The Brother John Taylor Memorial Prize

Significant disadvantage can include a:

• medical, sensory, psychological or physical disability
• social, family or economic disadvantage
• combination of these circumstances.

The committee assesses the academic achievements of the student's HSC results by considering records provided by the school and NESA.

Any member of staff can prepare the nomination of a student at their school. However, it must be signed by the school principal before submission.

The following staff members can nominate a student for the award:

• principal
• head teacher
• curriculum director
• school counsellor, or
• another staff member who knows the student well.

The student should be eligible for the award of the Higher School Certificate in the year of the nomination.

Nominations for 2024 Prize are now open.

You may not need to complete every section of the form, but you must attach relevant documentation to support the essential elements of the nomination.

The committee can only make their decision based on the written material submitted. The nomination should tell the story of the student and why your school supports their nomination.

Do not send hard copy nominations or original copies of documents.

Completing the form

Include the following information on the form:

• a summary or description of the disadvantage
• information concerning the history and severity of the disadvantage (including onset, duration, continuous or periodic)
• a description of the effects the disadvantage had on the student's HSC preparation including, where relevant, descriptions of any:
  • physical challenges and difficulties
  • external pressures and distractions
  • illnesses
  • school absences
  • psychological and/or emotional distress.
• a description of how the student dealt with and overcame their disadvantage to excel in the HSC, such as:
  • personal courage
  • initiative and determination
  • parent/teacher support
  • strategic planning
  • technology.

Supporting documentation

Include the following material with the nomination:

• copies of supporting documentation from independent professionals such as general practitioners, specialists, counsellors, or employer references

• evidence of the student's performance during their most recent school years, including relevant school reports, teacher references and any recent academic awards and accomplishments

• sections of previous applications submitted for special provisions, illness/misadventure appeals or education access schemes. These can be used to support the nomination. You may also include a copy of the official letter from NESA confirming disability provisions granted to the student.

Yes, a student must agree to be nominated. Nomination forms and the supporting evidence provided may contain personal information, including highly sensitive medical records or details about the student's family life.

A nomination containing personal information about a student should not be submitted without the student's permission. Schools should discuss the level of disclosure with the student before nominating them.

NESA and the award committee members treat all applications in the utmost confidence.

Nominations close on the last day of Term 4.

NESA collects all nominations in late December and provides them to the 5 committee members.

Each committee member prepares a shortlist. They then meet to discuss the merits of the nominations and to agree on the recipient or recipients.

It is a difficult decision each year, and a great deal of thought and care goes into the final assessment.