Abbey Wilson, Year 9 student at PLC Sydney in Croydon, credits co-curricular opportunities as one of the main reasons she wanted to come to Sydney to study. An all-rounder Boarding bursary student, Abbey comes from Jindabyne in NSW and is also a talented young snowboarder who has been identified by NSW Snowboard as an emerging athlete, having gained second place in both the Australian National Championships (u/15) and NSW State Interschools Snowboard events when they were last held in 2019.
Scholarships assist emerging rural athletes
‘Boarding bursary and scholarship recipients are hard-working and talented students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to study at the College,’ said PLC Sydney Principal, Dr Paul Burgis. ‘But we are not only interested in their academic and co-curricular achievements, we also want to gauge their social and emotional learning skills and their participation within the school community. It’s very important to us that there is a mutual ‘fit’ between the student, their family and the school. We really seek to ensure that PLC Sydney is the right school to unlock the full potential of our boarding bursary and scholarship students.’
Emerging athletes, like Abbey, who dream of pursuing sport at an elite level can potentially begin their journey within the school’s Talented Individual Performer) (TIP) Program.
The TIP Program support young elite athletes to succeed in both their academic and sporting goals, providing them with the knowledge, skills and the portfolio of achievements they need to pursue both a tertiary pathway and sport at the highest level.
Dr Paul Burgis, Principal
‘My Boarding experience has been great’ said Abbey. Aside from academic support and the the choices available within the curriculum (I do Japanese, Design and Technology and Sports Science), one of the best things about PLC Sydney is the incredible co-curricular opportunities. I’m learning the piano, I’m a member of the Rowing team and I’m also doing by Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. I’m not just going to school to learn, I’m improving my interpersonal, leadership and critical thinking skills. I’ve definitely gained more confidence.’
PLC Sydney PDHPE and SnowSports Coordinator, Mel Johnston said, ‘Abbey is incredibly dedicated to her training and has a strong, focused and positive mindset, with both the TIP and Winter School Programs providing her support. I am sure she will achieve anything she sets her mind to.’
In November 2021, Abbey was also one of only 6 recipients to receive the 2021 Emerging Talent Athlete (ETP) Award as part of the Community Sport Awards from Snow Australia, for Snowboard Cross. The award recognises Snow Australia ETP athletes who have achieved both outstanding results at an international, national and/or state level and maintained a high level of focus, dedication, and commitment towards training and personal improvement.
As for Abbey, she has set her sights on the 2024 Youth Olympics and then the World Cup and OWIA (Olympic Winter Institute of Australia) Snowboard Cross Team. Go Abbey - we wish you well!