When I was in Year 6, my parents encouraged me to see if I could get into the SEAL program at Balwyn High School, which was my local secondary school.
I was successful and was one of a cohort of 25 students from Year 7. I immediately enjoyed the sense of community, as we developed such strong friendships through our classes together. Even in Year 12 now, we often share resources, study together, and keep pushing each other to do the best we can. I’m so grateful for the connection I’ve developed with my SEAL mates, as it’s truly something special.
Learning in classes with other strong and committed learners continually drives me to do better. Our SEAL teachers are amazing. They truly understand our capabilities and desire to do well, giving us extension work and facilitating such thought-provoking discussions.
However, being a SEAL student doesn’t stop you from having outside interests. Whilst pursuing my studies, I’ve had a part-time job, played state hockey and soccer for the school, and had many leadership roles to engage with the school community, which has created such an enriching and balanced high school experience.
With my VCE journey, it began in Year 10, and I’ll have completed eight VCE subjects by the time I finish school. With the SEAL program, I’m grateful to be able to explore so many different subjects, including General Maths, Biology, English Language, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Health and Human Development, Specialist Maths, and Physical Education.
Doing eight subjects has really given me a sense of security in VCE. I’ve had room on top of my university prerequisite subjects, so I’ve taken on Health and PE for my final year. I feel passionate about these subjects, and I may have never discovered my potential in these subjects if it weren’t for the opportunity to do many subjects with the SEAL program.
As I approach the end of VCE, I’m not certain what I will end up studying for university, but I hope it will either be Medicine or Law/Commerce. I’d be interested in working as a dermatologist or paediatrician, but I also have a strong sense of justice that I’d love to fulfil through the field of law, to create an impact in our society.
Vanessa, 17, Balwyn High School, School Captain
