While the traditional narrative suggests that studying hard, achieving high ATAR scores, and securing a spot at a good university guarantee a smooth transition into a decent job, this focus often comes at the expense of developing a broader skill set.
Indeed, research suggests that this approach leaves the next generation of young workers woefully unprepared for life beyond school.
In a bid to correct this startling reality, Medowie Christian School has launched the Tall Trees Academy, a unique program for Year 11 and 12 students that extends beyond academics to help prepare them for real-world challenges.
The Academy, which runs one lesson per week outside regular school hours, covers essential skills like budgeting, managing finances, first aid and car maintenance, ensuring that students gain practical knowledge of life while maintaining their academic focus.
“The Tall Trees Academy seeks to prepare students for life beyond the school gates,” Medowie Christian School Principal, Daniel Weeks, told The Educator.
“The academy commenced to help our Graduates remain agile in a complex ever changing landscape when considering career, capability, service, mindset and faith.”
Weeks said that the school assessed the programs that formed what it believes to be a well-rounded education and saw an opportunity to provide greater identity to the work its learning community was doing around academics, careers, study, mindset and wellbeing.
“We desired to draw these together with greater intentionality for our community,” he said.
“The overarching message for our learners is one of supporting and encouraging one another in their success, that actually we can be better together and that will require effort, a shift in language and approach to enhance how we support one another through school.”
Combating Tall Poppy syndrome
Weeks said the Tall Trees Academy is a program that speaks against the Tall Poppy syndrome regrettably seen in Australian culture and encourages young men and women to think more of others and then themselves.
Moreover, it is changing the narrative around the ATAR and post-school success, and preparing students for life after school.
“For us it is about broadening the perspective of post school options realising that there are many roads to 'success',” Weeks said.
“The more our students know and understand about themselves, their faith and the world around them the more equipped they will be to influence their families, workplaces and communities for good.”
Weeks said the Academy desires for its young men and women to be highly capable academically but also great contributors to society, leaders of fantastic families who are positive life-long learners.
“We can see the change in approach from universities and the impact this is having on student mindsets towards the HSC, and I believe it is on each school to be agile, to equip a little differently to help afford our students every chance at success.”
‘It has broadened my perspective on the professional world’
One student who has seen the benefits of the program firsthand is Annika Ash.
“As a Year 12 student at Medowie Christian School, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of the Tall Trees Academy this term,” Ash told The Educator.
“Being a new initiative, it has already proven to be a valuable opportunity for students to gain real world skills and insights beyond the classroom.”
One highlight for Ash has been completing a microcredential course in Project Management, which aligns with her goal of pursuing a career in engineering after high school.
“This course has provided me with a deeper understanding of the responsibilities of project manager and the various career pathways available in the industry,” she said.
“I have gained insight into the operations of large companies and organisations, which has broadened my perspective on the professional world.”
Ash said that beyond the content of the course itself, she has also benefited from the experiences and reflections of other learners who have already established themselves in their careers.
“Hearing how the skills they developed have positively impacted their work has been inspiring and motivating. The Tall Trees Academy has not only equipped me with practical knowledge but has also given me the confidence to explore opportunities beyond school,” she said.
“I believe this program will continue to benefit future students by bridging the gap between education and industry, and I am grateful to have been a part of it.”