Where are they now? Sport has long been important to students including the early days of netball. If you know anyone in this picture let us know by emailing mara.sowden
UPPER Yarra Secondary College has been growing young minds for the past 50 years and is looking to provide guidance and learning well into the future.
With at least 500 students under his wing, Robert Miller has found his first year in the principal’s office exciting.
“It was a challenge coming into a position where there was a high turnover of temporary principals, but I’ve come in and developed a rapport that demonstrates that I’m committed to the students and want to work closely with the school community,” he said.
“Since then it has been rewarding to see things work through to fruition, and see the potential of the school being realised with such a committed and talented staff group.”
The school is offering a variety of VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) classes to go on to university and TAFE courses, VET (Vocational Education and Training) and VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) classes that are more hands-on and can lead to apprenticeships, paid employment and further learning.
Students are also able to broaden their knowledge and experiences with a music program, outdoor education program and strong creative arts programs.
Mr Miller was particularly excited that building works for the new VET program were nearing completion.
From next year Upper Yarra Secondary College will run VET courses in hospitality and cabinet making as part of a VET cluster with Worawa Aboriginal College and Healesville High School.
The $800,000 project, helped along with a federal government grant for trade training centres, includes the construction of a full commercial kitchen and upgrades to the wood working areas.
Mr Miller said the school had stepped into the 21st century with almost one computer to every student in the school.
“We encouraged our students to purchase netbooks, and have developed seamless wireless connections in the whole school to excel their research skills,” he said.
One of the school’s big projects in 2012 will see teachers working collaboratively with year seven students who adapt to different teaching styles.
“The students will spend half their time with a smaller group of teachers who will develop integrated learning topics and programs based on students’ interests and abilities,” he said.
“The Future Learning Integrated Program classes will have a single focus but students will be encouraged to explore it in different ways with different teachers.”
Mr Miller said the teachers had looked at what other schools did and picked the best of what they saw to develop the new program.
“Kids learn in different ways, and teaching that reflects how they learn has a greater impact on the effectiveness of that teaching,” he said.
“Individuals may learn best by reading, talking, making, or creating.
“It’s about engaging the students in their abilities and encouraging them to take the next step.”
Mr Miller said the long term vision was to foster the school as a hub of learning, with almost seven-day a week engagement with non-school personnel, parents and business support.
“We want to see more movement between the school and the community,” he said. “We’re looking at introducing a wide range of support programs, strengthening partnerships with the Upper Yarra Community House, and tailoring programs for kids that don’t fit into the mainstream but don’t want to leave the school.”
Mr Miller said the school had settled into its new learning environment and he was keen to invite students who may have chosen to go down the line for schooling, to come back and take a look. “Come back and do your VCE here,” he said.
“Our results are equal to and better than those of some nearby schools but that is not recognised by the community.
“We’re offering after school classes, master classes and extra tutoring.
“You’re time is more valuable to be spent on learning and not lost on travel.”
