The College provides the highest quality, innovative, integrated education in a nurturing Marist community, founded on enduring Catholic values and based on mutual respect for each other where every individual is seen as equal. This is evidenced by the College’s harmonious multicultural environment.
The College is characterised by a diverse curriculum catering for a wide range of students’ needs, abilities and interests, from Learning Support through to the Gifted and Talented Challenge program. This diversity is also reflected in the range of co-curricular activities offered by the College that encompass sport, community service, cultural and creative arts.
The College’s experienced and dedicated staff contributes to the academic success that students enjoy — each individual is seen as important and is treated with respect, in an environment emphasising the total education of the student. Marist College Kogarah has built a reputation on achieving academic excellence and developing well-rounded, balanced students, preparing them for an adult life of responsibility and commitment.
Curriculum: The College aims to provide engaging teaching methods that challenge and extend every boy across all grades and all years by dedicated, experienced, innovative staff that are responsive to change.
There is a strong emphasis on all Key Learning Areas, which includes extension programs and support classes. The ‘Challenge Classes’ in years 7, 8, 9 and 10 continually assess and stretch academically gifted students across a number of subjects, to perform at their highest level. Years 7 and 8 students follow the syllabus requirements through a broad range of subjects, as set out by the NSW Board of Studies, which includes Religion, English, Mathematics, Music and Italian. In Years 9 and 10 the curriculum broadens as some of the compulsory subjects drop away, allowing the boys to select two subjects to incorporate into their timetable.
Senior Studies in Years 11 and 12 comprise the Preliminary and HSC Course, where a wide variety of subjects is offered to cater for students of every ability and interest. Religious Education and English are compulsory subjects to the end of Year 12 with advanced and extension classes offered for English and Mathematics. Approximately 40 courses are offered in Years 11 and 12, including VET courses (Business Services, Hospitality, Information Technology, Construction), and a number of TAFE and Board Endorsed courses.
The HSC subjects include: Studies of Religion (1 or 2 unit), English (standard, advanced and extension 1 or 2), Mathematics (four courses), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Senior Science, HSIE, PDHPE, Legal Studies, Ancient and Modern History, Geography, Economics, Business Studies, Industrial Technology, Music 1 or 2, Drama, Creative Arts, Italian Beginners and Information processes and Technology.
Co-curricular activities: The formal academic side of the curriculum is complemented by a wide range of co-curricular activities. Boys attending Marist College Kogarah are encouraged to extend and enrich their learning by participating in the activities that are offered. These include: Chess, Debating and Public Speaking, choir, band, ensemble and drama performances, Tournament of Minds, Outward Bound and Hobby Club.
Religious education: Religious Education is a major priority within the College and is a compulsory and comprehensive area of study. Students in Years 7 to 12 study the Sydney Archdiocesan Religious Education Curriculum, “Faithful to God: Faithful to People”.
The College and all classes have set R.E. programs and lessons. In Years 11 and 12 students are given the opportunity to study the Board of Studies course, Studies of Religion at either 1 or 2 unit level.
A real sense of Christian community exists at Marist, and prayer is seen as an important part of daily life at the College. Throughout the year there are frequent opportunities for all students to participate in College and class masses, sacramental programs, liturgies, prayer sessions and outreach programs, such as the St Vincent de Paul “Night Patrol” program.
The College is fortunate to have a full-time College chaplain, Father Xavier Barry, as a member of staff.
Sport: Participation in sporting activities, particularly team games, is an important facet of school life at Marist. Students enjoy participating in competitive and social sports including swimming, cross-country, athletics, basketball, squash, cricket, tennis and golf.
Involvement in sport builds a sense of belonging, and no more so than on the rugby, football and soccer field, where the College has a strong sporting background in Rugby League, AFL, Soccer and Touch Football.
The College is a long-time member of the Metropolitan Catholic Colleges sporting league, and through the MCC students are able to access representation at higher levels. All MCC games are played on Thursday afternoon, whilst whole-day tournaments and carnivals are held at various times throughout the year. There is no Saturday sport, leaving the students free to play for their local clubs.