Community
21 March, 2025
Your future, your way
AS education continues to evolve to meet the needs of tomorrow’s learners, so too does Warrnambool College with a range of educational and extra-curricular programs and opportunities to challenge and engage each and every student.
Students are spoilt for choice when it comes to which pathway and passion to pursue.
The college offers access to the accredited Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) program, the rigorous Sporting Pathway Program (SPP) and multiple senior pathway programs (including Vocational Education and Training and accelerated university-based subjects).
Various sporting and extracurricular academies, theatre and multiple bands are also accessible for students.
Warrnambool College principal Dave Clift said treating each young person as an individual was key to the college’s and student success.
“It’s more than a motto,” Mr Clift said.
“It is how we live out each day.
“We cater to individual interests and learning needs. We support students to work at their personal best and embrace a future of endless opportunities.”
Mr Clift invited prospective 2026 families to visit the College’s Open Night next Monday, March 24 from 4pm-7pm to hear more about its programs and how the college can tailor its learning to support each student.
“At Warrnambool College we’re committed to creating a place of belonging where all students feel safe, valued, and respected,” Mr Clift said.
“Our goal is to engage and challenge every student, fostering a love of learning and a commitment to being the best version of themselves.
“We hold students to high levels of achievement in their own personal learning success. We provide the scaffolding, support and encouragement to assist our students, helping them build resilience and a strong work ethic.”
Mr Clift said the college recognised education was not ‘one size fits all’ and its multidisciplinary team - including teachers, allied health professionals and counsellors - worked collaboratively to ensure every student received the support, opportunities and personalised learning experiences they needed to succeed.
He said Warrnambool College offered the highly successful Sporting Pathway Program (SPP).
The program aims to use the passion of sport to engage and expand a student’s learning opportunities.
It involves partnerships with Ballarat’s Federation University’s Exercise and Health Science Faculty, a locally-based physiotherapist who works with students and a range of elite coaches and qualified strength and conditioning coaches.
SPP aims to develop the ‘whole athlete’ with a focus on applied science, strength and conditioning programs along with advanced fitness sessions using the latest fitness styles, techniques and equipment.
Gifted students in the top five to 10 per cent of their year level can apply for the college’s Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) Program which allows students to progress through their secondary education faster, providing them with tailored challenging learning experiences.
Warrnambool College is one of a limited number of Victorian schools to offer the Department of Education and Training accredited SEAL Program and it is the south-west’s only SEAL accredited school.
The college caters for students of all abilities and its Disability Inclusion team works closely with young people, teachers and support staff to provide a curriculum that’s relevant to each student and their personal growth.
This team also works to support teachers to adapt their practice around the student’s individual needs and abilities.
Mr Clift said diversity strengthened the school community and the college hosted the nationally-recognised Indigenous programs of The Clontarf Foundation (for male students) and Stars Foundation (for female students), helping to engage students in education and encouraged them to embrace, celebrate and continue to learn about their culture.
“We are committed to creating an environment where all students feel valued, heard, and supported - regardless of their cultural background, identity, or lived experiences,” Mr Clift said.
“Our school culture is constantly evolving, shaped by the voices and experiences of our students, staff and community.”
As part of next Monday’s Open Night, tours will run from 4.30pmuntil 6pm, with a presentation in the college hall at 6.30pm.
