Sam sets his sight on double degree
Chairo Christian School’s Dux of school Sam Wentworth will study for a secondary teaching and physics science double degree at Monash University’s Clayton campus after scoring an ATAR of 96.5.
Sam, who listed maths and physical education classes as his favourites, said he was looking forward to making the move to Clayton.
“It’s where I grew up and where I will be moving back to,” he said.
“When I was younger I wanted to be a teacher, but I lost interest in that about three or four years ago.
“I was considering physio but as I got through the year I wasn’t sure.
“I was doing some tutoring for a year nine student and I enjoyed teaching informally, so mum suggested teaching.”
During his VCE Sam studied English, specialist maths, maths methods, physical education and physics.
In year 11, Sam took part in the challenging Vetamorphus program, a national discipleship program which focuses on raising a generation of young leaders to reach beyond the potential they see in themselves.
As part of the program, Sam led a program for a small group of youths at the Presbyterian Church in Clayton, with Sam bringing the group to his town of Leongatha as part of the program.
Chairo Christian School principal Rob Bray praised Sam’s leadership qualities.
Elected as senior school captain, Sam was an automatic leader of the school senate and helped compere the school’s presentation night, which included a symbolic handing over of the school captaincy.
Sam was also part of the Synergy program.
“We keep our leaders working,” Mr Bray said.
“The senate organised a trivia night fundraiser for local charity Olivia’s Place, along with various staff and student matches.
“The Synergy program is a combined student leadership program between the seven local secondary schools.
“The students come together in March and share their vision for leadership before coming back in August to share their challenges and what they have achieved.”
Sam will continue his leadership journey by participating in an eight-day student leaders compass program at the University of Queensland next year.
Mr Bray said Sam’s result showed the partnership with the Leongatha campus had been a successful one, with Sam one of seven students to travel from Leongatha by bus to complete their VCE at Drouin.
“It’s encouragement for the pathway to come across here for the agreed pathway to VCE,” he said.
“He’s Dux of the whole school and was elected captain of the school community.
“Coming across I wasn’t sure how he was going to go in the elections but his confidence was quickly recognised by the kids.”
Sam said although it seemed that he had a busy schedule, he still found it important to take some time to relax.
“It’s important to focus when you have to, but it’s important to switch off and find something to relax with,” he said.