Curriculum & Activities - AVID
AVID
AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It is a systemic program that prepares students in years 7–12 to enter tertiary education at the end of their high school studies. Most students who enrol in AVID are from low socio-economic backgrounds. Students are targeted during the middle years by teachers in the participating school, and are systemically supported throughout high school to gain entry into university. 
The AVID program provides the students with university tutors to help them through challenging coursework. Tutors are trained in the AVID curriculum, which is designed to offer academic assistance needed for success in these classes. The program also provides professional development to existing teachers, leaders and counsellors at their school.
AVID commenced operating in the USA in 1980. It now involves approximately 320,000 students in 4,000 schools across 16 countries. Funds are derived at the school and state level, and there is also philanthropic support from a range of companies, foundations and individuals. In the USA the AVID program has had demonstrable success and has now made a promising start in Australia.
Many universities actively work to support AVID programs by offering scholarships for AVID students, recruiting university students to serve as tutors in AVID classrooms, and opening up their campuses through university tours and other outreach events.
Other important elements of the AVID program are its support for leadership development, and engagement with the community and with students' families. Leadership development is explored in numerous capacities. For example, leaders from the local community are brought into the AVID classroom as guest speakers, these iclude university lecturers and students, business leaders, and community leaders. Students can practice taking effective notes while they learn about leadership and university success from members of the community. Guest speakers offer an important link between AVID students, the outside community and their thinking about leadership. Community service offers another opportunity to develop AVID student leadership capabilities.
What are the benefits of AVID?
The AVID program supports students to achieve and improve their results. Students work within a team and build positive relationships with teachers, peers and members of the community. AVID teaches study and organisational skills, as well as strengthening writing skills. Students are helped to explore careers through guest speakers, field trips and working in partnership with Macquarie University. This may also open up scholarships opportunites for students. Overall the AVID program builds self-confidence and self belief in their ability to achieve.
For more information about AVID and the structure of the AVID program at Berkeley Vale visit
or contact Mrs Simone Alchin (AVID Coordinator at Berkeley Vale Campus).