BHS student shines through VCE challenge

THE Ballarat High School community is swelling with pride, following last week’s news that year 12 graduate Poppy Ball achieved an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank score of 95.85.

The 18-year-old’s VCE years were not without challenges, as she faced huge, unique changes behind the scenes.

Heading into year 11, Poppy was about to begin her studies in units three and four of psychology and further mathematics, but at home, she experienced the “unexpected.”

“My mum moved to Queensland. She called me and said, ‘I’m not coming back,’ and she had reasons for why she felt like she had to do it,” Poppy said.

Transitioning to out-of-home care, it took Poppy a few “turbulent” months to find stable housing, before a school peer, Arlee Avers and her dad, Michael welcomed her into their home.

“They were so lovely to me. After that, I was in a pretty bad share house for a while, but then I moved into a good one, close to school with four other people who were at uni or working.

“It was an interesting dynamic. We were all different, but we all clicked and got along, and they were really supportive of me,” she said.

“All of year 12, I have been living on my own, but with 2020 being 2020, we had two bouts of online learning due to COVID.”

With psychology and further maths completed in 2019, Poppy’s endeavours in year 12 English, health and human development, studio arts photography and legal studies also helped her gain early acceptance into the University of the Sunshine Coast’s bachelor of psychology honours program.

“Psychology was my favourite subject, and I really enjoyed health and photography. I got an award for the best final studio arts piece at Ballarat High School, so that was pretty cool too,” she said.

This academic excellence is something Poppy credits to “the people around me.”

“My friends and their families, and some of my teachers made all the difference. I couldn’t have done it on my own, as individual as VCE is.

“They’re the reason that I could do it. It’s important that they get recognised,” she said.

Ian Van Schie, senior school assistant principal, said BHS wanted to ensure every support was available to her when needed.

“We had wellbeing there to support Poppy with anything required, especially during remote learning with extra resources,” he said.

“Poppy was a part of our student leadership team in year 12, so that was a good support mechanism for her as well, but she’s a really mature person.

“To overcome all the challenges she has had, as well as receive a 95 ATAR score, it’s just a remarkable effort. We are so pleased for her, and wish her the best, knowing she’ll be successful in whatever she does.”