Surf Coast Dux sets sights on unique passion

SURF Coast Secondary College Dux Max Neal has a bright future ahead of him and where he is taking his study may take some by surprise, but it is one he has had his heart set on.

Neal studied English, psychology, Indonesian, VET sport and recreation, German and VET dance to see him top the class of 2020.

While he did not wish to share his ATAR, there is no doubting it was an impressive one.

Neal now has his sights set on a Certificate Four in Circus Arts with the hope of joining one of the top-line circuses in Europe or Canada.

Neal delivered great results across a diverse range of subjects, but it was his dance class that saw his creative passion thrive.

Drama has always been something that has appealed to Neal and he will now chase that dream, hoping to combine his love for dance, acting and gymnastics to form a fruitful career.

“I’ve always liked the idea of circus, but I never had a concrete pathway,” Neal said. “I’d always been interested in pursuing a career in that (the field of drama) … I only figured out what I wanted to do recently, but I always knew I wanted to do something active.”

Neal said while this year had its hurdles due to the coronavirus pandemic, he utilised his time in remote learning to put more of a focus on the subjects he felt he needed to dedicate more time to.

“It was really hard to be motivated from home, but in a way I had more time to focus on what I needed to learn.

“Rather than sitting in class in a subject

I knew really well, I could use my time where I felt I needed to.

“But it was so hard being at home and not being able to see other people, your mates, teachers, because they’re a massive support unit.”

Neal will begin his studies in Melbourne in 2021.

More than 64,800 students across Victoria received their VCE and VCAL results.

This year, 50,284 students graduated with their VCE, an increased completion rate of 98.3 per cent, while there was a record number of students to receive their VCAL in 2020, 14,529.

Acting Minister for Education Gayle Tierney congratulated all students in what was an unprecedented and difficult year. She reminded them that their results do not define them and many opportunities and pathways are available.

“Congratulations to every VCE and VCAL student. This has been an incredibly challenging year, but every student of the class of 2020 has shown outstanding resilience and commitment,” Ms Tierney said.

“To all teachers, parents and carers, thank you for supporting and guiding our VCE and VCAL students through this year.”

VCE students have until 12pm on January 4 to change their preferences prior to the release of round one offers from the Victorian tertiary institutions on January 14.