In a remarkable display of determination, Cody Gallagher, the only Year 12 student at Ivanhoe Central School, is set to begin her Higher School Certificate (HSC) exams on Thursday. At just 17 years old, Cody’s educational journey unfolds in a remote Australian town 280 kilometres from the nearest traffic light, where she faces unique challenges as she prepares for her exams in solitude.
Living in Ivanhoe, a small community with a population of 162, Cody’s experience is not entirely unprecedented. Her sister, Shannen Gallagher, also completed her HSC alone two years prior. This isolation can be daunting, as Cody candidly shared: “It was kind of lonely. You didn’t really have anyone, you didn’t have classmates … and there’s not many people at school in general. I’d go a bit crazy when I was in class by myself.” The local school enrolls just 34 students, highlighting the limited educational resources available.
Blending Traditional and Remote Learning
Cody’s educational path combines traditional classroom learning with remote methods. She takes maths at her school, while other subjects, such as hospitality and standard English, are conducted through the Wilvandee Access Program. This initiative is designed to provide resources for students in rural areas to complete their HSC locally. Cody utilized this program for three of her five subjects, attending classes via Microsoft Teams and phone calls.
In addition to her schoolwork, she participated in a biology class online through Dubbo Distance Education. Cody also completed a TAFE traineeship in animal care, deepening her knowledge and experience in a field she is passionate about. Despite the challenges, she expressed a fondness for her English class, primarily due to the dedication of her teacher, Miss Sarah Rooney. “Not many teachers will take their time to understand you as a student as well. But it was really good with her,” Cody noted.
A Supportive Educational Environment
The principal of Ivanhoe Central, Greg Edwards, emphasized the school’s commitment to supporting students like Cody. “We work with a couple of other schools in the access programs, which provides the opportunity for very remote students and small cohorts to complete the HSC in their hometowns,” Edwards explained. He noted that the largest group of HSC students the school has had is four, with the numbers typically being two or three.
Each day, Cody receives support from her teachers to ensure she stays on track with her studies. “Someone is checking in with Cody every day. The two head teachers coordinate with each other to ensure that Cody is attending all her classes,” Edwards added. This structured support has been crucial for Cody as she prepares for her exams.
As the first exam approaches, Cody looks forward to the next chapter of her life. With aspirations to work on a large cattle farm in Queensland, she is eager to embrace new opportunities. “I’m just pretty keen to get out, move away, and work on a bigger property and meet new people,” she said, highlighting her excitement for the future.
Cody Gallagher’s journey reflects not only her personal resilience but also the broader challenges faced by students in isolated areas. Her story serves as an inspiration, showcasing how determination and support can help overcome obstacles in pursuit of education.
