Of the 37 students who achieved the highest possible ATAR of 99.95 across Victoria, six of them attended Melbourne Grammar School. Congratulations to:
- Matthew Wong (Academic Head of School)
- Jared Ling (Proxime Accessit)
- Fedele De Campo
- Yilin (Danny) Feng
- Baoji Lu
- Edward (Eddie) Xu
Here, these exceptional 2019 graduates outline:
- the recent School achievement(s) of which they are most proud
- other activities they were involved in during their final years at the School
- their advice to someone seeking a perfect score
- their plans for 2020 and beyond
Matthew Wong
Recent School achievements:
- Academic Head of School
- Alliance Française Competition – 2nd in Victoria in both oral and written examinations in 2019
- Athletics First Colours
Other recent activities:
- Represented School in Soccer, Futsal
- Volunteer support for Values in Action activities:
- St Joseph’s Homework Club
- St Mary’s House of Welcome breakfasts
- Benetas Aged Care Recreation
Advice to others seeking a perfect score:
Find a network of friends you trust, who you can discuss your studies with and who can help each other with homework without being competitive.
Future plans:
Complete a Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine at Monash University.
Jared Ling
Recent School achievements:
- Promime Accessit
- Perfect study score of 50 in English (EAL)
- Captain of Badminton
- Member of Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra
Other recent activities:
- Volunteer support for Values in Action activities:
- St Joseph’s Homework Club
- St Mary’s House of Welcome breakfasts
- Represented School in Basketball
Advice to others seeking a perfect score:
Take a break sometimes. It’s not good to constantly work. Involvement in other activities allows you to relax, think about things other than study and relieve some stress.
Future plans:
Complete a Bachelor of Science as a Chancellor’s Scholar at the University of Melbourne, then a Doctor of Medicine, hopefully specialising in Immunology (allergies).
Fedele De Campo
Recent School achievements:
- School Vice-Captain
- Perfect study score of 50 in English, Philosophy
- Victorian Interschools Cross Country Ski Champion
Other recent activities:
- Leading role in School productions ‘One Man Two Guvnors’ and ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’
- Member of School Choir
- Represented School in Snow Sports, Volleyball, Cross Country
Advice to others seeking a perfect score:
You don’t have to be perfect to achieve a perfect score! There is no point thinking about all the work you could have done, instead concentrate on what will help you the most and, if it takes longer than the allotted time, then it means you have learnt something.
Future plans:
Complete a Bachelor of Commerce and Science at Australian National University as a National University Scholar, then pursue a role in either commerce or science or both.
Compete in Cross Country Skiing at the Olympic Games.
Yilin (Danny) Feng
Recent School achievements:
- Perfect study score of 50 in Literature
- Debating First Colours
- Swimming Colours
Other recent activities:
- Volunteer support for Values in Action activities:
- St Joseph’s Homework Club
- St Mary’s House of Welcome breakfasts
- Benetas Aged Care Recreation
Advice to others seeking a perfect score:
Pick subjects that you are willing to put time into, perhaps including one which gives your mind a different area to focus on.
Future plans for 2020:
Complete a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Bioengineering Systems) as a Chancellor’s Scholar at the University of Melbourne.
Then a role in Bioengineering Systems – it feels like this discipline has the potential to be important in the future.
Baoji Lu
Recent School achievements:
- House Colours
- Member of Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra
Other recent activities:
- Volunteer support for Values in Action activities:
- St Mary’s House of Welcome breakfasts
Advice to others seeking a perfect score:
Find an interest outside of your academic study and spend time on that and, of course, work hard on your studies.
Future plans:
TAFE Certificate III in Hospitality and undergraduate study overseas, then a PhD in Economics.
Edward (Eddie) Xu
Recent School achievements:
- Creese House Vice-Captain
- Chair, Science and Technology Committee
- Member of Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra
Other recent activities:
- Represented School in Debating, Badminton, Basketball
- Volunteer support for Values in Action activities:
- St Joseph’s Homework Club
- St Mary’s House of Welcome breakfasts
- Benetas Aged Care Recreation
Advice to others seeking a perfect score:
Use up all your time very wisely, including using holidays productively, particularly later in the year.
Future plans:
Complete a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Computational Biology) and a Diploma in Mathematical Sciences as a Chancellor’s Scholar at the University of Melbourne.
