He speaks five languages but Rohan Sims can now say he’s the best in the state in one of them – German.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Nowra High School student placed equal first in German Beginners in the HSC.
The results were announced by the NSW Department of Education on Wednesday, December 13.
Rohan studied the course via correspondence through Karabar High School Distance Education Centre in Canberra and found out the good news a few days ago.
While the teenager declined to comment on his recent success, Rohan returned in March from a 10-week exchange program in Germany and previously told the South Coast Register it was the “trip of a lifetime”.
He said the German education system was intense.
“I wouldn't say they're smarter than us but they certainly attend longer school days,” he said.
A typical school day started a 8am and finished at 3.45pm.
“We had about half an hour for lunch, so they were much longer days,” he said.
“I was at a private catholic school and everyone was very dedicated to their studies.”
He said his adventure had spurred the travel bug and he hoped to add some more stamps to his passport in Malta soon, where he will visit and stay with family.
Rohan, along with 129 other students who topped 114 HSC courses, was congratulated by by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian at a First in Course ceremony in Sydney today, hosted by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).
Students from 85 schools across NSW and beyond attended the ceremony.
The Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, Mark Scott, congratulated the first place winners, but added that every student who had completed their HSC deserved recognition.
“This is a very proud day for the students who achieved a First in Course result, as well as for their families, teachers and school communities,” Mr Scott said.
“But all students who have completed the HSC have succeeded in a world-class education system and now have the experience and skills to follow their dreams.”
Mr Scott said it was pleasing that students from outside the metropolitan areas topped the state in various courses.
“We have First in Course students in regional areas from Griffith to Mullumbimby and Nowra,” he said.
“This shows the Education Department is delivering on its commitment to quality education and learning opportunities regardless of where our students live.”
HSC results will be delivered to all Australian students via email and text message from 6am tomorrow, Thursday, December 14.