ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT 2024

Class of 2024 Graduation Highlights

Pathways to Excellence
Honouring our Class of 2024 in the IQ Domain

As the Class of 2024 completes their school journey, we take this time to reflect on their achievements and celebrate the many paths they are about to explore.

At Hillcrest Christian College, we are proud of every student’s unique story. Whether pursuing academic excellence, creative talents, or vocational pathways, the Class of 2024 has shown remarkable determination and strength. Many have chosen to complement their QCE with Diplomas or Certificates, demonstrating a readiness for the exciting opportunities ahead.

A special congratulations goes to those who excelled in the IQ domain, whose hard work, intellect, and commitment to learning have been an inspiration to us all.

To the Class of 2024, this is not goodbye but the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. We celebrate all that you have achieved and look forward to seeing the impact you will make in the future. May your next steps be filled with success, purpose, and joy.

Overview

IQ Results

The initial results indicate over 22 students with an ATAR above 90

  • Over 70% of students achieved an ATAR of 80 or higher.
  • 13 students earned A grades across all their subjects.
  • 5 students achieved perfect scores of 100/100.
  • 67 students enrolled in 1 VET course.
  • 28 students enrolled in 2 VET courses.
  • 9 students enrolled in 3 VET courses.
  • 1 student enrolled in 4 VET courses.

While we celebrate these accomplishments collectively, we also recognise and honour the individual decisions of those who prefer to keep their academic achievements confidential.

To all students, as you step into this next chapter, we pray that the values and character instilled during your time at school remain your true lifetime achievements, guiding you to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Perfect Scores

The following students received perfect scores of 100/100 in their Year 12 subjects this year. These remarkable results highlight their exceptional dedication and talent.

Congratulations to:

  • Griffin Cox – English (as an accelerated student)
  • Jack Johnson – Film, Television and New Media
  • Oliver Kim – English (as an accelerated student)
  • Alice Mackenzie – Drama
  • Emily Snowdon – Literature
  • Emily Snowdon – English and Literature Extension

Straight As in all subjects

We celebrate 13 students who achieved straight As in all their subjects this year. This incredible milestone highlights the dedication, effort, and academic excellence of these students, and we are proud to share their success with the Hillcrest family.

Several of these students also excelled in accelerated subjects, which are Year 12 subjects completed in Year 11.

Congratulations to the following students:

  • Bradley Adams (accelerated)
  • Cleo Anseline
  • Caitlin Brodie (accelerated)
  • Ricky Cai
  • Charlize Firgaira
  • Ted Hastings
  • Jack Johnson
  • Connor McNeish
  • Erin Michael
  • Jonathan Rouse (accelerated)
  • Matthew Runnalls
  • Emily Snowdon
  • Ella Thompson
  • Angelina Veljovic

2024 ATAR RESULTS

(From students who opted to share their results)

Nate Chang

Nate Chang

ATAR – 99.75

Pathway:

University applications for Dentistry

Other Activities:

2024 International Captain

Nate Chang, our highest-achieving international student from the Class of 2024, achieved an outstanding ATAR of 99.75 and is pursuing a pathway in dentistry. As International Captain, Nate demonstrated exceptional leadership, organising events like the vibrant International Culture Day while excelling in his studies. He fondly remembers the fun and camaraderie of the Year 11 camp as a highlight of his time at Hillcrest.

Class of 2024

Bradley Adams

Bradley Adams

ATAR – 99.00

Achieved an A grade across all subjects

College Prefect

Pathway:

Bradley plans to pursue a Bachelor of Advanced Engineering at Griffith University, driven by his passion for the subject and the skills he developed during his accelerated studies.

Interview Reflections:

Bradley Adams, the 2024 College Captain of Hillcrest Christian College, excelled as a student leader, balancing accelerated engineering studies with co-curricular achievements such as lead roles in musicals and serving as a mentor to younger students. Guided by his Christian faith, Bradley focused on service, building meaningful connections, and leaving a legacy of empowerment and love. Initially uncertain about his career path, he found clarity through the school’s careers team, ultimately choosing engineering. His advice for success includes effective time management, strategic study planning, and minimising distractions. Bradley plans to pursue a Bachelor of Advanced Engineering at Griffith University, inspired by his passion for problem-solving.

Other Activities:

College Captain 2024, heavily involved in Choral, Musicals and enrichment opportunities and was a mentor to many younger students.

Leadership is a lot about empowering others. It’s about recognising strengths in people and giving them opportunities to step up.

Bradley AdamsClass of 2024

Ricky Cai

Ricky Cai

ATAR – 98.80

Pathway: 

Plans to pursue Actuarial Science or Data Science, with a preference for studying at the University of Melbourne.

Interview Reflections:

Ricky Cai is known for his academic determination, leadership, and diverse interests. Balancing rigorous ATAR subjects like Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics, he also immersed himself in co-curricular activities, including choir and basketball. Ricky’s sense of fun and creativity shone at school events, such as when he dressed as Shrek for camp, a highlight for many. Passionate about fostering connections, he also benefited from the individualised support of Hillcrest’s teachers. Ricky plans to study a Bachelor of Actuarial Science and Data Science at the University of Melbourne, where he looks forward to embracing new challenges and meeting people from around the world

Study Advice:

Emphasised the importance of balance, finding joy and following passions alongside academics.

Advised Year 11s and Year 12s not to overestimate the leap between years but to embrace responsibilities while staying true to their values.

Encouraged younger students to explore interests and focus on what they love to discover their future pathways.

“School isn’t just about academics, it’s about discovering who you are and figuring out what you love.”
“Being part of choir taught me that people I thought were so different from me had beautiful souls once I took the time to connect"

Ricky CaiClass of 2024

Matthew Runnalls

Matthew Runnalls

ATAR – 98.65

Achieved an A grade across all subjects

Pathway:

Considering pathways in Aerospace or Biomechanical Engineering, with interest in Griffith’s new Bachelor of Advanced Engineering program or QUT’s prestigious Engineering offerings.

Reflections from his interview:

Matt shared insights into his journey at Hillcrest, having joined the College in Year 10. Excelling in STEM subjects like Math, Physics, and Engineering, Matt received early entry into QUT’s engineering program and is also considering Griffith University, which offers a new Bachelor of Advanced Engineering course launching in 2025. Passionate about mechanical engineering, he is exploring future pathways in aerospace or biomechanics. Active in co-curricular programs, Matt performed in the Bill Evans Big Band and Senior Rock Band, while also contributing to chapel gatherings. He valued Hillcrest’s welcoming community, the success of his House Flynn in finally winning sports carnivals and bonding experiences like The Happening. While he didn’t accelerate any subjects due to starting in Year 10, Matt managed his studies with a focused and traditional approach, crediting his success to dedicated teachers and effective study planning.

Study Advice:

Use tools like OneNote and Excel for organising exam timetables and tracking syllabus progress.

Plan ahead, such as dropping a non-scaling subject (music) to focus on heavier ATAR subjects.

Prioritise sleep and avoid distractions like phones before exams to ensure a clear mind.

"Your teachers are the biggest resource you can ever use at school. They want to see you do well and really care about you.”
“Don’t underestimate the power of sleep. It’s so important to rest before an exam.”
“Hillcrest has made me feel like I’m not just a number but part of a close-knit community"

Matthew RunnallsClass of 2024

Emily Snowdon

Emily Snowdon

ATAR – 98.25

Achieved perfect scores in two subjects (Literature; English and Literature Extension)

Pathway:

Work and travel in 2025, focusing on personal growth and new experiences before beginning a university pathway in Business.

Emily Snowdon is known for her hard work, dedication, and the kindness she showed to everyone around her. Emily balanced her studies with a part-time job at Woolworths and her personal interests in co-curricular activities.

One of her standout school memories was the cultural tour to Singapore, which she fondly recalls as an enriching and exciting experience. Looking ahead, Emily plans to take a gap year to focus on personal growth through travel and work before pursuing a university pathway in Business.

Emily SnowdonClass of 2024