Biggest year 7 intake for Beechworth Secondary College in a decade

An excited Charlotte Wilson embarking on her secondary schooling this year was among the biggest year 7 intake for Beechworth Secondary College in a decade. Charlotte who attended Yackandandah Primary School last year is getting to know many new students from other schools and making new friendships. “Everyone has been really supportive, and the teachers are too,” she said. “I'm looking forward to a lot of carnivals, like athletics and swimming and lots of opportunities at the college. “There are a lot of new ones [opportunities] like woodwork, metal work, and STEM [an integrated learning approach to science, technology, engineering and mathematics]." Elated college principal Patricia Broom said the year 7 intake had been the best since she joined the school 10 years ago. An additional class added last year has been increased by another one this year with now four Year 7 classes to cater for 89 students. Ms Broom said new teachers have been engaged to cater for the increase. The school student population has grown to more than 340 students – a significant increase from around 300 last year. Ms Broom attributed growth to hard work as well as college improvements such as state-of-the art facilities. “We've earned the trust of the community, local schools and we have our improved facilities,” she said. “We also have changed and improved what we do, how and what we teach and have an amazing dynamic group of teachers who are working incredibly collaboratively.” Ms Broom said an annual survey undertaken by the Victorian Education Departments shows the college is above average across the state. “We know things are working, it's a continuous improvement, and our performance data shows that we're a high performing school,” she said. “Parents are excited by what they hear at our information sessions such as the one held for year 7s at the end of last year. “We have some students who are shifting here from other schools as well." Ms Broom said the majority of students hail from Yackandandah and Beechworth primary schools with some from Montessori, St Joseph's and Wooragee Primary School as well as a few students from Chiltern. Ms Broom said the French language program remained strong with agriculture science a popular subject with the growth of STEM classes. Among a variety of study options for students, an exciting new subject is Esports - online sports video gaming with inter school competitions. Another is a vocational education training (VET) course in aviation (drone pilot) mainly undertaken online without the need to attend TAFE. Ms Broom said the college with plenty of space will be hosting practical sessions for students from other schools due to their flight path restrictions. The principal said when the new building to house hospitality and classrooms is completed, the college will also be able to host cookery. As the school continues to grow Ms Broom said the future is exciting Year 7 student Ella Fewster said being part of a smaller secondary school, teachers get to know the students. “They know what you're like and are able to adjust learning to your needs,” she said.

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