As ATARs are released, Vice-Chancellor George Williams encourages HSC students to follow their dreams
Western Sydney University’s Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, has shared his congratulations with the class of 2024 as more than 50,000 HSC students receive their results today.
Professor Williams said as a parent of a HSC student himself, he knows the great pride, sense of accomplishment – and more than a little relief – that students and families are collectively experiencing right now, as they prepare to log on to get their hard-earned marks.
“I want to say to all the students today just a heartfelt ‘well done’. Successfully completing high school is an incredible milestone. No one can take those years of hard work and achievement away from you,” said Professor Williams.
“I also want to share my congratulations with all the parents, supporters, families, and of course, the teachers, who helped their students on this journey.
“As a parent of a school leaver I know just what’s gone into this moment – all the support during the years of studying, assignments, as well as helping calm any exam nerves.”
Professor Williams reflected on how much the class of 2024’s years of schooling have been affected by the pandemic, which he said underscores the resilience, fortitude and commitment of this generation of students.
“I also want to remind all the students that your future success is not determined solely by your results today,” he said.
“My own experience with school when I was young was disrupted. I know I am here today because I was fortunate to have dedicated teachers along the way that turned me around and opened my eyes to the possibilities.
“Education changed my life. My teachers unlocked a love of learning for me that continues to this day – inspiring me to pursue my own teaching career, along with my passion for the law.
“No matter what today brings, opportunities lie ahead. I encourage you to do what you’re passionate about, what you’re interested in. Even if you didn’t get the mark you were quite hoping for, be ready to embrace the journey – it just may lead you in a very different, yet equally inspiring, direction.”
Professor Williams’ words of encouragement come as thousands of school leavers receive offers today from Western Sydney University as part of its HSC True Reward program.
Students will receive offers across a wide range of disciplines including business, health science, psychology, arts, medical science, science, engineering and construction management.
HSC True Reward is the University’s sector-leading early offer program that recognises that HSC students are much more than their ATAR, and a student’s subject performance – which best reflect a student’s strengths and areas of interest – is a robust indicator of future success at university.
Today’s offers are in addition to almost 11,000 conditional early offers the University made in September and November this year. A final HSC True Reward offer round will be released on 9 January.
Professor Williams says Western Sydney University takes careful steps not to undermine the importance and integrity of the HSC with all offers made on the condition that students successfully complete their HSC exams.
He said the University has a proud history of providing access to higher education for talented students from all backgrounds and supporting them to fulfil their dreams.
“Our mission is to ensure all students who are hardworking and want the chance to get a world-class university education – being taught by our great teachers, in the best facilities – get that opportunity,” said Professor Williams.
“With more than two thirds of our students the first in their family to attend university, we know just how life-changing completing a university degree can be – not only for our students, but for their families and for our region.
“Most importantly, we are the University that is firmly embedded in our community, reflecting the dynamism, spirit and attitude of Western Sydney – and standing with our students to do all we can to help them succeed. This includes more than $20 million in scholarships we have on offer each year to help support our students to realise their ambitions.”
Students can discuss their preferences, scholarship opportunities and study options by contacting Western Sydney University’s friendly Student Services Hub team for advice and support on 1300 668 370 or study@westernsydney.edu.au.
ENDS
18 December 2024
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