ATAR Success Tips: How I Achieved 99+ and Can Help You!

Me, myself, and I

Name: Tony Kang

School: Mount Lawley Senior Secondary School (Public School)

ATAR: Raw 99.7+

University goal:

• Bachelor of Science – University of Melbourne (2015-2018)
• Master of Teaching – University of Tasmania (2019-2020)
• Master of Educational Leadership – University of New South Wales (2023-2025)
• Master of Business Administration – University of New England (2025-ongoing)

A little about me

Meet Tony Kang: A passionate educational leader, academic innovator, and lifelong learner

Hi, I’m Tony Kang, an educator, leader, and advocate for academic excellence. I am passionate about helping students in achieving a high ATAR through strategic learning and mentorship.

With a background in Science, Mathematics, and educational leadership, my journey has been shaped by a deep passion for unlocking student potential and transforming how we teach and learn.

I’ve had the privilege of teaching and leading in top schools across Australia, specialising in STEM education, digital learning strategies, and curriculum development. My professional interests lie in creating engaging, student-centred learning environments, integrating cutting-edge digital tools into education, and mentoring both students and teachers to achieve academic success.

Outside the classroom, I’m an avid tech enthusiast and science communicator. I enjoy exploring new educational technologies, experimenting with AI in learning, and researching innovative teaching methodologies. My involvement with organisations like the Science Teachers Association of Tasmania (STAT) and Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) has allowed me to contribute to national discussions on STEM education and professional development.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I love travelling and exploring recent scientific discoveries, particularly in Physics. Whether it’s the latest developments in quantum mechanics, astrophysics, or particle physics, I’m always eager to dive into new concepts, ideas, and theories that expand my curiosity and knowledge base.

The ever-evolving nature of Science motivates me to bring the latest advancements into the classroom, making learning exciting and relevant for my students.

Ultimately, what makes me, me is my unwavering commitment to education! Not just as a profession but as a lifelong mission to empower students, embrace innovation, and shape the future of learning.

My VCE subjects and results

Here’s how I structured my VCE subject choices with the goal of achieving a high ATAR.

• Subject 1: Units 3 & 4 Mathematics (~94%)
• Subject 2: Units 3 & 4 Specialist Mathematics (~90%)
• Subject 3: Physics (~85%)
• Subject 4: Chinese (~80%)

What I did best in the VCE

Skill 1: Education – teaching & supporting students

Teaching is more than just imparting knowledge. It’s about mentoring, inspiring, and unlocking potential. I’ve always found deep satisfaction in helping students overcome academic challenges, discover their strengths, and build confidence.

My teaching is student-centred, engaging, and innovative. I use digital tools, differentiated instruction, and real-world applications to make learning more impactful.

One of the most rewarding aspects of education is seeing students grow and flourish holistically as individuals, not just academically.

Whether it’s guiding a struggling student to achieve a high ATAR or challenging top performers to push their limits, the ability to shape young minds and their futures is what fuels my passion for high school tutoring.

Skill 2: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

My love for STEM education stems from a curiosity about the universe. Physics, Chemistry, and VCE Mathematics provide a logical and structured way to understand and explain the world, and I’ve always been fascinated by their real-world applications.

I wouldn’t say that I have mastered these subjects. Instead, I am still learning and constantly exploring and soaking up new knowledge. Science is full of fun and wonder, and I strive to make it accessible and engaging for students, too.

Skill 3: Educational leadership

Beyond teaching, I’ve taken on leadership roles that allow me to shape curriculum, mentor educators, and drive institutional success. During my previous role as State Head of Digital Learning and Head of Department for Science, I led cross-campus academic operations, implemented innovative curriculum strategies, and managed faculty development.

What excites me most about educational leadership is the ability to influence broader change. This includes integrating new digital learning tools, improving STEM education accessibility, and leading professional development initiatives. My focus is always on helping students achieve a high ATAR and fostering a culture of academic excellence.

Each of these skills – teaching, STEM expertise, and leadership, has shaped who I am as an educator, allowing me to inspire, innovate, and impact the next generation of learners.

My biggest challenge and how I overcame it

Some of my hard-won lessons could serve as ATAR success tips for current students.

So, let’s wind back the clock.

During Year 11 and Year 12, I found most subjects relatively easy, but that didn’t mean I was without challenges. One of my biggest frustrations, particularly in Physics and Chemistry (even at junior years), was the lack of deep, fundamental explanations from my teachers.

While textbooks outlined concepts and formulas, they often failed to provide the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’. Whenever I asked big-picture or beyond-the-syllabus questions, my teachers struggled to give satisfactory answers, either because they weren’t fully across the latest scientific theories or they simply expected students to accept the content without deeper inquiry.

For someone like me, who thrives on curiosity and understanding the core principles, this was incredibly limiting. I wanted to know more, question more, and explore beyond what was in the curriculum, yet I often had to find answers on my own.

While this independent learning strengthened my research and critical thinking skills, looking back now, I realise that having the right support and access to experts would have helped me reach an even higher level of understanding.

Had I been able to learn from more knowledgeable, high-quality private tutoring in Melbourne through subject-matter specialists such as Matrix Education, I believe I would have progressed even faster.

A tutor with deep subject knowledge and ongoing engagement with modern science could have provided real insights, context, and cutting-edge understanding, making learning even more engaging and fulfilling.

This experience shaped my approach as an educator today. I strive to never stop learning, stay updated with my subject areas, and encourage students to go beyond rote memorisation.

I know firsthand the importance of having teachers and mentors who truly understand their field, which is exactly what I aim to provide to my own students.

Meet Tony at our upcoming event!

Inspired by Tony’s story? Hear from him in person.

If you’re aiming for a top ATAR or looking for study strategies that actually work, Tony’s seminar session will give you the insights you need to succeed.