Founded in 1907, Bendigo Senior Secondary College (BSSC) is situated in central Bendigo overlooking historic Rosalind Park. The college’s role is to empower learners for individual, community and global leadership valuing “Respect, Optimism, Learning and Environment”. BSSC has 1750 students who are able to access the widest range of VCE and Vocational Education and Training subjects in Victoria, or undertake the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning. The college offers a rich learning environment specifically tailored to meet the needs of young adults and help them achieve their potential. This is an environment where sound work ethics, self-discipline and independent learning skills are fostered. A range of online courses and self-directed and blended learning options are available to students who would prefer to learn more independently. BSSC students are recognised state-wide for their outstanding results through the VCE Premier’s Awards and the VCE Season of Excellence Awards. In 2001, BSSC was the first government school in the world to be accredited with the Council of International Schools. In 2011, the school again benchmarked itself against the highest international standards. BSSC’s involvement in the accreditation process shows that the school welcomes external and international scrutiny to ensure that it continues to be a world-class education provider striving for continuous improvement to benefit all students and the community it serves.
Facilities: The college has a number of outstanding facilities including a Trade Training Centre, intercultural Language Centre, Confucius classroom, which supports the delivery of Chinese language and culture programs into 22 other schools and flexible English learning spaces. The 1000 seat Ulumbarra Theatre opens in April 2015, providing BSSC students and the Bendigo community with a fantastic Performing Arts Centre and new hospitality and canteen facilities. This centre will attract major productions to the city and provide BSSC students with tremendous equipment and spaces for music, dance, drama and theatrical studies.
Curriculum: The college is committed to providing suitable programs for all students. There is close cooperation with the local Year 7 to 10 government schools through student transition and orientation activities. Students are able to choose courses to meet their individual needs, interests and learning preferences. Through this partnership the college supports students in accelerated learning programs and many Year 11 students complete a Unit 3/4 VCE study. Pathways in VCAL are offered at foundation, intermediate and senior levels with themed programs offered in community and skilled service areas. A number of VET programs, apprenticeships and traineeships are also available to students, providing pathways to further study or employment. Students who have talents in particular areas can apply to enrol in one of our specialist programs in Commerce, Maths/Science, Liberal Arts, Visual Arts or Uni-Bridges (Biology). These programs connect our students with industry experts and University programs and mentors. The BSSC NETschool campus, located close to the college, provides curriculum access for students who are outside mainstream schooling or training. NETschool provides online and off-campus delivery of VCE, VET and VCAL units. The college Victorian Virtual Learning Network has developed a number of interactive online VCE courses which provide access to subject curriculum and mentor support, otherwise not accessible, for students in over 50 schools around Victoria.
Sport: Students are able to participate in a full range of sporting endeavours. The college is proud of its ability to support the academic progress of its elite athletes, many of whom compete at state, national and international level. The Specialist Sports Program provides a range of training and development opportunities to ensure that these students achieve academic and sporting success. The program supports athletes across a range of sports, with distinct streams in football and basketball.
Student Well being: Each student is supported by an advisor who is one of their teachers and oversees the student’s general welfare and academic progress and assists them in all aspects of their education at the college, and pathway planning for their future beyond the college. Wellbeing programs and activities are provided for students through the Advisor program and special presentations. Learning and Engagement Coordinators are available to provide further guidance about enrolment, course planning, managing illness, special provision or other matters with students and parents. Additional support is also available through the Student Wellbeing Team. Indigenous students are supported through individual tutoring, the Karrang Kunga (homework) Centre and leadership programs. International and New arrival students are well supported with intense EAL support through the college accredited English Language Centre or through the Bendigo English Language Support (BELS) program.