For Mosman High School student Jett Thompson, numbers have always just clicked.

Despite being legally blind, the Year 12 student has thrived throughout his schooling, named dux for 2025, thanks to his remarkable determination and the unwavering support of the dedicated team around him.

While most students will sit their HSC Mathematics Extension 2 exam over three hours, Jett will spend seven hours in the exam room. His paper is entirely in braille, and his calculator speaks aloud as he works through complex equations in his head.

“There’s no ambiguity in maths,” Jett said. “It just makes sense to me. I can imagine the equation in my mind’s eye and solve it by moving things around in that space.”

Jett lost his sight suddenly at eight years old due to a brain tumour, and his life changed overnight. However, Jett didn’t let this stop him and he quickly found new focus through learning.

“School really became more important,” he said. “I wanted to prove to myself that I could still do things; that I wasn’t defined by my vision.”

Behind him all the way, providing endless encouragement and practical support, are staff from Mosman High School and the department’s Vision Support Team.

Margaret Allan, Jett’s long-time Vision Support Teacher, has worked alongside him for many years.

“The early days were very challenging, but his determination is extraordinary. Learning braille can be a brick wall, but he pushed through, and it’s opened the world for him,” Ms Allan said.

Jett’s maths teacher, Callum Johnson, has also been a driving force. Sharing Jett’s passion and aptitude for mathematics, Johnson learnt braille himself to truly understand how Jett reads, writes and interprets complex material.

Supporting them are Learning Support Officers, Gayle Humphries and Shona Malm, who also learnt braille to help Jett access materials and complete his studies.

A network of department transcribers, including Annette Sutherland, produced the mountain of braille required for Jett’s HSC exams — from chemistry diagrams to intricate maths papers. Their tireless work ensures students like Jett can participate fully and independently in their learning.

Mosman High principal Susan Wyatt said Jett’s achievements reflected not only his resilience but the dedication of those around him.

“This has been a whole-school effort. His teachers, support staff and the department’s vision team have worked hand-in-hand to make sure Jett can reach his potential,” Ms Wyatt said.

Jett’s academic success extends well beyond mathematics. He also studies English Advanced, Chemistry, and Software Engineering.

He’s also contributed to improving accessibility for others, creating a braille version of the HSC chemistry data set that was later adopted by NESA so future vision-impaired students could use it.

Now dux of his school, Jett hopes his journey shows other students that success is always within reach.

“Having a disability definitely makes it harder, but it shouldn’t stop you,” he said.