Meet Lyndon; Year 11 Student Spotlight

There are times when you’re talking to a young person, so mature, that you can’t believe that they’re only a teenager! 17-year-old Lyndon is definitely an old soul, with a remarkable depth and thoughtfulness in his conversations. When we hear his perspective on compassion and self-growth, it’s clear that our future is in great hands because of young men like Lyndon.

While many of our students come to us after tough mainstream education experiences, Lyndon is unique in that this is his first school ever! His parents had made the decision to home-school him from Year 1 through to Year 9, teaching him core skills through educational games and on demand learning programs.

While Lyndon is extremely grateful for everything his family has given him, he notes that the home-school experience can be quite isolating and couldn’t fully equip him for the complexities that come with being a young adult. In 2023, they all made the decision to enrol him in NGC, hoping that our alternative education model was the ideal fit for Lyndon and a positive transition into school life. 

“Before I came to NGC, I honestly didn’t know what the wider world was like. In a way, coming here was like getting ten years of information downloaded into my brain in an instant. It took me a while to find my feet…my first day felt like whiplash because it was such a ginormous change.

But I knew that I wanted to keep giving it a go. That decision to try has worked out so well for me ever since. What is life without a bit of hardship, change and challenge? There is a treasure trove at the end!

Looking back on my life before NGC, I was a bit of a sloth and spent a lot of time alone. Now I get outside every day, talk to my family and have friends. Here, everyone gives me an actual objective with my learning - I have something to work towards, due dates, assessments and a lot more structure. It can be more stressful but I really appreciate the change. This school makes me feel more prepared for life and the responsibilities of being an adult.”

Since coming to our school, Lyndon has thrown himself into all his classes with gusto and his favourite subjects are Science, English and History. As a young Aboriginal man himself, he speaks passionately about learning about the resourcefulness of First Nations people and their enduring connection to Country, and marvels at the discoveries made by generations of scientists, likening it to Paul Kelly’s iconic ballad “From Little Things, Big Things Grow”.

Given his autism diagnosis (and suspected ADHD), Lyndon has also benefitted from the intensive wellbeing and social support of our Inclusive Education teacher, Jade, and the affirmative lens with which NGC views neurodiversity. He was also part of our Stage 5 Gold Class, which enabled him to take on extension work where necessary while accessing more accommodations to support his learning. Lyndon feels like NGC ‘perfectly’ balances education with recreation, combining classes with our Standing Strong program, sport, art and outdoor recreation. 

“One of my favourite parts of learning is that the teachers all have different personalities - they always bring a refreshing style to each class that never lets it get boring to me. Our Inclusive Education teacher, Jade, is also the best -  she is the most wonderful person for me to talk to. She shows me that autistic people can thrive and that I’m able to be me.

There are things I find hard, like writing, and I’m able to overcome that with ease because of support staff like Lee S. I’ve come to realise the different issues that people struggle with here and it reminds me to be grateful, humble and more understanding of everyone. I’m thankful we have Caroline (the school counsellor) supporting students when they need it.”

Another aspect of NGC that has broadened Lyndon’s worldview is our vocational education program. Since Year 9, he has sampled multiple trades via our onsite facilities. Hospitality was a firm favourite and taught him a ‘valuable life skill’. Additionally, he has been supported by our Vocational Programs Manager, Anthony, to commence a Certificate III in IT and Game Design. This is in the form of an E-VET course delivered by TAFE, which he can complete remotely at NGC. It’s wonderful to see Lyndon understanding how he could use his life-long passion for video games as a potential career path!

As he continues to develop his social skills and confidence, Lyndon is adamant that he wants to be a role model for young people, especially those who are autistic or Aboriginal. His willingness to talk with anyone and his deep empathy certainly put him in great stead to be a very perceptive leader one day!

In recognition of these attributes, Lyndon was awarded a 2024 ‘Robertson Medallion’. This was presented by local Member, Dr Gordon Reid, and is an honour for school students in the Robertson electorate who demonstrate leadership, integrity and social justice.

“Career-wise, I want to be a game designer, and maybe also work in a profession where you help others and let them know they’re not alone. My mum did that for her work. I have always found joy in making people happy and being important to someone in one way or another. Even now, I want to be someone that other kids can look up to and be motivated by. I always try to talk to new students to welcome them, just like people did for me.

I don’t think I would change the way I am - I’m happy being me and being a bit of a nerd! People will like you for who you are but unless you’re authentic, they won’t be able to find you. It’s about having an attitude of confidence - these days, I don’t look down on myself!”