Treasure Aratema

Treasure credits Darwin High School for the opportunity to explore her shared love of art and her interest in Science.

My favourite subject was actually Human Biology (for an art student that’s weird, I know). It is definitely true that in the scheme of year 12 all subjects are not created equally and some are much more demanding than others. When you can find genuine interest for both the subject and your teacher, a perfect pairing is made and for me that was found in learning about how intricate the body is.

One of my fondest memories from Darwin High School was completing my final Visual Art Product. My boyfriend and I painted a massive mural on the walls at the school and it took a full two weeks of work. Every day we would have staff members and students approaching us to talk about how bright it made the area and how happy it made them. The sense of community and creation within those weeks was some of the strongest I have experienced. Treasure Aratema

Aspiring Artist with a Love of Science

A certificate of merit means that Treasure was in the top two percent of the cohort and represents a significant achievement in the subject. Treasure graduated in 2017 as a Top 20 Year 12 student, with an ATAR above 90 and an A+ in Creative Arts, Visual Arts - Design. 

The most challenging part of year 12 is the amount of focus and commitment needed. The final year of school is comparable to marathon. You start strong with good intentions and as time continues more challenges arise, that you are forced to overcome both emotionally and physically. In the end it is worth every moment but you’re exhausted!

Since graduating Treasure has received invitations from Parliament House and the Darwin Museum to have her art displayed.

Once you leave year 12, life becomes endless opportunities. I’m currently taking a gap year to not only prepare for university in 2019 but travel as much as possible. I’ll be pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts whilst illustrating for both personal and commercial works. Darwin High school helped me to prepare for this by providing me with a never ending work ethic. There’s always art to be made and things to be done. Learning never ends.