The Standard

Warrnambool students accelerating their learning through PACE

High achievers: Jacob Gome (left), Sarasa Deguchi and Harrison Carroll-Beard. Picture: Anthony Brady.
High achievers: Jacob Gome (left), Sarasa Deguchi and Harrison Carroll-Beard. Picture: Anthony Brady.

This is advertiser content for Emmanuel College.

According to Warrnambool's Emmanuel College principal Peter Morgan there is a common theme linking the individual success stories of the school's high achieving students.

All of these students accelerated their learning throughout their education at Emmanuel through an approach the College has named PACE - Personal Acceleration Cultivating Excellence.

"Emmanuel College has every reason to be proud of its Class of 2020 students who completed the year under such unusual and challenging circumstances achieving some fantastic individual results and outcomes," said Mr Morgan.

"For the second year in a row Emmanuel had three of its year 12 students receive ATARs above 99 which is an extraordinary feat for any school, particularly a regional school."

The Dux of 2020 was Jacob Gome with an ATAR score of 99.8.

Emmanuel College principal Peter Morgan. Picture: Glen Watson
Emmanuel College principal Peter Morgan. Picture: Glen Watson

"Jacob was an exceptional young man throughout his six years at Emmanuel," said Mr Morgan.

As well as achieving Dux, Jacob also completed first year university Maths, taught by Nigel Bailey under the auspices of the University of Melbourne, attaining First Class Honours.

Jacob will be studying a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) - Science at Australian National University in Canberra, joining a select group of 25 students awarded the coveted Tuckwell Scholarship.

"Jacob is in excellent company with Sarasa Deguchi achieving an ATAR of 99.45 and Harrison Carroll-Beard with an ATAR of 99.3," Mr Morgan said.

"We also congratulate Alex Turocszy whose ATAR of 98.95 is just 0.05 from 99 and reflects his excellent work ethic throughout his secondary education."

Deakin University sponsored VCE High Achiever Awards were awarded to Kate Beggs, Martina Da Ros, Joshua Moloney, Molly O'Brien, Rosie Ryan, and Grace Tamer. In all, 10 students gained ATARs above 90 - approximately eight per cent of the year level.

There were 23 individual study scores above 40 placing those students in the top nine per cent in the state in those studies with five of those students being from Year 11.

Mr Morgan said Jacob began his accelerated Maths program by coming to Emmanuel for his classes while he was still a primary school student.

"Others have commenced their VCE studies in Year 10," he said.

"Emmanuel College provides many pathways for students to accelerate their learning and personal growth through PACE while maintaining the security of their social network."

At Emmanuel, students with a talent in a particular area of study have the opportunity to work at an elevated level within their classrooms at their own pace.

Acceleration or advancement is not limited to subjects traditionally described as academic.

"If you wish to work at a higher level you can do this in any subject," said Mr Morgan.

"Whether it is in Science or working with wood or textiles in Design Technology or creating high-quality films in Media. Every student can choose to take their passion and learning to a higher level.

"While we are excited about academic achievements we are equally thrilled with the success of our VCAL Dux of the College, Tahlia Brown and the thirty-one students who successfully gained highly sought-after apprenticeships, traineeships and employment during 2020, in a wide range of trades and industries.

Mr Morgan said the school believed it was important for students to grow within their social infrastructure rather than being isolated from their peers in separate acceleration streams.

"Acceleration within the classroom is not only a viable and successful option but an accurate reflection of the society we live in and the workplaces students will go into in their lives beyond school," he said.

"When excellence is modelled peer-to-peer it can help to raise the achievements of all."

Parents can discover more about PACE at the Emmanuel College Open Night on 17 March. Due to COVID -19 restrictions bookings must be made on trybooking.com or via the Emmanuel College website.

This is advertiser content for Emmanuel College.