WIMMERA students say a lack of subject choices has restricted their learning experiences.
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Rural and regional VCE students generally have fewer subjects to choose from than their metropolitan counterparts.
Students have a chance to access a subject not offered by a school via a virtual approach.
This classroom has students engaging with coursework either online or through video conferencing and phone calls.
Three Wimmera students shared their concerns about the subject opportunities available in the region.
More obstacles for rural students to overcome
Kaniva College school captain William Braunstein said the rurality of his school has meant there were slim-pickings in regards to subject choices.
"There's a clear disparity between rural and metropolitan schools and the opportunities available for students," he said.
"There are opportunities for rural students when they're interested in a particular subject not taught at the school, but this is a much harder pathway for us and with more challenges."
There's a clear disparity between rural and metropolitan schools and the opportunities available for students.
- William Braunstein
William said he wanted to studied two subjects not offered at his school in year 11, but his only option was "distance education," which he described as "tricky."
"Not having a teacher physically in the room is challenging because the learning is mostly independent," he said.
"The only contact students could have with their teacher was via email or the phone.
"There are times where the responses don't make perfect sense. It's better to be in a classroom where we can interact and fully understand a topic."
Virtual classroom gives equal opportunities
Horsham's Holy Trinity Lutheran College school captain Josiah Mock has participated in a virtual study program for two-years where he took an accounting and a history revolutions subject.
Despite his preference for face-to-face lessons, Josiah said the virtual classroom gave regional students equal opportunity.
"Considering we are four hours away from Melbourne, and other students are even further away, this is a viable option for those who really need it," he said.
"It will never be as good as having a physical teacher, but providing everyone with an equal opportunity no matter where you live or what access you have to teachers and classrooms."
While he has "relished" the learning experience, Josiah understands that a virtual classroom was not always a suitable choice for his peers.
"We have different learning styles. Some people struggle with the self-control and staying on task," he said.
"It is new and different not to have a teacher physically there and it's not for everyone."
Josiah said the experience has taught him valuable skills that could prepare him for tertiary education.
"I've talked to students at university open days who told me their work is mostly online nowadays and that is what I am doing with my school work when studying by distance," he said.
"It does prepare you for the future years."
Location should not be a restriction
Horsham's St Brigid's College school captain Darcy Hogan said he understands that a regional school's subject choices were restricted due to the nature of its location.
Regardless, he said regional and metropolitan students should have the same opportunities and be able to engage in the same coursework.
"I would love to be able to pick any subject I want too," he said.
I think students shouldn't be restricted regardless of location.
- Darcy Hogan
"There are schools that offer a diverse range of subjects such as welding or engineering whereas other schools offer a limited range.
"But, I think students shouldn't be restricted regardless of location."
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