Broadford Secondary College

Last updated

Broadford Secondary College
Broadford-secondary-college-1.png
The Literacy Centre of Broadford Secondary College
Location
Broadford Secondary College
2-12 Pinniger St, Broadford, VIC, Australia

Broadford
,
Victoria
,
3658

Australia
Coordinates 37°12′17.3″S145°02′22.2″E / 37.204806°S 145.039500°E / -37.204806; 145.039500
Information
Former namesBroadford Higher Elementary School
Broadford High School
School type Public, co-educational, secondary, day school
MottoAspire, Strive, Achieve
Establishedc. 1962
PrincipalTania Pearson [1]
Assistant PrincipalMark Boland
Assistant PrincipalCathy Coppinger
Assistant PrincipalMatthew Willison
Years7–12
Enrolment~729 [2]
Houses  Hickey
  Ridley
  Fraser
  Piper
Color(s)Green, Gold.
Website www.broadfordsc.vic.edu.au
Last updated: 12/01/2025

Broadford Secondary College is a public, co-educational secondary school situated in the town of Broadford, within the Mitchell Shire, Victoria. As of 2024, the school has an enrolment of over 800 students. [3]

Contents

History

Foundation and Early Years

Broadford Secondary College was established in 1960 as the Broadford Higher Elementary School, operating out of the Broadford Masonic Hall. [4] The school catered to students in the region who previously had limited access to secondary education. In 1962, the school moved to its current site on Pinniger Street and was renamed Broadford High School. The larger site allowed for the expansion of facilities and an increase in enrolments, solidifying its role as the primary secondary education provider in the area. During the statewide education reforms in the mid-1990s, the school underwent a name change to Broadford Secondary College, reflecting its commitment to delivering a comprehensive secondary education program.

Throughout its history, Broadford Secondary College has maintained strong community ties. During significant community initiatives and events, the school has often served as a hub for activities. Local events, such as restoration projects in collaboration with the Broadford Men's Shed and the Broadford and District Historical Society. [5]

Educational Innovation and Global Partnerships

Broadford Secondary College was an early leader in global education initiatives. The school was a founding participant in the G.A.T.E.S (Global Access to Educational Sources) program, which fostered international collaboration with schools in Canada and the United States. [6] In 1992, 22 students from the college travelled to Canada and the USA to meet with their G.A.T.E.S peers. [6]

According to records from the Australian Parliamentary Library, the college’s initiatives were recognised for their contribution to educational innovation and digital literacy. [7]

Broadford Secondary College was one of, if not the first in Victoria to connect to the internet. [6] [7] This milestone was achieved as part of its early involvement in the International Education and Resource Network (iEARN) during the 1990s, an initiative aimed at fostering global collaboration among students and educators. [8] The school’s adoption of internet access reflected a forward-thinking approach to education, embracing digital technology at a time when it was still emerging in classrooms across Australia.

The school also established a long-standing partnership with Katsuta High School in Japan, which continues to facilitate cultural exchange and language learning. [6]

Sporting Achievements and Facilities

Sports have long played an integral role in student life at Broadford Secondary College. The school has encouraged student participation in various sporting activities and has hosted events at the College which includes an oval, and a Sport Pavillion. [9] Broadford Secondary College students have participated in regional competitions, fostering both school spirit and individual athletic development. The school’s sports programs aim to develop teamwork, resilience, and leadership skills in students. [10]

In 2017, Broadford Secondary College's soccer facilities received a significant enhancement with the installation of new lighting on the soccer pitch. [11] This $121,275 upgrade was funded through the Victorian Government's Shared Facilities Fund, aimed at improving amenities in growing areas. [11] The project was a collaborative effort between Mitchell Shire Council and Broadford Secondary College, designed to extend the usability of the soccer pitch into the evening hours, thereby accommodating night training sessions and opening possibilities for night competitions. This development was particularly timely, aligning with a 53% increase in participation at the Mitchell Rangers Soccer Club from 2010 to 2016. [11] The enhanced facilities have been instrumental in supporting the school's sports programs and the broader community's engagement in soccer.

Recent Developments

Broadford Secondary College celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2022, marking six decades of service to the community. [4] The celebrations included the unveiling of a new school logo that symbolises both tradition and growth, with its design featuring a gum leaf above the school’s house colours. [4] The event brought together past and present students, staff, and community members to reflect on the school’s enduring legacy and ongoing commitment to excellence in education.

The College's 60-year reunion was honoured as the Community Event of the Year by the Mitchell Shire Council. [12] The event brought together numerous past staff and students, featuring detailed displays of the school's history, including sports memorabilia, class photos, and academic achievements, allowing visitors to explore and relive the college's past. [13]

Student Engagement and Projects

Projects

Broadford Secondary College Mural Project

In 2021, Broadford Secondary College unveiled a large mural painted by two senior students as part of a school-based art initiative. [14] The mural, prominently displayed on the school grounds, features bold designs and symbolic imagery reflecting the school's core values and connection to the local environment. The project was supported by the school's leadership team and the art department to encourage student creativity and ownership of communal spaces. The mural has since become a visual representation of the students' contributions to the school community and a symbol of school pride.

Primary School Reading Program

In 2022, Broadford Secondary College's Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) students initiated a reading program for local primary school students. [15] As part of their applied learning curriculum, the VCAL students hosted weekly reading sessions designed to improve literacy skills and foster a love of reading among younger children. The program featured interactive storytelling, reading comprehension activities, and opportunities for primary school students to engage with their older mentors. This initiative not only supported literacy development but also strengthened ties between the secondary college and local primary schools.

Student Diversity

In 2023, Broadford Secondary College held a Diversity Week aimed at celebrating and promoting cultural understanding within the school community. [16] The week featured activities such as a cultural dress day and an international food day, where students and staff shared meals that reflected their cultural heritage. The initiative was led by students who organised events to highlight the multicultural backgrounds represented at the school. The celebration concluded with a Harmony Day assembly that included student speeches and performances, reinforcing messages of inclusion and respect. The event demonstrated the school’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Author in the Library Series

In 2022, Broadford Secondary College hosted two prominent author visits as part of its "Author in the Library" series, aimed at fostering student engagement with literature and storytelling. [17] [18]

The first presentation featured teacher and author Glendon Hickson, who discussed his book Hold Your Tongue: and Other Weird Stories. [17] He shared how he adapted his stories for classroom use to teach narrative structure and descriptive writing.

In September, children’s author Felice Arena visited to discuss his historical novel The Unstoppable Flying Flanagan, set during World War II and inspired by women’s football matches held to raise funds for troops. [18] Arena's session included historical artefacts and videos related to his research. He also signed copies of his popular Specky Magee series and encouraged students to explore storytelling in their everyday lives.

Academics

Broadford Secondary College offers a broad curriculum aligned with the Victorian Curriculum, encompassing core subjects and a wide range of electives designed to support student development. In the senior years, students have the option to pursue the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM), providing pathways tailored to both academic and vocational goals. [19]

Members of junior school will be enrolled in every available course over their first years, letting them have an understanding of what they want to study in years 11 and 12.

Some of the VCE studies offered by the college: [19]

Broadford Secondary College has demonstrated commendable academic achievements in recent years.

In 2022, the school's Dux, Oliver McKinlay, attained an ATAR of 92.25, with 94% of students receiving tertiary education offers in the first round. [20] In 2023, Erin Edwards achieved the position of Dux with an ATAR of 88.8, and several students obtained study scores of 40 or above. [21] In 2024, Vice Captain Dominik McKinlay was named Dux with an ATAR of 91.15, aspiring to pursue biomedical science at La Trobe University. [22]

School Structure

Sub-Schools

Broadford Secondary College has implemented a sub-school organisational structure designed to provide targeted support for students across their secondary education journey. [23] This structure fosters a stronger sense of community and belonging, ensuring that students receive age-appropriate guidance and support.

From 2025, the college is divided into three distinct sub-schools:

Each sub-school is overseen by a dedicated leadership team, including a Sub-School Leader, Year Level Coordinators, and Learning Specialist Staff. This structure enables tailored support for students' academic, emotional, and social development.

Advocacy Program [24]

The advocacy program is a key component of the junior sub-school, designed to provide each student with a trusted staff advocate who supports their academic, social, and emotional wellbeing. Advocates meet regularly with their assigned students to monitor progress, set goals, and provide personalised support. This program ensures that every student has a dedicated mentor who can guide them through challenges, celebrate achievements, and strengthen their connection to the school community.

Disability Inclusion

In 2024, Broadford Secondary College transitioned from the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) to the Disability Inclusion (DI) framework, as part of the Victorian Government’s initiative to enhance support for students with additional needs. [25]

The Disability Inclusion framework adopts a strengths-based approach, focusing on personalised learning plans that highlight students' abilities and promote independence. [26]

At Broadford Secondary College, the implementation of Disability Inclusion includes the development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and increased access to specialist resources aimed at fostering an inclusive learning environment. The framework integrates wellbeing initiatives and differentiated teaching practices to support student engagement and participation in the curriculum.

School Houses [27]

Broadford Secondary College’s house system is designed to foster community spirit, student engagement, and leadership. The college’s four official houses are named after prominent local mountains, reflecting the school’s connection to the surrounding natural landscape:

Each house is led by a team of staff and senior student leaders who coordinate house events throughout the school year, including sports days, academic challenges, and cultural activities. The house system encourages teamwork, leadership, and participation, providing students with opportunities to contribute to their school community and develop key life skills.

Non-Official House

In addition to the four official houses, there is a humorous, non-official house known as   "House Disappointment," named after Mount Disappointment. This "house" is referenced by students who jokingly identify with it if they choose not to participate in sporting events, and often dress in black during sports carnivals. Though informal, the term reflects the playful culture and camaraderie among the student body.

Campus

Broadford Secondary College is located on a spacious campus in the heart of Broadford, providing students with access to modern facilities and outdoor areas designed to enhance both learning and recreation. [28] The campus features a blend of new and contemporary buildings, reflecting the school’s growth and commitment to continuous improvement.

Key facilities on the campus include modern classrooms equipped with interactive technology, including science laboratories, art and design studios, and specialist areas for robotics and information technology. Dedicated classrooms for music and arts, including kiln rooms and equipment for school productions and musical events.

A resource-rich library with quiet study areas and collaborative learning spaces, providing students with access to both physical and digital resources. The campus includes landscaped gardens and shaded outdoor areas, offering spaces for relaxation and social interaction between classes.

Literacy Centre Upgrade

In 2019, Broadford Secondary College underwent a significant transformation with a $4.4 million upgrade aimed at enhancing educational facilities and providing students with a modern learning environment. [29] [30]

Key Improvements:

The project involved the demolition of outdated buildings from 1962, making way for these modern facilities. The upgraded facilities were officially opened by Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, who emphasised the importance of such investments in enhancing educational outcomes and fostering student potential. [29]

B-Blocks Development

In 2024, Broadford Secondary College announced significant upgrades to its facilities, including the installation of five new Mod 10 double-storey portables to enhance learning spaces and support the growing student population. [31]

The Mod 10 portables replaced the outdated "B-Blocks" portables, with three being delivered and installed in Term 4 and the remaining two scheduled for delivery at a later date. The new facilities will include dedicated textiles and Japanese classrooms, a senior school area, and a new block of toilets.

List of Principals

Broadford Secondary College has been led by a series of dedicated principals who have played pivotal roles in shaping the school’s development.

NamePeriodNotes
Denis Kennedy [32] 1980sDenis Kennedy served as principal during the 1980s, guiding the school through significant educational reforms and overseeing key infrastructure developments. His leadership was instrumental in creating a strong foundation for the school’s continued growth.
John Patterson [32] 1990sOversaw the transition from Broadford High School to Broadford Secondary College.
Jim Alsop [32] 2000sFocused on integrating technology into classrooms and improving student support services.
David Mills [32] [33] 2016-2021Emphasised academic excellence and strengthened community engagement initiatives.
Tania Pearson [32] [34] 2021–PresentWas acting Principal during COVID-19 pandemic; prioritised wellbeing and academic achievement.

Sporting Partnership

Broadford Secondary College and the Mitchell Rangers Soccer Club have cultivated a strong partnership that enhances both the school's sports programs and the local community's engagement with soccer. The Mitchell Rangers Soccer Club, established in 2003, utilises the soccer facilities at Broadford Secondary College for training sessions and home games. [9]

In 2024, the college and the club launched a joint soccer program aimed at introducing students to the benefits of competitive soccer. [35] Approximately 30 students participated, focusing on fitness, skill development, and teamwork. The program concluded with a well-attended match, showcasing the students' progress and fostering a sense of community among participants, staff, and families.

This partnership enriches the student experience by providing opportunities to engage in organised sports, develop athletic skills, and build social connections. It also emphasises the importance of community involvement and active lifestyles, aligning with the school's commitment to holistic education.

Notable alumni

Notable Alumni Projects

Related Research Articles

For the Adelaide Jewish day school, see Massada College, Adelaide.

St Joseph's College is a Salesian Roman Catholic boys' secondary school in the outer-eastern suburb of Ferntree Gully, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Greensborough College is a school in the Greensborough and Watsonia district in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority</span> Statutory authority responsible for curriculum and assessment in Victoria, Australia

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) is a statutory authority of the Victoria State Government responsible for the provision of curriculum and assessment programs for students in Victoria, Australia. The VCAA is primarily accountable to the Victorian Minister for Education. It is also responsible to the Minister for Training and Skills and the Minister for Families and Children in relation to sections of Part 2.5 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006.

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a 'hands-on' program for students in Years 10, 11, and 12 and is a credential awarded to secondary school students who successfully complete year 11 and 12 in the Australian State of Victoria since 2002. The VCAL gives students practical work-related experience, as well as literacy and numeracy skills and the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brunswick Secondary College</span> Public high school in Brunswick, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Brunswick Secondary College is a public high school located in the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick, Victoria, Australia. The school caters for students from Year 7 to Year 12.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Melbourne Girls' College</span> Single-sex, day school in Richmond, Victoria, Australia

Melbourne Girls' College is a semi-selective girls’ secondary school located in Richmond, an inner-city suburb of Melbourne.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brentwood Secondary College</span> Public school in Glen Waverley, Victoria, Australia

Brentwood Secondary College is a co-educational, public high school, located in Glen Waverley, Victoria, Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chifley College Senior Campus</span> School in Australia

Chifley College Senior Campus is located in Mount Druitt, New South Wales, Australia, catering to students in Years 11 and 12. It is one of the five schools within Chifley College and is locally known as Chifley Senior.

Maffra Secondary College is a Year 7 to Year 12 government secondary college situated in the Gippsland town of Maffra, Victoria. It has around 700 students enrolled from Year 7 to 12, and takes in students from Maffra and surrounding towns, including Boisdale, Newry, Stratford, Heyfield, Valencia Creek, Briagolong and Cowwarr.

Lowanna College is located in Newborough, Victoria. The college draws its enrolment from Moe/Newborough, and district towns of Yallourn North, Erica, Rawson, Willow Grove and the surrounding rural areas. In 2015 the school has a student population of 1024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heathmont College</span> Public, secondary school in Heathmont, Victoria, Australia

Heathmont College is a coeducational government secondary college located in Heathmont, Victoria. It is located between Waters Grove, Marlborough Road and Hardy Crescent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glen Eira College</span> Public, co-educational, high school in Caulfield East, Victoria, Australia

Glen Eira College (GEC) is a co-educational, public secondary school located in Caulfield East, Victoria, Australia. It is situated on Booran Road and backs on to Caulfield Racecourse Reserve.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Education in Victoria</span> Overview of the education in Victoria, Australia

Education in Victoria, Australia is supervised by the Department of Education and Training, which is part of the State Government and whose role is to "provide policy and planning advice for the delivery of education". It acts as advisor to two state ministers, that for Education and for Children and Early Childhood Development.

Rosehill Secondary College is located in Niddrie, Victoria, Australia. In 1959, it was established as Niddrie Technical School, a single-building all-boys school. The school was renamed as 'Niddrie Secondary College' and became co-educational in the early 1990s. In 2009 it was renamed again to be 'Rosehill Secondary College', after Rosehill Road which it has a boundary on. As of 2014, the number of enrolments exceed 1,150, with many students travelling from outside Niddrie or adjacent suburbs.

Remedial education is assigned to assist students in order to achieve expected competencies in core academic skills such as literacy and numeracy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uruguayan American School</span> Private American international school in Uruguay

Uruguayan American School (UAS) is an American private international school in Carrasco, Montevideo. It serves nursery through grade 12. As of 2024 it has approximately 350 students, including students from Uruguay and 32 other nationalities. Students at the Uruguayan American School have the opportunity to earn the US high school diploma, the IB Diploma, and, in many cases, the Uruguayan Diploma. The school's educational program is designed to prepare students for academic and professional pursuits in various global contexts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mohave Accelerated Learning Center</span> School in Bullhead City, Arizona, United States

Mohave Accelerated Learning Center (MALC) is a charter school located in Bullhead City, Arizona. The school opened in 2001. The school serves students in grades 9-12 and is known for its focus on providing a rigorous and accelerated academic program to prepare students for college and career success.

Alexandra Secondary College is a public coeducational school situated in Downey Street, Alexandra, Victoria.

Beechworth Secondary College is a state secondary college located in the historic town of Beechworth, Victoria, which is located in the north east of the state near the border of Victoria and New South Wales.

References

  1. ↑ "Our School | Broadford Secondary College".
  2. ↑ https://broadfordsc.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2020-annual-community-report.docx#:~:text=A%20total%20of%20729%20students,344%20female%20and%20385%20male. [ bare URL ]
  3. ↑ "Trend of BROADFORD SECONDARY COLLEGE 3658 by VCE results". bettereducation.com.au. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  4. 1 2 3 "Broadford Secondary College celebrates 60 years". 10 October 2022.
  5. ↑ Grubisic, Jordyn (23 October 2023). "Broadford Secondary students volunteer to restore history". The North Central Review. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  6. 1 2 3 4 WhaleSongServices (28 June 2013). I*EARN 25th Anniversary - Internet Kids - Broadford - Australia . Retrieved 12 January 2025– via YouTube.
  7. 1 2 "ParlInfo - ADJOURNMENT : United Nations General Assembly: Broadford and Mansfield High Schools". parlinfo.aph.gov.au. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  8. ↑ Me (29 June 2013). "I*EARN 25 Years". Arte-non-Vi. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  9. 1 2 "About". Mitchell Rangers Soccer Club. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  10. ↑ jrussell (28 February 2022). "Broadford Secondary College outline student engagement as a priority for 2022". The North Central Review. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  11. 1 2 3 "Light to shine on soccer pitch". jaclynsymes.com.au. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  12. ↑ "Previous awards recipients | Community Awards". Mitchell Shire Council. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  13. 1 2 Davies, Max (16 January 2023). "Broadford set for Australia Day celebrations". The North Central Review. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  14. ↑ jrussell (28 June 2021). "Broadford Secondary unveils massive mural painted by two students". The North Central Review. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  15. ↑ jrussell (21 March 2022). "Broadford VCAL students host primary reading program". The North Central Review. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  16. ↑ jrussell (3 April 2023). "Broadford students embrace diversity". The North Central Review. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  17. 1 2 jrussell (16 May 2022). "Broadford teacher tells author's story to students". The North Central Review. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  18. 1 2 Kiriakidis, Pam (5 September 2022). "'Specky Magee' author inspires Broadford students". The North Central Review. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  19. 1 2 "Senior School Information - Subject information". sites.google.com. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  20. ↑ "Academic Performance Report" (PDF). Broadford Secondary College Website. Victorian Department of Education. 15 January 2024.
  21. ↑ Kiriakidis, Pam (18 December 2023). "VCE results 2023: Students celebrated". The North Central Review. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  22. ↑ "Top 200 Schools Revealed". Herald Sun. 20 January 2024.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  23. ↑ "Our School | Broadford Secondary College". broadfordsc.vic.edu.au. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  24. ↑ "Learning | Broadford Secondary College". broadfordsc.vic.edu.au. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  25. ↑ "BROADFORD SECONDARY COLLEGE NEWSLETTER 2023 #13" (PDF). Broadford Secondary College.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  26. ↑ "Disability Inclusion: increased support for students with disabilities". www.schools.vic.gov.au. 3 December 2024. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  27. ↑ "Our School | Broadford Secondary College". broadfordsc.vic.edu.au. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  28. ↑ "Broadford Secondary College - Virtual Tour". schools3d.com.au. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  29. 1 2 jrussell (28 May 2019). "$4.2 million upgrade to Broadford school". The North Central Review. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  30. ↑ "Broadford Secondary College". www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.auundefined. 9 January 2024. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  31. ↑ Waite, Emily (23 September 2024). "Exciting news for Broadford Secondary". The North Central Review. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  32. 1 2 3 4 5 Davies, Max (10 October 2022). "Broadford Secondary College celebrates 60 years". The North Central Review. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  33. ↑ "Broadford Secondary College Newsletter #2" (PDF). Broadford Secondary College. 19 February 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  34. ↑ jrussell (6 April 2021). "Broadford Secondary College welcomes new principal and captains". The North Central Review. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  35. ↑ Review, The North Central (8 July 2024). "Soccer program for Broadford Secondary College". The North Central Review. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  36. ↑ Frost, Grace (9 June 2023). "Broadford Secondary students launch comedic podcast". The North Central Review. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.