Facilities: Set in spacious grounds, the college is well-equipped with a library, flexible teaching and learning spaces, a gymnasium, a modern computer complex, science laboratories and music rooms. Creative arts and technology, including art, pottery, graphics, woodwork and metalwork, are well provided for. St Patrick’s College has an extensive information technology system. The college provides for all students and does not require day students or boarders to have a personal laptop. The computer facilities are available to boarders after school and during supervised study time to enhance student learning opportunities.
Curriculum: The college delivers challenging and engaging curriculum at Junior, Middle and Senior School using a model that is focused upon enhancing learning outcomes for all boys. Student learning has been enhanced through the introduction of teaching and learning teams and a clear focus on the holistic development of students. Senior students are taught within the Br W J Wilding Senior School, which provides Senior School students (Years 10 to 12) with first-class facilities and resources to maximise learning outcomes. Boys are able to choose from a wide variety of subject areas, with the college meeting the needs of students seeking university entrance as well as entrance into trade courses and the workforce. The college offers more than 30 VCE subjects, as well as VET subjects in Agriculture, Engineering, Hospitality, Construction and Sport. Technology is integrated into all parts of the curriculum.
Sport: Member of the Ballarat Association of Schools; participates in a variety of state and national competitions in sports such as football, rowing, cricket, basketball and athletics.
Co-curricular activities: Cultural activities such as music, drama, debating and public speaking are strongly encouraged and supported by students. The college has a distinguished record in musical competitions such as the Royal South Street Festival, Geelong Eisteddfod and the National Plain Speaking Awards. Outdoor Education camps, retreats and cultural activities are available to all students.
Student welfare programs: Each student is in a pastoral care group of 25 students and is allocated a pastoral care tutor who is responsible for pastoral care and day-to-day student administration. The pastoral care tutor is supported by the year-level co-ordinator (Years 7 to 9), head of house (Years 10 to 12) and head of school as well as full-time staff in areas such as student counselling, careers education and learning enhancement. All students are encouraged to live the Catholic values of the college and strive to achieve personal excellence in all areas of school life.
Boarding facilities: Students live in purpose-renovated houses that accommodate up to 16 boys. Boys reside in rooms of two or three with all the supporting facilities required for boys to excel in their studies while living away from home. Each house has a resident house master and tutor, to maximise the level of pastoral care and tutoring provided to each boy. The staff-to-student ratio for boarding is 1:8, to maximise the care and attention given to each boy. Boarders have supervised study sessions each day and are encouraged to participate fully in the college’s renowned sports, art, music and cultural programs. A mix of free time and organised sports and recreation activities is arranged by house masters and tutors. Permission to leave the grounds can be arranged with house masters and is closely regulated. On weekends there are set times for study and participation in sporting and recreational activities. All boarders and boarding staff join the wider Ballarat community at the Ballarat Cathedral for the celebration of the Eucharist on Saturday evening.