Scotch College

Scotch students top university studies

Words: Dr Chris Commons – Director of Admissions

John Biun and Alex Linossier were the highest achieving students in Monash University’s enhancement chemistry and Melbourne University’s enhancement physics courses last year.

John and Alex were members of a group of outstanding Year 12 students who chose to study the first-year university subjects of chemistry, physics or mathematics that are offered as part of the Scotch VCE program.

The classes are taught by staff members, Dr Atit Bhargava, Dr Syd Boydell, Mr Jan Honnens and Dr Chris Commons, and are also open to boys and girls from other schools. Last year 20 students studied chemistry, eight studied physics and two studied mathematics, with many gaining high distinctions and distinctions.

Students enjoy this introduction to university study and the different approach to learning that these subjects offer, and their studies are recognised in their future university records. Their results are counted as a sixth VCE subject, giving a useful bonus to the calculation of their university entrance ENTER scores.

John was a member of the 2008 Australian International Physics Olympiad team and has commenced a dental science degree at Melbourne University. Alex is studying at Monash University, accepting an engineering excellence scholarship for a double degree in aerospace engineering/arts. He intends to major in German and History in his Arts degree. GS