KERANG has become Victoria’s pinup town for secondary education.
When named the ‘most improved rural school’ winner in The Age, Kerang Technical High School (KTHS) was described as the place where “the spark of learning is igniting”.
And with ATAR scores regularly in the 90-plus bracket there’s no doubt this overperforming school is on the right track.
Principal Dean Rogers has also confirmed KTHS is continuing its commitment to delivering outstanding educational outcomes by “fostering an environment in which all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally”.
Mr Roger said at KTHS the calm, supportive, and inclusive atmosphere has been purposefully designed to promote deep engagement in learning.
He said KTHS offers a balanced and flexible curriculum, catering to both academic and hands-on learning pathways to support diverse student interests and aspirations – as reflected in the school’s name.
“Our dedication to student growth is further enhanced by a strong wellbeing team, including an inclusion coordinator, speech pathologist, art therapist, student counsellor, and chaplain – ensuring every student is supported to reach their full potential,” Mr Rogers said.
“Kerang Technical High School proudly retains its historic name and is now the last school of its kind in Victoria,” he said.
“The name really does reflect our commitment to providing a dual educational pathway: an academic route leading to university and a technical pathway leading to apprenticeships and employment.”
Mr Rogers said the school’s academic curriculum strongly emphasises English, mathematics, science, and the humanities and that provides the cornerstone of its consistently strong VCE results – and those 90-plus scores.
He said those achievements are also a credit to the quality of the teaching staff and their ability to successfully encourage and support all students with high academic expectations.
At the same time the parallel technical wing is a hallmark of the school’s overall offering to its community.
“Our technical program offers students hands-on learning in areas such as woodwork, automotive, agriculture, engineering, welding, metalwork, and hospitality,” Mr Rogers explained.
“The combination of well-equipped facilities and passionate staff has made the technical wing a vital component of both the school and the broader community,” he said.
KTHS has also been undergoing significant refurbishment to enhance its learning spaces – in the past few years its historic red brick building and library have been modernised, and a new, purpose-built food technology facility has been added to support the school’s hospitality programs.
Students at KTHS also benefit from access to industry-standard equipment, with the latest additions including a 15-tonne metal guillotine and a CNC plasma cutter capable of slicing through 10mm steel.
Mr Rogers said in the agricultural domain, the school’s innovative, solar-powered chicken coop introduces Year 8 students to animal husbandry and is complemented by the KTHS ‘iFarm’ – a self-sufficient greenhouse powered by solar and wind energy, and one of only 50 of its kind in Australia.
“The school also proudly hosts the KTHS Agricultural Expo every two years, showcasing student learning and industry engagement,” Mr Rogers added.
“We value the opportunity for every student to thrive within a framework built on our school’s core values of respect, responsibility, and resilience, a commitment which is the result of extensive consultation with students, families, staff, and the broader community,” he said.
“Right now we are implementing a school-wide positive behaviour program aimed at promoting student voice, agency, and citizenship.
“Through this values-based approach, students develop essential life skills which extend well beyond the classroom and from which they will benefit in the years ahead.
“Our students also have opportunities to engage in meaningful community service and career development activities, such as a group recently supporting BlazeAid in rebuilding fences in fire-affected areas of the Grampians.
“Students can also gain valuable employability skills by completing certificates in responsible service of alcohol (RSA) and barista training.”
Mr Rogers said underpinning the academic emphasis is a range of student wellbeing services to support learning and development.
He said at KTHS the doctors in schools program provides access to a nurse one day per week and they have also introduced an art therapist to assist students in addressing mental health challenges through creative expression.
Additionally, a school chaplain supports students three days a week, contributing to a nurturing and inclusive environment.
“A key area to improving educational outcomes for all students is that inclusive program, through which they are assessed to determine their level and an individualised program with goals is developed in partnership with the teachers, students and parents,” Mr Roger said.
“This is monitored on a quarterly basis and adjustments made if required,” he added.
“Kerang Technical High School is a welcoming and dynamic community, and we encourage prospective families to visit and see firsthand the opportunities we offer.”
To arrange a school tour, call 5452 1062 and can follow the school’s journey and achievements on the Kerang Technical High School Facebook page.
