It’s been 50 years since Launceston College went through a rapid overhaul.
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In what are now known as colleges, matriculation schools were brought in throughout Tasmania to better prepare students for university, according to the Centre for Tasmanian Historical Studies.
Burnie resident Tich Ferencz, 65, remembered studying during Launceston State High School’s transition to a matriculation college – later known as Launceston College.
He said Launceston State High School finished 50 years ago during the Christmas period in 1966, and he was part of the last group of students to complete years 7 to 12 at the school.
The educational institution is now 103-years-old, having celebrated its 100th birthday in 2013.
“Matriculation colleges started in the early 60s, but at that point in Launceston, there were four state high schools and they were selective,” Mr Ferencz said.
“And that was Launceston, Hobart, Burnie, Devonport, and up until the early 60s, there was a selection test that was done in primary schools.
“I think basically they (matriculation tests) were a series of intelligence tests, and a certain group was selected and went to those four high schools.”
I think basically they (matriculation tests) were a series of intelligence tests.
- Burnie resident Tich Ferencz
In 1967, the institution changed its name to Launceston Matriculation College, and in 1980 became the Paterson Street campus of Launceston Community College, before changing to Launceston College in 1987, according to the Launceston College website.
The former education and science teacher said a transition period occurred with the introduction of Prospect High School in the mid-60s.
Mr Ferencz said he is grateful for having hard-working, dedicated teachers.
“They had a deep understanding of the things they were teaching, and my career ended up being mathematics, the people I tended to remember are people who worked in maths, science areas.”
The son of a Hungarian refugee, Mr Ferencz said he believed the college system allowed for educational providers to provide a higher quality of teaching.
“If I’d have been at the school up the road, I would not have stayed in that school, I would have gone to Launceston College, because they offered a wide range of courses.”