Ready For The World | Ella Cross (CGS 2024)

To be ready for the world is to be a curious, creative, confident, and compassionate citizen of the world. Canberra Grammar School has helped in making me ready for the world by developing my leadership, self-discipline, communication, and time management skills.

I have achieved sustained academic success during my time at Canberra Grammar School – most notably a High Distinction in the HSC for Semester One, 2024. This award is characterised by achieving a top 10% ranking in every HSC Subject.

My Academic success can be directly attributed to diligence, self-discipline, and time management skills; skills that I have cultivated throughout my time at CGS. Due to the plethora of academic and co-curricular opportunities available, it has been essential to learn how to manage my time effectively, put the hard work in, and stay the course, whilst still taking part in the richness of school and boarding life. My study skills and work ethic are no doubt a product of the supportive teachers at CGS and the designated Boarding Prep/study time during the week.

Teachers at CGS go above and beyond to help extend our learning, and, as I have learnt, are always available to assist, clarify or consolidate our in-class learning. The two hours set aside each weeknight for Boarding Preparation and study time has taught me how to manage my time effectively, and the importance of diligence and preparation for comprehension and success. These are skills that extend well beyond the classroom and ones that will continue to serve me well into the future.

During my time at CGS I have engaged in so many of the School’s co-curricular activities: Drama, Water Polo, Rowing, Netball and most recently, Rugby. In Year 12, becoming Captain of the Women’s Rugby First XII has allowed me to further develop my leadership and team-building skills. Women’s Rugby at CGS has blossomed into a successful and competitive sport; one in which I am so proud to play a part. Playing Rugby has developed my communication and leadership skills, discipline and work ethic. These qualities are essential for becoming equipped for the world outside of school. Communication on the field as a player and especially as a captain has vastly improved the way I communicate off the field when advocating for myself and others. Work ethic and discipline are essential skills for success in Rugby, and luckily for me, these skills transfer beautifully to everyday life.

To say that I am who I am, because of my time at CGS, is an understatement.

I am incredibly proud to have been awarded CGS School Vice-Captain and Rugby First X11 Captain for 2024. And obviously, I am pleased to be achieving well, academically. Not for the accolades, although they are always nice to have, but because of what these accomplishments stand for. They show the world that I am ready for whatever the future holds. That I am resilient, hardworking and willing to do what needs to be done, to succeed. I am a product of the incredibly enriching Canberra Grammar School environment and can’t wait to put the skills that I have developed here, into practice in the real world.