In the 50th year of the HSC a record number of students achieved the highest possible results.

In the Bega Valley, multiple students scored Band 6 results – 90 or higher in their particular subject.

Lumen Christi students reported 16 Band 6 results, while Eden Marine also notched up a couple.

Tura Beach resident Nicola Jones was one of the Lumen Christi students who achieved a band 6 result.

Nicola said she believed she did so well in Textiles and Design because it was her favourite subject. 

“It’s a subject I enjoy, I loved it, so it meant studying for it was a bit easier,” Nicola said. 

Nicola, who made her formal dress for her textiles major project, said a good relationship with her teacher Leonie Hancott and her mentor Barbara Rees also helped. 

“Being a perfectionist with my practical projects helped me get the Band 6. Also because I did the subject through Distance Education I had to be disciplined in time management and self motivation.”

Eden Marine High graduate Jharyd Wallace also received a Band 6 result, his was for General Mathematics.

The 18-year-old Wyndham student said he was also very proud of how he went in his other subjects. 

“Honestly some of my results I was surprised with. Physics for example, I scored 71 which got me a Band 4. It's quite a difficult class so 71 was very pleasant for me to receive,” he said. “Receiving a band 6 in general mathematics was pretty awesome, alongside with band 5 in music.”

On top of hours of study and hard work, Jharyd attributes his success to confidence. 

“If you walk into an exam and think 'I'm gonna fail', you probably will. I wasn't ever cocky or anything, just confident that the effort I had put in would pay off.”

He also said it was important to alleviate stress by finding a balance between study and leisure activities. 

“The reason some people stress is because they believe that these results are what will define us and what we can do (which isn't true). I believe if future HSC students knew that, then it would release some stress and thus improving how they can potentially perform.”

Fellow Eden High graduate and high achiever Courtney Boulais echoed Jharyd’s sentiments offering some advice to future students. 

“Take care of yourself first and foremost, and regardless of your results be proud that you worked hard enough to get there.”

Lumen Christi assistant principal for learning and enrichment said the school is very proud of its students. 

“Lumen students were well represented in the higher bands with eleven students included on the distinguished achievers list,” he said. 

“In addition to some excellent results in the traditional subject offerings, students excelled in a diverse range of vocational and creative courses, returning high results in subject areas such as Engineering, Industrial Technology, Software Design, Music, Visual Arts and Hospitality.

“Extension courses also continue to grow in the Key Learning Areas such as Mathematics, English and History. The candidates in these courses can be justifiably proud of their returns and their commitment to study.

“The staff and parents are happy to celebrate their success.”

Eden Marine High relieving principal Leesa Wungluck said while they are very proud of how their students went in their HSC they are also celebrating the school’s other successes. 

“We had 23 students pick up apprenticeships in this cohort and 16 have been offered full time jobs, most of which are local, which is great because it will encourage the young ones to stay here, ” Ms Wungluck said. 

“It also shows that the students graduating from our school have to necessary skills for full time employment and that the community values our students.”

At Bega High School, five students managed a Band 6, including Eleanor Grose for Biology, Carmen MacGregor in PDHPE, Benjamin Mead for Engineering Studies and Irah Shilling and Jordan Tarlinton both for Industrial Technology.

Of Sapphire Coast Anglican College’s 20 Year 12 students, six of them scored 11 merits between them. They were Priya Benjamin, Lhotse Collins, Madeline Gordon, Maximilian Logue, Micalah McCulloch and Caitlin O’Connor.

BOSTES President Tom Alegounarias said, “The 2016 results represent the dedication and hard work of a record number of students achieving outstanding results.

“Becoming an All-Rounder shows a breadth of ability and consistency of effort that deserves special recognition. It is a truly outstanding feat to have excelled across so many courses.

“I congratulate all 2016 students who received their results today. Getting your HSC is a real achievement that is recognised around the world. They should all feel proud.

“I wish them all the very best in their future endeavours – work, university, TAFE or a gap year.”

““For students who didn’t get the results they hoped for, there are plenty of other options available. You may have to be flexible, but make sure you get advice about all the opportunities open to you,” he said.

“The HSC’s enduring popularity and the consistency in results year on year underpin its world-class reputation for rigorous academic standards,” Mr Alegounarias said. 

On Wednesday, the Education Minister Adrian Piccoli awarded 124 students who achieved first place in a HSC course with a certificate at the First in Course ceremony. A list of recipients is available on the BOSTES website.

Three additional merit lists recognising outstanding HSC achievement have also been published on the BOSTES website as of noon Thursday.

ATAR results will be released Friday by the Universities Admission Centre (UAC).

Students with questions about their results can call the HSC Inquiry Centre on 1300 138 323.