Dedicated learning: High-abilities co-ordinator and science teacher George Allen and Year 8 students Cameron Sneddon, Isabella Galland and Mia Stanyer pore over a science experiment.
Photo by
Gabriel Garcia
With the school year started, dedicated Cobram Secondary College students have begun taking things to the next level thanks to the school’s new high-abilities program.
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The program, which began in 2021, is an extension of the normal curriculum and comprises lunchtime sessions open to all students in Years 7 and 8, as well as camps and workshops for high-performing students.
English teacher and high-abilities co-ordinator Emily Kirkman said the lunchtime sessions were entirely voluntary and covered a wide range of activities, including literacy, science and maths.
“We’ve got book clubs and STEM clubs, which any students can come to if they want to,” she said.
Unlike regular classes, the lunchtime courses are more student-driven, with participants able to explore their passions.
“Some students were really interested in the field of environmental science, so did a project based around that. Other students were more interested in more of the technological side of things, and were able to focus on that,” Miss Kirkman said.
Talking to high-abilities co-ordinator and science teacher George Allen, who runs the STEM club, it was clear the passion that he and his students had for science.
“We are constructing galvanic cells. We have extracted the DNA from strawberries. We’ve done work with drones,” Mr Allen said.
Year 8 student Isabella Galland said it was an eye-opening experience.
Keen learners: Mia Stanyer, Cameron Sneddon and Isabella Galland.
Photo by
Gabriel Garcia
“I really like the creative part of it because you learn more things that you wouldn't even know about if you didn't take part,” Isabella said.
Miss Kirkman said that along with the lunchtime sessions, which are open to everyone, there are opportunities for students who excel in their studies to take part in activities away from school.
“We also have things such as camps, which we select students to go on based on academic performance,” she said.
This year selected students will be able to go to Melbourne University to get a feel for life beyond school, as well as help them discern their future pathways.
College principal Kimberley Tempest said the high-ability experiences helped the students reach their best potential.
“Cobram Secondary believes that every student matters, and we give every student opportunities,” she said.
“Including opportunities for our high-ability students, who are being extended academically and offered opportunities to broaden their experiences in preparation for the future.”
Ms Tempest said the high-abilities program helped the students make crucial decisions regarding their future.
“We want our students to see a range of possibilities, including universities, before making career decisions … our high-abilities students are leaders of tomorrow,” she said.
