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| 3 Jun 2024 | |
| Written by Lucinda Gray | |
| Alumni |
“If you send your child to Grammar, they will be the best version of themselves.”
School was not necessarily an easy run for Bella Sykes, but thanks to the caring staff and amazing opportunities at Newcastle Grammar School, she is thriving.
After attending other schools, Bella joined NGS and made the most of the sporting and performance culture. She was a part of the student leadership team and studied a variety of subjects including Advanced English, Legal Studies, Drama and PDHPE. She recalls the Year 10 production of Thoroughly Modern Millie with fondness, was a lead in the 2019 production of High School Musical and topped off her Year 12 results with an OnStage nomination as recognition of her HSC Drama result in the top 1.5% in NSW.
Bella credits three staff in particular, Mrs Wood, Mrs Anderson and Ms Pleming, for having the faith and hope in her that she could not see at the time, which has led her to a future she couldn’t imagine whilst at school.
Bella is studying a Bachelor of Secondary Teaching, majoring in Drama and PDHPE and looks forward to inspiring other young people in future. At the same time, her theatre experience continues to blossom, having recently co-directed Girls Like That, performed at Civic Theatre’s Playhouse, alongside The Very Popular Theatre Company’s Daniel Stoddardt.
Bella was drawn to the script upon first reading – it features six young women who are school students and deals with the complexities of womanhood in a society embracing emerging technologies.
A group of current NGS Drama students enjoyed the production recently and engaged in a lively Q & A time following.
Bella says, “NGS set me up in the best way for my future and I was well-equipped for university. NGS gives students the skills to thrive beyond the classroom.
Her advice to current students is, “to use the resources provided like the homework centre and help from teachers. Listen to them – they know what they’re doing! Say yes to every opportunity possible – these opportunities open doors. And finally, don’t give up – just keep going.”
Bella says that being sent to NGS was a big sacrifice for her family. “There is a stereotype in the community about the school that is wrong. Your child will become the best version of themselves.”
Congratulations Bella – we wish you continued success in your study, teaching career and theatre work.