ANTHONY BAKER College Dux
Anthony Baker has excelled in all subjects and has a particular strength in the arts and humanities. He has won numerous prizes and twice received a Gold Tie award given to the top five students in his year group. He has gained over 90% of his credits at the Excellence level across all three levels of NCEA.
Anthony Baker
thinking. He is a wonderful reader as well as a talented writer; a teaching highlight this year has been reading his beautifully crafted and carefully considered insights.’’ But academic success is not the only area Anthony has excelled in - he also took part in a wide range of sporting and cultural activities. He plays both the piano and cello, was in the school orchestra and the debating team. He was involved in community service activities and helped the environment committee plant trees. His sports include tennis, cross-country and athletics. Anthony says, “I have enjoyed the academic stimulation at College, from both my teachers and peers, and also seized many of the opportunities available, including the amazing two-month- long exchange to Germany over the summer in 2014/2015. I’ve also
made some really strong and deep friendships here which I hope I’ll keep for a lifetime.” However, Anthony admits making time for academic work and his many other pursuits was sometimes a real balancing act. “There is no doubt you have to make some sacrifices to succeed, but at the same time, you do need to maintain balance - that’s crucially important for your health and wellbeing. I made sure never to focus so intently on one thing that I lost sight of the others. Balance often nurtures success instead of hindering it - for instance I’ve found my music has often been a welcome respite from my academic work. “What have been the main challenges? An obvious challenge for all of us was the 2011 earthquake. We were in Year 9 when it struck and Harper House was severely damaged. So after we came back from the two-month long break, we moved into the Chapman Block, then backstage in the assembly hall, and then into some portacoms. We only moved back into the repaired Harper Building through 2013. “Of course, this had the potential to be disorientating, but I think we retained our focus through this tough time, and we emerged more determined than ever and appreciative of what we do have.
Harper Housemaster Matt Cortesi says, “Anthony should be extremely proud of what he has achieved at Christ’s College. He has made the most of his opportunities, but made sure that he has never faltered from the pursuit of excellence. He should be commended on his exemplary conduct and behaviour, and the manner in which he has gone about his work. “Anthony is an outstanding student. Teachers have commented on how focused and motivated he is in class and have been impressed by the mature approach he has to his studies, with an excellent level of content knowledge.’’ His English teacher Ms Chris Rayward says, “In English this year I have been really struck by the depth and originality of Anthony’s
“Another challenge for me
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Christ’s College Canterbury
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