Greater Shepparton Secondary College says its senior students have overcome huge challenges in recent years to record across-the-board improvement in the school’s first year of combined operations.
The college opened as a single campus at Hawdon St, Shepparton in January, having amalgamated four schools from four individual campuses.
During this period of great change, the City of Greater Shepparton also experienced lengthy COVID-19 lockdowns and periods of home schooling.
The school said, despite those hardships, students had delivered improved results as individuals and as a graduating group, with higher median subject scores than in 2021.
“We’re thrilled that in our first year of operation, with all the challenges that major change brings, we were able to deliver improvements in our VCE results and maintain a high rate of completion for our VCAL students,” executive principal Barbara O’Brien said.
“It is a credit to our teachers and a reward for their focus on improving student outcomes, which is what the Shepparton Education Plan and the continuing development of GSSC is all about.”
Assistant principal for senior secondary careers pathways Ian Goldrick said early data showed:
- The highest ATAR above 90 and an improvement on 2021;
- A higher number of students with an ATAR between 80 and 90 and an improvement on 2021;
- Greatly improved 2022 study scores in individual subject areas compared to 2021;
- The likelihood of more students this year pursuing their preferred post-secondary study choice.
Ms O’Brien said it could be difficult to compare statistical data of recent years, particularly with the impact of COVID-19 since early 2020, and the October 2022 floods also affecting many families.
“That said, it’s gratifying to be showing this trend in the right direction in our first year together,” she said.
“Our senior students have really responded to the opportunities and subject choice they have at GSSC.”
Mr Goldrick oversees the school’s careers team, which was recognised recently with a statewide award for excellence.
He said there was a welcome trend, with more students likely to receive their preferred post-secondary study choice in 2021 than in 2020.
Mr Goldrick said those students identified as less likely to receive their study preference had been proactively followed up by team members for individual advice, practical assistance and counselling.
“The overwhelming feedback from the careers practitioners is that students benefited from this counselling and went away with a smile and a plan for their future,” Mr Goldrick said.