At the Hamilton and Alexandra College in Victoria’s Western District, staff encourage students to follow their passions while excelling in their studies.
Year 12 student Olivia Biggs has done both since joining the school as a boarder in 2018.
The young woman from Bendigo loves retraining harness racing horses, so having the school’s Equestrian Centre on the same site as the boarding house was a huge drawcard.
“Working with horses that have been retired from harness racing gives them a second chance and living at the boarding house allows me to ride my horse, Grace, every day,” Olivia said.
“During the week it is always busy with different sports and activities and on the weekends, I attend equestrian competitions and enjoy going on trail rides and relaxing with other boarders.”
Principal Dr Andrew Hirst said Olivia’s experience was an example of how the school encouraged students to explore personal interests and make connections.
“At The Hamilton and Alexandra College, we seek the best for and from every student and we remain determined that every student develops a strong appreciation for the importance of respect, gratitude, compassion, resilience and optimism,” Dr Hirst said.
“Learning remains our core focus and centres us on achieving high academic performance while providing boys and girls with connectedness in life.
“So, while I celebrate our impressive 2019 VCE results, l also promote our Year 9 China Experience and Year 10 Central Australia expedition. These pilgrimages provide significant rites of passage and enable direct experiences where we put the children into unpredictable situations and challenge them.”
Olivia was the recipient of the college’s R.M. Ansett Scholarship. She said attending the school opened up opportunities beyond her equestrian pursuits.
“As well as having Grace close by, I also take aviation lessons, sing in the choir and love basketball,” she said.
“When I finish school, I hope to become a commercial pilot and I have chosen my VCE subjects with this pathway in mind.”
Dr Hirst believes the school’s small enrolment of just 500 students is another one of its advantages. “Every student is known by their name and their interests,” Dr Hirst said. “It also provides an accessible platform for students to try new and different pursuits.
“If students feel fulfilled in their areas of interest, they are more focused in the classroom and on their studies.”
Applications are open for academic, general excellence, boarding and Old Collegian scholarships.
Academic excellence deadline is February 7, with all other scholarships open until March 27.
To find out more, visit: hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au/scholarships.