WITH just 50 boys and 50 girls in residence, The Geelong College boarding community is tight-knit.
Students get to know others from diverse backgrounds and make great friends with boarders and boarding staff.
"It is perhaps the magic ingredient," principal Dr Peter Miller said.
"Being in a small and diverse environment challenges our boarders to step outside of themselves and learn from - and with - others every day.
"There is a camaraderie that is difficult to capture. The friendships they make are like the best bits of sibling relationships and most boarders genuinely love their time at Mossgiel and Mackie (the girls' and boys' houses)."
The Geelong College is a Uniting Church co-educational day and boarding school with about 1400 students and including 100 boarders. The college is situated on two campuses in central Geelong and has strong links to the surrounding coastal and rural areas.
Boarding at the school is a long-standing tradition for many country families.
However, times are challenging in many country areas and accessing quality education is difficult for a lot of regional and rural families, ending family traditions and limiting opportunities.
"We are thrilled to be able to offer a number of special boarding scholarships for country students for entry into 2021," Dr Miller said.
"We are looking for students who achieve in a number of areas and who are seeking the types of challenges and opportunities a school like ours can offer. We know there are many families who need the support out there, and lots of great students who deserve the chance to thrive."
These scholarships are open for entry into 2021.
To be considered students must be a new enrolment to The Geelong College, be entering year 7 to 11, live in a regional or rural area and demonstrate a strong commitment to their education - including academic achievement, sport, the arts, public speaking, leadership, community service or other area of excellence or endeavour.
Apply now for rural and regional scholarships.
For more information or to apply visit www.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au or call (03) 5226 3106.
