09 Feb 2023
Mark Batterham returned to QHS to visit his former teachers today.
The 2022 graduate is undertaking a Mechatronics Engineering Degree over 4 years at the University of Newcastle.
Having completed his first year of study – with and outstanding, 6 High Distinctions and 2 Distinctions, Mark said he’s looking forward to heading into his second year of university study.
“It’s been great to head to uni with my friends and former QHS peers, Thomas Boorer (undertaking Aerospace Engineering) and James Redgrove (undertaking Secondary Teaching). As we are sitting some of the same subjects and are able proof one another’s work and support one another with our study,” said Mark, pictured with his former teacher and current QHS Head Teacher Mathematics, Mrs Robertson.
“The maths we studied at QHS proved a really strong foundation for the maths we are studying at university, so I’m very grateful to Mrs Robertson for that,” said Mark, who added he’s also enjoying the Newcastle University Rocketry Club – where he constructed a model rocket capable of going 3kms high (pictured with his father, Rodney Batterham).
Mark, who previously attended the National Youth Science Forum (along with Thomas Boorer) – supported by the Quirindi Rotary Club – said many of his new friends he first met at the forum.
“It was less daunting as we knew other students from past experiences offered through QHS, so I’m grateful to the school for that also.”
This year Mark will live off campus and is looking forward to his next year of learning.
“My HSC Coach at QHS, Mr Harries was really helpful in the study skills and time-management skills he gave. The best advice he gave me was to plan my assessments and tests according to both their deadline and the weight of marks they carry. If it looked like my study or assessment schedule was too full at uni, I would complete assessments before the deadlines to allow me time to work on other assessments,” added Mark who encouraged all students to take advantage of the many opportunities offered at QHS, especially the support by QHS HSC Coaches.
“QHS definitely gave me the educational, social and life skills I needed follow my goals,” said Mark, who added that an Armed Forces workshop he attended at QHS has also stood him in good stead as he plans for his future.
Thank you for coming to visit us Mark, it was terrific to see you so happy and focussed on your future and we truly appreciate you sharing your gratitude for your teachers and the school for the many opportunities and skills given.
You’ve embraced the opportunities and applied yourself to your learning and the entire QHS community wish you all the best with your future and also pass on our best to Thomas and James and all 2022 cohort peers.