Chairo dux shares secrets to success
Chairo Christian School’s 2017 dux Jacob Smeaton believes practice exams, sporting interests to clear the mind and a good support network are the secrets to VCE success.
The Drouin West resident is planning to study engineering at Swinburne University of Technology after achieving an excellent ATAR of 98.85.
A student at Chairo since prep, Jacob was pleasantly surprised by his results.
“I was hoping for an ATAR above 95 so I would be eligible for the Swinburne Vice- Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship,” he said. “I’ve now been awarded a scholarship, which will be very helpful and includes entry into their High Achievers Program.”
Having already achieved perfect study scores of 50 in further maths and 47 in computing software development in 2016, Jacob completed English, maths methods, specialist maths and physics in 2017.
“The teachers and other staff members worked with my family and myself from the start of year 10 to give me the greatest chance of getting the best possible ATAR,” said Jacob. “This involved doing two accelerated subjects in years 10 and 11, as well as selecting subjects that were the most appropriate for me.”
Jacob reflected that completing more than 65 practice exams had been instrumental in ensuring that exam conditions became second nature. As a result, there were no major surprises when he sat his final exams. He also noted the importance of a good diet and a study room conducive to working quietly and efficiently.
In addition to his studies, Jacob has competed in chess to national level, and badminton and volleyball to state level, as well as participating in the Australian Maths Challenge for the past few years.
For almost 10 years, Jacob has enjoyed electronics/robotics as a hobby, which he has found to be quite relaxing and very different from school work. He also played futsal and volleyball during years 11 and 12.
“I believe that playing at least one vigorous sport is essential for keeping your sanity during VCE, and getting the blood moving clears the mind,” he said.
Jacob spoke highly of his teachers at Chairo, who “bent over backwards to help” and were, he believes, integral to his good VCE results. He also valued the encouraging and supportive environment at Chairo.
“If you have a great group of friends, and a stable community, it leaves more time and energy to put towards either studies or relaxation,” said Jacob.
As for future VCE students, Jacob suggested not to overdo it.
“It can be easy to push yourself too hard, so recognise when you need to take a break,” he said. “Find what works for you, but I took every Sunday completely off school and it worked well.”
He also believes finding a best mate to confide in and rely on and remembering that teachers were willing to help was key.