Now entering its second year as the renamed Bass Coast College (BCC), your local government secondary school continues its tradition of offering over 100 years of support to the young people of the area.

With an enrolment approaching 1600 students across its four campuses, and over 250 teachers and support staff, it remains very proud of its role in working with the families, carers, and students of the Bass Coast area.

“The support of our community as we worked through the challenges of the last few years was amazing,” said Darren Parker, Bass Coast College Principal.

“The start of the 2023 school year has been particularly positive, and it has been fantastic seeing our students from across the College being able to embrace the range of opportunities being made available to them.

“On top of their work as outstanding educators, our staff have offered up an incredible range of events for students to access.

“From High Academic Achievement Programs to Tutoring support, from camps and excursions to athletics, sport and library celebrations, it is really pleasing to have returned to our full program of extracurricular activities.”

Leith Cummins Assistant College Principal, praised the school's staff.

“A highlight has been the manner in which the staff have collectively dedicated themselves to embedding our Bass Coast College Learning Cycle,” Leith said.

“Capitalising on the work of our Learning Specialist and Leading Teacher leaders, this work underpins the learning opportunities created for all students across our College.”

Dudley Campus (Years 7-9)

With a significant reduction in student numbers, following the creation of the San Remo Campus in 2022, the environment at the Dudley Campus is certainly less hectic in terms of pedestrian traffic and general business. While now BCC’s ‘oldest’ campus in terms of its buildings, what does stand out is the high-quality calm learning environment based on positive relations of mutual respect between students and staff alike.

 “While I was already working at the campus some days, I have joined the Dudley team full time this term and have been immediately impressed by the way students and staff work together to create such an impressive setting,” said Matt Rose, Dudley Campus Principal.

“I look forward to working with everyone as Campus Principal for the remainder of the 2023 school year.”

San Remo Campus (Years 7-9)

While officially commencing in 2022, amongst the post-Covid conditions endured early last year, the new San Remo Campus has continued to blossom this year.

With programs now well established, and students and staff having had a full year to adapt to the new setting, the learning environment shines through alongside the enhanced physical facilities.

“2022 saw students and staff make an impressive start at San Remo but it is great to return this year with that year of experience behind us,” Emma Harris, San Remo Campus Principal said.

“We are really well settled, and the positive relationships and excellent learning environment continues this year.”

Wonthaggi Campus (Years 10-12)

BCC/WSC has long had a very successful VCAL program as part of its senior program’s delivery.

While the Department removed that option last year, its replacement, the Vocational VCE program, has commenced impressively at our senior school and has seen many students combine their on-site learning, with off-site work and training opportunities. The large range of VCE and VET options have continued impressively at the campus too. 

“A highlight this year has been the way the Year 10 students have re-combined following their first year apart in 2022 when we had two junior campuses for the first time,” said Ross Bramley, Wonthaggi Campus Principal.

“They have adapted to the senior school environment well, with our Year 11 and 12 students modelling positively the behaviours of senior program learning.”

FLOW Campus (Year 7-10 Alternative Programs)
The College remains very pleased to provide this unique setting for many of its students.

FLOW (Flexible Learning Options Wonthaggi) has a permanent home in the ‘old gym’ (aka McKenzie Street Webb’s Shed). The staff provide wonderful support for many young people who unfortunately have been presented with individual challenges that have meant mainstream schooling is not as straightforward for them.

Importantly, through a range of negotiated individual learning programs, these students remain connected to education. Many have gone on to great outcomes in employment, training, and other study.

 “FLOW has had a great start to the 2023 school year; the students have commenced positively, Paul Fawcett, FLOW Campus Principal said.

“It has also been great to have them access the facilities of our additional new Arts classrooms this year. These spaces have meant that we can enhance their programs even further by providing ‘hands on’ creative options. We look forward to continuing our support for these identified students.”

Future

Indeed, the future looks bright for Bass Coast College. The upcoming production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Wonthaggi Arts Centre promises to be a highlight.

The College is particularly pleased that students from across all four campuses are coming together with a team of dedicated staff to present this production.

By way of celebrating its 100-year history, the College is also co-ordinating an opportunity for community members to participate in a program that has specially engraved pavers installed at the campuses with the names of past students, families and staff.

Keep an eye out, this information will be released soon.