boys from all year groups and Houses to get involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities while highlighting the values of those skills in post-College life. He has also appreciated the opportunity to be involved in the Immerse & Inspire residential programme for Year 10 students, offering advice and guidance for the years ahead. In a busy few years, Angus topped the 2023 Otago Senior Science Quiz and was part of the Biology
made a “big difference” to his life, inspiring a commitment to academic study. In Years 12–13, Angus has valued the freedom to undertake Scholarship exams, pointing to the different skills required to succeed. “Aside from the monetary value of Scholarship subject exams towards your university costs, you gain a great deal from sitting those exams,” he explains. “They require different skills and are not like NCEA, where you are often just learning content. With Scholarship exams, you are learning to problem solve and also have the chance to get to know other people focusing on the exams and to learn so much more from your teachers.” As for his own College journey, Angus encourages nervous new
Olympiad programme, along with several other academic achievements. He has also
performed in House Music in the small group category for the past three years and sung in the Sedley Wells Competition at College. Angus believes that the high calibre of the College teachers has greatly contributed to his academic success, along with the strong support for co-curricular activities and pastoral care. He appreciates the contributions of Graeme Christey and Dr Tom Hawkins (Duke of Edinburgh), and Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning Nicole Billante. He highlights that teachers Dr Graeme Swanson (Biology), Chris Waugh and Ginny Patterson (English), Scott Franklin (Chemistry), Director of Music Robert Aburn, and Elaine Tang and Steve Everingham (Languages) have all underpinned his achievements. Old Boys Yusef Elnahas and Claude Tellick, who were a year or two ahead of Angus, also
arrivals “to keep going”. “While I found those early
times hard and was not socially equipped for the House system, I discovered that things just resolved themselves and by Year 11 I found myself moving into a great environment with a strong group of friends.”
up to Year 11, but my interests soon turned towards medicine and Health Sciences. However, my toughest subject was probably Japanese, which I studied through to Year 12.” Along with finding his way, Angus also has discovered a wider group of like-minded students who enjoy an academic challenge. As a Prefect, he has proved to be a strong leader of the Academic Committee, introducing and driving STEM Week. It encourages
COLLEGE 2024
21
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs