FUTURE GENERATION
STANDOUT ACG PARNELL COLLEGE STUDENT NAMED TOP IN NEW ZEALAND When it comes to exceptional students, ACG Parnell College’s Rangimarie (Mari) Puttick is a force to be reckoned with. The dedicated 16-year-old has not only topped her year level for the past three years, but in the 2020 Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards she was also named the top IGCSE student in the country. Plus, she received top in New Zealand honours for IGCSE English, Spanish and English literature. Mari is certainly making her mark as a phenomenal academic talent, but despite her outstanding success, the teen remains remarkably humble and grounded. “I was very surprised about my results, especially after 2020 was such a challenging year for everyone,” says Mari. “I hoped that I had done well, but I had no idea that I had achieved so highly. I was particularly pleased and surprised with my English result because all year our teachers had warned us that it was a demanding and intricate set of skills that would be examined. “I found the English course particularly interesting because it really demonstrates the incredible power of words and all they are capable of.” Although Mari studied consistently throughout the year, she says she didn’t find the workload overwhelming or all-consuming, thanks to the formidable study skills she has developed at ACG Parnell College. “I focused on studying effectively rather than for long periods of time. I think that this helped me keep a really good life-work balance, and when I look back on last year the studying aspects are well balanced with the socialising, card playing, reading, music and sport that I did.” While excellent academic results are a priority, Mari sets great store on pursuits outside of the classroom. She’s been a member of the school’s netball A team for the past four years, used to swim competitively, has been in the school production and the debating team, competed in Mathex twice and co-founded the Christian Union. She also has a diploma in piano and is currently working towards her Grade 8 organ qualification. A student at ACG Parnell College since Year 8, Mari believes the support and opportunities the school has provided have empowered her success. “The wonderful thing about ACG is that as well as having amazing teachers who encourage you to challenge your limits, as a student I always feel that if I have any questions or worries, there’s always someone to go to. I love studying at ACG because of the wonderful academic opportunities offered, and the support given to all students.” parnellcollege.acgedu.com
58 PONSONBY NEWS+ April 2021
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)
