BSSC Year 12 student, Arden Thacker, says the mutual respect and connection students enjoy with their teachers at BSSC is different to all other schools he’s attended.

Although it might seem a small difference, he believes that being on first name basis with his teachers has a hugely positive impact.

“I’d describe the college as ‘open’ or ‘unlocked’ because we have so much flexibility about managing our time in the way that works best for us.”

Before Step Up Arden was nervous about the size of BSSC. After Step Up he was just excited to get here—especially realising how differently he would be treated.

“During Step Up I had noticed how fantastic the facilities were—especially competition vehicles.

He says being welcome to walk into his teachers’ offices pretty much anytime with a question, felt incredibly encouraging too.

“I’ve now realised that BSSC staff are interested in setting us up for adult life, but they won’t chase you up if you won’t put in some effort or ask for help.”

Arden was a school captain in Year 10, but decided to take a break from student leadership in Year 11, successfully re-nominating in 2025 to be a BSSC Student Ambassador.

“I am also on college council,” Arden says. “It’s so interesting learning about the intricacies of running a school this big. Kylie’s responsibilities are huge, and she does such a good job.”

Arden participated in a ‘round-table with the principal’ in early June. This meeting gave Student Ambassadors the opportunity to ensure student opinions are heard by college leadership.

“I guess we see and hear some ‘nitty gritty’ stuff that teachers might miss,” Arden says. “But there’s nothing I want to change about this college. I always tell people, ‘BSSC is the go’.”

He had an enlightening experience of just how supportive his teachers could be after struggling with Physics in Year 11.

“I did badly on my first SAC and realised I didn’t ‘get’ some fundamental concepts. I finally went to talk with my teacher, Matt Gill, who sat down with me one-on-one and we went over everything.

“He gave me extra sheets to work on at home. I actually felt truly cared about and by second semester I had my head around the basics.”

By this time Arden had realised he could make much better us of his study periods to give him another bonus: more free time after school.

“I always have music playing when I study, and I’ve got a really broad playlist. I tend to do textbook questions and old practice SACs. I’m planning to do prac exams this year too.”

Physics is a now a real favourite for Arden, but Competition Vehicles—giving students the opportunity to build and race human-powered competition vehicles—is his top pick.

These low-slung vehicles are essentially very sophisticated recumbent bikes, and students wanting to participate in the 24-hour challenges have to build significant physical fitness.

Road cycle training, alongside going to the gym, also provides a brilliant way to de-stress from the pressures of VCE and prepare for energy vehicle events. The recent win by BSSC at the Adelaide Festival of Pedal Prix is testimony to how seriously and well these students prepare.

Among his other commitments, Arden has a part-time job at IGA Long Gully and a small business splitting wood.

Blending physics with a passion for flying—partly funded by after-school jobs—has seen Arden gain a Recreational Pilot license/certificate and he flies a two-seater Technam P2008.

“I’ve always been fascinated by planes and loved the flight to China in Grade Six when I went on exchange with my primary school.”

Arden began gliding at Raywood and then moved to Bendigo Flying Club where Col Hokin became his instructor. He also took the opportunity to do work experience at Bendigo Aircraft Maintenance.

“My parents have raised us to grab every opportunity we can. They’re so hard-working and I’m so grateful to have such amazing parents. I’m also really grateful for my teachers and how they support my learning.”

Another BSSC-based opportunity Arden is glad he took up is the 2024 Kakadu Trip.

“The landscape was incredible. The waterfalls were so big. I caught a few barramundi. But the best part was what I learnt about Aboriginal Culture.

“I’m much more sympathetic to First Nations Culture now and I hope I can do more trips up to the Top End.”

Arden is very concerned about what’s happening Globally—in America with Donald Trump, the sense of instability about military alliances, and the war in Ukraine.

He took his responsibility as first-time voter in the recent federal election seriously, doing some research before casting his vote, and says he enjoyed being part of this democratic process.

With a long-term plan to join the Australian Navy as a Fixed & Mobile Plant Mechanic, Arden will do initial military training and then go on to complete his apprenticeship.

He likes the idea of one day working as a mechanic on a nuclear submarine.

“There is quite a history of military service in our family,” he says. “I think it will suit me because I love having schedules and working to a calendar.

“I’d tell my 12-year-old self the same thing my parents have always said: ‘Take every opportunity.’ I think I only really learnt that properly a couple of years ago.”

“I’d also tell myself to lose the side-fringe I had for years!”