Nothing surprises Tom Sellars any more. If you put in the hard yards during the year, says the successful Makoura College pupil, the rest comes easy.
Tom, 17, starts his final year at secondary school next week already qualified to attend university and with accreditation in three NCEA level 3 subjects.
He
received his NCEA results in the post last week and twice struck lucky when he averaged merits for level 3 chemistry, physics and calculus as well as an acceptance letter from Massey University to study by correspondence this year.
"I was nervous waiting for my results but I put a brave face on in front of Mum."
He says he's never really been surprised by his success because he's always worked hard.
"People always say to me that I never study and do so well but I do study. I just do it through the year rather than cramming it all in at the end.
"Once I learn something it just sticks," he said.
Tom's favourite subject is chemistry and he will be studying full-year chemistry and calculus university paper's this year in between his NCEA level 3 biology, outdoor recreation and statistics subjects.
Unsure of what career path he will take, Tom says he plans to work hard again this year and depending on his results will then decide what to study at university.
"I plan to go to Victoria University in Wellington and I'll probably carry on chemistry but then I've never done stats before and I am this year so maybe I'll end up being better at that."
Tom's family moved to New Zealand from England six years ago and his mother Sheila says Makoura College was one of the biggest Wairarapa attractions.
"Because it's small the kids can work at their own level and the school is very flexible, which is what I wanted for the boys."
Mrs Sellars says she's very proud of Tom's success as well as his younger brother, Sam, who is also an academic achiever.
"I took them out for dinner when they got their results as a treat for doing so well."
Tom says the outdoor recreation class at Makoura College is the big drawcard.
"I love being active and it's so easy to do everything in New Zealand and people aren't scared you're going to hurt yourself, unlike England where you have to sign a million forms before you can do anything."
