High achieving graduates gives tips for Year 12

AFTER graduating with top marks, three local high achievers have shared their advice to Year 12 students starting their final year this week.

Subject Certificates of Excellence were awarded to candidates in the top 0.5 per cent in each ATAR course examination.

Penrhos College graduate Emily Nixon received her Certificate of Excellence for English and a Certificate of Distinction.

Emily advised to put in some hours in English as it usually ends up in many students’ top four subjects.

“Don’t just think you can write it off,” she said.

“At least take it half seriously.”

Emily has applied to Curtin University to study a double degree of commerce and law.

Wesley College graduate Connor Mincherton received his certificate for Physical Education studies and has applied for Physiotherapy at Curtin University.

“If you’re sporty, it helps because 30 per cent of the subject is the sports grade,” he said.

“But it’s a ‘remembering’ subject so just go through the textbook stuff, quizzes and flash cards.”

Aquinas College graduate Thomas Warenczak received his Certificate of Excellence for Mathematics Methods and a Certificate of Distinction.

He said persistence and practice was needed to survive the gruelling subject.

“When you make a mistake in a test, make sure you don’t do it again,” he said.

Thomas has applied for electrical engineering at Curtin University.

There were 4197 awards issued in 2018, including 325 Subject Certificates of Excellence.