Imagine this: a prestigious school renowned for churning out geniuses and future leaders, where students routinely achieve near-perfect ATAR scores, suddenly has its top-performing subject as agriculture—studying things like animal digestion, soil types, and even cherry market prices. It's a head-scratcher that flips the script on what we think of as 'elite' education, isn't it? But here's where it gets controversial: are we undervaluing practical, real-world subjects in favor of the 'prestigious' ones? Stick around, because the 2025 HSC results from 478 schools reveal some eye-opening trends that might just challenge your views on academic success.
Diving into the details, this exclusive Herald analysis spotlights the standout subjects across NSW schools that had at least 20 students enrolled in the 2025 HSC. For instance, at James Ruse Agricultural High School—a selective public institution synonymous with academic brilliance and mathematical mastery, boasting nine students who nailed a 99.95 ATAR this year, plus alumni like a self-made billionaire and a Booker Prize-winning author—the highest-achieving subject turned out to be agriculture. Every single one of the 30 students in that course earned a band 6, meaning they scored at least 90 percent. To put that in perspective for those new to the HSC system, a band 6 is the pinnacle of achievement, often reserved for top-tier performance that can open doors to elite universities and scholarships. It's not just about memorizing facts; it's about applying knowledge in hands-on ways that could lead to careers in farming, environmental science, or even agribusiness.
And this is the part most people miss: James Ruse's triumph wasn't isolated. At Loreto Normanhurst, all 22 students enrolled in drama scored a band 6, showcasing how creative subjects can dominate in a competitive environment. Drama isn't always seen as 'academic' in the traditional sense, but here it proved to be a powerhouse, perhaps because it fosters skills like public speaking, empathy, and quick thinking—traits that are invaluable in today's world. Meanwhile, at North Sydney Boys High, another selective school, 99 percent of students in mathematics extension 2—the HSC's most challenging math subject, involving advanced calculus and proofs—achieved that coveted band 6. For beginners wondering what makes extension 2 so tough, think of it as math on steroids: solving complex equations that build on earlier levels, often requiring intense problem-solving prowess.
Shifting to non-selective schools, Epping Boys High stood out with 91 percent of its 21 students in mathematics extension 2 scoring above 90 percent—again, a band 6. This highlights how even schools without the selective entry process can excel in rigorous subjects, perhaps through dedicated teaching or a strong school culture. Other notable mentions include Parramatta Marist High, where 95 percent of the 21 students in studies of religion 1 hit band 6, and Abbotsleigh, where 83 percent of its 40 female students in visual arts achieved the same. These results underscore that 'best' subjects vary wildly, from religious studies—which might involve exploring ethics, philosophy, and cultural beliefs—to visual arts, where students create portfolios that blend creativity with critical analysis.
Zooming out to Catholic schools statewide, 18 of them crowned studies of religion 1 as their top performer, while another 13 excelled in mathematics advanced—a step below extension 2, focusing on algebra, functions, and statistics. One standout from the Catholic system is Casimir Catholic College in Marrickville. Their best subject was mathematics standard—the foundational level of math in the HSC, covering basics like percentages and data interpretation—with 20 percent of their 20 students earning a band 6. And here's where it gets really interesting: thanks to strong performances across the board, the school leaped 83 spots up the Herald's league table this year. Principal Carmelina Eussen attributes this massive jump not just to the efforts of year 11 and 12 students, but to years of building solid classroom habits.
As she explains, 'It’s not just solely to do with year 11 and 12. We’ve worked really hard over the last couple of years to ensure that we have good classroom routines. Once you’ve got the students here, and they are attentive, they understand the importance of hard work.' She praises the teachers for being collaborative and offering holiday workshops, calling them 'outstanding educators.' Beyond math, school-wide strategies played a role, such as emphasizing writing skills to improve communication, a pastoral care program to help students manage study stress, and strict attendance policies. They even restricted laptop use in classes to encourage focus, provided regular feedback, and maintained high expectations—all contributing to a holistic approach that boosted results.
But let's pause and consider this: in a world obsessed with STEM and 'marketable' skills, is there something controversial about schools like James Ruse excelling in agriculture or drama leading the pack at Loreto? Are we dismissing subjects that don't fit the 'elite' mold, when they clearly build valuable, real-world competencies? For example, understanding animal digestion could be crucial for future veterinarians or sustainable farmers, just as drama hones leadership abilities. What do you think—should schools prioritize 'practical' subjects more, or is the focus on academics like extension math still king? Do results like these prove that a well-rounded education, with creativity and pastoral support, outperforms narrow specialization? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a different take on what makes a 'best' subject!
