ECG students make their mark

ECG College at Warragul celebrated 2016 with an awards ceremony to recognise students who have overcome challenges and achieved VCAL study success.

Head of school Jamie Robertson said it had been an outstanding year for the college, with enrolments growing to 115 and increased student completion rates and attendances.

ECG provides an option for students aged 15-20 to complete senior secondary studies in a student-centred, hands-on learning environment.

Mr Robertson said a number of students had gone on to employment or apprenticeships while others would return to study next year to continue VCAL or go on to TAFE or university level study.

Celeste Bognar (foundation), Jeremy Burrows and Rachelle Dowling (intermediate) and Georgia Mitchell (senior) were presented with student of the year awards for consistently achieving in all areas and motivating other students.

Baw Baw Shire Council presented two awards from its education scholarships fund to encourage students who have shown consistent effort despite facing obstacles to study.

Deputy Mayor Mikaela Power presented the scholarships, valued at $250 each, to Dominque Mobourne-Sellings and Brenton Cutler.

Dominique said ECG College had helped him improve his confidence and academic and work-related skills.

“I’m about to start an apprenticeship as a cabinet maker and this place has given me the confidence and skills to have a go,” he said.

Brenton Cutler said he enjoyed ECG’s different approach to learning, the variety of handson projects and learning work-related skills.

Effort and improvement awards went to Tasharna Hempenstall, Darrin Edwards-Hayes, Gemma Drake and Bianca Bickham.

Encouragement awards went to Dominique Mobourne-Sellings, Chaelene Hall, Matthew Hasan and Dhylan Burnett.

CCG chief executive officer Sue Geals said many ECG College students had struggled previously in a mainstream school.

“There are an increasing number of young people who are disengaging from school or training because the ‘one size fits all‘ approach doesn’t suit their learning style.

“We are pleased to be providing an option for young people to find their direction and complete a senior secondary qualification that combines real-life literacy and numeracy, personal development and work-related skills directed to job pathways.”

ECG College is an independent secondary school established by Community College Gippsland at its Warragul McMillan campus. It also operates campuses at Pakenham and Leongatha.