The Year 11 students from St Mary’s College have both been accepted into summer schools, which will run in January ahead of the school term.

Robert will head to the University of Sydney for 10 days at the National Computer Science School to participate in an intensive course of computer programming.

“I chose programming because it’s sort of the stream of work I want to go into, so this gives me a feel of what university would be like if I chose to do that,” he said.

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The teen is particularly interested in pursuing cyber security when he finishes school in 2019.

“I feel that there’s a large domain for cyber security; it’s a niche market,” he said.

“There’s definitely a need for cyber security and even more in the future.”

Robert said he was looking forward to meeting other Year 11 and 12 students from around Australia.

“It will be an awesome experience,” he said.

Fellow student Angus Taylor will also head out of town to Brisbane where he will spend 12 days at the University of Queensland as part of National Youth Science Forum’s Year 12 program.

The 12-day program gives students a taste of study and career options in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Angus will focus on mechanical engineering and his days will be filled with lectures, group activities and field excursions.

The youth would like to study aeronautical engineering after he finishes Year 12.

“I love planes. I’ve loved planes since I was about six and I got a toy plane,” Angus said.

Angus’ fascination with planes grew through his family’s connection with the Kennedys who are well-known in Gunnedah for their long-running aerial business. Angus also explored his interest through work experience at Statewide Aviation at Moree where he worked on air tractors.

A friend of Angus’ mother suggested that he apply to the National Youth Science Forum and after looking into it, he applied in the eleventh hour.

Angus went through a rigorous interview process with Rotary and after he was accepted, met with other successful applicants at a governor’s reception in August.

“It was amazing,” Angus said.

“It just changes your whole perspective.”

Suzanne Feodoroff teaches both Angus and Robert and encourages them to explore their interests.

“It’s a great opportunity for these guys,” she said.

“I’m really proud of them.”