Congratulations to Kate Sanderson, a distance education graduate of Australian Christian College in Caboolture, for receiving one of 30 highest ATAR scores in Queensland for 2022.
Ms Sanderson, who decided to complete her studies via distance education at the start of the pandemic, received a score of 99.95 in her Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. Her score has allowed her provisional entry to Griffith University, where she intends to pursue a Bachelor of Medical Science degree and realise her childhood ambition of becoming a doctor.
The future doctor was also inspired to take up medicine after her personal health battle at 11 years old. A hospital stay lasting many months opened her eyes to the valuable work of the medical community that saved her life. So, she aimed to be part of this world, to contribute and save lives as well.
The student used to attend a Gold Coast school but took advantage of the distance learning program at Australian Christian College in Caboolture amidst the uncertainty of COVID. Ms Sanderson said that landing in the Top 30 has been such a surreal moment, but she’s very grateful for her teachers, and the support of her family and friends.
Across Queensland, 27,245 Year 12 students received their ATAR results. Education Minister Grace Grace congratulated the students for exceeding expectations.
“Congratulations to our amazing and resilient school graduates, 94 per cent of whom have achieved a QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) or a QCIA (Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement),” Ms Grace said in a statement.
“27,245 of these students also received an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank), with 33 achieving the highest possible result of 99.95 after studying a combination of 13 different subjects including Mathematical Methods, English, Engineering, Physics and Languages.
“We also celebrate the success of our education system as a whole.
“I’d like to congratulate the teachers, principals, school staff, families and carers who have worked so hard to support all of the Year 12s on their learning journey.
“Students who didn’t get the results they hoped for should remember the many education and training pathways open to them, whether they want to head to university, start a vocational course, or go straight into work.
“There’s no need to be disheartened, and there are plenty of resources and people out there to support you.”
QTAC Chief Executive Officer Dr John Griffiths also reminded Year 12 students of their tertiary study options, regardless of their ATAR results.
“First and foremost, graduates should be proud of all they accomplished and remember that the outcome of today doesn’t define them – it’s a milestone that now opens the door to further opportunity,” Mr Griffiths said.
