Among the many great joys of working in a school is seeing children learn and grow and then take their next steps upon graduation. As a school community, our Principal Josh Brody wants to make sure we celebrate the journey of these students and acknowledge their hard work in addition to all of the hard work done by their teachers, peers, and family members to support them.
Towards the end of last year, we welcomed this group of young people into our Alumni community with a special Legacy Celebration. During this event, we put many of them on the spot to ask them about their Preshil experience (please click on the links below to view their recorded thoughts).
Many spoke fondly of how their learning started at the Arlington Campus and how this experience created a love of learning that continued on for their time at Blackhall Kalimna. They also referenced how options are limitless at Preshil, and how Preshil has helped many students to develop meaningful bonds with others, an acceptance of self and how being yourself is what people want and is something to be valued. Many students commented on how Preshil helped them appreciate how differences are what make you special and make you stand out; that this is not something to be ashamed of or try to fix, but rather to embrace. They observed how accepting and inclusive our community is and how in life, it is meaningful to find friends with whom you can be authentic and trust. When you attend Preshil, you have a chance to be yourself in a space where you are encouraged to be yourself, developing self-belief and a strong sense of belonging. Some students spoke about how the interaction between students and teachers is like no other and relationships are truly at the centre of all that we do.
One emphasised the experience of learning how to structure thoughts and ideas, and another how their creative experiences, such as the art exhibitions. the production and the many community events have shaped their future. Someone developed a love of science and chemistry, and someone else developed a passion for philosophy and art! Another recognised that Preshil helped her to feel comfortable and respected when interacting with adults. Yet another described their experience as a unique blend of accepting school culture, where you can also be challenged by the work and also develop a sense of work ethic. The Class of 2022 departs Preshill eager to do many things, such as learn new things, travel and meet new people.
Listening to these students’ reflections, it is apparent that the experiences gained from a Preshil education are rich, nuanced and varied.
While we should be careful not to overemphasise narrow academic outcomes and exam results because they are just one measure of a student’s development, I do want to share with you some insight into the students’ pathway outcomes and IB results that were announced over the break. The students experienced tremendous success and are coming away from Preshil with a great variety of choices.
Our students’ median score of 32.45 (out of a possible 45) is higher than the global IB average. 100% of our 2022 cohort received ATARs ranging from 65.05 to 99.80, allowing many of them access to their first preference.
They are a group of students with a wide range of interests attending a variety of tertiary institutions and diverse fields of study. They are studying everything from fashion and biomedicine to law and engineering. They are attending schools from RMIT to Australian National University. One of Preshil’s strengths is our diversity of learners, and each and every student deserves praise for the work they have put into understanding who they are, being true to themselves, and reaching their potential.
Below is a graphic with all the schools and fields of study:
Thank to our whole community for nurturing and guiding all Preshil students throughout their journeys, for supporting our students with their dedication, and expertise, and for providing our students with opportunities to know themselves and explore their passions and purpose. We congratulate all our recent Year 12 students. We have every confidence in them and can’t wait to see what they will go on to do.
