Two all-rounders share secrets of their success

An International Grammar School duo, who scored places in the All Rounders List, share their best tips for getting good results in the HSC.

School is out for graduates nationwide, including International Grammar School’s Will Salkeld and Jessica Trevelyan.

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Two International Grammar School students who made the All-Rounders List have shared their tips for getting good results in the HSC.

Will Salkeld, of Dulwich Hill, said he set his goals early in his studies.

“From day one of Year 12, I had set my goal as getting on the All-Round Achievers List with the pretext that it was a bit ambitious, a bit too much of an ask and that if I didn’t get it I would still be content with everything I had learned both in and out of the classroom during Year 12,” he said.

“So of course, it was a pleasant surprise and a huge honour to make the list, and I’m completely indebted to my parents, brother, teachers and mentors for carrying me through such a marathon of a school year.”

He thanked IGS staff for supporting him throughout the year.

He said he enjoyed all the courses he picked including modern history, drama, and music.

Will’s advice for younger students: “Work often, work consistently, re-work, scrap an idea if it doesn’t sit right, and if you’ve given yourself enough time you will have created something you love without spoiling it with stress.”

For IGS student Jessica Trevelyan, of Randwick North, a growing fascination with mathematics and sciences helped her shine.

She said: “I really enjoyed the opportunity to extend myself with the Mathematics Extension 2 course, however I discovered a love of chemistry through studying it in more depth during the preliminary and HSC course, and now plan to continue with chemistry for university.

“My interest in biology also grew through the HSC, and I was very surprised to discover I placed 9th in the state.

I also began to enjoy English as I gained confidence and was able to delve deeper into the texts we studied.”

Jessica added: “I plan to take a gap year to travel in 2019, then I hope to study a Bachelor of Philosophy — Science at ANU, a research-focused degree that culminates with a research project in the fourth year.

“I am very grateful for the hugely supportive environment at IGS, and for all my encouraging teachers.

“My advice to younger students would be to set goals and work towards them, but not to become discouraged by setbacks.

“Stay involved in the fantastic IGS co-curricular program, and take advantage of opportunities to extend yourself beyond the classroom.

“Doing mock trial and debating during Year 11 and 12 provided a welcome escape from the stress of the exams, and helped me develop skills I will carry far beyond the HSC.”