Dracon is one of our longest-standing students, who enrolled in Year 9 way back in 2021 and just recently graduated Year 12 in October this year. Over that time, we have watched him grow into an incredibly witty, motivated young man who is always up for a challenge.
But before he came to NGC, Dracon felt like he couldn't find his place within a mainstream school setting. Due to his Autism diagnosis, he was placed in a 'behavioural' and 'special education' class respectively but there wasn't the opportunity for differentiated teaching and learning that was crafted to his unique academic skills, capabilities and challenges. This lack of resourcing meant that Dracon felt out of step with his peers and the work set within these classes, and he craved to be appropriately challenged and extended.
Based on his experience in the classroom and the flow-on impact it had on his social life, Dracon's mum removed him from his former school at the end of Year 8 and searched for alternatives. After receiving a referral for NGC, Dracon decided to reclaim his education and approach it on new terms.
Upon coming to our school, he found a real difference in how NGC teachers interacted with students and the personalised, flexible and one-on-one learning opportunities that were available within our smaller classes. Anyone who talks with Dracon today will notice his sharply observed, curious and often humorous insights into the world around him, and NGC was a setting where this natural talent could come to the fore.
"Being at my previous school was very frustrating because I just didn't fit into the classes I was assigned and it didn't make sense for me to be in there. There weren't any other options for students who needed support with some challenges but could still work well academically. I didn't feel understood or respected.
Coming to NGC was very different from the start and I've grown a lot since then. I like puzzles and figuring hard things out, so it was great to be more challenged by the assessments and classwork. The teachers always find interesting ways to connect what we're learning to real scenarios and to get us out doing practical things."
Dracon also thrived in our weekly vocational education and training classes, choosing Hospitality as his focus for Year 11 and 12. As well as tackling theory components of the course, Dracon tried out plenty of complex recipes like a Mexican dish known as Pollo En Mole, which combines chicken with dark chocolate sauce! He has also completed a 35-hour work placement at McDonalds Wadalba.
As a fitness enthusiast, Dracon loves how NGC prioritises outdoor learning and recreation and always enjoyed exploring local gems all over the Central Coast. Within a few weeks of starting Year 9, he was joining Brad (our Education Support Officer and former pro-boxer) in the gym and mastering a variety of boxing and strength workouts. As a result of building healthy habits, Dracon has lost 20 kilos since he enrolled at NGC. We are proud of him for achieving a personal goal but we are even more impressed by his growing confidence and his deep interest in all things nutrition and physical activity.
"I wanted to do Hospitality because I think it's the most important skill I can develop for my everyday life. Even if I don't necessarily want to be a chef, learning how to cook is a practical way to take care of your health and make sure you have the energy you need for anything you're doing. I always like trying new and difficult recipes in class and I'm keen to cook at home more in the future.
I love boxing with Brad, I did that the whole time I was at NGC. I have also tried Brazilian jiu-jitsu during that same time and I think I'd love to get more into MMA (mixed martial arts) after school. I want to leave my mark by seeing something physically challenging through and using that kind of power responsibly. I think it's really important for young people to learn about nutrition too because it affects your whole life and is really simple and straightforward once you know the fundamentals."
As one of our three elected student leaders, Dracon developed confidence in MCing our school events and used his social influence to encourage others. He notes that making friends is much easier at NGC because there are lots of funny and talented students here and tolerance of other people's differences is the norm. A great example of Dracon's engagement with peers is through his jam sessions with our school band and his live performances at our graduation and end-of-year events.
Dracon was also able to build stronger, positive relationships with teachers and support staff at NGC and feels that his perspectives have always been valued. Recently, he was asked to participate in a facilitated strategic planning workshop with our Principal, Board Director and other students. This was a chance to share some of those perspectives and offer advice on how the school can grow moving forward.
"Since coming to NGC, I've grown more tolerant of others and their opinions and always try to remember that people are all doing life in their own unique way. I feel like the teachers here also have that kind of tolerance and respect. This isn't a career path you take to make money, you do it to help people. They feel like good friends and like they're here to assist you to have the best life possible.
Our principal, Andrea, cares so much about all of us and does everything to make sure we are all happy. Very few people go to the extremes she does to help people in need. If someone was thinking about coming to NGC, I'd say do it because it's always better to have people around that care about you. I'd also tell them to keep striving for more in life. Don't stagnate and just be satisfied with the way things are now. The person who keeps seeking out better things will always end up happier than the person who doesn't."
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