Early Start at University for High Achievers

More Saint Ignatius’ College students than ever undertook university subjects while still in Year 12 this year, earning an impressive 17 High Distinctions and 7 Distinctions.

A total of 13 students completed tertiary subjects, including Indonesian, Psychology, and Mathematics, in 2024. In previous years, no more than three students at the College have undertaken such studies.

Students must apply to be involved and join successful candidates from other schools in class.

Among the College cohort, nine students undertook university mathematics – four through the University of Adelaide’s Headstart scholarship program and five via Flinders University’s Extension Studies.

Six of the students studying subjects at Flinders received High Distinctions for both semesters, demonstrating exceptional achievement.

Daniel Ganesan from the Class of 2024 received High Distinctions in both Mathematics and Psychology across the two semesters.

The early taste of university life was a boon for high-achieving students, according to Peter Rossi, the College’s Director of Teaching and Learning.

“The university pathway allows students to continue to develop their knowledge in a subject, which is obviously very attractive to those who want to pursue subject-related vocational courses at university,” Mr Rossi said.

“It’s also that idea of students challenging themself academically and flourishing in a space that they would not normally have the opportunity.”

Among the Saint Ignatius’ students to take part in the University of Adelaide’s Headstart program this year were Year 12 students, Emily Fidock and Kevin Zheng. The pair share their experiences studying university mathematics below.

Participating in the Headstart program helped Emily Fidock prepare for “the added independence and responsibilities of university”.

“Beyond the benefits of potentially having a reduced courseload in my chosen degree, the program has allowed me to understand the structure of university courses, such as the workshops, lectures, and weekly assignment requirements,” Emily said.

“Through attending university once a week for workshops, I also had the opportunity to explore the campus – for example, finding study spaces, navigating the students’ Hub Central, and generally getting used to the large campus.”

Emily’s approach to her studies was to complete the week’s course material before each workshop.

“Fortunately, I had a ‘study line’ at school, meaning that, in an ideal week, I had four hours at school to focus on maths – although this wasn’t always possible due to other subject priorities.”

She juggled her studies with part-time work, tennis, badminton, and debating.

Next year, Emily hopes to study mechanical engineering with a major in biomedical engineering.

However, she said mathematics is a useful foundation for many careers. “Maths and its applications provide insights into fields such as healthcare, technology, economics, and many more.

“Beyond the benefits to future careers, studying maths also helps to build logical and analytical thinking.”

Juntian ‘Kevin’ Zheng relished the chance to have a glimpse at university life through the program.

“University offers a more self-directed approach to learning, enabling me to make my own schedule and plan my own learning,” he said.

Kevin strongly recommends future students apply for the opportunity “as it is a chance for you to trial a university course that you may be interested in undertaking”.

“On top of all this, you can use the grade you get for these courses towards your ATAR [Australian Tertiary Admission Rank].”

The mathematics Kevin gravitates towards is the type that has an immediate application in real life. “Although this section of maths tends to be much more difficult to learn at first, realising its application in the real world makes it more enjoyable.”

Kevin hopes to go on to study a Bachelor of Economics (Advanced) degree at the University of Adelaide. “Career-wise, I wish to pivot into business while continuing my music journey as a hobby.” Along with his studies, Kevin plays saxophone and piano.