Based on the key elements of the P-TECH model, the P-TECH styled learning program at Hunter River High School has been designed by the school’s leadership team and local education, industry and community partners to suit local circumstances. In the P-TECH model, local employers partner with schools, TAFEs/RTOs and universities to strengthen students’ prospects of a successful transition to work by ensuring they develop the technical and personal skills employers are looking for.
In January 2017, Hunter River High School introduced an innovative P-TECH styled skills-based program that focuses on aeronautical and related aerospace industries, and provides an industry supported pathway for students to achieve a post-school qualification in an area of growing local employment demand.
To achieve this goal, the school has worked collaboratively with other education and training providers and a number of major locally-based employer partners including BAE Systems Australia, Jetstar, Varley Group Engineering and Ampcontrol.
To prepare its students for the world beyond school, all Year 10 students at Hunter River High School will commence a P-TECH immersion program in 2017, and take part in a range of industry supported learning experiences that will extend their education beyond the classroom.
This includes opportunities to connect and build relationships with industry partners, and engage in hands-on, project-based activities, both at school and in the workplace. These experiences will help students to better understand the relevance of their learning and how it can be applied in the workplace.
In future years, and with support from industry partners and industry mentors, students will have the opportunity to commence and pursue formal STEM training as part of a nationally recognised VET qualification, while also undertaking their Higher School Certificate (HSC). With ongoing support from their industry mentor, and established connections with the school’s industry partners, P-TECH students will have the opportunity to extend their study beyond secondary school, and transition to a post-secondary education institution to achieve a STEM related diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree.
Participating in the P-TECH styled learning program will build student interest and skills in STEM, and raise awareness of the breadth and depth of STEM related training and employment pathways that are locally available. The program will be structured to develop the technical and personal skills students need to succeed at school and make a successful transition to further study and work beyond school.
The P-TECH pilot at Hunter River High School is supported by the local community and NSW Government.
Visit our partners
Education Partner
Key Industry Partners
Tertiary Education Partner
In the media
The stealth approach to STEM learning
| The Educator | 5th February 2018 |
‘The stealth approach to STEM learning’ – The Educator, Online
P-TECH Launching Careers for Hunter Students
| Nine NBN news | 25th November 2017 |
‘P-TECH Launching Careers For Hunter Students’ – NBN News, Online
‘Defence prime partners with school for P-TECH programs’
| Defence Connect | 22nd Novmeber 2017 |
‘Defence prime partners with school for P-TECH program’ – Defence Connect, Online
‘Hunter River High School students eye aerospace studies in 2018’
| Port Stephens Examiner, NSW | 17th November 2017 |
‘Hunter River High School students eye aerospace studies in 2018’ – Port Stephens Examiner, NSW
‘Pathway to tech jobs’
| Newcastle Herald, NSW | 23rd June 2017 |
P-TECH leaders for 2018
This week, four students from Years 9 and 10 at Hunter River High School were chosen as P-TECH leaders for 2018 and 
invited to join P-TECH Industry Liaison Officer Mrs Liana Nadalin, and iStem coordinator Mr Rob D’Elboux to an innovators breakfast in Newcastle. The students listened to three entrepreneurs speak about the growth of their businesses using technology and innovative models. They all heard firsthand the benefits of using an open mind to create change that leads to successful opportunities.
Students Megan Snow, Seth Johnstone, Connor Oppermann and Tiahna McGarry showed enthusiasm and immersed themselves amongst the guests speakers. Hunter River High School stood as the only school invited to attend and the students felt very honoured to be part of this experience. P-TECH is an exciting, innovative and collaborative initiative at Hunter River High school and Liana Nadalin is using positive and consistent messaging to help students capture an understanding of how P-TECH can provide a new angle that links local students to local pathway options post school life.
Follow Hunter River High School on Facebook or Instagram for more updates on P-TECH over term 2 as it prepares to launch many more innovative project based activities that capture the minds and curiosity of our students.
Tiahna said, “Innovators want workers who problem solve and think outside the box”.
“Problem solving should not be looked at from the solvers perspective, but the prospective of those effected”, said Seth.
Megan said she learnt, “The littlest ideas can lead to something big!”
Such wise words from possible future HRHS leaders.