Avondale University has been selected by Adventist Schools Australia (ASA) to lead a national research project designed to drive continuous improvement across its 48 schools and campuses. The multi-year commission will see Avondale’s Christian Education Research Centre (CERC) measure key factors such as school climate, student and staff wellbeing, and faith engagement, using data collected annually from students, staff and parents. The project includes consultation, ongoing refinement of research instruments, detailed data analysis and customised reporting for each school, conference and ASA, supported by face-to-face debriefings to inform strategic planning.
This initiative demonstrates ASA’s commitment to quality education, a positive school climate for staff and nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually—amid growing concerns around youth wellbeing, loneliness, anxiety and the pressures of a rapidly changing world. It also aligns with Avondale’s applied research focus and builds on the university’s existing contributions to Adventist education, including studies on student wellbeing, school choice and faith development.
As part of the largest Protestant education system in the world, Adventist schools in Australia serve nearly 17,000 students and aim to prepare them for a life of purpose and service. “Schools need feedback based on good data to clearly understand their situation and make plans so that they can strategically and operationally progress,” said Dr Peter Beamish, director of the Christian Education Research Centre. “Schools need to give students hope for a future that evolves a life of meaning and purpose.”
“Adventist Schools Australia are delighted to be partnering with CERC in developing a School Improvement Survey that is tailor made to provide valid, reliable data that we can use to improve our schools, while also understanding the importance of maintaining and measuring our Adventist Identity,” said Dr Jean Carter, national director for Adventist Schools Australia.
The partnership will help to strengthen ASA’s implementation of the Quality Adventist Schools framework and reflects Avondale’s growing national leadership in Christian education research and its deep commitment to supporting faith-based schooling through evidence-informed improvement.
