26 Jul 2013
When 16-year-old Dubbo College student Nathan Hawkes flies to Sydney on Sunday he will be preparing for a brand new challenge. Nathan, a Year 10 student at Delroy Campus, will be taking part in the Department of Education's Director-General for a Day program on Monday and will rub shoulders with the department's top decision-makers.
"I've always been interested in learning the ways that schools function, as well as the impact of decisions made at higher levels of management," Nathan said. "I see the program as an opportunity to expand my understanding of the education system so that I can help executive staff, through the SRC, to create and apply rules and policies for students at Delroy Campus."
Nathan, a member of Delroy's academic extension class since Year 7 and the school's current vice-captain, is interested in studying for a legal career once he leaves school.
"Since I've been at Delroy I have been involved with the SRC, debating and public speaking," he said. "I am currently Cadet Sergeant with the Australian Air Force Cadets and I think I am well-placed to act as a spokesperson on educational issues in rural New South Wales.
"This opportunity on Monday will enable me to raise some issues, which I believe are important, to the future of rural education."
Nathan said, when the opportunity arose, he would like to talk about the need for up-to-date resources for country students, including text books and technology. He also believes the curriculum should be broadened and students should be provided with more opportunities for selective schooling.
Nathan will spend Monday working alongside the Department's Director of Secondary Education, Sharon Ford.