Staying Ahead of the (Learning) Curve – Nathan’s New Testament to planning

How to take the stress out of Year 12? Complete a sizeable chunk of it in Year 11. 

That’s the strategy that worked for Nathan Chun, who made the most of his free time by enjoying the “extras” and the positive Christian teaching that Trinity provides. 

He chose the HSC because it enabled him to undertake Accelerated Maths, completing four out of his 10 HSC units in Year 11. 

“That gave me much more time in Year 12. Maybe too much – I had more free periods than class,” he said. 

“But it had significant benefits by heavily reducing my workload and stress. 

“I had three free periods a day, so the workload was very manageable.” 

Clearing his timetable allowed him to throw himself into the “extras”—the sports and co-curricular activities that helped him meet other students and form lasting friendships. 

“I got involved in as many activities as I could and tried to make the most of all the special opportunities that makes Trinity different from other schools.” 

He undertook Chess, Debating, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Band, and ASX Club, but his favourite was the Berea Mission. 

“It was something I had never experienced before, a valuable opportunity to learn how to lead Christian groups and share our experiences with younger students. 

“At the same time, it deepened my own faith, knowledge and appreciation of Christian leadership.” 

He applies many adjectives to the School’s staff and teachers – including exceptional, supportive, approachable, and encouraging. 

“They were always willing to help. 

“I had strong personal support and pastoral care. 

“Teachers, Housemasters, friends, parents … there was always someone available and happy to help me if needed. 

“I was lucky to have knowledgeable and passionate teachers, especially in my favourite subjects, Maths and Physics. 

“They really made a difference in making class fun, enjoyable and engaging. I also had many close friends in these classes.” 

Another strong influence was the Year 9 Field Studies camp at Woollamia. 

“It was such a unique and exclusive experience. 

“It felt much longer than a term when I was there, but now it feels more like a dream. 

“I will always take away the valuable connections and experiences I had there with my friends, and the grateful appreciation of everything we have in life.” 

One of his challenges was finding the motivation to study when he didn’t feel like it. 

He overcame it by making clear goals and figuring out exactly what he wanted to achieve. 

“I was very deliberate and specific about what things I needed to get done to improve, rather than just vaguely telling myself to study for x hours.” 

He unwound by playing the drums, playing sports such as tennis, golf, soccer, and backyard cricket, playing with his Rubik’s Cube, watching YouTube, eating snacks and sleeping “a lot”. 

He also busied himself tutoring younger students one-on-one in Maths. 

His greatest achievement? Not getting a detention. 

His two main sources of inspiration were his parents and Jesus. 

Before starting a double degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UNSW, he plans to spend his break reading the entire New Testament.