Geelong's brightest young minds, the duxes of the class of 2023, are making pivotal decisions about their futures, with many opting to stay local for their higher education journey. The choices of these top-performing students reveal a strong trend towards Deakin University's Geelong campuses, highlighting the institution's growing appeal and specialised course offerings.
Local Loyalty and Specialised Courses Drive Decisions
For many of Geelong's academic stars, the decision to study close to home is a calculated one, balancing quality education with community ties. Lara Secondary College dux, Sienna Moloney, is a prime example. She has chosen to pursue a Bachelor of Vision Science and Master of Optometry at Deakin University's Waurn Ponds campus. Her choice was heavily influenced by the course's unique structure and the convenience of staying local.
"I chose Deakin because it's the only university in Victoria that offers the combined bachelor and master's program in optometry," Sienna explained. The five-year direct pathway was a significant drawcard, eliminating the uncertainty of post-graduate entry. Furthermore, the proximity to home means she can continue working part-time and maintain her support networks, a practical consideration for many students.
Similarly, Northern Bay College dux, Lachlan McLean, is set to begin a Bachelor of Engineering at Deakin's Waurn Ponds campus. His decision underscores the strength of Deakin's engineering programs and the appeal of its world-class facilities, like the CADET virtual reality lab. For students with clear career goals in specialised fields, Deakin's targeted courses are proving to be a powerful magnet.
A Mix of Pathways: From Medicine to Melbourne
While local study is a prominent theme, the ambitions of Geelong's duxes are diverse, leading them down various paths. Geelong High School dux, Angus Zilm, is looking beyond the region, having received an early offer to study a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, with the goal of entering the medical field. His choice reflects the pursuit of specific prestigious programs available at Group of Eight universities.
The decision-making process for these high-achievers is multifaceted. For Lily McRae, dux of Newcomb Secondary College, the supportive learning environment was key. She has enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin, motivated by a desire for a hands-on, people-focused career. "I really liked the feel of the Deakin campus and the way the staff interacted with students," Lily noted, highlighting how campus culture can be as important as academic reputation.
These stories demonstrate that the choice is rarely about prestige alone. Students are weighing factors such as course structure, career pathways, financial considerations, campus culture, and lifestyle. The availability of scholarships and early offer programs also plays a critical role in securing top talent for universities.
What This Means for Geelong's Education Landscape
The strong preference for Deakin University among local duxes is a significant vote of confidence in Geelong's own higher education institution. It suggests that Deakin's investment in specialised, career-oriented degrees and state-of-the-art facilities is successfully attracting the region's best and brightest. This trend benefits the local economy and community, helping to retain skilled young people in the region.
However, the continued draw of metropolitan universities for certain disciplines like medicine indicates that course specificity remains a primary driver. The choices made by these students are a barometer for the perceived strengths of different institutions. For prospective students and their families, the paths taken by these duxes offer valuable insights. They underscore the importance of looking beyond rankings to find the best personal fit, considering how course design, location, and support systems align with individual aspirations and circumstances.
As these exemplary students from schools like Lara Secondary, Northern Bay College, and Geelong High prepare to start their tertiary education, their decisions mark the beginning of the next chapter for Geelong's homegrown talent. Their diverse journeys from the Victorian Certificate of Education to university highlight the rich array of opportunities available to Australian school leavers today.
