PROPEL

Introducing Avondale School's applied learning HSC Pathway, PROPEL.

At Avondale School, we are passionate about helping our students to develop their full potential.

Each student is unique. They have their own gifts, talents and dreams for their future. Avondale School recognises that when students have a voice in designing their learning, they are more motivated to achieve and the outcomes can be even more rewarding.

What does PROPEL stand for?

Passion
Responsibility
Opportunity
Purpose
Experiment
Launch

At the end of Year 10, many students have a clear idea of a future career path and how they will progress towards it. For some students, this means advancing through Year 11 and 12, completing the HSC and achieving an ATAR for entrance into university. Other students do not require an ATAR, they prefer hands-on experiential learning and they are ready to engage with industries of their choice in weekly work experience.

PROPEL is an individualised pathway to a career where students achieve their HSC but have the opportunity to explore their gifts and talents and apply them in a workplace environment. PROPEL helps students to launch their career without the pressure of exams and within the safety of a supportive school environment.

In addition to achieving their HSC, students who complete Year 11 and 12 through PROPEL have the opportunity to complete a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) in a field of their choice.

Employers look for more than just a mark on a certificate; they want employees who present well, have great communication skills, have a good track record in the workplace, have initiative and the ability to work collaboratively and creatively.

PROPEL gives students the opportunity to hone these skills as they prepare to leave school and enter the workforce.

PROPEL comprises encouraging, experiential learning programs based on NESA outcomes and competencies to help students to launch their career in a way that suits their learning style. The concept of launch looks and feels different for each individual student and their family. What will launch look like for you?

PROPEL is founded on three dimensions of learning:

• Learning to know – find your passion, use it responsibly
• Learning to do – maximise opportunities, work with purpose
• Learning to be – experiment with skills, gifts and talents then launch into the world

The Bible teaches us that we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalms 139:14) and students begin PROPEL by realising their own God-given gifts and talents and understanding how they can best use them to shape their future. Students will have the opportunity to participate in excursions, outdoor activities, problem-solving tasks and exercises that promote critical and creative thinking in order to realise their individual talents and the value of these talents in a team environment.

The driving question that underpins students’ studies in PROPEL is: how can I use my passion, gifts and talents to propel myself into a fulfilling career?

Students will answer this question in ways as varied as their own individual characteristics and motivations, with compassionate and inspiring teachers to guide their curiosity and mentor them during the final two years of their school journey.

PROPEL

• Achieve the HSC (non-ATAR)
• Choice of VET subjects
• Optional School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship
• Project Based Learning for Mathematics, English Studies and Work Studies
• Weekly industry experience 
• Supportive Christian learning environment
• Inspiring teachers and industry mentors
• Small class with individualised support

The PROPEL class works together as a team, supporting each other through discovery, challenges and fun during two very important years of development. The caring teacher-student relationship in the small class involves one-to-one mentoring, an individual focus on wellbeing and results in greater student motivation.

Corporate uniform 

PROPEL students are workplace-ready with a new uniform that has been designed to suit most work environments and job interviews. A polo shirt, business pants and soft shell jacket form the basic uniform. Other items may be required for VET courses. Due to the practical nature of many of the Project Based Learning tasks, PROPEL students will be required to wear closed-in leather shoes. PROPEL students may choose to participate in school sports events, wearing the Avondale sports uniform.

Flexible timetable

PROPEL is individually designed for each student so the timetable offers some flexibility. Work experience takes place one day per week and, depending on subjects chosen, students may have independent study time or opportunities to start and finish at different times. Some of Avondale’s VET courses will finish at 5pm to allow for comprehensive practical lessons. VET courses completed at other campuses may require travel during the day.

Each student will be issued with a student ID card to enable self check-in and out of school according to their timetable. PROPEL encourages students to take more responsibility for the organisation of their daily routine in preparation for life beyond school.

Fully supported laptop program

PROPEL students receive an Apple laptop for the duration of their course under Avondale School’s laptop program. This is supported by the IT Helpdesk. PROPEL students will be using industry standard programs and apps relevant to their future careers to enable them to be workplace-ready.

Industry immersion

Each student will work in their chosen industry at least one day per week. Hours may vary, depending on the workplace they have chosen. VET courses have a mandatory requirement for completion of work placement hours.

Students are encouraged to make contact with employers to seek work experience and will be coached and supported in their efforts to do so. This is an important part of building communication and organisational skills that are vital for success in life beyond school.

Principal, Mrs Debra Cooper, and VET/PROPEL Coordinator, Mrs Donna Nevell, had the privilege of being interviewed live on the Mornings with Laurel show on RhemaFM to talk about the new PROPEL program.

Have a listen here.