Step Inside FCJ College: The Future in Focus

It was an exciting and enriching week across our classrooms, with students fully engaged in hands-on learning experiences that sparked creativity, critical thinking, and real-world skills.

As part of Law Week, our VCE Legal Studies students gained firsthand insight into the justice system through two excursions. They toured the new Benalla Police Station to learn about modern policing, followed by a visit to the Shepparton Law Courts. There, students observed proceedings in the Magistrate’s Court and explored how the legal system balances institutional powers with individual rights. Magistrates and Registrars generously shared their experiences, inspiring many to consider careers in law.

In the Digital Art Media classroom, creativity was in motion—literally!
Students have been hard at work producing their own short stop motion animations. Using a variety of materials such as paper, plasticine, and Lego, they’re bringing their imaginative ideas to life frame by frame. The process requires not only creativity but also a great deal of patience, collaboration, and attention to detail. It’s been fantastic to see students working together to produce some truly impressive animations.

Meanwhile, in Agriculture and Environment, Year 10 students put their learning into practice following their visit to Little Cedar Creek Dairy in Winton. Back in the classroom, they tried their hand at making traditional ricotta cheese, then experimented with herbs and flavourings. Standouts included a maple-sweetened dessert cheese and a savoury blend of garlic and rosemary. The activity offered a deliciously hands-on exploration of food science, sustainability, and the farm-to-table journey.

Unit 1 Agriculture students designed self-sustaining mini ecosystems inside vintage glass vessels, carefully balancing plants, nutrients, beneficial insects, and water. This creative and hands-on project connected scientific principles with real-world sustainability challenges, offering a meaningful glimpse into the future of horticulture and environmental science.

Year 7 and 8 students participated in a powerful session with the Pat Cronin Foundation, promoting empathy and respectful decision-making while raising awareness of the impacts of violence. As Year 8 student Henry shared, “It was a confronting presentation that left us with a lot to think about.”

Finally, the STEMPunks incursion gave students a hands-on introduction to the cutting-edge technologies shaping our future. They delved into artificial intelligence, machine learning, and algorithms while working collaboratively to program simulated autonomous vehicles and analyse robotic data. The day sparked innovation, curiosity, with a bit of friendly competition to wrap it all up!

This week, our students didn’t just learn—they explored, created, and prepared themselves to shape the future. When you step inside our school, you truly see The Future in Focus.

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