Zackary Thompson commenced at GVGS in Year 7 after completing primary school at Orrvale Primary School. “I’ve really had a great time while I’ve been at GVGS. I like to be challenged in everything that I do – from maths and science to art,” he says.
“I’ve also enjoyed all the extra-curricular activities on offer; I’ve participated in ICCES football, soccer and swimming over the years. Ski camp was a real highlight for me. I enjoyed the freedom, being with my friends and it was something I’ve never done before either.”
Outside of school, Zackary has raced go-karts since he was ten years old and his passion for his chosen sport has been supported by GVGS. Zackary is joined at GVGS by his younger twin siblings William, who also races go-karts and Sienna (Year 10).
“I’ve been racing for about eight years. I got into it because my dad raced when he was younger and my cousins are involved in it as well, so we do it as a family. I love go-karting because it gives me a break from everything and I can really focus in on my performance. I enjoy the travelling element too because it opens me up to different people and experiences all over the country,” he says.
“I’ve missed a fair bit of school because of the travelling I have to do for competitions. Sometimes I’ll be away for a few days at a time and miss classes, but my teachers always make sure I’m kept up to date and are very accommodating to ensure I can continue to do what I’m passionate about.”
Zackary taps into his love for go-karting to fuel him through his Year 12 studies.
“My favourite subject this year has been physics,” he says.”Everything we study about motion, combustion and how motors function, it’s basically the workings behind go-karting. It helps me to understand and learn when I have a real life example to apply everything to.”
As 2024 draws to a close, Zackary is excited for the next chapter.
“I’m planning to head down to Deakin University in Geelong and study engineering next year.”
“Engineering interests me and it ties in with my go-karting as well. I thought about going to Melbourne, but in the end Geelong was more appealing – it’s got more open spaces and has a country town feel about it.”
For any future students looking to juggle the intensity of Year 12 study in conjunction with the demands of a time consuming sport, Zackary says it all comes down to fine tuning your time management skills.
“It’s all about balance,” he says.
“Make sure you have enough time dedicated to getting your assignments done, but make it a priority to put time aside to enjoy yourself too.”