Ranges TEC

Year 12 Camp: Batchelor, Darwin Region, Northern Territory

Our Year 12’s are currently enjoying the warmer climate of the Northern Territory. As one of the foundational learning experiences in their final year of schooling, and a standout highlight, this time away offers a wonderful opportunity for growth, service, and broadening horizons through exposure to a culture and landscape very different from their own. 

More than a school camp, this time away is an extended community project where we partner with the Batchelor Outdoor Education Centre and the local primary school (Batchelor Area School). Our students do repairs and build new equipment, amongst other projects, bringing their trade skills to life in meaningful ways. 

So far, their projects have included:

• Repair of ~100 bikes
• Building activity pole racks
• Constructing an abacus for the preschool
• Creating a new fire pit with seating

In the coming week, the group will be creating a mock car for the preschool. A project that has already spared excitement, with one student highlighting how exciting unwrapping the red steering wheel that will be used.

Reflecting on the experience so far, Greg, the Year 12 coordinator, shares:

“The best community partnerships are built on shared values around education and the challenge to meet all students with meaningful and rich learning experiences. It's truly rewarding to see [Ranges TEC] students genuinely enjoying their work contributing in the way that makes sense to them to this amazing place.”

The team will be in Darwin for the next week. Keep them in your thoughts as they continue this journey of learning and service, and we look forward to greeting them upon their return soon.

VET focus of the week: Building and Construction

Did you know that we have a community farm in Monbulk? It’s there that students have the opportunity to complete a Certificate II in Building and Construction. With a taster in Year 10 where the basics of wall building, bricklaying, and demolition are taught, the Certificate II is completed in Year 11 and 12 as part of the VCE Vocational Major, or, as a standalone VET course as part of the VCE. Through this course, students gain hands-on experience working on real carpentry projects while developing practical skills valued across the Building and Construction sector.

It’s designed to prepare students for:

• A school or work-based apprenticeship as a Carpenter
• Entry-level roles in the Building and Construction industry

Students who enjoy practical work, teamwork, problem-solving, and using their hands find this pathway especially rewarding. 

Find out more from Josh, one of our teachers about what the course holds by watching this video.

Jendaya Bergmeier

Short Course Administration and Promotions Administration