine of our international students who attained an ATAR over 90.

Westbourne congratulates the Class of 2019 on their success in the VCE.

On Tuesday of this week our senior school students and a number of family members and supporters gathered in the auditorium for an important annual event – the induction of our leadership team chosen from what will be the Class of 2020.

As a school community, we understand the importance of providing a range of leadership opportunities for our students, supporting them in these roles and encouraging them to learn more about what it is that makes a great leader. We know how important it is for student leaders to learn how to motivate, influence, persuade and encourage. We want them to discover how to build effective relationships, manage and resolve conflicts and accomplish tasks effectively.

Although I was not able to attend the ceremony, our Associate Principal, Andrew McGregor officiated at the event. Amongst other things, he was particularly impressed by the insights presented by school captains, Tessa Harrison and Divine Emezie into the challenges and complexities of leadership. In considering the question of ‘one person who has inspired me’, Tessa Harrison chose one of the African American mathematicians working at NASA in the early days of the space program.  Katherine Johnson’s calculations of orbital mechanics were critical to the success of the first and subsequent manned spaceflights.  Although she and her colleagues faced appalling discrimination, this did not stop them from persevering with their work – the ‘hidden figures‘ of the book and movie of the same name. As Tessa said: ‘Katherine Johnson was a great leader, who also paved the way for all woman, especially African American woman. She faced challenges, but she got through them no matter how tough they were.’

Following Tessa, Divine Emezie then offered some further insights on the subject of leadership: ‘For us to lead well, there are a few always and nevers we must keep in mind. Never let the fear of failure stop or side-track the goals you set for yourself. Never forget to enjoy the times with those around you, because they come and go only once. Always remember to think wide. Always be prepared to do the uncomfortable work, the hard work, and the work that lacks immediate recognition or congratulations. Above all, always remember who you are and stay true to yourself.

We expect a lot of our young people and I am confident the leadership group of 2020 will, both individually and collectively, fulfil our expectations and significantly enhance Westbourne’s culture of community and service.

For our major intake years in Senior School  (Year 7 and Year 9) we run placement testing in March each year for prospective students who are currently in Year 5 and Year 8 respectively. 

Placement Testing for Year 7 in 2021 and Placement Testing for entrance into Year 9 in 2020 will take place on Saturday 16 March 2019 at our Truganina campus. 

Applications close on Friday 8 March.

Visit our Scholarships & Placement page here to register your child for testing.

‘Our Class of 2018 have been exceptional in their leadership of the school, their commitment to their studies and their willingness to embrace and participate in the many opportunities Westbourne has offered them. I am confident they will have much to offer in the years to come.’ – Meg Hansen, Principal.

Actively engaged in the life of the school and dedicated to promoting the concept of ‘student voice’, the Class of 2018 has involved itself in a wide range of sporting, cultural and community service pursuits. In particular, these young people have shown themselves to be strong advocates for the student body, most notably through their commitment to promoting Westbourne’s values and the principles of inclusion and community.

Overall:

• Dux of School achieved an ATAR of 99.75
• Four students achieved an ATAR of 99.00 or above – ranking them in the top 1% in the country
• 22 students achieved an ATAR of 95.00 or above – ranking them in the top 5% of the country
• 35 students achieved an ATAR of 90.00 or above- ranking them in the top 10% in the country
• 82 students achieved an ATAR of 80.00 or above – ranking them in the top 20% of the country
• The median ATAR was 81.55
• Two perfect study scores of 50 – in Accounting and Physical Education
• There were 131 subject scores over 40 or above

The school is extremely proud of these achievements, which are a reflection of the hard work and enthusiasm of our students as well as the professionalism and dedication of Westbourne’s teachers. In congratulating everyone we also acknowledge seven of our international students on attaining an ATAR over 90 or above.  

Westbourne congratulates the Class of 2018 on their success in the VCE.