The Program
Year 13 is a gap year designed
especially for school-leavers.
What is a gap year?
A gap year is a year off after High School and before commencing formal study, a trade apprenticeship, or beginning full-time work. The Year 13 program will provide an opportunity to study the Bible, think through Christian life and ministry, consider theology and ethics in a relaxed environment.
Go deeper in God’s word.
Be active in your local church.
Grow as a Christian leader.
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Deepen your faith.
During a Year 13 gap year you will be encouraged to go deeper in your relationship with God. Deepen your faith as you spend time getting into God’s word and spend time with like-minded young people as you challenge each other to stretch your passion and knowledge of God.
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Sharpen your priorities.
In 21st Century Australia, emerging adults have the privilege to do almost anything. It’s difficult to know how to navigate life when almost every option is available and acceptable. Spending your gap year with Year 13 will help you approach some of life’s toughest questions through a Jesus focused lens.
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Upskill for life.
A Year 13 gap year will equip you to change the world for Christ. Be discipled and gain inspiration from special guests who share their work and ministry life experience with you. Have time to connect in community on a deeper level, ask tough questions and pray for one another in small and large groups.
Streams
At Year 13 you stay on campus and participate in an exciting and engaging discipleship program. This includes chaplaincy and prayer groups, chapel, firesides, morning and afternoon prayers, solo time with God, 1-to-1 mentoring, practical ministry and Bible classes, meals and more.
To cater for all students and allow Year 13 to work well with your ministry week, you will attend campus two days and one night per week throughout the year.
Stream options & example program
Key Dates 2024
What could your week look like?
A regular week will vary from student to student. Below is an example timetable of a Tuesday - Wednesday Stream student, working a part-time job and volunteering in your local church.
Fiji Mission
Past Year 13-ers say the 3 week mission to Fiji is the highlight of their year. Partnering with Fijian brothers and sisters in gospel ministry is a rare privilege.
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2024 Update.
Year 13 will be back on mission to Fiji in 2024.
Mission Dates: 5 July - 28 July
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Overview.
On mission you will visit some beautiful locations and experience genuine Fijian culture and hospitality, far from the tourists, as you and your Local Church Mission team partner with churches and minister the gospel in many different contexts.
You will have the chance to teach Scripture in orphanages, schools, churches, refugee settlements and prisons, participate in hands-on community projects as well as present at Fijian Youth Leadership Conferences.
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Fees
The Fiji mission takes place in June-July each year. Part of your Year 13 training involves personal fundraising to help cover most— if not all— of your mission costs ($3700). The mission fees cover your airfares, in-country transfers, travel insurance, meals, training, accommodation and sightseeing for your trip.
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While overseas.
While in Fiji, you will receive a prepaid SIM in order to contact home, as well as give you intermittent internet access. There will also be a supporters’ Facebook page to allow friends and family to see what you have been up to.
Detailed risk management policies and emergency procedures are in place to ensure the safety of all team members.
For more information about travelling to Fiji, please visit: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/pacific/fiji.
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Preparation.
In the lead up to the mission trip you will be well prepared for cross-cultural ministry. This includes detailed cultural awareness training on Evangelism and Biblical Theology of Mission, which work together preparing you for mission work.
Travel to Fiji does not require a Visa for Australian citizens but will require a passport. You need to apply for a passport well before the Fiji mission if you don’t have one already. Please don’t leave this until the last minute!
You may also require some vaccinations. We will provide details of what is recommended, but these will need to be organised and paid for by you. Detailed risk management policies and emergency procedures are in place to ensure the safety of all team members and fully trained medics accompany the team.
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The Mission.
It is important to know that Year 13 does not go to ’do mission’. Our philosophy of mission is to partner with local Fijians in mission. God has opened the door for Year 13 in Fiji through existing relationships with Fijian church leaders. Year 13 has also returned, year after year, to the same ministries, seeking to consolidate the work done by previous year groups, and develop the relationship with our Fijian partners. Fijian culture operates on trust, and it is a great privilege – and a testament to our past students to be asked back each year.
Funding your fees
The 2024 program has been designed to ensure that all participants receive maximum value out of their discipleship gap year.
Need a part-time job to fund your Year 13? We can help!
Year 13 is delighted to offer its students many opportunities for jobs with Christian employers across hospitality, office management and residential care. Each role has been designed to complement your discipleship gap year with Year 13 allowing time for ministry in your local church or school AND cover your Year 13 program fees.
All the details, including how to apply for one of these jobs, are here
Mission trip fees.
The Fiji mission takes place in June-July each year. Part of your Year 13 training involves personal fundraising to help cover most— if not all of your mission costs. The mission fees cover your airfares, in-country transfers, travel insurance, meals, training, accommodation and sightseeing for your trip.
Statement Confirming Year 13’s Compliance with ACNC External Conduct Standards (ECS)
Youthworks is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). The ACNC requires Youthworks to comply with four External Conduct Standards (ECS) when working overseas.
The ECS relate to:
1. Activities and control of resources
2. Annual review of overseas activities and record-keeping
3. Anti-fraud and anti-corruption
4. Protection of vulnerable individuals.
Each year, Youthworks Year 13 students go on a short-term mission to Fiji as part of their gap year program. All Year 13 activities in Fiji are planned, monitored and assessed in compliance with these standards.
At all times Youthworks ensures that appropriate standards of behaviour, safety, financial control, risk mitigation and oversight are being upheld, to protect Year 13 students and achieve successful program outcomes. Detailed plans and procedures are issued to all Fiji mission participants in advance of the mission trip and a full report is produced for the Youthworks Council after every trip.
Parishes and individuals who support Year 13 students undertaking the Fiji mission are covered by Youthworks’ compliance and are not required to apply for additional ECS to cover this activity.