“I’ve learned that you don’t have to be the smartest person to do really well in school. It’s not intelligence that matters,  it’s motivation. I always felt as though I was quite average, but I realised that with effort and potential I could achieve anything I set my heart to. I remember deciding to study Chemistry for Years 11 and 12 and thinking I wouldn’t be good at it. In the end, I was first in the course. You don’t need to count yourself out just because you think you are not good enough.” This is the most important lesson Ella Eckford, our top ATAR recipient (99.65) and Dux of the Year, learnt at St Catherine’s.

Since joining us in Year 7, Ella has been deeply involved in the school and quickly became a role model to her peers. She has met challenges with courage, perseverance and a steadfast commitment to her learning. Her results are a testament to what can be achieved through self-belief and focus.

There are so many options I’d like to explore in the future but I know I want to study a lot because I just really love learning.

Ella Eckford

Ella recalled feeling scared to start Year 12, as she knew the coursework would be a step up from Year 11. “But I was also really excited, especially entering Year 12 with things like getting the common room,” she shared, “It was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. I feel like by Year 12, we’d really melded as a year group. There aren’t really set groups anymore, we’re all just friends with each other. I think we’re really lucky to have such a nice year group, and getting closer to everyone was exciting.”

Of her many achievements this year, Ella felt most proud of completing her English Extension 2 major work. “It was the first time I’ve ever written something to that length. I’ve always dreamed of writing something like that, so it was really rewarding. I learned a lot about myself, especially that with motivation, I can produce anything I put my heart to,” she said.

As for her future plans, Ella plans to study either medicine, veterinary sciences or another degree that combines science with art. “There are so many options I’d like to explore in the future but I know I want to study a lot because I really love learning,” she added.