Advance in schools

What is Advance?

Advance is a school-based program for young people to volunteer in their community. It is a partnership between the Office for Youth, Victorian government secondary schools and community organisations.

Through Advance, young people, schools and community organisations develop networks of relationships while achieving shared goals. The program also encourages communities to support and recognise young people’s participation and positive role in society.

Advance gives young people a chance to do something great in their community based on their choice. Young people are able to plan projects, meet new people, build skills and make a difference in their community.

Victoria Walks and Advance

Young people often walk more than others in our community.  Victoria Walks believes that young people often know much more about what is good and bad in their neighbourhoods for walking.

Advance students can make a big difference by doing a walking audit of their streets.  We have developed some tools and resources to help teachers and students make their streets better for walking and neighbourhood a safer and better place to live.  

Interested in finding out more?  Check out the links below, or Contact us.

Bendigo Senior Secondary College

Students from Bendigo Senior Secondary College conducted a walking audit in February 2010.  The project was developed as part of their VCAL Foundation Work Related Skills/Personal Development classes. 

There were many spin off benefits for students who participated in the walking audit.  Students:

• Learned about the importance of public spaces and  infrastructure needed to make walking a safe and enjoyable experience
• Conducted research and came up with ideas to make these places better for walkers.
• Researched the history of the local area and shared experiences about living in Bendigo.
• Worked collaboratively to carry out the walking audit and to organise presentations.
• Presented their findings at a formal event to the Bendigo Historical Society, as well as staff from their local Council. 

According to teacher Jennifer Moloney, "the students used the presentation [of the walking audit] as a way of demonstrating their planning and organisation, teamwork and communication skills." 

"We also used the presentation morning as a way of demonstrating food groups and food preparation - ie. morning tea was provided by the students!  We linked this to the Safe Foodhandling training. From this you get some idea of how I have integrated the project into the curriculum."

How to do a walking audit

You can start by time strolling around our website for ideas and tips, or check out the links below.