RENOWNED for its nationally recognised agricultural program, Tyrrell College is leading the way when it comes to delivering a hands-on approach to learning.
Its highly sought-after agricultural program continues to evolve and, in a first for the region, students at neighbouring schools will have an opportunity to be part of the program.
Last year the college received $200,000 as part of the Secondary Schools Agriculture Fund, which aims to support schools to deliver agriculture skills of the future.
The funding will provide a focus on the overall growth of agricultural industries, while helping meet the growing demands of the sector, which now requires workers with digital, business and marketing skills, as well as food and fibre entrepreneurs, who can market products in international markets.
Principal Alan Coffey said it was an exciting time for the school as it formed partnerships with other schools in the region, including Swan Hill College, St Mary MacKillop College, Ouyen P-12 College and Murrayville Community College.
“These partnerships allow students from other schools to study VET ag in conjunction with their enrolment at their base school,” Mr Coffey said.
As part of the funded project, Tyrrell College will create an educational agricultural hub for students in the Mallee, inspiring all to consider a career in the agricultural industry.
While the school’s agricultural program continues to thrive, Tyrrell College has a number of other new initiatives, including a new Ninja Adventure course.
The course became a reality as part of the State Government’s Active Schools program, which aims to help implement a whole-school approach to improving physical activity and supporting students to be more active.
The school’s buddy program continues to thrive with Year 12 students and Prep students building lasting relationships as they start the new school year.
“The Year 12s have matured into their roles as the cultural leaders of the school and acknowledge the sense of pride, engagement and the ‘feel good vibes’ that come along with being a valued mentor to their younger buddies,” Mr Coffey said.
The school also continues to invest in their students with the latest technology.
This week, the school secured more than $17,000 worth of new microscopy equipment.
“The cutting-edge Olympus binocular microscopes are renowned for their usability and superior optical performance, and the Tyrrell College Science Department is grateful for the purchase,” VCE biology teacher Lana Durie said.
“Having these microscopes will revolutionise our secondary school biology studies. The old microscopes just wouldn’t stay in focus and the students struggled to see anything through them.
“These new, high quality microscopes will enable students to better engage with the microscopic world and open their eyes to possible future science career pathways.”
