Brisbane schools Archives - Clayfield News

Clayfield College Celebrates Top ATAR Achievers in Class of 2025

Clayfield College is celebrating outstanding results from its Class of 2025, with special recognition for top performers including Caroline Zhang, Charlotte Lay and Manidhi Chezhian, who achieved some of the highest ATARs in the cohort. Their achievements reflect dedication, resilience and the support of teachers, families and peers throughout their senior schooling journey.

The release of the 2025 ATAR results brought a wave of pride across the school community as students received their university entrance scores. Many students met or exceeded their personal goals, opening pathways to further study, vocational training or early career opportunities.

Clayfield College ATAR results — Photo Credit: Clayfield College

Outstanding Individual Achievements

Leading the cohort were standout results from the school’s top performers, whose hard work and focus placed them among the highest achievers. Alongside them, many other students achieved notable ATAR scores, with a number of graduates earning impressive results in a wide range of subjects.

These results are a testament not just to academic ability but to perseverance through a demanding two-year senior curriculum. For many students, the journey involved balancing rigorous study with extracurricular activities, leadership roles and community involvement — experiences the school says help shape well-rounded young adults.

Student Achievement — Photo Credit: Clayfield College

A Community Effort

Teachers and staff at Clayfield College have acknowledged the collective effort that goes into preparing students for these milestones. From subject-specific mentoring to wellbeing support, the school’s approach aims to nurture confidence and capability as well as academic excellence.

Parents and carers were also recognised as vital partners in the education process, offering support, encouragement and practical help as students navigated their final year of school.

Brisbane School — Photo Credit: Clayfield College

Looking Ahead

With their ATARs in hand, graduates are now planning their next steps. Many have already accepted offers to study at universities both in Australia and overseas, while others are exploring alternative pathways that align with their passions and strengths.

The school community is expected to come together in the coming weeks for celebration events where students, staff and families can reflect on achievements and memories from senior schooling.

A Future Full of Possibility

For the Class of 2025, ATAR results mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As students move on to further study, work or gap-year adventures, the school’s leadership has expressed confidence in their ability to contribute positively to the world beyond Clayfield College.

The pride and excitement across campus — from classrooms to corridors — shows how much these results mean not just to those who achieved them, but to the wider community that has watched these young people grow.

Published 20-Dec-2025

Ignite Week Gives Clayfield College Students a Different Way to Learn

Photo Credit: Clayfield College

Students in Years 7 to 10 at Clayfield College stepped away from their regular timetables late last month as the school held its annual IGNITE Week, running from 21 to 27 November 2024.

The week-long program replaced standard classes with a range of hands-on activities, workshops and experiences designed to help students learn in practical, real-world settings. IGNITE Week is aimed at broadening students’ perspectives while strengthening skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Learning Beyond the Timetable

During IGNITE Week, students took part in programs tailored to their year levels, with a focus on experiential learning. Activities were designed to challenge students to think differently, work collaboratively and engage more actively in their learning.

Rather than traditional lessons, students were encouraged to learn through doing — applying problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills in new environments and situations.

School Programs — Photo Credit: Clayfield College

Building Confidence and Connection

A key aim of the program was to strengthen connections, both among students and between learning and life beyond school. Students worked alongside peers they may not normally interact with and were encouraged to reflect on different viewpoints and experiences.

The program also provided space for students to develop independence and resilience, particularly as they navigated unfamiliar tasks and responsibilities throughout the week.

Experiential Learning — Photo Credit: Clayfield College

Supporting Different Learning Styles

Teachers involved in IGNITE Week noted that the shift away from standard classroom structures allowed many students to engage in different ways. The variety of activities gave students opportunities to discover strengths that may not always be visible in traditional academic settings.

By reducing the emphasis on formal assessment, the program aimed to create a more inclusive learning environment that values curiosity, creativity and personal growth.

Clayfield College IGNITE Week — Photo Credit: Clayfield College

An Established Part of the School Calendar

IGNITE Week has become a regular feature of the Clayfield College calendar, with the program continuing to evolve each year. Feedback from students and staff helps shape future iterations, ensuring activities remain relevant and engaging.

As students returned to normal classes following the program, teachers said the focus was on carrying forward the skills and insights gained during the week into everyday learning.

Published 2-Dec-2025

Clayfield’s St Rita’s College: A Rising Star in Australia’s School Athletics Scene

Photo Credit: St. RIta's College

St Rita’s College in Clayfield continues to establish itself as a competitive force in school athletics, demonstrating the strength of its programs and athletes at the 2024 National Schools Challenge in Brisbane.

A Showcase of Talent at the National Schools Challenge

The National Schools Challenge Final is a prestigious event that brings together top school athletics programs across Australia. It serves as a platform for young athletes to compete at a high level, fostering individual prowess and team spirit. St Rita’s College’s participation in this event underscores its growing reputation in the national athletics arena.

While the college achieved commendable results in several categories, such as a 6th-place finish in the Senior Girls division and a tie for 6th place in the Junior Girls division, it is the exceptional individual performances that truly set the institution apart. These results underscore the college’s growing reputation on the national stage and highlight the depth of talent within its athletics program.

One of the standout moments of the competition came from Rose Acklin, who secured the Senior Girls’ 400m title with a remarkable time of 54.13 seconds. Her victory not only showcased her individual prowess but also reflected the high-calibre coaching and support provided by the college.

The Role of Expert Coaching

A significant factor contributing to the success of St Rita’s College athletics program is the expertise of its coaching staff. The college’s Head of Cross Country, Mr Michael Hillardt, is a former Olympian and World Indoor Champion in the 1500m event. His experience and insights have been invaluable in mentoring young athletes, instilling the discipline and techniques required for competitive success.

Comprehensive Athletic Development

Beyond individual coaching, St Rita’s College offers a robust Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Program integrated into the college’s sports curriculum for students across Years 5-12. This program focuses on developing physical qualities such as strength, power, speed, agility, and aerobic fitness. By providing age-specific training, the college ensures that students receive appropriate guidance tailored to their developmental stages, enhancing both performance and injury prevention.

Other Recent Achievements and Recognitions

In May 2022, the college celebrated notable achievements from its Sporting Excellence Program athletes, including selections to national teams in basketball and netball, as well as recognition in state-level cricket.

These accomplishments demonstrate the diverse talent pool at the college and its effectiveness in fostering athletic development across various sports.

Balancing Academics and Athletics

St Rita’s College prides itself on providing a versatile and extensive curriculum that allows students to engage with the world both critically and creatively. The institution caters to a wide range of student needs, abilities, and interests, assisting them in meeting personal and academic goals. The integration of a strong athletics program complements this academic framework, promoting a well-rounded education that values both intellectual and physical development.

Community and Support

The achievements of St Rita’s College athletes are not solely the result of individual effort but also a reflection of the supportive community that surrounds them. Parents, teachers, coaches, and peers all play a crucial role in creating an environment that encourages excellence.

With the 2032 Brisbane Olympics on the horizon, institutions like St Rita’s College are poised to play a significant role in developing the next generation of Australian athletes.

Published 26-Dec-2024