YEAR 12 STUDENTS - A STRONG FINISH

Today I am honoured and delighted to congratulate the ACT's students on their outstanding final results in the Australian Tertiary Admission Ranks.Once again, our year 12 students have excelled across a wide range of areas.

I would especially like to acknowledge those students who have overcome significant illnesses or other challenges to complete their studies, and the support provided by parents and teachers who have helped the students throughout their education.

As always, the results provide a heartening glimpse into the future. Of the 4214 Year 12 Certificates awarded in the ACT this year, nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of recipients received an ATAR in 2011, the same percentage as in 2010 and 2009.

The top students included courses in English, mathematics, languages, history, economics, psychology, chemistry, physics, biology, music, legal studies, religious studies and outdoor education in their packages.

The median ATAR score was 78.2. While this represents the middle of the field, nearly a quarter
(23 percent) of ATAR receivers scored 90 or above; nearly half (46 percent) had an ATAR of 80 or above.

Perhaps most importantly, 77 percent had an ATAR of at least 65, the cut-off for general admission to a local university.

Nearly one-third (31 percent) of students who received a Year 12 Certificate also earned a Vocational Education and Training Certificate as part of their studies.

Congratulations to all year 12 students on their achievements. I encourage them to continue their studies through further education and training, and hope that they develop a passion for life-long learning.

Further details on school and system results will be available on the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies website www.bsss.act.edu.au from 6am on Wednesday, 21 December 2011.