Leading Sydney girls' school Loreto Normanhurst has once again secured inspiring HSC rankings in History with student, Elyse Stephens receiving 2023 HSC First in Course for History Extension. Additionally, the school was ranked first in the state for its results in Ancient History. ​

The school's History Department has secured top state HSC Rankings in seven out of the last 10 years, with its continued success attributed to a seasoned team of educators who are committed to refining their teaching methodologies and pedagogical approaches. To honour her academic achievement, Stephens attended a First in Course ceremony in Western Sydney on 13th December during which Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car congratulated all students who achieved a First in Course mark. 

Commenting on the exceptional achievements of History students, Peta Holmes, Head of History at Loreto Normanhurst, said: “We are incredibly proud of the results our History students have achieved in this year’s HSC. Their dedication and passion for the subject are evident in these top results and it has been an exceptional honour to work with an expert team of History teachers to assist in preparing them for the exams.”

“As educators at Loreto Normanhurst, we believe that an evidence-based approach is crucial in shaping the future of HSC preparation. The success of our students can also be attributed to our educators being committed to not only delivering knowledge, but also striving for personal and professional development and ensuring they stay at the forefront of history education,” Holmes added. 

Building on a legacy of academic excellence and strong HSC results, the Loreto Normanhurst Class of 2023 includes a Top ATAR of 99.95, achieved by Elli Barron, which is the highest ATAR the School has ever achieved. As well as the First in Course for Extension History, the School is also thrilled to have two additional students who achieved Places in Course.

Celebrating the cohort’s achievements across various subjects and disciplines, seven students were recognised as All-Round Achievers (students who achieved the highest band possible in 10 or more units studied). 98 students were recognised for their exceptional results on the Distinguished Achievers List, with 237 mentions. 

In a cohort of 151 HSC students, one student attained an ATAR of 99 and above. Twenty-five students secured an ATAR of 95 and above; 52 students attained an ATAR of 90 and above; 98 students attained an ATAR of 80 and above and 122 attained an ATAR of 70 and above. The school’s top ATAR of 99.95 was achieved by Ellie Barron. This is the highest possible score in the NSW HSC and was achieved by 49 students in the State, including only 12 females.

Elli Barron achieved top ATAR of 99.95, the highest possible score in the NSW HSC. Forty-nine students in the State, including only 12 females, achieved the score.

Commending Year 12 students for their inspiring HSC achievements, Loreto Normanhurst Principal, Ms Marina Ugonotti, said: “We are enormously proud of the achievements of the Loreto Normanhurst Class of 2023 in this year’s HSC. These impressive results showcase the cohort’s dedication, generous collaboration, grit, and holistic approach to their education. The Class of 2023 is a group of strong, intelligent, and compassionate young women who will no doubt make their mark on the world as future leaders, thinkers, activists, creatives, and women of service.” 

Loreto Normanhurst ranked above state average in 38 out of the 40 subjects offered. The school ranked 47th overall in NSW, with the impressive results a testament to school’s award-winning Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model (LNSGM). 

The LNSGM emphasises student collaboration, creative and critical thinking, digital capabilities, adaptability, and independence through a diverse array of learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. The Model is integral in shaping graduates who are agile and resilient thinkers who are prepared to navigate an ever-changing global landscape. 

“Our award-winning Student Growth Model continues to support our students to achieve highly across all areas of our embedded FACE Curriculum. The FACE curriculum places equal importance on the holistic development of students across areas of Faith, Academic, Community and Extra-Curricular to empower the female leaders of tomorrow as women of strength, kindness and action,” says Ms Ugonotti. 

Loreto Normanhurst ranked above state average in 38 out of the 40 subjects offered. The school ranked 47th overall in NSW.

Exemplifying the diverse nature of student achievements, Loreto Normanhurst is immensely proud to celebrate the 29 students who were nominated or selected for HSC showcases. Impressively, all 19 students in the 2023 Drama cohort received one or more OnSTAGE nominations for outstanding HSC Drama performances. Four students were nominated for Shape 2023 for work in Design and Technology or Textiles, and three students were nominated for inclusion in TexStyles, with one student selected for inclusion.  Out of the five students nominated for ARTEXPRESS for their work in HSC Visual Arts two were selected, and one student was nominated for CALLBACK for her work in Dance.

A snapshot of the History Department’s Top HSC Rankings: 

2023

• As a School: Ancient History 1st
• Individual Student Rankings: First in Course for History Extension 

2022

• As a School: Ancient History 2nd, Modern History 20th
• Individual Student Rankings: Ancient History 7th, Ancient History 2nd, Modern History 12th

2019

• Individual Student Rankings: Ancient History 1st, History Extension 6th and Modern History 16th. 

2018

• Individual Student Rankings: Modern History 9th.

2016

• Individual Student Rankings: Ancient History 20th.

2015

• Individual Student Rankings: Modern History 8th.

2014

• Individual Student Rankings: Ancient History 13th. 

2013

• Individual Student Rankings: Ancient History 13th, Ancient History 14th, Ancient History 15th, Ancient History 16th