Mt Roskill Grammar. Photo / Herald on Sunday
Two Mt Roskill Grammar students have proved that decile ratings are no barrier to achieving top marks.
William Quach and Jordan Zi have both gained Premier Awards in the NZ Scholarship examinations - a top prize worth $30,000 given out to only nine students.
While most of the other winners
came from private schools or schools with higher rankings, Mt Roskill stood out for not only being a lower-decile school, but also having two of the nine winners.
News of the boys' success has made principal Greg Watson incredibly proud.
"It's great for a decile-four school to have that achievement."
Although this is not the first time the school has had a premier scholar, it's the first time two students have done it in the same year.
"We are very, very proud that we kept getting students into this elite group of achievers," said Mr Watson.
"If you have got a quality programme running and kids who are aspiring to achieve really well, then from time to time you are going to get these outstanding results."
William was the country's top technology scholar and gained outstanding scholarships in chemistry, statistics and modelling, and technology, and scholarships in accounting, geography, mathematics with calculus and physics.
Jordan was named the country's top history scholar and gained outstanding scholarships in classical studies, English, geography and history.
Fifty-seven other scholarships were awarded to Mt Roskill Grammar students, including 12 outstanding scholarships.
Mr Watson said achievement wasn't about decile ratings but "aspiration".
St Cuthbert's College students were awarded a total of 120 scholarships, 20 of which were at outstanding level.
