PADUA COLLEGE

Padua College aims to be a positive, creative learning community where Catholic values and spirit are shared and nurtured. Established in 1898, Padua College is an innovative co-educational college serving the Mornington Peninsula and Western Port regions, with campuses in Mornington and Rosebud. A new Tyabb campus is set to open in 2014 and will house Years 7 to 8. Helping new students to be happy, confident and secure as they adjust to life at Padua College is a priority for all teaching and support staff. The school seeks to inspire students with a love of learning and acknowledge them for their effort and achievement. Padua College’s multi-campus structure provides students with the individual care and support of a smaller school community, while enjoying the facilities of a larger college network. Regularly timetabled pastoral care classes take place in the home room, involving structured activities that have been specifically designed to build confidence and the personal and interpersonal skills of the students. This program is central to the school’s commitment to the Christian education of the students.

Facilities: Each campus has generous grounds, a chapel, a library, ovals, tennis courts, an indoor stadium as well as specialist rooms for music, drama, art, visual communication and design, media studies, information technology, food technology, science, agriculture and horticultural studies, materials design and technology (wood, metal and textiles). Extensive wetland areas are used for biology as well as to encourage environmental awareness.

Curriculum: The college provides a comprehensive and inclusive curriculum characterised by excellent teaching that encourages every student with the opportunity to fulfil their potential. More than 40 Units 3 and 4 VCE subjects are offered as well as VCAL and VET courses.

Sport: Padua College is a member of the Southern Independent Schools’ Association (SIS) and students participate in competitions with other SIS schools. The range of inter-school sports in which the students may participate includes football, soccer, netball, basketball, volleyball, cricket, tennis and softball, to name a few.

Extra-curricular activities: Participation is encouraged in a wealth of co-curricular activities encompassing many areas such as art, sport, music, dance and dramatic performances, as well as social justice, environmental and academic pursuits. Transition camp in Year 7 assists students in getting to know their new classmates and teachers. The Year 9 camp starts the transition process to senior years and the Year 12 retreat is part of the Religious Education program. Excursions related to specific subjects are regularly offered as an integral part of the teaching and learning program. Arts and cultural events include lively competition in debating, drama and chess as well as participation in art and technology exhibitions. With six different bands and a choir at each campus, music is a vibrant department, providing students with the chance to perform in professional venues from Years 7 to 12.

Student welfare programs: A pastoral associate and two counsellors work across the campuses. Each campus has a careers officer and there is a comprehensive special education program.