The wow factor – “I never knew what was going to happen”

From fire and liquid nitrogen to capsized canoes – Christian Ciarroni’s life indicates that a rounded education is full of surprises and might just be fun, too. 

The Year 11 and 12 Dux of the IB Diploma found subjects like Maths and Physics were brought to life by innovative teachers. 

“Physics was just always so much fun with Mr Ribola and Mr Truong,” he said. 

“I never really knew what was going to happen when I walked into class. The practical sessions were always very exciting and helped me to love Physics. 

“Some highlights would be the Christmas lights prac for circuits and any time we used fire or liquid nitrogen. 

“I’ve always loved Maths, too, and my teacher Ms Wang has been an awesome supporter throughout my schooling. 

“She helped me to understand tricky concepts and apply myself in the classroom.” 

The two stand-out events of his school days were the Field Studies Program at Woollamia and the Berea Christian mission. 

“As the first Year group to do the term-long camp I was nervous going into it, but it was an experience I don’t think I’ll ever forget. 

“Between watching Australia beat Denmark at 2 am in the World Cup (football) group stage to reach the knockouts, to my tent flying into the river during the 24-hour solo, to my canoe capsizing, there were so many crazy experiences that will stick with me after school.” 

The Berea mission he found both enjoyable and meaningful. 

“It helped me to understand more about my faith and do things outside my comfort zone which I wouldn’t normally do. 

“It offered opportunities to lead in a range of activities, such as Primary and Middle School Bible studies, and delivering talks at the Josiah Bible Study group. 

“These activities have offered tremendous opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.” 

Christian, a Trinitarian all the way from Pre-K, seemed destined for the IB. 

He worked part-time for an IB tutoring company and his older brother had done the IB seven years earlier. 

“That meant I already had a decent knowledge of the way the IB works and access to resources and people who could offer support and guidance. 

“My favourite role at the company (IB Solved) was marketing. I was given a lot of autonomy in the development of strategies and online marketing campaigns. 

“I felt this provided opportunities to develop my creativity and gain a greater understanding of online marketing and conversion tracking. 

“Being an IB student, I found I had a uniquely personal insight into this target market which allowed me to make more effective campaigns.” 

He valued his classroom friendships and enjoyed the collaborative nature of the IB. 

“In my friend groups we often gave feedback to each other on assessments and assignments which I found really beneficial in providing a new perspective and fresh eyes. 

The downside of the IB, he said, was its “constant intensity”. 

Saturday sport and gym workouts helped him cope with the stresses of study and he threw himself into a lot of different activities. 

“I always tried to give everything I did my very best, which is all I can ask from myself. 

“I never allowed myself to become complacent. 

“I think good results always come down to how hard the student is willing to work. 

“My parents never put any pressure on me which I think helped me to develop my own drive and determination. 

“The teachers were all very supportive, particularly in the older years where learning starts to feel more like a partnership. 

“Personally, I really benefitted from the wisdom of my Housemaster, Mr Waters, who I had for six years in Wynn Jones.” 

Juggling the workloads of academics and co-curriculars took planning every night but he found it best to concentrate on one major thing each day. 

“This was especially important when writing internal assessments as it allowed me to work for hours at a time and get into the ‘mode’ of that subject.” 

Christian hopes to take Actuarial Studies at either UNSW or Macquarie.