By Tyler Wright
For Upwey High School’s Dux of 2023, a thought out study pattern or strict regimen was not what got him a high score in his Year 12 results.
“I am sure the very best students had study calendars and scheduled tutor meetings and group homework clubs, but I basically just committed to studying every day, as much as I could tolerate at a time, on whatever particular subject or project I currently had in my mind,” Isaac Sands-Smith, who received an ATAR score of 96.80 earlier this month, said.
“I was really just hoping to get an 88 to get into my chosen degree at uni, so a 96 plus is at the upper limits of what I could hope for really; more than enough to get me into [a] Bachelor of Science, so more than enough to make me happy.”
Isaac completed the subjects of Literature, Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology which he took as an accelerated Year 12 subject in Year 11.
“Sometimes I procrastinated maths chapters I didn’t want to do, or getting through a literature paper I should read, but eventually always got around to them,” he said.
“Sometimes you just don’t want to do something that instant, and that’s ok for me, since I would likely do a poorer, rushed job if I just did anyway.”
Isaac, who was also School Captain, said he would “love” to jump from high school to university, with his eyes set to Melbourne University of Monash University to complete his degree.
“Though a gap year, travel [etc] would possibly clarify life and career goals – which currently are directed but unfocused – and be fun, I thought ‘why not just extend the schooling I have been enjoying and see where it takes me?” he said.
Isaac said he regularly interspersed his year with personal reading and music, while honing in on schoolwork in the crunch before exams.
“Having a close group of friends in all of my classes was a huge benefit to me too; people that I count myself lucky to have been able to discuss, and work out mutual problems with. While not everything can be a group effort, in the end we all helped each other learn more than we would have alone,” he said.
“If I did not keep my mind regularly distracted, varied, and sometimes dissociated from homework then I would succumb to its extent. I also punctuated school with sport, work, parties and family. All this, and school meant that I was very busy, with not a lot of downtime, but since I attempted ‘balance’, and at least variation in what I did it was manageable.
Isaac said he got to work directly with teachers, principals and the school as a whole in his role as School Captain and on the School Representative Council while organising programs, fundraisers and free dress days.
“It was brilliant to work with the rest of the leadership team; the other school captains were brilliant, as was the rest of the team. I am lucky to be friends with them and get to see where they go next,” he said.
“As far as family goes, my Mum was less than impressed at the early rises and lifts she gave on the mornings when I helped out with the breakfast club.”
“In all seriousness, my family supported me throughout my whole education, and helped me to where I am today, and are incredibly proud.”
According to Isaac, Year 12 “isn’t easy,” but he hopes those coming into their final year of high school can look back and appreciate how much they achieved.
“Not even the best student’s life is solely school, which in itself is momentous, but you have to concurrently live your life too,” he said.
“If you make it to the end, know that you can do a whole lot in life, no matter your ATAR.”
