Craig Verbruggen, Director of Learning and Teaching at Bishop Druitt College (BDC), says the class of 2018 displayed continual growth academically and socially. “Our students are the reason we love being educators at BDC. Our magnificent captains for 2018, Molly Phillips and Jack Winchester, and Vice-Captains, Serima Caldwell and Emil Geldenhuys led by example via their service to the community, their academic effort and their commitment to the co-curricular programs. They were amazing role models.”

The Year 12 cohort at BDC worked effectively to push their learning regularly, and staff supported them to the fullest. Year 11 and 12 are a marathon and the BDC support team includes a strong pastoral influence with Year Coordinator Mr Troy Sodeau and Director of Student Wellbeing Mrs Sue O’Connor being pillars for the student’s on their journey to success. The BDC year 12 learners are world prepared. The class of 2018 raised over $35000 for worthy recipients such as the Leukaemia Foundation, the Cancer Council, our sister school in Cambodia and through other social and environmental projects. Our tradition of assisting those most in need was continued by contributing funds to Anglicare and equity scholarships.

“The effort that my teachers put in for me and my peers at BDC was amazing. The time spent out of hours was incredible and definitely got me over the line”. Dylan Young, year 12 student who received a 96.35 and has passed his UMAT examination and waits to hear from UNSW and University of Newcastle in January about Studying Medicine.

From a cohort of 83 students who completed their HSC this year:

• Top performing school on the Coffs Coast.
• State ranking of 180 – 94 places above the next performing school in the region.
• 93% of students received at least one Band 4 or above.
• Dux of the year, Imogen Rose 96.65.
• Dylan Young a close 96.35, Manuli Narangoda 96.00 and Sereima Caldwell 95.00.
• Eight students (13% of students) in the 90’s including Charlotte Bennett-Hill, Amy Gibbins, Riley Maddeford and Monte McEntyre, Vincent Deng and Molly Phillips and Jasmine Reid.
• 46 Band 6 or Notional Band 6/E4 results.
• 117 Band 5 and 18 E3 or Notional Band 5 results with 66% of learners achieving at least one Band 5 or 6 result.
• Sereima Caldwell achieved five Band 6 results, NSW All-Rounders list.
• Isabella Corlis – State HSC Textiles – Texstyle Annual exhibition of outstanding textiles projects.
• Mimana Kiel – State HSC Drama – Bravissimo 2019 selection.
• Rose Simmonds – State HSC Visual Art selection – Art Express 2019.
• Jack Winchester – Excellence Scholarship at Bond University.
• Dylan Young – Nomination for Encore.

BDC also had numerous students on the distinguished achievers’ list (Band 6 or E4). A Band 6 is a score between 90-100%. Five Band 6 results were achieved by Sereima Caldwell. Four Band 6 results were achieved by Imogen Rose. Three Band 6 results were achieved by Manuli Narangoda, Dylan Young and Julia Magri. Two Band 6 results were achieved by Charlotte Bennett-Hill, Georgia Ensbey, Amy Gibbins, Tara Lintner, Riley Maddeford, Molly Phillips and Jack Winchester. One Band 6 result was achieved by Ellen Brooke, Jack Brown, Vincent Deng, Peter Halling, Mimana Kiel, Grace Koster, Monte McEntyre, Jasmine Reid, Rose Simmonds, Oscar Tozer, Rhyys Turner, Catherine Van der Merwe and Carolyn Watson.

Additional high performers were Annabelle Young, Elizabeth Tune, Grace Farlow and Luke Judd with five Band 5 (incl E3), with Mia Fisher achieving four Band 5 results. Many of our class completed these units in 2017 in accelerated subjects Business Studies, Studies of Religion 1 and 2, Hospitality.

BDC’s inspirational, highly skilled, and dedicated staff have worked tirelessly throughout the year 12’s journey, equipping the students with their best opportunity possible for success. Congratulations to our student’s, they are our future leaders and shapers of their destiny. Our future is bright in their hands.

“We are proud of our students, the growth they have shown in their time at BDC. The growth has been illustrated by more than these fantastic numbers. They have been mentors, leaders, and team players. They are ready for the changing world. We encourage our students to stay in touch with us through the ever-growing BDC Alumni network where we continue to celebrate the achievements of our students as they venture into the wider world. They are always part of our BDC family.” Craig Verbruggen, Director of Learning and Teaching.

“Congratulations to our students, they are our future leaders and shapers of their destiny. Our future is bright in their hands.”