When you go to School each day what do you most look forward to?
I’d be lying if I said anything other than the customary St Andrew’s Cathedral School recess coffee run.
What’s your favourite IB subject. Why? Any particularly inspiring teachers?
It’s so hard to pick a favourite! I’ve actually really enjoyed the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, one of the mandatory ‘core’ components of the IB diploma. I’d describe TOK as the study of how we think, and it’s been really interesting to learn about and research different perspectives.
Ms Reeves has been amazing mentor for my TOK class: by the end of the course we all felt confident in our understanding – she always took the time to give us amazing, personalised feedback, even when she once away doing an ironman race!
You are now a prefect. When did you start to develop your leadership skills at St Andrew’s Cathedral School?
When I was in Year 9, I managed to wrestle my way into the 1st Girl’s Water Polo team. Immediately after, every single Senior School player dropped out or graduated.
“It taught me the value of showing up and getting involved, and I’m so grateful for everyone who’s helped make that team what it is today.”
As such, I got to watch our current team grow from the ground up – and what a team they are, with four straight seasons of medal finishes! It taught me the value of showing up and getting involved, and I’m so grateful for everyone who’s helped make that team what it is today.
Has being a leader developed your character? In what ways?
I think I’ve learnt the importance of listening to a range of voices and opinions. It’s so easy to get lost in our own world and perspective, and in the process, we forget to be considerate.
We need different perspectives to create meaningful ideas and stay grounded in the real world.
Did you bring any particular skills to senior studies from undertaking the MYP in middle school?
I moved to St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Year 8 and immediately found that the rounded, practical focus of the MYP was far more conducive to my learning than previous systems.
The worldly, diverse focus of the MYP guided me to discover subject areas I remain passionate about today.
You are involved in a wide range of activities, including water polo. What’s been a highlight and how do you achieve balance?
We can always find time for the things we genuinely enjoy, and I found enjoyment in giving everything my best effort. As such, it’s been natural to find balance between sport, co-curricular, study and more – I wouldn’t have it any other way!
“We can always find time for the things we genuinely enjoy, and I found enjoyment in giving everything my best effort.”
Do you have a few lasting memories of St Andrew’s Cathedral School or a story you’d like to share?
A lot of my favourite memories of St Andrew’s Cathedral School definitely come from School camps: personal favourites were definitely the Year 9 backcountry snow tour, the Year 11 IB ESS fieldwork trip, and even (while challenging) the Year 10 20-Day expedition. Throughout these experiences I made lifelong friends and memories.
What do you hope to do next year and in your future?
Next year I hope to study Law and Environmental Science, to learn more about the passions I discovered in subjects like global politics and ESS, and co-curriculars like the mock trial competition.
