This year life will be dominated by three things for BSSC Year 12 student, Marcus Baldwin: completing his VCE, continuing to develop himself as a musician, and extending his form and fitness as a cyclist.
Cycling provides both a balance and a benefit, keeping his brain and his body in great condition and giving him a genuine break from his academic and musical pursuits.
Marcus has only been cycling seriously since 2020 when he says he was “bored stupid” during one of the lockdowns.
“I headed out into the bush on my mountain bike and then, as life began to return to normal in 2021, I joined Bendigo’s J-Cycle club and was coached by Noel Sens.
Noel impressed Marcus with his leadership and commitment, and Marcus says he’s not sure he would still be racing if it wasn’t for the practical support, coaching and guidance Noel gave.
“The support was insane. The club lent me a bike and other gear I needed, and guided me as I began to buy my own bikes. Hampton Giant Team was looking for new members and I’m now competing at national levels.”
With regard to school, Marcus is studying VET Music Performance, Music Inquiry, Theatre Studies, History – Revolutions, and English.
Alongside this, he has also included external music lessons into his college schedule—something available through the Bendigo Instrumental Music Program (BIMP) for students in all government secondary schools across Bendigo. Marcus works with accomplished percussionist, Gavan Moncrieff.
Guitar was the first instrument Marcus began with in Grade 1. Then, in Grade 3, a friend said he should try drumming. As soon as did, he knew this was ‘it’.
“A future career in either music or cycling would make me very happy and proud of myself,” he says.
Marcus was pretty relaxed about coming to BSSC because his sister had been to the college and a family friend described senior as the “best time” of their schooling.
Having been a leader at primary and secondary schools through student representative councils (SRC), he decided to put his hand up to become a BSSC Year 11 Ambassador and was successful with his nomination—describing the program as, “another unique experience this school offers”.
Like his sister, Marcus is enjoying BSSC and says the vibe at the college is really nice. He chooses the word ‘happy’ to describe the college, because he’s found it hard to have a bad day at BSSC.
“I’ve had unreal guidance from teachers who are dedicated and passionate, and seem so engaged with our learning—teachers who have taken the time to understand what I’m aiming for. So good!
Marcus says his music teachers, Ash and Jacqui—both high-level musicians themselves—are very open and chilled while being aware how important studies in music are to their students.
“Ash has supported our band, ‘The Chans’, helping us to use the college’s recording equipment—something that would be expensive and difficult to access outside the college.”
While all his subjects are favourites, VET Music gives Marcus hands-on experience and is the highlight of his day. He believes studying music here has dramatically lifted his performance.
He’s also matured as a person.
“At my 7-10 college I was a fairly reserved person. Here, I feel like I have branched out and built my confidence that I won’t be judged or pressured to do things a certain way. It’s made me happier and I want to come to school every day. I’ve also got lots of great friends at BSSC.
“I could not NOT recommend this college.”
Study techniques can have a big impact on results and Marcus’ approach is to be organised—setting aside the time it will take to complete something and completing it in that time—so he’s not rushed because of a looming deadline.
“I’d say, ‘buckle down, get it done and do it properly’. My favourite place to complete homework and study is the top of C-Block. Great natural light up there.”
Managing stress—especially around SACs and exams—is about balance for Marcus.
“I deal with it by taking time out. My cycling pursuits are part of managing stress, and listening to music helps block worrying thoughts and tension.
“I know it can be hard to do, but it’s important to try not to stress.”
Asked to nominate other important influences on his life, Marcus says his grandfather’s influence has “been huge”.
“He’s one of those people who has always kept learning and teaching. Emigrating from the Netherlands after the Second World War, he worked on the towers for whatever Telstra was called back then.
“He also built their home in bushland with his own hands, and it survived a major bushfire when I was little.”
When Marcus was eight, the whole family travelled back to the Netherlands to visit the original family home to celebrate his grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary.
“We also travelled through Europe, and I remember having my ninth birthday in Rome.
“I’m very grateful for the experiences and opportunities I’ve had, and make sure I keep reminding myself how fortunate I’ve been.
“I’m aware how volatile everything across the world seems to be at the moment and know with the click of a finger, everything might change.”
If Marcus could go back to talk with himself when he was in Year 7, he says he’d tell himself not to sweat the small stuff.
“Stay focused. Don’t worry about trivial criticisms, and get things done even if you don’t feel like it.”
