RGS student awarded top ATAR result

Rockhampton Grammar School Dux Sansuka De Silva is now awaiting university offers to study medicine after being one of only 30 students across Queensland to attain the highest possible ATAR result.

““....this year has also allowed me to constantly remind myself of how fortunate I am to attend RGS.””Sansuka De Silva, RGS 2020 Graduate

With Year 12 students across Queensland receiving their final results, The Rockhampton Grammar School has continued to show why it is Central Queensland’s best performing school.

RGS students performed exceptionally well with RGS School Dux Sansuka De Silva receiving a top ATAR ranking of 99.95.
Sansuka, who joined RGS in Year 7, hopes to study medicine in 2021 and was one of only 30 students across Queensland to receive a perfect score

“It is undeniable that this year is one that will stay in the history books for the next generation to read and learn about,” he said.

“However, this year has also allowed me to constantly remind myself of how fortunate I am to attend RGS. 

“With the Seniors of 2020 being the first group to go through the ATAR system, the COVID-19 pandemic only added further challenges and hurdles for us to face. Despite this, the staff guided us through difficult circumstances by providing ongoing assistance, commitment and dedication.”

He said “balance” was also a key to his success this year, still allowing time to follow his passions in music and public speaking.
“You have to find the time to do things you enjoy,’’ Sansuka said.

Subject results from the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) were released along with Australian Tertiary Admission Ranks (ATAR) through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). The ATAR system, where students sit subject-specific external exams, replaced the Overall Position (OP) system in 2020.

Of the students who shared their ATAR results with the School, RGS reported that 46.27% students received an ATAR 90 plus, 67.16% received an ATAR of 80 plus and 89.55% received an ATAR of 70%.* (* percentages of students who elected to share their ATAR results)

Rockhampton Grammar School Headmaster Dr Phillip Moulds commended the students, staff and families for their collaborative work in achieving these results in the first year of ATAR and wished the Year 12 graduates all the best in pursuing careers beyond school.

“Scores are only one measure of student success. There are so many varied opportunities offered at The Rockhampton Grammar School. Not all require high ATARs and it is pleasing to see the wide spread of interests pursued by our students,’’ Dr Moulds said.

RGS Head of Secondary School Academics Ms Reniece Carter said the results were yet another powerful example of our students’ commitment to learning in what was a very challenging year.