The Future of Farming and Learning: A Conversation with BDC Horizon Student Jed

With regional families facing tough choices around boarding school or long daily bus commutes, online high school in NSW is offering a new path forward. Craig Verbruggen, Head of School at BDC Horizon Online, sat down with Jed, a regional student currently completing his studies via the online school, to find out how regional online learning works.

Why BDC Horizon Online beats 5-hour bus commutes and boarding school

Craig: Jed, what was the main reason your family chose BDC Horizon as an alternative to boarding school or travelling to a local day school? 

Jed: "Travelling to school each day wasn't really an option because it would have meant spending around five hours a day on the bus. I would have had to leave early in the morning and get home late in the afternoon, leaving very little time to help around the farm or enjoy my hobbies. Boarding school also wasn't something I wanted to pursue because I enjoy being at home and being involved in day-to-day life on the property, whether that's feeding horses and other stock, fixing machinery or helping my parents with whatever needs to be done. BDC Horizon Online school allows me to stay involved at home while still receiving a quality education."

What does a typical day look like at BDC Horizon Online?

Craig: People often worry that online learning means sitting alone with a textbook. What does a normal school day look like for you? 

Jed: " It's quite different from what most people expect. Every morning, after feeding the horses and other stock, I sit down and begin school. At the start of each week, my teachers provide a video explaining what I'll be learning and what is expected for the week ahead. I then work through online lessons, quizzes, worksheets and textbook questions in subjects like Maths and Chemistry. Each subject also has one or two Zoom lessons each week where I meet with my teachers and other students to ask questions and work through problems together. Because the timetable is flexible, I can take short breaks to get outside and keep active, which makes it much easier to stay focused. On quieter days I can often finish my work in just a few hours, while on busy farm days I can adjust my schedule without falling behind."

Balancing high school study with life on the farm

Craig: How does this flexible way of distance education NSW help you balance your schoolwork with life on the land? 

Jed: "The flexibility is one of the biggest advantages. Instead of rushing off to catch a bus, I can start my morning by feeding the animals and checking the water before logging into my classes. Because I complete much of my work independently, if something unexpected happens, like machinery breaking down, needing to load a truck or making a trip into town for parts, I can help out and then return to my schoolwork afterwards. Rather than missing an entire day of school, I simply adjust my timetable and keep progressing through my subjects. It means I can contribute to the farm when I'm needed while still studying at an excellent school with supportive teachers."  

Advice for regional families considering online schooling

Craig: What would you say to other country families who are trying to decide if online schooling is the right fit for them? 

Jed: "I'd definitely encourage them to consider it. If you value a strong education, want to stay involved in family life, sport, farming or other commitments, it's a fantastic option. It does require self-discipline and good time management because you're responsible for completing your work. You receive excellent support from teachers and still have regular interaction with other students. For me, it's been the best balance between education and living on the farm."