Girl power: Meet the Greek Australians awarded ‘First in Course’ in HSC exams

Yianna Nikos (left) scored the award for 'Textile and Design' and Olivia Arvanitis (right) was first in the state in biology. Photo: Facebook

20 December 2020 11:01am

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A rewarding and challenging journey has come to an end for around 75,000 Year 12 students in New South Wales, who received their HSC (Higher School Certificate) results on Friday.

Many students of Hellenic heritage, boys and girls, claimed top rankings in the merit lists of All Round, Top and Distinguished Achievers.

But this year’s ‘First in course’ awards was a female domain for the community.

The recognition is awarded to students who achieve the highest HSC result in each course and “only awarded if the result is in the highest band possible for that course”.

Among the four Greek Australians named in the list is Maria Kontou who came first in the state in two of the three Modern Greek courses available, both the Continuers and the Extension levels.

The SSCL (Saturday School of Community Languages) Kogarah High School Centre student also had a score of 90 or higher in English Advanced and Society and Culture

The ‘First in Course’ for the Modern Greek Beginners subject was awarded to NSW School of Languages student in Petersham, Jacqueline Koutsoubos, who excelled in Business Studies and Design and Technology, as well.

Between them, the SSCL and NSW School of Languages, won 28 of the language ‘First in Course’ awards, with public schools overall claiming 71 of the 126 awards.

Congratulations to everyone on the 2020 First in Course list!🎉

Public school students have, once again, dominated the HSC honours securing 71 of the 126 First in Course awards announced today.

Read more on https://t.co/enyqvI6G1t. #HSC2020 #FIC2020 #LoveWhereYouLearn pic.twitter.com/MNjxTEsagX

— NSW Dept of Education (@NSWEducation) December 17, 2020

Pictured Yianna Nikos and Olivia Arvanitis secured first places in Textiles and Design and Biology, respectively.

Nikos, who attended the Presbyterian Ladies’ College in Sydney is also a Distinguished Achiever (mark of 90 or above) in Visual Arts and Modern Greek Beginners.

Meanwhile, Arvanitis, a Meriden School student was recognised as an ‘All rounder’ too, meaning she “achieved results in the highest band possible for at least 10 units”, came second in Science Extension and scored 90 or more in Chemistry, Economics, English Advanced and English Extension 1.