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Every student brings with him unique passions and talents when starting at St Augustine’s College. These sparks of individuality are nurtured, transforming every boy’s potential into confidence and capability. For the College’s Class of 2025, this has led to outstanding achievements across Visual Arts, Music, Drama, and Design.
One Student’s Creative Journey
Growing up, Michael Chen always loved watching movies, but it wasn't until Year 9 that he began creating films at the College and truly discovered his passion for filmmaking. Now, he graduates with a selection for ARTEXPRESS and an OnSTAGE nomination, recognitions reserved for the most exceptional HSC works in Visual Arts and Drama.
“My favourite subjects gave me the space to let my creativity flourish. My teachers supported me tremendously throughout the year,” says Michael.
“They consistently inspired me and offered valuable suggestions that helped elevate my work.”
Michael’s film Fractured explores themes of obsession and acceptance with striking emotional depth, while his drama project Forgive the Minotaur showcases cinematic storytelling at its finest.
Michael’s pathway reflects the St Augustine’s College culture of encouraging boys to explore their passions, whether in filmmaking, music composition, or industrial design, and gives them the tools and support to succeed.
Class of 2025 Successes
The graduating Year 12 cohort has excelled across many creative fields.
In Music, Luke Varde, Jackson Quarrell and Cameron Tizzard earned ENCORE nominations, acknowledging outstanding talent in Music 2 and Extension courses. These young men excelled across performance, composition and musicology, with works of artistic maturity that mark them as musicians to watch in the future.
In Visual Arts, both Michael Chen and Oscar Waring were selected for ARTEXPRESS, a selection of outstanding bodies of work by HSC students that will exhibit at galleries across NSW. Fellow art student Alessio Albanese will have his works featured in Manly Art Gallery's Out Front 2026 exhibition opening in February.
In Technological and Applied Studies (TAS), five students received SHAPE nominations. In Design and Technology, Angus Laird and Oscar Waring were recognised for their innovative thinking and refined execution. In Industrial Technology, exceptional craftsmanship and functional design earned nominations for Caleb Conners, Cooper Fenn, and Noah Miller.
Drama was also strong, with every student in the Year 12 class receiving at least one OnSTAGE nomination across Individual and Group Performances, and Individual Project. There was a total of 10 nominations altogether, an extraordinary achievement in a notoriously competitive category.
A Creative Culture that Inspires
Overall, the College received 20 HSC Showcase nominations, a testament to the talent and dedication of the students and their teachers. From stagecraft to sculpture, sound design to storytelling, St Augustine’s College empowers boys to discover what they love and pursue it with purpose.
Class of 2025’s Michael Chen says, “My teachers helped strengthen my films and performance by offering constant feedback and guidance, which played a major role in achieving all three of my nominations.”
“I will definitely miss my Visual Arts and Drama subjects. With small class sizes, we had the chance to genuinely connect with one another, making my time at St Augustine’s College far more memorable.”
Ready to see your son thrive? For more about the creative and academic opportunities at St Augustine’s College visit saintaug.nsw.edu.au. •
St Augustine's College – Sydney
18-22 Alfred Rd, Brookvale 2100 | (02) 9938 8200
@staugsydney | saintaug.nsw.edu.au
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