Local VCE students to benefit from regional hub, they say

LOCAL secondary colleges including Bass Coast Secondary, Foster SC, Korumburra SC, Leongatha SC, Mirboo North SC and Yarram SC are set to benefit from a new Learning Hub for Gippsland VCE students.

Students from the region will be able to access a wider range of VCE subjects and specialist teachers at the new ‘Blended Learning Hub’ to be located at Morwell.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins this week announced the hub, which combines face-to-face and virtual learning across specialised subjects, will be located at the Morwell Campus of TAFE.

The Victorian Budget 2022/23 delivered a $28.7 million to boost rural and regional education, including $5.2 million to establish the hub, which will operate as a campus of Virtual School Victoria.

Supporting students from 15 government secondary schools in inner and outer Gippsland, the initiative will provide access to specialised subjects, including VCE Specialist Maths, VCE Physics, and VCE Politics.

The hub will deliver the combined benefits of virtual and face-to-face learning, with students able to come together in Morwell to learn with peers from other schools across the region.

As part of their studies, students who are enrolled in a subject at the hub will be provided access to hi-tech equipment through the Tech School, with the opportunity to benefit from resources, pathways and further study offered by the adjoining TAFE campus.

Schools across the region set to benefit from the blended learning initiative include Bass Coast Secondary, Drouin SC, Foster SC, Korumburra SC, Kurnai College, Leongatha SC, Lowanna College, Mirboo North SC, Neerim District SC, Trafalgar High School, Traralgon College, Warragul Regional College, Yarram SC, Sale College and Maffra SC.

The new hub will be completed and begin accepting enrolments later this year, with course delivery to begin in 2024.

The Victorian Government has invested a record $26.9 billion in Victorian schools since coming into office.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said the initiative would open up opportunities for Gippsland kids.

“No matter what you want to be, in Victoria we have an educational pathway for you to achieve it – and with this new hub we’re making it easier for local students to arrive at their dream job,” Minister Hutchins said.

“We’re delivering better pathways and educational infrastructure to regional and rural areas across the state, ensuring local kids can think big when it comes to deciding a career pathway that’s right for them.”

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing welcomed the initiative.

“Since 2014 the educational opportunities and infrastructure across the Valley have gone from strength to strength, with this Hub adding further to our new TAFE campus and Hi Tech School to provide a bright future for every Gippsland student.”