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It has been said that education is the greatest right, the greatest gift and the most empowering acquisition. And while Australia can claim an enviable reputation for quality education, it's not all about the big city schools.
Attending school in Wingham can set a child up to be just about anything they wish to be in life.
From Wendy Machin who was president of the NRMA to Narelle Campbell who became a station leader in the antarctic, these Wingham graduates are living proof an education in Wingham can give children amazing opportunities.
"What really drives us is challenging the students to be inspirational," said Wingham High School's acting principal Paul Ivers.
"We aim to inspire them to be the greatest they can be."
With 560 students at the school, Paul and his staff have a big job to reach all the students.
Fortunately they understand that academic performance isn't everyone's goal.
"We aim to tap into what kids are good at and work to make their light really shine," said Paul.
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One way local schools are bringing out the best in their students is through the performing arts.
At St Joey's Wingham the performing arts play an important role in the school with every student participating in the whole-school drama program.
The school considers this a key strategy to success in other learning areas.
Wingham High's recent Big Night Out saw more than 50 students and some staff members take part in various musical and drama performances.
"Some of the performances were incredible," admits Paul.
"They pushed themselves to do something new, that's what education is to me."
Tinonee Public School has a school dance program which brings together a mix of students with different abilities.
The group performed earlier in the year to great acclaim at the Taree and District Eisteddfod and the students dance regularly for school assemblies.
Dance is also being used to foster confidence and a sense of belonging at Wingham Public School were a group of Aboriginal boys have formed a traditional dance group that is in high demand across the region.
They dedicate themselves to a weekly practice as a dance group and have performed at numerous schools around the region including Wingham and Harrington.
The students are learning they have more inside of them than they may have previously thought possible.
"All students have the ability to push themselves," said Paul.
“And they in turn inspire us with their achievements.”
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