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Enrolment at Avondale College continues to break records, but the increase this year is lower than the past two despite a record number of applications.

The 1265 students studying at the college this year is 43 more than the previous record set in 2006. Enrolment grew more than 18 per cent that year and almost 15 per cent the year before. It has grown 3.5 per cent this year. The increase is 7.3 per cent when measured as equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL). This is the preferred method of measurement as it relates directly to income. The increase is not as high as the record set in 2006 when EFTSL measured 15.6 per cent. However, it compares favourably to 2005 when EFTSL measured 8 per cent.

The allocation this year of 56 new Commonwealth-supported nursing places helped undergraduate enrolment on the Sydney campus increase by almost 20 per cent (132 to 162). While dean Dr Paul Race says the places are "undeniably" the most influential factor, the quality of the course, the reputation of the course for providing practical experience and the location of the Faculty of Nursing and Health at Sydney Adventist Hospital, have appeal, too.

The Bachelor of Education (early childhood) course, offered for the first time in 2005 and now also by distance education, increased in enrolment from 14 to 32 students, the largest EFTSL variation of any course.

The Faculty of Theology also increased enrolment (from 85 to 110) after restructuring its bachelor and graduate diploma courses. The faculty now offers a two-year Associate Degree in Theological Studies and a four-year Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Ministry. Postgraduate students have the choice of either a one-year Graduate Diploma in Theology or a one-year Graduate Diploma in Ministry, with most students choosing to take both degrees concurrently. The addition of the associate degree "provides an exit point for those who don't want to complete four years of theology," says dean Dr Ray Roennfeldt. He notes theology students this year are younger, with many straight out of high school.

An advertising campaign over summer appears to have worked for the college's School of Aviation, which has enrolled a record 20 students in its full-time program this year. Chief flying instructor and pilot Garry Fraser says the range of job opportunities for graduates could be one of the reasons for the response. "People in the aviation industry are calling me and asking about our graduates. They've employed our graduates before and want more like them." He says if students do well in their study and are willing to move to where work is offered, "these people will want you even before you finish your course."

And while Avondale is a Seventh-day Adventist entity, it continues to welcome a growing number of students (449, up from 374 this past year and 251 in 2005) of other faiths. Lake Macquarie campus chaplain Dr Wayne French says this is healthy because it encourages dialogue about faith. "And that's inclusive, not exclusive."

The Bachelor of Nursing is the most popular course at Avondale (with 200 students) and has the highest number of first-year students (89).

Caption: Education students take time out from study to enjoy a free luncheon provided by staff members. The faculty enrols 442 students this year.
Credit: Ann Stafford

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