At St Mary’s College, our students are active participants in their learning. They are empowered to think and act for themselves and explore aspects of their learning that ignite their passions to become lifelong learners.
TRANSFORMATIVE TEACHING
We believe that great teachers equal great teaching. Our teachers are transformative. They place students at the centre of their professional lives, engaging with professional learning and strategic priorities around improving student outcomes. Our teachers use high-impact strategies and strive for a close connection with parents and students. They make the most of our flexible learning spaces, resources and technologies. Our teachers challenge and inspire students, valuing the inherent dignity and worth of every student.
Professional Learning Framework
LEARNING THAT LIBERATES
Students learn best when their social and emotional needs are met, when they engage academically and emotionally in their learning.
We build academic resilience within our students, whereby every student has the opportunity to thrive from the choices they make, so that a culture of challenge and achievement develops and students become independent, hope filled, animated learners.
Students are supported to apply consistency of effort when pursuing personal learning goals, so that the achievement of personal best in all aspects of learning is valued, celebrated and encouraged.
Our students are empowered and inspired to thrive in the modern world through their personal development, academic achievement and acquisition of 21st century skills. They are committed to the common good, to justice and solidarity, as global citizens.
YEAR LEVEL PROGRAMS
At St Mary’s College, every year of schooling is important to us. Each year has its own unique purpose and a dynamic curriculum designed to engage, excite, educate and challenge students to achieve their personal best.
YEAR 7 PROGRAM
The transition from primary into secondary school is an exciting experience. Moving up to Year 7 comes with a change to a more independent level of learning with new friends, new subjects and new learning environments like science labs and workshops.
To assist this important transition Year 7 students at St Mary’s College begin with us long before their first day of school. In the months leading up to Year 7, the students are invited to a Saturday Fun Club over consecutive weekends in October and November. Students engage in a range of activities including sport, team building activities, games, science experiments and music. This is a unique program which has a lasting impact on our students.
Our mentoring program between Year 10 and Year 7 students helps develop a sense of connectedness and belonging. This program provides our younger students with encouragement, friendship, support and guidance from an older student on campus. Junior students are also connected to other year levels through House activities and the House trophy competition.
YEAR 7 SUBJECTS
CORE SUBJECTS:
English; Digital Technologies; Health and Physical Education; Humanities; LOTE - Italian; Mathematics; Religious Education; Science
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS (VAPA):
Arts - 2D Studio, 3D Studio; Communication Design; Digital Studio
Design Technologies - Food Technology; Jewellery; Textiles; Woodwork
Music/Performing Arts - Dance, Drama, Music