The Elevate Dragcar Project was developed by Scripture Union Victoria and involves 10 to 15 students from years 7 to 9.

The students will meet once a week to work on a drag car and will learn mechanical skills and develop positive life skills.

The college’s automotive teacher, Anthony Van Emmerik, said the program was based on trust development and problem-solving activities that students had to complete as a team.

Mr Van Emmerik said he had learnt about the project through Eaglehawk Secondary College, where the program had been a success.

“Learning together in a healthy, positive environment will provide the best opportunity for the students to reach their full potential and will better equip them for their future,” he said.

Scripture Union Victoria Northern Region co-ordinator Rob Wolsley said that in 2006 Ron Poyser Holden generously donated a VZ SS ute to Eaglehawk Secondary College.

As a result of Mr Van Emmerik’s inquiries, that ute is now on loan from Eaglehawk and will be worked on by Castlemaine Secondary College students this year.