14 Feb 2022
BAND 6 FOR HAYLEY – AN AMAZING STORY
QHS student, Hayley Morris attained the highest possible band in Agriculture for the HSC subject in 2021.
What is even more outstanding is the current Year 12 QHS student achieved the Band 6 last year as an Accelerated student.
Even more astonishing, is that Hayley under-went extensive heart surgery while still maintaining her focus and dedication to her studies.
“I absolutely love Agriculture, I have a background in the industry, and I currently work after-school and on weekends in the industry,” said the humble teenager, who added she was offered the Accelerated course by QHS and decided to take it as a means of completing one of her subjects before Year 12.
“Acceleration has also given me a taste of what the HSC workload and exams are like, which is good preparation for my other subjects,” added Hayley who works at Carmyle Veterinary Services with Dr Al Simson after school.
“I was experiencing heart failure, I went to the doctor, and was told unless I undertook the recommended surgery, I may not survive another 3 months. That was hard to hear, and I had to address my health immediately.”
As Hayley focussed on her health, she never lost focus on her studies.
“The surgery meant I missed the majority of Term 3. My Teacher and then Head Teacher Agriculture + Science, Mr Harries (who is a prior HSC Agriculture exam marker) and my school went above and beyond to help me access learning during this time. I am so grateful to my classmates who also assisted me.”
Throughout Year 11 and Year 12 - of the subject - Hayley attained a 98% average with assessments and exams including 100% in her Year 11 Accelerated Agriculture exam when she was still in Year 10.
"QHS offers the best in educational opportunities, if you work hard, you have all the professional help you need," she added.
“Hayley is to be congratulated for what she has achieved, it is unheard of. Her absolute dedication to her studies and her work ethic are the reason she attained the top results,” said Mr Harries.
As a fan of Agriculture, she has worked with animals since she was young and is aiming for a career as a Veterinarian.
“Biology, animal nutrition and genetics within the course was all very interesting to me as in my after-school work, I assist the vet with breeding and genetics.”
QHS Teachers, Mrs Clift and Mrs Evans were also a great support with past HSC questions for Hayley… “and they continued to give me feedback, which I enjoyed as it kept me on path.”
This year, Hayley is undertaking English Standard, Maths Advanced, Chemistry, Biology and Primary Industries as her final HSC subjects.
“Mrs Saunders is my HSC Coach and has displayed the importance of how to choose and stick to subjects. Through the coaching program at QHS, I’ve also learnt the importance of how study can change mental health and tips on staying organised.”
Hayley said she is also exceptionally grateful to local organisation, Farming for Kids.
“It’s a farmer run organisation. They grow, harvest and sell crops on land around the airport to fundraise to help kids in the shire. They gave me funds to purchase and Apple watch, which meant I could monitor my heart rate.”
The Apple watch also sends notifications to Hayley’s mum if there is a change in her heart rate, giving the student confidence knowing there is constant contact with a parent.”
“Physically I have recovered, however, we are still monitoring as my heart rates can be a little increased every now and then.”
Hayley adds she has a positive ‘cheers squad’ as well as a good group of friends at school.
“This support is important as it gives a sense of community moving forward with my final year. I’m aiming to study Veterinary Science at Wagga Wagga’s Charles Sturt University as it’s a very practical degree, I feel it will suit me and be a good fit. The school is assisting me on how to apply and preparing me for the next stage.”
Mr Harries who added he was very proud of Hayley, said there were a total of 9 Accelerated Agriculture students at QHS in 2021.
Of those, 6 achieved above 80% in their final exam and four attained a Band 5, putting QHS in the top percentage of the state for student results for the subject.
“Students attained well above the State Average, which is a reflection of the strong focus on Agriculture at the school as well as students’ own focus on their work and out-comes.”
Agriculture is such a strong subject at QHS, with the culture of the classroom one of respect of the subject
“Access to the QHS Agricultural farm and guidance and support from Farm Manager, Mr Hird is also responsible for student success. Thank you Mr Hird for all you do.”
Agriculture is considered a difficult subject to do well in for HSC results... "As it’s not just your hands-on knowledge of Agriculture that is measured, it’s your ability to do well in an exam and to adjust to feedback which allows to do well,” commented Mr Harries, who continued…
“One of the best things about being a Teacher at QHS is that we offer bespoke learning pathways – we know our students, we can see that they are involved in their learning, and they can help with effective direction.”
Congratulations to all QHS Accelerated students for your HSC results in this subject. Hayley, we are inspired by your drive and wish you every success.