GIRLS’ EDUCATION
Avila College Principal, Ms Liz Gleeson believes that girls benefit greatly from a single-sex education in a nurturing Christian environment.
‘An all-girls environment provides students with a freedom of subject choice and a freedom of expression that they may not experience in a co-educational school,’ Ms Gleeson said. ‘Also, our students benefit from the Christian values that are so much part of daily life at Avila College and are seen in the respect that students have for each other , the staff and the wider community, student leadership and social consciousness, and the level of pastoral care available.’
Studies by the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) and Monash University’s Transition Program have highlighted the value of the holistic approach of Catholic education and the success of Avila’s programs in preparing students for higher levels of learning:
Students who attend Catholic secondary schools showed the highest levels of expected course completion (88% for any course), compared with independent (81%) and government schools (79%). Completing University: Characteristics and Outcomes of Completing and Non-completing students ACER, April 2007
In a seven year study from 1997 to 2003 of first year students at Monash University, Avila students passed an average of 92 % of units studied compared with the total first year average of 84%. The data suggested that Avila students are extremely well prepared for their transition to university. Monash Transition Index (2004 update) Monash University, 2005
Ms Gleeson said that students at an all-girls school enjoyed a tremendous freedom in their choice of subjects and career paths, without the restrictions, perceived or otherwise, of gender stereotyping. She believed the students were also able to express themselves freely which enhanced their development into confident young adults.
‘Avila is a vibrant community of more than 1,000 young women from years 7 to 12 who are constantly being enriched through classroom learning and extra curricular activities and community involvement,’ she said.
Ms Gleeson noted that past Avila students who have excelled in a diverse range of careers worldwide, frequently comment on the ‘can do’ attitude that is so much part of the Avila culture; the supportive environment; and the belief that girls can do anything they choose to, providing they work hard to achieve their goals.
‘The academic and extra curricular achievements and successes of our students are celebrated at Avila. They inspire other students to “have a go” and to pursue their personal best,’ Ms Gleeson noted.
While most girls benefited greatly from single-sex education, Ms Gleeson said it was important that they develop a healthy rapport with boys. To that end, Avila students enjoy activities with a local brother school, Mazenod College, including a highly competitive annual debate, jointly produced musical, and a recently introduced Battle of the Bands evening.
According to Ms Gleeson, a school like Avila does not necessarily suit every girl and vice versa. However, some of the key measures of a good school that prospective students and their parents need to consider are the rapport between teachers and students, a sound curriculum, and an active partnership between teachers, students and parents working towards a common goal – nurturing the development of happy and well adjusted young people ready to face the challenges and responsibilities of adult life.
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 2012 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.
