When Jessica Fichera returned to IGS at the start of Year 10, she felt like she was “home again”.
Jess, who has just achieved Fifth Place in the State in Italian Continuers while still in Year 11, had begun her schooling at IGS Early Learning.
She stayed at IGS until Year 5 then pursued her education elsewhere before her recent return.
“I was back in an environment that suited me,” Jess said. “I had really missed the languages.”
With Italian grandparents and attending a few courses in the language over the years, Jess was still “surprised I could keep that high level”.
“A lot of thanks go to my teacher,” she said.
At Speech Night 2025, Jess was awarded first place in both Spanish Beginners and HSC Italian Continuers.
Aside from academics, Jess said she really enjoyed the IGS SAGE trip to Tasmania.
“It was a really great experience. I did the art course. We stayed at a farm and we could just relax and be in this different environment and learn about different art techniques.”
Jess is once again relaxing as she prepares to tackle the rest of her HSC in 2026.
Her advice to fellow students, having already completed one course?
“Relax. Take it moment by moment. It goes quite quickly. Don’t stress yourself out. I didn’t expect to do so well.
“Don’t beat yourself up if you make mistakes. Just keep going.”
After completing her HSC next year, Jessica hopes to study psychology and Italian.
We wish her well!
Read more about 2025 IGS HSC Highlights.
