Student showcase

Max Biggs

My name is Max Biggs, and I am a year 12 student currently studying at Scots College in Wellington on a scholarship. Last year I passed NCEA level One Physics, Biology, Chemistry, History, English and Level Two Maths with 124 Excellence credits.  My life at the moment is a juggling act between my two passions; science and running. I also enjoy surfing, snorkelling and wakeboarding in my spare time.

I am a committed athlete, training 5-6 times a week. My highest athletic achievement to date is being selected as a reserve for the New Zealand schools cross-country team to compete in the ISF 2008 World Cross-Country Championships in the Czech Republic.

Last year I had a good year at school, coming first academically in my year group at school, receiving the ANZ general excellence award and PSB Brown Memorial Cup for achieving a very high academic standard and showing commitment and determination. A  particular highlight for me was getting my short story published in the book Re Draft 2008-The Polar Bear Ward (a national collection of work from young writer), as I proved to myself that I can in fact use the creative left hand side of my brain!

I have always had an interest in astronomy, and I attended the New Zealand space camp run by Carter Observatory. It was a great experience, and I learnt many fascinating facts and concepts. Then later in the year, I went to the 2007 Australian International Space School with the help of the Royal Society.

During AISS, we visited many places of astronomical and scientific interest as well as enjoying Sydney’s tourist attractions. We also visited many fascinating observatories, where we did a little observing (it was often cloudy), saw many planetarium shows and looked through the oldest telescope in the southern hemisphere. Another great feature of the trip was that we got to meet so many inspiring people who were passionate and dedicated to science, whose passion hopefully rubbed of on us!

So, what does the future hold? Although I am passionate about science, at this stage, I am not entirely where or what I will study. At this stage I am exploring different avenues in science and keeping my options open, looking out for any opportunities that I may come across.

I would like to thank the Royal Society of New Zealand, for generously selecting me to attend The Australian International Space School and kindly providing with travel assistance funding. The experience that they provided me with was exceptionally valuable and I will no doubt remember it and use the knowledge I acquired for many years to come.