WIMMERA students will enjoy specialised science studies during a Melbourne school outreach program.
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Year 10 students from schools across the region met in Horsham on Wednesday to learn about the John Monash Science School.
The school offers Victorian students a chance to study in Melbourne for four weeks.
Students from Horsham College, Stawell Secondary College, Birchip P-12 College and Kaniva College will be part of the outreach program later this year.
John Monash principal Peter Corkill and other school staff met students, their parents and science teachers on Wednesday to discuss the program.
Mr Corkill said the program was about giving rural students a chance to learn contemporary science they might not otherwise be exposed to.
“The first cohort of students in the program in 2011 came from the Loddon Mallee and Grampians regions,” he said.
“We usually run the program twice a year.
“We have 20 students each time, all in year 10.
“While with us they still do a full cohort of subjects including maths and English, but they are also enrolled in specialised science subjects.”
Mr Corkill said the outreach program gave students a taste of university life, and what career options were available in science fields.
“The program is all about what country kids can do. Just because they live a long way away doesn’t mean they can’t have access to these opportunities,” he said.
“About 150 students have been through the program to date, and many have gone student science at university.
“This program opens their eyes to what is possible.”
Horsham College’s Ruby Puls has enjoyed science throughout her school life.
She said the opportunity to study in Melbourne was exciting.
“I’ve always liked science, and biology, physics and psychology in particular,” she said.
“I was hoping to be an equine vet, but I’m not sure.
“There are lots of opportunities in science.”