Ski, learn on mountain
SKIING the slopes in the morning and continuing an education during the afternoon is all part and parcel of being a student at Mt Buller Education school.
First established some 25 years ago the school was originally coordinated by the Alpine Institute, then passing on to La Trobe University before changing under private ownership in 2006 as Mt Buller Education (MBE).
MBE director, Richard Smith, explained that students currently attending (some 38 this season) are mainly from Melbourne, with all students living with their families on the mountain during winter.
“We liaise with each student’s normal school and ensure that their curriculum studies allow them to follow their own school program,” Richard said.
“This also ensures the kids fit in well when they return to their school in Term 4.”
Students at MBE spend their mornings being coached by their ski/boarding instructors and are usually members of Team Buller Riders (TBR) or Mt Buller Race Club.
During the afternoon, from 1pm to 4.45pm they then follow their curriculum studies.
MBE currently has eight staff which allows teachers to give individual tuition to up to seven students.
“Nowhere else would you get the ratio of 7:1 teaching, it’s much more personalised,” Richard said.
After school the kids go back to training with their coaches – usually at the sports hall in what is termed ‘dry land training’.
“We are very proud of what these young athletes achieve and to date we have had some seven former students go through to compete at Olympics,” Richard said.
Among these is Mt Buller’s own Anton Grimus who has competed around the world at several Winter Olympics and World Championships.
“The program at MBE is one way that kids who want to pursue their skiing and boarding skills can get the necessary training to carry them through to Olympic standard if that is their aim,” Richard said.
Mt Buller Education is situated on levels 2 and 3 of Alpine Central on Summit Road and can be contacted by phoning Richard Smith on 0407 500 337.