‘Wherever the wind takes me’: Year 12 graduates celebrate top ATAR scores
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Like Su, Howie was keen to study maths next year, and engineering, though he was less certain about where his career path might lead.
“I’ve got no idea [about a preferred career] … Wherever the wind takes me,” Howie said.
In the immediate sense, the wind was blowing towards a celebratory dish of pad Thai – “a staple for special occasions” – to cap off the momentous achievement.
Interim QTAC chief executive Chris Veraa congratulated this year’s ATAR recipients and year 12 graduates, expressing excitement for those who completed such a milestone.
“It’s that final moment that caps off all the hard work of school; encouraging the graduates to look back with huge pride on what they’ve achieved and look forward with excitement to what comes next,” he said.
“For everyone here at QTAC, part of the extra joy of today is knowing that it’s a celebration for our young people, but also for their families and school communities.
Interim QTAC chief executive Chris Veraa with two of the state’s top ATAR students. Credit: QTAC
“From parents and grandparents to carers and teachers, they’ve been there every step of the way, supporting and encouraging the graduates and helping them think about how to navigate into the next stage of life.
“It’s a wonderful moment of celebration for everything they’ve done.”
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Queensland’s year 12 school cohort totalled 55,469, with more than 51 per cent receiving an ATAR.
More than 25 per cent of eligible students earned an ATAR of 90 or above.
QTAC’s chief experience head Chris Jack encouraged students who did not receive the ATAR they were hoping for to reach out to QTAC and discuss available options.
“If you want to pursue tertiary study, we can help you explore the multiple pathways to make that happen,” Jack said.
“Our Educational Access Scheme provides opportunities for additional ranks where graduates have been impacted by personal challenges such as health or their personal life.
“We also have other pathways that range from mid-semester intakes to non-ATAR pathways.”
The largest round of tertiary offers will be released on Monday, December 23. Graduates have until Wednesday, December 18, to update their preferences.
