Founded in 1929 by the Christian Brothers, St Paul’s has been completely staffed by lay teachers since 1982. The college is located in the grounds of the Cardinal’s Palace at North Head and aims to provide a sound academic education from a Catholic perspective. The college’s motto, Prima primum or “First Things First”, challenges the college community to properly arrange life’s priorities.
Facilities: Modern computer laboratories, a gymnasium, technics and science facilities, an industry-standard kitchen for hospitality, a library and learning centre fully equipped with state-of-the-art IT and internet access for all students and staff, new sporting facilities to cater for tennis, basketball and five-a-side soccer.
Electives Years 7 to 10: Multimedia, Computing Studies, Visual Arts, Music, Japanese, History, Geography, Commerce, Food Technology, IST, Industrial Technology, Design and Technology.
Electives Years 11 and 12: Staff at St Paul’s try to remain flexible in terms of the curriculum to cater to student demand. There is a generous list of subjects that features a variety of technical and science-related subjects, Creative Arts and a full range of Humanities and traditional academic subjects. In addition, the college offers a range of vocational courses including Building and Construction, Retail, Hospitality and Information Technology. There are also links with TAFE, leading to accreditation in some fields. Subjects are offered at 2-Unit and Extension levels where appropriate.
Sport: The college has a high profile in sport and competes successfully in local and wider competitions in most college sports.
Extracurricular activities: Chess club, senior concert band, band, Vinnies, overseas tours (Japan/UK) amongst others.
Welfare and personal development: Leadership is fostered and the welfare policy of the college promotes a positive self-image and respect for others. The college has an active SRC and offers work placement and career guidance to students. The college has a structured, as well as an, informal pastoral care program, with a team of teachers working with each Year group. The college also caters to gifted and talented students and provides a highly structured program for students with special needs, in which they gain individual support. The college offers an exciting outdoor education program involving a range of activities including skiing.