Riverina TAFE Grad-uations were held throughout the region last week including Narrandera, where one lucky student earnt 100 per cent in his trial exam – the first person in the history of the course to do so.
Quentin Bell has recently earned his Certificate II in Electro Technology, a Career Start TVET course and won an achievement award from Get Set Leeton.
“It’s a pathway course that you can start at school,” Mr Bell explained.
“It gives you the upper hand on an apprenticeship, it just makes you a bit more appealing to take on as an apprentice.
“It also allowed me to compete in World Skills. My teacher asked if I wanted to compete and I came third against second and third year apprentices.”
Having just finished the HSC, Mr Bell is hoping to earn an electricians apprenticeship, preferably in Narrandera.
“I like Narrandera, and I want to stay here. I’ve made good connections around the town – everyone’s been so helpful, especially with my studies.
Recent graduate of both Narrandera High School and Narrandera TAFE, Quentin Bell.
“My teacher’s been really good in giving me extra work.”
Mr Bell credits his good results down to the nature of HSC study at Narrandera High School.
HSC students at Narrandera High School undertake condensed courses, meaning students take three courses a year and sit their exams at the end of each year.
For instance, NHS students who are winding up Year 11 currently have half of their HSC completed – exams, marks and all.
The approach means that NHS can offer a wider range of courses than would normally be offered at a small school.
“Because of the way TAFE courses work at our school, I was able to start the year with 16 units, and you only need ten.
“At the middle of the year I was able to drop things I didn’t need. So I was going to school for English and studying. I had about 200 minutes, about four periods to study.”
On top of attending high school and TAFE, Mr Bell is also a volunteer coach with the Bidgee Boxing Community Gym, gave a speech for Social Inclusion week, and also finds the time to be a champion whip-cracker.
“I fit all the studying in around volunteering.
“I think I got about three of four hours of sleep last night,” Mr Bell joked.
Mr Bell wasn’t the only person celebrating at the graduation.
Carmel Murphy, who was studying for a Course in Vocational and Community Engagement, and Nyoka Morgan Prior, who was earning a Certificate III individual Support, both received Achievement Awards for their hard work.
Amy Longford was celebrated as the student of the year, sponsored by Narrandera Shire Council. Ms Longford graduated with her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Other local graduates were Colleen Abbott, Jeanette Kelleher, Jean Bevan, Beverley Livingstone, Maureen Dodds and Marj Anslow.
Amber Poole of Narrandera was the guest speaker for the evening, while the Welcome to Country was delivered by Clayton James.
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