At St Peter’s Girls’ School, the recent Academic Excellence Assembly celebrated the exceptional achievements of the Class of 2024. This remarkable group of students not only excelled academically but also contributed to the rich fabric of our School community, demonstrating the School values of courage, creativity and compassion that define the Saints Girls education.
Academically, the Class of 2024 achieved outstanding results. With a median ATAR of 91.5, 58% of students achieved scores above 90, placing them in the top 10% nationally, and 35% earned ATARs of 95 or above. Six students achieved scores exceeding 99, placing them in the top 1% of the country. These achievements reflect not only the students’ hard work but also the expertise of our educators and the invaluable support of families.
Our SACE students achieved exceptional results, with 78% of their grades in the A band, a result more than double the state average of 34%, and they earned 32 merit awards across 25 subjects. Similarly, our IBDP cohort excelled, with one-third of students achieving scores of 40 or above and an impressive 75% of all subject results in the A range. These outcomes highlight the academic rigor and breadth of opportunities we provide.
Beyond these numbers, the Class of 2024 embodied a commitment to holistic education. They excelled not only in academics but also in co-curricular pursuits, participating in over 500 sporting matches across 16 sports, music, drama, debating, and service-learning programs. Nearly half of the Cohort took part in service-learning, giving back to the community and demonstrating the compassion and generosity that underpin a Saints Girls education. Their efforts extended into leadership, creativity, and innovation, paving the way for a future filled with promise.
These accomplishments have translated into a broad range of tertiary opportunities, with more than 90% of students receiving offers for their first-preference university courses in fields such as medicine, law, engineering, health sciences, psychology, education, and the arts. Many gained entry into highly competitive programs both locally and internationally, reinforcing the effectiveness of our tailored pathways for success. Additionally, students who undertook tertiary-level studies as part of their Senior School journey performed exceptionally well, achieving results at a high distinction level. This accomplishment highlights their readiness to transition seamlessly into the next phase of their learning journey and reinforces their capability to succeed at a university level.
At St Peter’s Girls, we pride ourselves on offering diverse and flexible pathways to support every student’s unique aspirations. In addition to our comprehensive range of SACE Stage 1 and 2 subjects and the IB Diploma Programme, we provide specialised opportunities such as Certificate III qualifications in Film Production and High-Performance Sport Coaching, delivered on-site. These programs allow students to gain nationally recognised credentials in areas aligned with their interests and career goals, combining practical skills with academic rigour.
For students seeking to challenge themselves further, we offer tertiary-recognised learning programs in partnership with South Australia’s leading universities. Through the University of Adelaide’s HeadStart Program, students can complete university courses and earn credits toward their future degrees, building confidence and gaining valuable insights into higher education. Flinders University’s Extension Studies Program provides students with the opportunity to explore first-year university topics, fostering intellectual curiosity and advanced subject knowledge. At the University of South Australia, the Accelerate Program emphasises real-world applications, helping students align their academic pursuits with future career aspirations. These Programs provide a head start for students transitioning into tertiary education, equipping them with the skills and experience to thrive.
Our commitment to flexibility ensures that every student has the opportunity to pursue their passions and achieve their goals. Whether through academic excellence in SACE and IB, vocational qualifications, or university-level learning, we empower students to design a pathway that aligns with their ambitions. This broad spectrum of opportunities supports various interests and career pathways, ensuring no student is left behind.
As I shared during the Academic Assembly, the Class of 2024 offers many lessons. Their success was underpinned by curiosity, which inspired them to delve deeply into their learning and explore new ideas. They showed courage in stepping outside their comfort zones, whether by pursuing challenging courses, taking on leadership roles, or presenting their creative work to the wider community. They embraced vulnerability, recognising that growth often comes from seeking support and learning from setbacks. Optimism drove them to act and persist through challenges, while integrity ensured they did so with kindness, respect, and collaboration.
At St Peter’s Girls, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture where every student can thrive. Through diverse academic offerings, co-curricular activities, and programs like tertiary-recognised learning and vocational education, we create an environment where each girl can realise her potential. As we look to the future, I encourage all students to embrace the opportunities available, embodying the values of curiosity, courage, and resilience in their learning journeys.
Congratulations once again to the Class of 2024 and my best wishes to all students as we embark on another exciting and successful academic year. Together, let us continue to build pathways to success, ensuring that every Saints Girl is empowered to reach her fullest potential.
