At Newington we teach our students that growth in academic capability arrives by stepping outside the proverbial comfort zone and tackling harder things.

There is no sugar coating it. Mathematics Extension 2 is a challenging subject, say Maths teachers, Mrs Tania Kennedy and Mrs Vaneeta Manners.  

However, just as pressure makes diamonds, students who challenge themselves in their senior years by signing up to ‘the extension stretch’, reap the results benefits. 

‘What we realise at Newington is that if we help students achieve at a higher level of maths, not only do they leave school with a richer understanding which opens many professional pathways, they also achieve higher results across the board while at school,’ says Mrs Kennedy, who teaches Mathematics Extension 1 and 2 and taught 2025 student Sebastian Wong, recently accepted to study Mathematics at Cambridge University in the UK. 

‘Taking on that extension mindset and signing up to an extension subject in Year 11 or 12 is all about committing yourself to more challenging content and really learning how to think.’ 

Mrs Manners agrees that studying an extension course such as Mathematics Extension 2, helps students develop a true growth mindset. 

‘Seeing our students achieve in Maths Extension 2 is about helping them further develop that mentality and resilience that yes, I can do difficult things and will not head for the hills. This is a huge life lesson. We often hear from former students that doing Maths Extension 2 in Year 12 equipped them to find university less challenging than some of their peers might.’ 

In 2025, more than 60 per cent of HSC students at Newington engaged in at least one extension subject.  90 per cent of results in these subjects were in the top two ATAR performance bands, with 100 per cent of students who undertook English Extension 2, Mathematics Extension 2, Music 1 and Latin Extension achieving marks in the top two E3 and E4 bands. Extension subjects are taught in Years 11 and 12 in Mathematics, English, Science, History, Music and Languages.  

Extension courses provide opportunity for greater engagement and understanding, says Ms Marnie Foster, Head of Languages. 

‘In Latin Extension, students explore original Latin sources in greater depth, developing a richer understanding of the language, literature and world of ancient Rome. In Modern Languages Extension, students undertake an in-depth study of a prescribed text, which may be a film, literary work or song, using it as a lens through which to explore significant ideas and cultural perspectives.’ 

Mr Peter Laurence, Head of History and Legal Studies, says History Extension encourages intellectual curiosity, analytical thought and academic independence. The strong results demonstrate its value, with 95 per cent of students achieving E3 and E4 band outcomes in 2025. 

‘Students undertake an independent major work on a topic of personal interest, developing advanced research, written communication and critical thinking skills that support success across all subjects.’ 

Maths Extension 2 teacher Mrs Kennedy agrees that the cross-pollination of improved results in one Extension course is a terrific byproduct of making the extension stretch commitment. 

‘Many students feel they need to be really good at maths to do Maths Extension 2 but that’s inaccurate. If they are capable, willing to put the effort in and are committed to developing their mathematical fluency and thinking, they will enjoy the payback.’ 

Did you know?

In 2025 Newington students achieved academic excellence:  

• 60 per cent of HSC students engaged in at least one extension subject with 90 per cent of results in extension subjects placed in the top E3 and E4 bands. 
• 100 per cent of students who studied English Extension 2, Mathematics Extension 2, Latin Extension and Music 1 achieved a mark in the top two E3 and E4 bands. 96 per cent of History English Extension 1 students and 95 per cent English Extension 1 also achieved a mark in the top two bands.  
• Three Newington HSC students achieved First in State in a subject including Physics. 
• Four Newington HSC students ranked in the Top 10 in NSW in a subject.  
• Nine Newington HSC students were named All-Round HSC Achievers, realising a result in the highest band possible (Band 6 or Band E4) in 10 or more units of study. 
• 108 Newington HSC students were named on the HSC Distinguished Achievers List, realising a Band 6 or E4 in one or more subjects. 
• 100 per cent of Newington HSC English Extension 2 and Newington HSC Mathematics Extension 2 students achieved a mark in the top two bands compared to NSW results of 88 per cent and 84 per cent.  
• Four Newington International Baccalaureate students achieved a perfect score of 45/45 and another five achieved a near perfect score of 44/45.