To this year’s HSC graduates, VC George Williams says take a moment to celebrate your achievements and remember you are not your mark
Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, congratulates the class of 2024 on successfully completing their HSC. Whatever the results, his advice to every student is to take a moment to soak in what has been accomplished after 13 years of school – and to boldly take the next step forward.
As a member of the class of 2024, my son is one of the more than 50,000 HSC students receiving their results today.
I know first-hand what has gone into this moment: the hours of studying, the assignments, and a learning experience interrupted by the pandemic. This year’s HSC graduates are a special and resilient bunch who have demonstrated the fortitude and commitment needed to complete their studies despite often experiencing great hardship.
The 'big reveal' of the results is a time of nerves, hopes and crossed fingers, and that's just for parents like me.
For students, the expectations on ATAR day can feel overwhelming. It's important for them to stand back and remember they are not their mark.
Successfully completing high school in itself is an incredible milestone.
Congratulations! No one can take those years of hard work and achievement away from our students. It's a journey shared with family, teachers, and friends.
But just as seeing their results today punctuates the true end of high school, it does not determine someone's future success. An ATAR gives students options, and ongoing education takes many paths, including university, vocational education, on-the-job education, and learning through life. Whatever the ATAR, many opportunities lie ahead.
I realise that university is not for everyone. For some, it might be something they seek down the track, and for others, not at all. I encourage students to think about what they are passionate about, what they want to do and to follow their dreams.
Not everyone will get the marks they want today. In my case, I missed out on my preferred university course by a single mark. I had to rethink and change tack, but everything turned out okay. A new door opened for me, for which I am grateful to this day.
My advice is that whatever today brings, opportunities lie ahead. Be ready to embrace the journey; it may lead you in a very different yet equally inspiring direction. It is often the case that the most unexpected paths bring the greatest opportunities and happiness in life.
At Western Sydney University, we offer HSC True Reward, which recognises that HSC students are so much more than their ATAR. It considers subject performance, which best reflects a student's strengths and areas of interest, as a robust indicator of future success at university.
Our university has 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 that all students who want to get a world-class university education have that opportunity.
We reflect the dynamism, spirit and attitude of Western Sydney. It's about rolling up your sleeves, being agile, confident, and willing to take the plunge. It's about contributing to the community and having that Western edge to do your best.
And that's all anyone can expect from our students today.
Whatever the results, it's time to take a moment to soak in what has been accomplished after 13 years of school and to boldly take the next step forward.
ENDS
18 December 2024
Latest News
ABC RN transcript: Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams discusses higher education sector, student support, and the impact of AI
The following is a transcript of an interview that aired on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra between presenter, Nick Bryant and Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.
Western Sydney University are the number one Australian solar car team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
Western Sydney Solar Car team has crossed the finish line placing preliminarily sixth in the world overall, and the number one Australian team in the world’s most prestigious solar car challenge.
Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incidents
Western Sydney University has issued an update to its community following confirmation that previously stolen personal information was published online, including on the dark web.