School build to aid transition

IF a State Labor government is elected next month, Woodmans Hill Secondary College will gain a new learning centre, building extension and upgrade.

Worth more than $8.5 million, a new year 7 centre on the school’s front corner, an expansion of the VCE building, and a freshen-up of the integrated learning space have been pledged by Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle, the Labor candidate for new electorate, Eureka.

Principal Stephan Fields said the separate building for the youngest cohort will aim to support them in their transition to secondary school.

“We have lots on our agenda, but this time, we had to go with the heart, and what the students need is the year 7 centre,” he said.

“We want students to feel as if year 7 is the most exciting time. Our vision is to have a flexible learning environment where they can feel safe and connected.

“It doesn’t mean we’re going to take away the high school experience. We’re going to make sure they’ve got access to the art rooms, science rooms, and still feel part of the school.

“Research shows that there’s benefits to the opportunity to group students together, to be able to do authentic differentiation, and to bring together expertise in team teaching and support.”

Ms Settle said starting secondary school can be a big change for a child, and their family.

“A dedicated year 7 building… would help students transition to a new, larger school in a welcoming environment,” she said.

“An extension to the VCE centre would allow senior students to prepare for their exams in a modern space.

“Woodmans Hill provides an amazing education, and the teachers, like all teachers in our region, are passionate about giving every child the best start in life. These new facilities would help do just that.”

The college’s enrolments have boomed in recent years, with 100-plus year 7 students in 2022. The school’s zone reaches as far as Ballan.

“We’ve been consistent. A lot of that comes down to the trust we’ve got within the community that we’ve built, and maintained,” Mr Fields said.

“By 2030 we’re due to have 650 students, but I think we’ll probably get there much sooner. Maintaining connection is important.”