Max tops the Limestone Coast

Tenison Woods College dux Max Patzel not only topped his school but also secured the highest ranking ATAR result across the Limestone Coast as the class of 2024 received their Year 12 results on Monday.

At Tenison Woods College, 15 students achieved an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) greater than 90 with Max’s ATAR of 98.70 the best of the bunch.

Max (main photo) achieved five As in his school based subjects; Spiritualities, Religion and Meaning, Ancient Studies, General Mathematics, English and Activating Identities and Futures. He also achieved a distinction for each of his two Flinders University Extension Studies subjects.

Max said he was very surprised but excited and happy to be recognised as the College Dux.

Max attributed his success to the support of school staff, his teachers and his preparations in 2023 in readiness for 2024.

“By doing Stage 2 English in Year 11, it really helped me improve my writing which in turn helped me to do well in my 2024 subjects,” he said.

In 2025, Max plans to take a gap year and head to the United States mid-year to be involved with Camp America, then upon returning in 2026 he will study a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology either through Flinders University or Melbourne University.

“Initially I thought I might study Law, but I became interested in this degree through my Flinders University Extension Studies,” Max said.

“My advice to students about to embark on their final years is don’t procrastinate, begin working on tasks as soon as you receive them, otherwise the work can feel overwhelming, and if this happens use the support you have from teachers and school staff”.

Other outstanding results included Lambrini Robinson with 98.15, Lillie Paul with 95.9, Geoffrey Slattery with 95.3 and Jemma Gittins with 94.5.

In addition to the 15 students receiving an ATAR above 90, a further 21 students gained an ATAR of greater than 80, totalling 36 students with an ATAR of 80.

As such, 16 per cent of Tenison Woods College students were in the top 10 per cent of the state and just over 38 per cent of students in the top 20 per cent of the state.

Lambrini Robinson gained a grade A+ with Merit for Spiritualities, Religion and Meaning, while Phoenix Lomas (88.15) attained As in seven subjects – Ancient Studies, Visual Arts – Art, Creative Arts, Activating Identities and Futures, Spiritualities, Religion and Meaning, Modern History and English Literary Studies

Five students attained A’s in six of their subjects:

• Aleisha Brook (93.35)

Psychology, Modern History, Spiritualities, Religion and Meaning, English Literary Studies, Mathematical Methods, Activating Identities and Futures

• Tillie Derrington (89.75)

Psychology, Modern History, English, Scientific Studies, Spiritualities, Religion and Meaning and Activating Identities and Futures

• Jemma Gittins (94.5)

Mathematical Methods, Spiritualities, Religion and Meaning, English Literary Studies, Chemistry, Activating Identities and Futures and Visual Art – Art

• Lambrini Robinson (98.15)

Spiritualities, Religion and Meaning, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, English Literary Studies and Activating Identities and Futures.

• Milla Walmsley (94.4)

Spiritualities, Religion and Meaning, English, Physical Education, Nutrition, General Mathematics, and Activating Identities and Futures

Fourteen Tenison Woods College students attained A’s in five of their subjects:

• Heidi Berkin (93.85)• Sam Domaschenz (86.5)

• Macey Griffith (93.75)

• Neave Hood (86.65)

• Molly Livingstone (92.3)

• Paige Luscombe (92.25)

• Oscar Marr-McGuire (86.8)

• Ellie Mullan (90.25)

• Stella O’Brien (93.9)

• Max Patzel (98.7)

• Lillie Paul (95.9)

• Lucy Simpson (86.7)

• Geoffrey Slattery (95.3)

• Teangi Stephens (89.3)

Fifteen Tenison Woods College Year 11 students gained an A in the Year 12 subject that they completed in 2024, with three of these students achieving this in two subjects, an outstanding effort from this cohort, showing their commitment to their studies.

Tenison Woods College Principal David Mezinec was extremely proud of the 2024 Year 12 cohort who have achieved solid final grades.

“I am delighted with the range of ‘personal best’ results that were achieved by students with the support of our committed staff team and individualized pathway planning that characterises the college’s approach to student learning,” he said. “Likewise, I am aware of the many students who have achieved outstandingly in their VET qualifications and the world of work.”

Mr Mezinec also reminded students who may not have achieved the results they expected that ATAR scores aren’t the be all and end all and an ATAR is not an end point in itself, or does not define who we are as well-rounded thriving citizens for the world.

“If students didn’t receive the results they were expecting it is important that they do not become too disheartened and remember that the tertiary and higher education learning environment enables multiple entry points, articulations and pathways to achieve a final qualification goal,” he said.

“If students are entering the workforce it is important to remember that SACE results are only one predictor of potential success.

“The significant currencies in the world of work remain attitude, presence and attention to the task, teamwork and loyalty to the organisation; all of which can be attained with a deliberate approach despite the level of academic achievement.

“And that is what Tenison Woods College takes great pride in. Whatever a student’s aspirations Tenison Woods College prepares them well to be citizens for the world because at Tenison Woods college every learner has a place, every learner has a pathway and every learner will shine. That is our daily challenge and our daily celebration.”