Balance key in pursuit for high ATAR for Kojonup’s George Hope

Kojonup’s George Hope says striking a balance was a key to his exam preparation after the high achiever finished school with an ATAR of 99.9.

Mr Hope, 18, spent his high school years boarding at Hale School in Perth, which was ranked second among WA schools eligible for a median ATAR.

Hale’s 177 ATAR students achieved a median of 92.85.

After gaining a Certificate of Merit and Subject Certificate of Excellence for maths methods, Mr Hope is planning on a career in engineering.

“Being a boarder was pretty awesome. All the teachers were unbelievably supportive towards me,” he said.

“I’m now planning to go to Curtin University and study engineering.”

Mr Hope said he spent a lot of time completing practice exams, but he also tried to find a balance between study and other activities such as rugby and tennis.

He was also involved in Hale School’s service learning program, in which he was part of the Nulsen youth patron program.

Students apply to become a youth patron and act as advocates for Nulsen Disability Services by visiting disability homes and raising funds and awareness.

He raised money at his family’s Rockfliffe farm in April, when the Hope family hosted shearer Lou Brown’s successful merino ewe world record challenge.