Senior School done Mylie’s Way
A PATHWAY TO THE EQUINE INDUSTRY
“Working with horses teaches me something about them, and a lot about myself,” explains Year 11 SCOTS PGC College boarder, Mylie Caldwell.
“No two days are the same and you don’t always know what you’re going to get, but it’s all about building trust with the horse and confidence in yourself,” she said.
These sentiments sit at the heart of the SCOTS PGC experience and speak to what matters to the school most; empowering students to pursue their passions and move from place to place with purpose.
Mylie is currently undertaking a Certificate III in Agriculture, specialising in Equine Studies; a pathway made possible thanks to the introduction of MyWay, a new and innovative program that is redefining the delivery of senior schooling at the College.
Starting this year, students in Years 10 to 12 are participating in one of two clearly defined programs, UniWay or WorkWay.
According to SCOTS PGC Principal Kyle Thompson, the program enables students to access a more focused educational experience as they look to pursue further tertiary learning or a direct pathway into industry and the workforce.
“MyWay is about being intentional in our educational delivery,” explains Mr Thompson.
“Neither pathway is new to us, nor education, but the defined structure is, and that’s what makes our program unique,” he said.
“MyWay reflects our belief that all pathways are valuable and valued and regardless of the direction our students take, pursuing excellence remains the goal.”
“Mylie’s story encapsulates what the program is all about; preparing students for the path ahead in a way that’s real, relevant and tailored to their needs.”
WORKWAY IN ACTION
For Mylie, who is participating in the WorkWay program, MyWay not only enables her to pursue a love for horses, but to learn in a way that’s meaningful to her.
“I really love doing practical things; I’ve always been hands-on, that’s just my style of learning,” she explains.
“Of course, we still spend time in the classroom, but a lot of the learning is focused around solving practical problems and building real world skills,” she said.
“Often we’re learning things like maths in classes like Tech, which I really love.”
Each Wednesday, Mylie heads to the College’s Equestrian Centre to complete certificate modules, under the guidance of Director of Equestrian, Grace Buchholz.
The introduction of MyWay means students can now complete the qualification entirely at the College, or in partnership with industry employers.
“Wednesday is my favourite day, I look forward to it every week,” says Mylie.
“Every time is different, last week for example, we had a visiting vet completing vaccinations, and I was able to help with the horses,” she said.
“I’m also able to work directly with my own horse, who I’ve brought from my grandparent’s property in Thargomindah.
“We’ve also been learning practical workplace safety skills and how to transport chemicals and medicines like vaccines.
“Grace is very versatile in her knowledge, I’ve always just ridden when mustering cattle but Grace knows a lot about horse health and is also really experienced in areas like show jumping too.”
For Mylie, MyWay brings her plans for the future into closer view.
“I’ve always loved horses, as has my mum, and I’m interested in a career that involves training and working with young horses,” she said.
“My mum currently works on a remote property in the Northern Territory and I’d like to do similar contract work when I graduate.
“I love that I’m able to work so closely with horses at school and I’m really looking forward to completing my certificate and seeing what the future brings.”