Members have all experienced the much improved facilities at the four Government Secondary Colleges which have been realised in recent years. These improvements were the major focus of the 2008-2018 Bendigo Education Plan (BEP). Our guests, Anne Cunniff and Geoff Adams, provided members detailed information about the latest plan which builds on the previous developments. In 2005 with the support of the then Minister, Lynne Kosky, plans for the redevelopment of Government Education in Bendigo commenced. The structure with four Secondary Colleges (7-10) feeding into a Senior Secondary School (11-12) is a model which seems to be serving Bendigo well. Results in year nine Naplan have shown improvement.

 

The 2018 BEP has a focus on supporting young people to be successful and resilient and to lead active, satisfying and productive lives. Anne stressed the importance of equity and the creation of excellence in all schools so that students right across Bendigo have the same opportunities. Components of the new plan include early childhood provision, differentiated approaches and links with business and Industry. There is a major emphasis on individual instruction and the active engagement of each student in their learning. 

 

As Project Manager Geoff has the responsibility to engage some 150 representatives of different interest groups in the various working parties which provide input for the overall plan. Projections at this stage indicate that there is sufficient provision at the Senior Secondary School for the increasing population of Bendigo.There is an increasing emphasis on sport in the offerings of each school. Applied learning provides an alternative pathway for students as well as the opportunity to partner closely with Industry.

 

The planning process includes the active participation of representatives of LaTrobe University. The notion of the whole community playing its part in the raising of our young people is a foundational principle of the BEP. Members were able to see how the involvement of the Club in schools complements the overall thinking of schools and those in the Educational community. We congratulate Anne and Geoff on the comprehensive work they are undertaking and for their leadership in embracing the many complexities involved in creating effective schools and we thank them for being our guests.