Meet the Territory’s smartest year 12 students

ON the evening before results came out, Connor Marshall and his family guessed what his Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training score might be

Darwin High School graduate Nafi Mazid, 18 and Good Shepherd Lutheran College graduate Connor Marshall, 17 pose for a photo at Parliament House on Tuesday, December 18, 2018. Both students received an impressive ATAR Picture: Keri Megelus

ON the evening before results came out, Connor Marshall and his family guessed what his Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) score might be.

“I said I might get a 97.8 and I thought that was a pretty reasonable guess. I was a bit shocked at the number on the screen the next morning,” he said.

The 17-year-old graduate from Good Shepherd Lutheran College was named the top Northern Territory student for 2018 with an ATAR score of 99.70 and a university aggregate of 88.30.

The high achiever was thrilled at the score and said he would be waiting in anticipation for university offers to be released next year.

Connor hopes to study aeronautical engineering and science at Monash University in Melbourne.

He’s had an interest in aircraft since he was seven.

In 2014 he joined the air force cadets, and in his final year of school took a variety of science and mathematics classes to expand his knowledge.

“I’ve always loved complex flight and all those aspects of flying,” he said.

“I love research and science, and I thought doing research and design in the science field, just mixing everything together, would satisfy my thirst for knowledge.”

Mum Michelle Marshall teared up at her son’s achievement.

“He’s put in such hard work, he deserves everything that comes his way,” she said.

“He couldn’t do it without the support of his teachers at Good Shepherd because they’ve been so supportive of him. I’m super proud of him.”

Connor wished the best of luck to future students, and had some wise advice.

“Knuckle down and do your best. Always put in the effort, and even though it might get difficult just focus on what comes at the end of it, and don’t give in to the pressure,” he said.

“What you do by the end of the year will set you up for your future.”

Connor will be taking a well-deserved holiday in France with his family to celebrate his achievement.

Darwin High School graduate Nafi Mazid’s hard work and dedication have paid off.

Placed second in the list of the Top 20 NTCET completers, the school Dux scored a university aggregate of 88.20, and an impressive ATAR of 99.70.

For years the 18-year-old has had his eyes on medicine, and is thrilled to begin his journey.

“Many young people are inspired to follow a career in medicine. In media and our society we see all the positive contributions,” he said.

“Medicine is quite an inspiring and fulfilling career path to follow, and it will also satisfy my interest in science.

“One of the most interesting things we have is the human body, which we live with every day but we also don’t understand. Understanding the body we live with is interesting and exciting.”

Nafi is considering studying with Charles Darwin University, and hopes university will help him find his destined field.

This year, the star pupil balanced physics, chemistry, English, and both the mathematics classes: Mathematics Methods and mathematics Specialists.

He said English was a welcome break from his other classes. “English allows you to express yourself, and extend yourself, in ways that are unique to other subjects,” he said.

Nafi said students heading into Year 12 shouldn’t believe it’s as scary as people think.

“Balance yourself, and manage your time wisely. It’s a hard year, but it can also be a fulfilling one,” he said.

“Don’t get too flustered, and if you experience any setbacks, just keep persevering. If you’re able to maintain momentum during the year, you’ll be fine, and Year 12 will be a breeze.”

Lauded as the Most Inspirational Student, and awarded the Best in State at the Australian mathematics Awards, Nafi said he plans to enjoy watching cricket before starting university.

Finlay Dale is Dux of Palmerston College.

The 18-year-old graduate attributes his success to the college’s culture of excellence, and the unstinting help of its teachers and staff.

Finlay balanced physics, biology and chemistry, with English and mathematics, and enjoyed every moment of Year 12.

“The opportunities at this college are quite unique and personalised to students, and students are being challenged and extended in many ways,” he said. “Everyone is pushing themselves to do their best.

“I liked the challenges of all of the subjects; they all have such interesting content. I had a lot of motivation from my campus and my teachers to get me through.”

Finlay thanked all his teachers for their support, especially Year 12 head of campus Mr Overell.

“Thank you for going out of your way, and sacrificing your personal time, to make sure that every student at Palmerston College, not just me, got through the year with the best possible results,” he said.

Finlay was excited to complete the NTCET and see the result of 12 years’ hard work.

“It’s the final stretch of schooling. Make the most of the last year. Do what you’re passionate about and work towards the future,” he said.

Finlay plans to study dentistry at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales, and hopes to return to the Territory and practice dentistry in remote communities.

Determination and the support of a school encouraged Rickisha Gaykamangu to complete her NTCET.

Last year, the 20-year-old Ramingining School graduate was two subjects short of completing the certificate.

Rather than let her become disheartened, Ramingining School staff offered Rickisha a part-time position as an assistant teacher in years 1, 2 and 3 classes, while she completed her studies.

Principal Sue McAvoy said she is immensely proud of Rickisha’s commitment to her education.

“I’m absolutely proud of her, and proud of every student at this school, and what they achieve,” she said. “She has done a fantastic job with the kids, supporting their learning.”

Rickisha has always had an interest in health, and has secured a traineeship with the Ramingining Aboriginal Health Clinic, beginning next year.

She will study to become the clinic’s indigenous liaison officer, and work towards becoming a nurse-midwife. Rickisha was encouraged by her family, who also work at the clinic, and is excited to work with them.

“She’ll be the head nurse manager in a few years’ time. It’s my dream for her,” Ms McAvoy said. “It’s just great to see someone who’s hesitant about their learning and not confident, turn into a confident young lady.”

Rickisha was farewelled at a ceremony held by Ramingining School, and will receive her NTCET certificate next year.

Indiana Brambley has been a St John Ambulance cadet since she was seven years old.

Now 17, the Palmerston College graduate,is one of the service’s most skilful practitioners, and is sharing her knowledge with younger trainees.

This year Indiana showed her unwavering dedication to St John by balancing her cadet duties with Year 12 and two jobs.

“The best thing about St John volunteer cadets is it provides more opportunity to learn real-life skills,” she said.

“It gives you opportunities into different pathways. You can use St John as a pathway to leadership skills, and in some cases, people have gone to university to learn medicine.”

“We receive badges in cookery and nutrition, maps and navigation, pet care, and every year we do first aid and get reaccredited to keep our skills up to date,” she said.

“I feel confident that I can provide basic first aid in a situation. I also feel confident teaching and leading others, and being a cadet has helped me become a role model for younger people.”

Next year Indiana and two other cadets will demonstrate their skills and knowledge in Victoria, representing the Northern Territory at the St John Annual Cadet Competition in January.

In 2019, Indiana plans take a gap year before enrolling in the Tertiary Enabling Program at Charles Darwin University in 2020. She enjoyed her time at Palmerston College, and wished future students all the best.

Indiana Brambley is a cadet at St John and has been recognised for her dedication to the cadetship, and for educating others.

Jayden Wurrikdj is the first person in his family to complete the NTCET.

The Gunbalanya Community School student has been described by his teacher Hira Morgan, as one who demonstrated “significant development”.

“Jayden has become an outstanding leader in the school, this year training under the guidance of the Traditional Owners to deliver the Welcome to Country and administer the Smoking Ceremony,” she said. “He has delivered this ceremony to four groups from NSW, Queensland and Melbourne – visitors to Gunbalanya this term – and he used this community event as part of his Community Studies subject.”

This year Jayden was one of two people selected to speak at a Melbourne dinner of the Grow Hope Foundation – an organisation providing indigenous educational opportunities and experiences.

“All that comes down to leadership abilities, and how he has become more confident in himself,” Ms Morgan said.

Recently, Jayden commenced an apprenticeship in sport and recreation, and helps organise activities for children in Gunbalanya.

“At this stage he’s just working within the community, as far across as Jabiru,” Ms Morgan said. “He has organised things like a disco earlier this week, swimming activities at the school, and helps open and close the youth centre.”

The AFL and basketball aficionado will use his apprenticeship to assist the local community.\

Picking up a trade was the best decision Jemma Young made in high school.

The 18-year-old Darwin High School graduate balanced part-time work, school, and a Vocational Education and Training course in pursuit of her dream to become an electrician.

She completed a Certificate II in Electrotechnology, and for her dedication she was named Winner of the VET in School Student of the Year award.

“It felt so surreal. I was the winner against so many great finalists,” she said.

Jemma was inspired to pursue a career in the electrical industry after last year’s visit from the Darwin Sparkettes, a group of female sparkies keen to attract more women into the trade.

“They talked about the career path. There’s not many women in the trade, but it’s starting to grow,” she said.

“I knew from then I wanted to go into this male-dominated occupation, and inspire other women to do likewise.”

Last year she completed a Certificate II in Construction Pathways, an experience that prepared her for the difficulties she faced this year.

“I was the only female in the class. It helped me realise the hard work needed,” she said.

Jemma praised Darwin High School for accommodating her VET studies.

“The school helped me work around VET, and with all the support I got great grades this year,” she said.

“When you start (a VET course) you want to go all the time and work hard, especially if you’re working on the career path you want.

“It’s going to be difficult in the beginning.

“But it’s worth it.u have such a sense of achievement once you’ve finished.”

Jemma hopes to become an electrical apprentice, and inspire women along the way.

Twins Andrew and Mitchell Northcote persevered through one of their toughest school years, and with mutual support came out on top.

The 18-year-old brothers who graduated from Darwin High School said they enjoyed the inclusive school community, the support of friends and teachers, and the academic advantages of being twins.

“You can learn things together, especially if you can’t figure it out yourself,” Andrew said.

“There’s always someone you can talk to, or if you need help with a class or advice on whether sentences make sense or not. We’d occasionally proofread each other’s work,” Mitchell said.

Andrew and Mitchell had different but valuable advice for future Year 12 students. “It’s all about time management,” Andrew said.

“There will be times where they’ll be lots of stress and lots to do, but you’ll get there. Try to find a balance between school work and the rest of your life.”

“Choose subjects you want to do and are interested in, rather than what your friends are doing, or just for your ATAR,” Mitchell said.

The brothers agreed, that with or without siblings, students should always speak to their friends or their school if they need help and not struggle on their own.

Andrew and Mitchell plan to study in Queensland next year.

Andrew hopes to pursue chemical engineering, and Mitchell criminology and criminal justice.

Gio Remulla has targeted medicine as a career option after chalking-up strong Year 12 results.

The father of this eldest of three children died when Gio was in primary school, and the Katherine High School graduate has since balanced school with the help he can provide his single mother, and the care he can devote to brother Chris and sister Jescelle.

“The subjects I studied were maths methods, chemistry, physics and English,” he said.

“I did pretty well and I got a good ATAR from it; my raw score was 89.90 and scaled it was 98.65.”

Many of his family, including his mother and some cousins in the Philippines have a medical background, and Gio hopes to follow their example.

“I’m into science, I was really into physics and chemistry … I’m hoping to do medicine obviously, it’s my family thing, but there are other choices such as chemical engineering and dentistry,” he said.

“I have to wait for uni(versity) offers, but medicine is top of my list. My mum’s a registered nurse and she used to work at hospital for 10 years, and did aged care.

“I’m interested in Charles Darwin University, which is good, especially for rural areas.

“James Cook University in Townsville is also on the radar, as well as Flinders University in South Australia; they are my top three.”

For more information about this year’s NTCET results, check out Friday’s NT News.