In the competitive landscape of the HSC, achieving excellence requires a unique blend of strategy, dedication and the right support. Finan Maher (Class of 2023) shares his insights into the factors that helped propel him to the pinnacle of academic achievement.
Finan was a weekly boarder at Joeys from Year 10 and plans to continue his studies this year, undertaking a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws combined degree at the University of Sydney. He achieved the second-highest ATAR for the 2023 cohort, as well as securing the remarkable feats of first in the state for Modern History, placing second in the state in History Extension and recognition on the All-round Achievers list.
Devising an approach to the study of Modern History, notorious for its content-heavy curriculum, was key for Finan’s success. Divided into four challenging modules, the subject demanded a nuanced strategy. Finan attributes a significant portion of his triumph to the guidance of his teacher, Dr Samantha Frappell. She unlocked the subject’s complexity by teaching clear scaffolds – a formula that served as a framework for tackling the HSC questions.
“Finan certainly worked hard to achieve this result, submitting numerous practice papers, paying close attention to feedback and asking questions to clarify his understanding. His careful revision to achieve mastery of content and his consistent effort throughout Years 11 and 12 were the keys to his success,” says Dr Frappell.
Speaking about his study strategy, Finan notes, “I think the trick was trying to figure out a way to learn the least amount of content so that you could still answer every single question. We did a good job of predicting what might be in the exam from our HSC trials [but] I never thought I’d get a state ranking … that was a pretty cool surprise.”
“It is very challenging [but] I think in a way that prepares us really well for the HSC because we have to learn to manage our time impeccably.”
Finan
Reflecting on his overall experience at Joeys, Finan acknowledges the unique characteristics of the College’s busy schedule both during the week and on weekends, that involves day students and boarders in many co-curricular activities. “It is very challenging [but] I think in a way that prepares us really well for the HSC because we have to learn to manage our time impeccably,” reveals Finan. “It moulded us into having an aptitude to plan very well.”
Apart from his academic accomplishments, Finan actively engaged in the co-curricular program, with debating being a notable highlight. Winning the 2022 premiership in debating stands out as one of his favourite achievements at Joeys. While he took a break from debating in Year 12 to focus on the HSC, Finan found a passion for tennis and golf.
“I really loved tennis. It taught me more than I ever would have thought. I just played it on a whim … the tennis program really helped me accelerate. It taught me a lot about resilience,” says Finan, an attribute that undoubtedly contributed to his academic success.
We wish Finan the best as he embarks on the next chapter of his academic journey, with his achievements at Joeys standing as testament to the transformative power of a well-rounded education. The resilience cultivated through sports, the intellectual rigour instilled through academic pursuits, along with his supportive family and the Joeys community, helped to shape Finan into an accomplished individual ready to face the challenges of higher education and beyond.
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