Why Year 13?
A gap year is a fun 12 months.
A Year 13 structured Christian gap year is an investment for life.
*Statistics drawn from the 2016 NCLS survey results, with 289 of 792 past Year 13 students participating.
It is our prayer that through your time at Year 13 you might be challenged to be a Christian above everything else - that as you then go on to university, to work, or whatever the future may hold, you will remain a resilient Christian for the long haul. Year 13 is a carefully and deliberately structured one-year program designed to mature your faith, connect you with trusted mentors and other like-minded young people, building on foundations that will set you up for the rest of life.
We intentionally connect you in four different ways, each aiming to foster resiliency:
A Year 13 gap year will aim to grow you in your love and knowledge of God. All students are treated equally in the program enjoying the same access to expert Year 13 teachers and mentors.
As a part of, and in addition to the classroom units of study, you will participate in a number of ‘life skills’ courses and seminars, ensuring you will grow spiritually and will also be better prepared for life after Year 13. These include: evangelism, ministry skills, financial planning, careers exploration, understanding different cultures, along with opportunities to learn how to serve on Christian camps, learn how to lead and/or work in a team, learn how to deliver a talk and/or Bible study, and serve alongside Anglicare in care of the marginalised.
Vision, Mission & Values
Year 13 is part of the ministry of Anglican Youthworks, and shares their vision, mission and values:
Meet Our Staff
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Steve Carlisle
Director
Bachelor of Theology (Youth Ministry) (Moore), Diploma of Ministry (Moore), Master of Arts (Theology) (Moore)Steve is the Director of Year 13. Don't judge but he likes WWE wrestling, loud and obnoxious music, playing cricket in 40-degree heat, and doing the laundry (his record is 8 loads in a day!), not necessarily in that order! Most of all Steve loves to see people transformed by the love of Jesus and hopes Year 13 will be life shaping and changing for you. He’s married to Kel and has three young adult kids and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Church: Menai Anglican
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Kiara Meres
Assistant Director
Advanced Diploma of Theology (Youthworks), Bachelor of Ministry (Malyon/ACT)
Kiara was once a Year 13er herself and has spent most of the last decade at Year 13. She finds great joy in helping students grasp the truth that they are deeply known and loved by God, and her hope is that you will know, love, and live for Jesus always. Rarely seen without a cup of tea in hand, Kiara’s always up for a good chat. She’s in her “grandma era” and loves word puzzles, sewing, crocheting, reading and bushwalks with the dog.
Church: Park Road Anglican
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Rebecca Wagstaff
Administrator
Rebecca is the Administrator at Year 13 which combines her love for God and organising stuff. She is excited to be a part of and support the Year 13 team as they, disciple, equip and send out young adults who are loving and serving Jesus in their church and community. Rebecca is married and has two young adult children. She enjoys spending time in the peace and quiet of the bush while walking the dog, riding the horse or camping with the family.
Church: Helensburgh Anglican
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Brad Vidilini
Pastoral Care & Teaching
Diploma of Christian Studies (Year 13), Associate Degree of Theology (Youthworks)
Brad completed Year 13 in 2018 and loves the way Year 13 has a heart to transform young people more into the image of Christ, as they serve God in their local churches. He loves helping students discover God's mission for the world, particularly through the Old Testament, which he lectures in. In his spare time, he loves playing or watching almost any sport, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Church: Jamberoo Anglican
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Elissa Kerr
Pastoral Care & Promotions
Diploma of Christian Studies (Year 13)
Elissa completed Year 13 in 2021 and has been involved with Year 13 ever since. She loves the way Year 13 shapes the hearts of young people to serve God in all areas and seeing the students’ excitement when practically learning this in Chaplaincy Groups. Elissa is currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing. When she’s not studying she’ll be doing word puzzles, sewing, pottery or spending time with friends and family.
Church: Engadine Anglican
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Fiona Fenwick
Pastoral Care & Teaching
Bachelor of Adult Education (UWS), Bachelor of Theology (SMBC)
Since the start of the Year 13 program in 2006 Fiona has had the privilege of walking alongside young adults as they seek to live a life for Jesus. It gives her great joy to see their growth as they serve their communities both at Year 13 and at their local church. When Fi is not at Year 13 she is on the wild ride of family life, with husband Matt and their three adventurous and energetic kids.
Church: Caringbah Anglican
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Jaedon Scott
Pastoral Care & Teaching
Diploma of Christian Studies (Year 13), Associate Degree of Theology (Youthworks)
Jaedon completed Year 13 in 2020 and now serves on the team and loves to see young people listening to Jesus’s voice, understanding who he says they are and growing to know and love him more. Yes, you have stereotyped Jaedon correctly, he loves a surf on the sunny south coast which he calls home. Jaedon also loves his sport (as long as it’s not something boring like tennis) and can’t go past a good read.
Church: Park Rail Anglican
History
Year 13 is one of the largest Christian gap year programs available to school leavers in Australia. But it didn’t start out that way!
It was established in 2006 by the then-Principal of Youthworks College, Graham Stanton, and Youthworks’ Training Advisor, Jodie McNeill. They had observed a growing trend for school leavers to apply direct to Youthworks College, not so much to prepare for ministry to youth and children, as to take some time out post-school to grow in their knowledge and faith, and do some hands-on ministry.
Just The Beginning
While the concept of a gap year wasn’t hugely popular at the time, Graham and Jodie saw a need to assist young adults through a structured one-year program that would strengthen their faith and equip them for life-long service of the Kingdom. In its inaugural year, there were 16 students and two part-time staff.
Following a successful first two years, Year 13 expanded by developing the Block mode: a way for regional and country students to participate in the program while continuing to serve in their local church.
Year 13 was able to establish and build upon existing ministry relationships in Fiji, and now returns each year to the same churches and organisations, working alongside them in seeking fresh ministry opportunities. Each year Year 13 students both strengthen and contribute in new and unique ways to the larger relationship between Year 13 and the Fijian church.
Year 13 is unique in its focus on student discipleship. Our supervisory system, residential community and focus on service, provide ample opportunity for students to not only live out their faith and grow in maturity, but to reflect and learn from their experiences.
And with interest in gap years continuing to rise, we believe Youthworks’ Year 13 program offers young Christians the best combination of experiences to build spiritual foundations that will last a lifetime.
Year 13 Thriving
Book Our Site
Looking To Escape The Everyday?
Youthworks' Wanawong site is the perfect place for your group to grow in community.
So many amazing things have happened in the lives of Year 13 students and staff at Wanawong, and we want to share this very special place with you. Located in Sydney's south, just a 5-minute drive from Sutherland train station, this secluded bush retreat will make you forget that you are still in Sydney.
Perfect for weekend camps, day conferences, planning retreats, bush chapel weddings and more, Wanawong is ready and adaptable to suit all kinds of needs. To make a booking or enquiry please contact us by email or by phone on (02) 8093 3420.
