CAREER GUIDANCE AND PATHWAYS
Avila students traditionally have found their niche in a diverse range of exciting and challenging career paths.
Our students are well represented across the disciplines within the universities and other high learning institutes in Melbourne and beyond. This is reflected in the tertiary courses and destinations of Avila students.
As a secondary student, making choices about a future career can be difficult. At Avila, we offer a comprehensive careers program which helps students determine a direction and also provides guidance in the selection of appropriate subjects.
Avila has two careers advisors who liaise closely with students and are happy to discuss relevant issues with parents.
While access to the program is open to all students, Year 10 to 12 is the primary focus.
At Year 10, each student is individually interviewed with the aim of establishing a personal profile and data base which is used as a starting point in decision-making. Students are given access to the Job Guide to assist in developing a potential career pathway.
All Year 10 students complete the AIM-S test and are expected to attend at least one university or TAFE institute open day. They each receive a copy of the VICTER course prerequisites for the year they will be entering the tertiary sector. This helps provide a sound basis for discussing with subject teachers, suitable choices for future years.
During Year 11, each student has the opportunity to enter data into Course Scan - a computer program which provides a detailed list of courses and the latest available ENTER scores for the subject combination the student submits.
The Course Scan is an invaluable tool in providing direction as to the consequences of subject changes. Students are also expected to attend open days in Year 11 and to collect appropriate information from the institutions.
At Year 12, the Year 12 co-ordinator liaises closely with each student to work out appropriate selections for their VTAC applications. Attendance at open days is essential so students can explore as many opportunities as possible in the preparations for life beyond Avila.
All students receive a regular Careers Bulletin outlining information sessions, forthcoming seminars, open days and other relevant careers events. After results are published, students are counselled about Change of Preference information and how to proceed with future study or work.
Click here for 2008 ENTER Results
Click here for 2009 tertiary offers by career area
Click here for 2009 University destinations
PAST STUDENT COMMENTS
Past students of Avila are proud of their alma mater and what they have achieved. They look back on their time at Avila with great fondness:
Barrister and former Avila student, Laura Colla, said Avila inspired her to ‘be myself in the world, encouraged me to be accepting of others, and nurtured in me the roots and strengths that Christian values give a person.’
Jane McAloon, Company Secretary BHP Billiton Ltd and former Avila student, said: ‘Avila encourages students to work hard, have fun, be a team player and be generous with others … We were taught that the world lay before us and that girls could do anything they put their minds to … Avila inspired me to welcome opportunities in life whatever they may be.’
Madi Pape, elite athlete and contender for the Beijing 2008 and London 2112 Olympic Games and former Avila student, said that the teachers at Avila encouraged her greatly and believed in what she could achieve, more than she did herself.
Jenni Evans, Professor of Meteorology at the Pennsylvannia State University, world authority on cyclones and former Avila student, said: “We were always respected and valued as individuals which gave us the confidence to pursue our dreams.’
Liz Melgaard, first western radiotherapist to work in Slovenia, said: 'Avila produces "can-do" women with the spirit and confidence to have a go.’ ‘ ... It is sometimes a bit daunting attempting new things but if you work hard, it is always really worthwhile in the end,' said Liz who has successfully met the challenge of moving from a promising career in music to one in radiotherapy.