Premier honours top HSC students

16 December 2008

Premier Nathan Rees today congratulated 112 outstanding students who achieved first place in a 2008 NSW HSC course.

The students, who came first in 110 HSC courses, were recognised at an award ceremony at the Australian Technology Park in Sydney.

This year’s honoured students are from schools across Sydney and regional NSW, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Illawarra, Hunter, Southern Highlands, Riverina, Western NSW and New England.

"Every year the First in Course Awards brings a completely different combination of students, schools and courses," Mr Rees said.

"This year is no different with a fresh batch of students achieving outstanding results in the HSC."

Some of the 2008 highlights are:

• Female students topped or came equal first in four of the five sciences;
• 13 students topped two courses – with four achieving first place in different subjects;
• Daniel Swain from Smiths Hill High School came first in Modern History in 2007 and has this year topped Comparative Literature (Distinction Course) and come equal first in Society and Culture;
• Shifra Waks from Sydney Secondary College, Blackwattle Bay Campus topped two beginners courses in different languages; and
• A total of 13 students have received a first place award in a Mathematics course - six students have tied equal first place in the 2 unit course, five share first place in Extension 1 and two have tied in Extension 2.

Mr Rees said a record 67,931 students sat the HSC this year and they are all to be congratulated.

"Students who have achieved first place in a 2008 HSC course deserve their moment of glory and I join their family and friends in congratulating them and marking the occasion," Mr Rees said.

"To top a course is a remarkable achievement.

"he NSW HSC promotes outstanding achievement in every field – from the sciences and humanities to technical trade skills.

"As a qualification, the HSC is accepted all over the globe and it opens up a world of possibilities for every student."

The First in Course award ceremony took place on the eve of the release of results for a record number of HSC students across NSW.

From 17 December students can access their results:

• Through the internet service at www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au by typing in their student number and PIN
• By pre-registering for the SMS service. Students need to text-message their student number and PIN to 0427 659 900. A return text message to the student confirms they have registered for the service and the results will be sent to their mobile phone at approximately 6am on 17 December
• By using the automated telephone service. Students call 1300 669 248 and follow the voice prompts. They will be given information about the cost of the call and asked to enter their student number and PIN.

Watch the video of First in State HSC Students
08-12-08 | 01:59 mins