My time at Canberra Grammar School has been enriched by a broad range of academic and sporting pursuits, which have fostered a deep commitment to excellence in all areas of my life. I have come to see sport and academics not as separate endeavours, but as complementary disciplines that together contribute to the development of a well-rounded individual.
Throughout my years at CGS, I have consistently maintained high academic standards and taken pride in my strong work ethic and determination to improve. My interest in a broad range of subjects made selecting my International Baccalaureate subjects a difficult decision. Fortunately, the guidance and support of my tutor played a pivotal role in helping me choose a pathway that aligned with my interests and goals. I have particularly enjoyed studying Sports, Exercise and Health Science, as it reflects my passion for sport. Unexpectedly, Mathematics has become one of my favourite subjects in Years 11 and 12, thanks in large part to an exceptional teacher, Mrs Watt, who has made the subject both challenging and rewarding. Her encouragement, as well as the support of all my teachers, especially during challenging and content-heavy periods, has been invaluable. Earning an Academic Credit Certificate in Term 2 of Year 12 was a meaningful achievement for me, reflecting the sustained effort and commitment I have put into my academic journey.
I believe my dedication to learning is closely linked to my sporting background, particularly my involvement in water polo. Since joining CGS Water Polo in Year 6, sport has played a transformative role in my life. Initially, it offered a way to connect with students across different year levels, leading to friendships that have lasted throughout my school journey. Over time, my involvement in water polo expanded beyond school, with selections for ACT representative teams and the Australian national squad. I’ve had the privilege of travelling overseas to compete and train in Croatia and the United States; experiences that significantly enhanced my technical abilities, as well as my teamwork, discipline, resilience, and time management. These qualities have proven crucial during the demanding senior years of school.
The skills I have developed through sport have had a direct and positive impact on my academic pursuits. Competing in high-level water polo has instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, which has carried over into my approach to study, particularly in preparing for exams and completing assessments. The challenges I have faced in sport- including injuries and setbacks- have taught me resilience and the importance of maintaining a positive and determined mindset. These lessons have been equally valuable in the classroom, reminding me not to be discouraged by difficulties but rather to use them as motivation to improve. Balancing a rigorous training schedule with a demanding academic workload has also refined my time management skills. Initially, I struggled with this transition in Year 11, but I have since learned to manage my time effectively, enabling me to balance academics, sport, and a social life.
Several key factors have supported my success at CGS. Since Year 10, I have participated in the Athlete Development Programme, which assists elite athletes in managing their sporting commitments alongside academic responsibilities. In particular, the sessions led by sports psychologists have helped me to reduce stress and improve my time management. The ongoing support of my teachers has been instrumental in helping me stay focused and achieve my goals. Equally, the friendships I have formed at CGS have provided vital emotional support and encouragement, helping me to navigate challenges and celebrate my successes.
Serving as Water Polo Captain in 2025 has been a highlight of my time at CGS. In this role, I was responsible for organising the Pink Round fundraiser. I was also actively involved in coordinating training sessions and managing team logistics, and served as one of the Sports Captains of my house, Jones. I particularly enjoyed organising sporting carnivals and engaging with younger students, learning about their own personal achievements and sporting journeys. Both these leadership roles, made possible by the School’s rich sporting programme, have equipped me with invaluable skills in communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and responsibility; skills that I will continue to apply beyond school and into university and the workplace.
I am deeply grateful for my time at Canberra Grammar School, which has provided a strong foundation for my future. The School has offered me the opportunity to grow and learn in an environment that values both academic achievement and personal development through sport. The experiences I have gained at CGS have shaped the person I am today, instilling me with the discipline, resilience, and time management skills that will guide me well beyond school life.
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