Carmel is the only school to feature in all of Metro’s top 10 lists;

•  Schools that did the most to improve their students’ chances of getting University Entrance in 2009

• Schools with the biggest proportion of school leavers who had University Entrance

• Schools that did the most to improve their students’ chances of passing NCEA Level 1 with a merit or excellence endorsement 2007-1010

• Schools with the biggest proportion of students who passed NCEA Level 1 with a merit or excellence endorsement 2007-1010

• Schools that did the most to improve their students’ chances of passing Scholarship, 2007-1010

• Schools with the biggest proportion of year 13 students who passed Scholarship, 2007-1010

Carmel College is an outstanding example of the academic quality being achieved by Catholic schools and many girls’ schools, and it flies a proud flag for the North Shore.

Sarah: Science is really popular here. Physics is my favourite, it’s such a practical subject. You can be totally confused about how something works but it just takes one quick fact from the teacher and suddenly it all makes sense. I’m planning on doing engineering. I’ve been going along to evenings at Auckland University for girls who are thinking about taking it. There s been a huge push to get girls into engineering.

Alyssa: I’m going to do medicinal chemistry. Making compounds and ultimately creating new cures — a cure for cancer, even — is so exciting.

Courtney: There s a real emphasis on academic achievement here at Carmel. You’re encouraged to believe you can have a great career with hard work. Knowing you have so many options makes us more inclined to try sciences.

Ellen: We’re pushed to be our best, whatever level we’re at. It’s a very supportive environment and underlying it all is the Catholic faith. It might sound clichéd, but I think it really helps.

Photo From left: Michelle Park; Sarah Woodward, Board of Trustees Representative; Ellen Curran, Head Girl; Courtney Dorrington, Head Girl; Alyssa Moore.