HISTORY was made at Kerang Christian College on Thursday when the first ever Year 12 cohort commenced study.
The college has added one new year level annually since 2011, after operating as a primary school from 1983 to 2010.
College principal, Michael Bond said that momentous decision to transition from a primary to a P-12 college had been driven by members of the school community.
“Particularly those who are passionate about Christian education and a number of families looking for an alternative secondary option in the local community,” he said.
“It had strong support from the board, which has been right behind the concept throughout that expansion.”
Mr Bond said the progressive expansion model had allowed the construction of infrastructure to keep pace with increasing enrolment.
“Introducing one year level per year allowed us to build infrastructure to go with it and during that time quite a few new buildings have gone up – including the library complex and stage one and two of the secondary school classroom wing,” he said.
“A key success factor has been recruiting highly qualified staff, particularly in the VCE area, so even though this is the first time we’ve offered Year 12, a number of our teachers have taught in their subject areas for five to 10 years, which gives the students and parents confidence.
“As a school community it’s all in God’s provision in terms of the timing and having families that are supportive of it and finding staff.”
Mr Bond said credit must go to the Year 12s – including four students who have been at the college since prep – for the faith they had shown.
“They have certainly had trust in us as a team of staff and as a board that we would offer good options and that we would do the right thing by them and offer something that is reflective of 21st century learning,” he said.
“There have been many special things for them along the way – they’ve been the first to receive particular academic awards and they’ve been the first to step into leadership roles.”
Mr Bond said the college now had three main entry points, with some students joining at prep, others making the transition at year seven and some joining before the commencement of VCE at year 10.
“There’s been a steady amount of interest throughout the expansion and we have students from Boort, Quambatook, Cohuna, Barham, Kangaroo Lake and Lake Charm,” he said.
