The commencement of Secondary School is an exciting time. As a Christian school, we embrace the opportunity to cater to the diversity of our adolescent students, adapting to their evolving learning styles. Avondale School helps pave the way for students to navigate their path towards a fulfilling future by nurturing confidence and cultivating a strong sense of belonging within a safe environment.
Our Stage 4 program for Years 7 and 8 is designed to guide students through learning experiences led by proficient educators who understand their needs.
As an ELC to Year 12 school, this provides continuity of learning within a familiar environment as students progress through their educational journey. This enables the opportunity to:
A strong school and parent partnership enables us to share the responsibility for ensuring your child’s success. We work closely with you to map a tailored pathway while carrying out our responsibilities to help your child know that they are seen, heard, valued and belong at Avondale School. We endeavour to develop students who are curious and globally aware.
Stage 4 aims to:
We aim to provide a strong sense of wellbeing, belonging and security that affirms students in their dignity and worth and assists them in achieving their full potential. New students to Avondale School are provided with buddies to help show them around and introduce them to others.
Stage Coordinators are there to assist by providing wellbeing support, facilitating incursions focused on personal development and overseeing all aspects of school life for the students under their care. Each morning students meet in small groups for Check-In where they begin the day being supported in relation to their wellbeing, spirituality, organisation, friendships and more.
In order to support our students, Avondale School provides:
Avondale School is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and compassionate learning environment through its annual ‘Bullying. No Way!’ campaign. The campaign and the ‘Orange Board’ initiative empowers student voice, strengthens community bonds, raises awareness and nurtures empathy.
Year 7 and 8 students study a range of subjects in accordance with the NSW Curriculum. This forms the foundation for the selection of elective subjects and learning pathways in subsequent years. A rotation of technology subjects occurs throughout the first two years of Secondary School to give students a taste of some of the elective subjects we offer. Avondale’s unique Christian character and philosophy are woven into teaching and learning.
In Year 7, students are gradually introduced to Secondary Campus policies and procedures. They learn about different types of assignments and how they are assessed. They also learn to hone their research skills, use textbooks effectively and how to reference sources.
Stage 4 sees students engage in the study of English, Mathematics, Geography, History, Science, PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education), Encounter (Bible), Invictus (Wellbeing), Art and Mandarin. Students are also introduced to areas of technology such as Food and Agriculture, Digital Technology, Mixed Materials, and Design and Technology.
An Example of a Stage 4 Student’s Day:
| Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
8.48 - 9.00
|
Check-In: Wellbeing and Organisation
|
Daily pastoral care time with the same teacher each morning including roll marking and worship
|
|
9.00 - 9.50
|
Period 1: English
|
Streamed English classes (Year 8)
|
|
9.50 - 10.40
|
Period 2: Mathematics
|
Streamed Mathematics classes (Years 7 and 8)
|
|
10.40 - 11.00
|
Recess
|
Designated break
|
|
11.00 - 11.50
|
Period 3: Geography / History
|
Geography (Year 7) and History (Year 8)
|
|
11.50 - 12.40
|
Period 4: Science
|
Introductions to Biology, Chemistry and Physics
|
|
12.40 - 1.35
|
Lunch
|
Designated break
|
|
1.35 - 2.25
|
Period 5: Encounter
|
Values-based Bible classes
|
|
2.25 - 3.15
|
Period 6: PDHPE
|
Physical activities and health classes
|
At Avondale School, we prioritise a holistic education. Students are able to choose from a variety of areas beyond the classroom to explore their interests as part of a balanced approach to their development including Sport, Music, The Arts, Technology and more.
Our physical education and sports program provides students with the opportunity to develop their motor skills and enable participation in physical activity. Students participate in a wide variety of sports both on and off campus, with opportunities to be involved in local and district inter-school sporting competitions. Through our sporting programs, students learn the importance of teamwork, relate positively to others and develop sportsmanship and cooperation.
We are committed to providing a rich musical experience for students through inspiring and supportive environments in which students learn to play instruments, sing, compose music, develop critical listening skills and explore the process and artistry of communication through music. In addition to scheduled classes, students are offered an array of opportunities to participate in music through individual lessons, band and choir performances, school musical productions and Chapel programs. \
We firmly believe that art possesses a unique power to captivate, motivate, and enhance the lives of our students. Artistic expression has the incredible ability to kindle their imagination, spurring them to explore the depths of their creativity. They will be introduced to a variety of art mediums including painting, drawing, ceramics and photography to name a few. Art serves as a gateway for students to envision and engage with the world around them, both as individuals and in collaboration with their peers. Through artistic endeavours, students not only discover new horizons but also forge meaningful connections with the world they inhabit.
All students are provided with the use of an electronic device as part of our technology-rich approach to learning. Each Stage 4 student is provided with an iPad. Stage 5 and 6 students are provided with MacBooks. The school has partnered with a software company called Linewize to monitor online activities, keeping students safe while using their devices at school. This also allows our teachers and education leaders to aid students in becoming responsible digital citizens. The use of provided devices is in accordance with our Technology Acceptable Use agreement.
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