UPDATE: In a stunning achievement, Cranbourne West Secondary College has topped the state of Victoria for VCE scores, despite not having a single year 12 class. This remarkable feat was confirmed today as the school reported a median VCE study score of 39, with an impressive 40.5 percent of its scores hitting 40 or above.
Opened in 2021 in Melbourne’s southeast, Cranbourne West has quickly established a reputation for academic excellence. Principal Rob Duncan highlighted that the school achieved these scores with only 131 study scores and more than 100 students participating in unit 3 and 4 subjects, including 25 year 10 students.
Another noteworthy school, Clyde Secondary College, which serves years 7 to 10 and opened in 2022, also reported a median study score of 39, with 44.4 percent of its scores reaching 40 or higher. These results reflect a growing trend of excellence among younger students in the area.
Principal Duncan attributed the students’ success to their hard work and the dedicated efforts of the staff. “There were many reasons for their success, including after-school, weekend, and holiday classes,” he stated.
Among the high achievers is Anusha Dalyia Raj, a 17-year-old student who scored a remarkable 45 in psychology and is also an accomplished figure skater and cheerleader. Anusha aims to study biomedicine at Monash University and become a doctor.
“We have a really strong learning culture that we have been developing since year 7,” Duncan noted. This culture is evident in the performance of students like Olivia Prasad, also 16, who scored 40 in business management and 42 in health and human development. Olivia credits her success to rigorous practice exams and the unwavering support from her teachers.
“I think the extra classes and feedback from my teachers were crucial,” Olivia explained. She also balances her academics with a passion for golf and political ambitions, stating, “I want to make Australia a better place.”
In addition to these bright students, Farhad Jan Ali, 17, juggles a full-time school schedule with working up to 30 hours a week to help his family. He achieved a score of 41 in business management, motivated by his active lifestyle. “Staying busy keeps me from feeling lazy,” he said.
The success of Cranbourne West and Clyde Secondary Colleges challenges the traditional notions of academic achievement, demonstrating that excellence can thrive even in schools that do not have the conventional structures, such as a full year 12 program.
Principal Duncan expressed pride in his students, stating, “We are proud of all of our students and will assist them to achieve their desired post-school destination, whether that be university, apprenticeships, or vocational training.”
As these schools continue to redefine educational success in Victoria, all eyes will be on the incoming cohort of year 12 students next year from Cranbourne West, which promises to carry forward this legacy of excellence.
Stay updated on this developing story as more achievements and future initiatives unfold.
