Echuca College is a secondary school with 820 students located on the border with NSW on the Murray River, combining the urban sophistication of a small city with the charm of Red Gum forests, rural industry and a thriving tourist precinct. The motto ‘Diversity Our Strength’ is a reflection of the comprehensive and innovative curriculum provided to all students. While the majority of students come from the immediate rural cities of Echuca-Moama, approximately 30% travel along more than twenty bus routes, some travelling an hour each way to access the education provided. Students attending the College are drawn from ten urban and rural feeder primary schools from both Victoria and New South Wales. At Echuca College we get to know our students as individuals so that we can focus on their development as resilient and responsible young adults, destined for success in a constantly evolving world. Our College is focused on the preparation of our students for the future. The friendly and supportive learning environment at Echuca College is underpinned by clear expectations, a strong code of conduct and a sense of PRIDE. Our College’s Student Representative Council developed a new vision for the College around five key concepts that the students wanted all members of the College community to exhibit in their learning and interactions; Progressive, Respectful, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence. This work resulted in the introduction of the House system, supporting greater connectedness of the students and staff to the College and its mission. The framework for our positive environment is strengthened by House Leaders who work in specific House communities and are supported by a team of experienced teachers and student leaders. As a result, a positive and responsible approach to education fosters exemplary values of compassion, tolerance and respect for self and others. The high standard of education delivered in all areas of the College is tribute to the dedication, intellect and empathy of our teaching and support staff- all whom take collective pride and inspiration from our students. Our Teaching and Learning is enhanced by Leading Teachers and Learning Specialists specifically assigned to Curriculum, Wellbeing, Pedagogy and Engagement. Echuca College is large enough to provide a comprehensive curriculum and a range of programs and resources second to none in this area to meet the most fastidious of students. Echuca College is also small enough to achieve the closeness which allows students and staff to develop ongoing educational relationships in a friendly and supportive learning environment. Innovative teaching programs and staff commitment to ongoing professional learning ensures that Echuca College delivers an exceptional and fulfilling educational experience for every student now, and in the future. Our senior program offers a comprehensive range of studies within each of the major area of Arts, Business, Humanities, Languages, Health Sciences, Sciences, Technology and VCAL. The College is building a strong reputation in all these areas as evidenced by VCE results and the high proportion of students who gain full time employment or pursue tertiary education. Our successful VCAL program has provided senior students with a vocational element within their VCE studies and through their studies students have developed strong links with the local community. Currently as part of the VETis program, we are offering a variety of VET Certificate Courses and we are involved in the School Based Apprenticeship Scheme. The College is also a member of the Beacon Foundation, a program that has assisted our students in pathways planning and development in the Echuca area for over 20 years. Our facilities support a progressive curriculum and with the College being set on 12 hectares it provides plenty of room to move. In addition to sports fields and a picturesque piazza, our students enjoy a Performing Arts Centre, refurnished double basketball court stadium with squash courts and small gym, Café Learning centre, commercial kitchen, science centre and transitional neighbourhoods for years 7 and Year 12 Senior Learning. Echuca College also has a ‘state of the art’ hockey field that includes 12 tennis courts. Late 2021 will see the opening of the Echuca College STEM facility. With all this Echuca College is setting the standard for others to follow in the 21st Century.
