This classroom is no drag

STUDENTS at Castlemaine Secondary College will fine-tune their mechanical skills through an innovative education program that started yesterday.The Elevate Dragcar Project was developed by Scripture Union Victoria and involves 10 to 15 students from years 7 to 9.The students will meet once a week to work on a drag car and will learn mechanical skills and develop positive life skills.The college’s automotive teacher, Anthony Van Emmerik, said the program was based on trust development and problem-solving activities that students had to complete as a team.Mr Van Emmerik said he had learnt about the project through Eaglehawk Secondary College, where the program had been a success.“Learning together in a healthy, positive environment will provide the best opportunity for the students to reach their full potential and will better equip them for their future,” he said.Scripture Union Victoria Northern Region co-ordinator Rob Wolsley said that in 2006 Ron Poyser Holden generously donated a VZ SS ute to Eaglehawk Secondary College.As a result of Mr Van Emmerik’s inquiries, that ute is now on loan from Eaglehawk and will be worked on by Castlemaine Secondary College students this year.