School Profile
Our vision is to build a learning community, based on respect, where we are able to achieve our potential in a safe, engaging and supportive environment.
Established in 1918, Warracknabeal Secondary College is a rural government school based in the prosperous country town in the heart of Victoria's wheat-belt. Due to the closest secondary college being at least 40 kilometres away, Warracknabeal Secondary College services an extensive rural community in the Yarriambiack Shire. Warracknabeal has approximately 2500 residents, which is situated 60 kilometres north of Horsham (population of approximately 15,000). The town is situated on the Henty Highway, by the gum-lined banks of Yarriambiack Creek. The town's name derives from an Aboriginal expression relating to the large red gums along the creek. It is approximately a four hour drive from Melbourne
We are a vision oriented school, with an owned mission and values. We aim to be a learning community based on respect, where we aim to be the best we can be.
We reinforce our values of Respect, Excellence and Resilience, through awarding students with Young Achiever Awards for displaying these values. Being part of a close community, both within the town and the school results in a strong relationship centered education based on high expectations of behaviour and learning.
In 2024, there are approximately 190 fulltime students enrolled. Most of our students live in town with approximately 30% arriving by bus across five bus routes. There is a strong sporting culture in the school, with many students and staff playing at the local football and netball club, and there is a local gym. Other sports offered in Warracknabeal include:
basketball
field hockey
tennis
cricket
golf
table tennis
swimming
Respect, Excellence and Resilience
Warracknabeal Secondary College is committed to the implementation of consistent teaching and learning practices based on an agreed 3E Instructional model (Engagement, Exploration and Evaluation). The current model was revised and linked to the DET's High Impact Teaching strategies document in 2019. The school has been engaged in the School Wide Positive Behaviour program since 2019 and through engagement in this program have developed, in conjunction with students, clear behaviour expectations, a shared understanding of a calm learning environment and effective Learning Practices.
ICT is embedded through the curriculum, as the school has a BYOD (bring your own device) program. We use Xuno for sharing of information, communicating with and providing feedback to students and parents, as well as submitting work. The school also has a Facebook page which is used to keep the school community informed, and to promote school events. The school newsletter is published each fortnight and is available in digital and print formats.
The Year 7-10 curriculum is based on the Victorian Curriculum. In the Senior years, we are committed to providing as many opportunities for our students as possible. We offer a broad range of Victorian Certificate of Eduction (VCE) subjects, and on occasions provide additional accessiblity through virtual education and video confernecing with nearby schools. For students following a practical pathway, we offer the Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate programs. VET (Vocational Education & Training) is operated out of Horsham and is popular and worthwhile pathways for many Year 9 and 10 students.
There are currently 24.2 (Effective Full Time) teachers, which includes the principal, an assistant principal and two leading teachers and two learning specialists, supported by 9 education support staff. We have a number of staff who are local to Warracknabeal or the greater region, who are complemented by teachers from the Teach for Australia program and the Melbourne University Graduate Program, Deakin University Masters of Education Program adding to the diversity of the teaching staff.
At the start of Term 2, the Secondary College commenced a new era in ediucation in Warracknabeal when it moved to the new Warracknabeal Education Precinct. We joined the Primary School and Special Developmental School on the same site. We have modern and well designed buildings, including a national standard gymnasium. We are located on a very large site and still have work to do to develop our physical environment.
Please contact us if you are interested in joining the team at Warracknabeal Secondary College, either as a student, community partner or staff member.