Strengthening university pathways

The Australian Universities Accord Report was released during Term 1. It includes a series of recommendations for long-term improvements to university access, attainment, and equity across Australia by the year 2050. 

Consistent with many of the report recommendations, here at CHES we aim to raise aspirations among students in government schools across Victoria, strengthen pathways into university, and prepare senior secondary students for future tertiary studies. 

The Universities Accord final report includes recommended targets for participation across Australia by the year 2050. 

Some key quotes from the Report: 

“If Australia is to prosper in the years ahead, Australian participation, performance and investment in tertiary education needs to improve in order to generate the knowledge, skills and research our nation needs.”

“All Australian must be encouraged and assisted to obtain the life-changing benefits of higher education.” 

“A new vision for tertiary education: Australia should grow the tertiary education system and improve skills through attainment targets and increased equity, meeting student needs and enabling fit-for-purpose research to meet the challenges facing our nation, region and world.”

“By encouraging intellectual endeavour, creativity and personal accomplishment, higher education adds to the quality of our lives. By pursuing truth through free discussion, higher education promotes democracy and civic values.”

“The Review called upon the Australian government to use the full potential of new teaching technologies.” 

At CHES, we aim to lead by example through our hy-flex model of teaching and learning which enables Year 12 students to equitably access our Higher Education Studies, irrespective of where they live in Victoria. Our partnerships with several universities are dynamic, collaborative, and responsive to the needs of students. 

For a summary of the AUA report recommendations, go to: 

https://www.education.gov.au/australian-universities-accord/resources/final-report

Bridging school and university

CHES proudly partners with major universities to strengthen tertiary pathways for secondary school students across Victoria. Our school design reflects a university environment with the structure and support of a senior secondary school. In 2023, the architects of CHES received numerous prestigious awards for their outstanding design and construction of this centre of excellence.

There are several potential benefits for students accepted into the Higher Education Study courses through CHES, including:

• Introduction and access to university courses (and associated systems, libraries, resources, and supports)
• Significant academic challenge, extension and acceleration
• Opportunity to earn an ATAR contribution and university credits
• Raise aspirations, independence and confidence in university pathways
• Gain specialist knowledge from expert tutors and academics.
• Opportunity to participate in CHES events and network with high-achieving students from across Victoria
• CHES provides coordination to enhance retention and completion rates and support high levels of achievement.

Excellence and Equity

The establishment of CHES is underpinned by the values of excellence and equity. We proudly offer our programs to high-ability students across Victoria and we support students in metropolitan, rural, regional and remote areas, students from disadvantaged backgrounds, Koorie student, and students who may be first-in-family to attend a university after graduating from school. 

In 2023, 28% of students were from rural and regional areas of Victoria and 36% of students were from a disadvantaged background. Students accepted into CHES courses come from all areas of Victoria (22% North East, 20% North West, 30% South East, and 28% South West in 2023) and there are five Koorie students participating in CHES accelerated courses.