General News
2 December, 2021
Oliver thriving at city school
MORTLAKE teenager Oliver Martin has thrived after receiving a scholarship to the prestigious Melbourne Grammar School, and has been elected to next year stand among the school’s student leaders.
MORTLAKE teenager Oliver Martin has thrived after receiving a scholarship to the prestigious Melbourne Grammar School, and has been elected to next year stand among the school’s student leaders.
Oliver made the switch in 2019 after being awarded the Winter-Irving-Crawford Scholarship, which was created through the will of alumni Gavin Crawford OM to fund the boarding and tuition fees of students from regional Victoria to help create a diverse student body from all walks of life.
Oliver said he had originally heard rave reviews of the school from a friend and began diligently researching his options.
“A friend had left for Melbourne Grammar in 2018 and he was telling me how good it was and how much he was enjoying it,” he said.
“I thought I should at least see my options and see if I could make my way over. I went through the process of looking through the school website, seeing how I could get in and looking at scholarships and application processes.
“From there, I scored an entrance exam and was lucky enough to gain an interview with then-headmaster Roy Kelley and I was offered the scholarship.
“My family and I were very happy and I made the change in 2019.”
Oliver said his parents were initially shocked he was looking at moving to a Melbourne school, but were excited and supportive to see their son taking his education into his own hands.
“I think they were mainly intrigued to see how it worked and what I would do to get there,” he said.
“Mum knew there was a connection with my friend so she was excited for the opportunity.”
The Winter-Irving-Crawford scholarship opened a door for Oliver which otherwise would have remained locked.
The school is considered to be among Melbourne’s finest, and tuition fees reflect the distinction.
“It was a great opportunity which has helped to boost my confidence in recognising my abilities,” Oliver said.
“As soon as the opportunity presented itself, I was in awe. I was star struck.”
Seizing the opportunity to its fullest was a process for Oliver. He initially kept his circle small and was less willing to put himself out there, but with time began to form connections with his peers and capitalise on the school’s range of programs.
“As time went on, I thought it was better to be more social and get to know these Melbourne boys who have grown up differently to me, and that was an awesome experience,” Oliver said.
“At first I feel I didn’t fully understand the opportunity in front of me and I didn’t take advantage.
“But I started to realise there are so many opportunities within the school once you get your foot in the door. You can do community service, engage multiple overseas programs, and you can go on camps and excursions.
“That made me cherish what was happening and how special it is at the school. It has probably been the best experience of my life.”
Pushing through the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns proved beneficial for Oliver.
He credited a strong support network with helping to maintain his motivation and maintain effort.
The work ethic and willingness to get involved did not go unnoticed by his peers, with Oliver being elected as school vice-captain next year as he begins Year 12.
He said it was a point of pride to be selected as school vice captain in a process which was largely determined based on the votes of his peers and senior teachers.
“It is an amazing feeling, especially seeing as I didn’t feel as connected as I would be with my peers in Year 9,” Oliver said.
“Knowing they perceive me in that light and that I can lead them as a cohort is almost strange but it is really an amazing feeling.”
Oliver said the experience has helped him grow both academically and as a person, and encouraged anyone who is considering opportunities before them to take the leap of faith.
“Go for it,” he said.
“Throw everything you have in your arsenal towards it if it’s something you want to commit to or want to be a part of.”
