“Books open your mind, broaden your mind, and strengthen you as nothing else can.” 

William Feather

Mastery of English is of high importance to our Cycle 5 Students. They have boundless opportunities to use language in its many forms, and to celebrate its beauty, power and mystery. By comparing films and books, discussing current affairs or presenting persuasive augments, each person develops their thinking and communication skills, hones their analytical and evaluation skills and is able to explore their feelings, articulate concepts and points of view.

“Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty.”

Bertrand Russell

Like sciences, maths is one of the foundations for discovery and invention. A growing capacity for abstract thinking and analysis enables our students to bring the study of mathematics to life by applying mathematical principles and logic to analyse real world data and solve problems.

“Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.”

Carl Sagan

An integrated and hands on approach to botany, biology, chemistry, geology, zoology and physics enables students to explore the inter-relationship between the science disciplines in nature.  Students study and apply science using their surroundings as a natural laboratory investigating scientific concepts including ecological and global systems, evolution, biochemical pathways, mechanics and engineering.

“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”

Martin Luther King Jnr

Studies in humanities traverse diverse areas including history, geography, economics and sustainability. Work is bought to life by connecting the student to real experiences, by unravelling the inter-connectedness of human endeavour through a diverse range of learning strategies.

“Design is thinking made visual.”

Saul Bass

Art and design are integrated into everything we see and do. They directly influence our perceptions of the world and how we interact with it. Through their studies students explore activities that introduce and develop specific learning, problem solving and technical skills which they can apply during their education and beyond. Students are encouraged to develop their own artistic identity, pursue their creativity and appreciate how the elements of design interact with disciplines within the communication, industrial and environmental fields. 

“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.”

Frank Smith

Students are encouraged to speak in Italian and apply their learning in a number of situations and activities such as reading, giving instructions, telling stories, participating in conversations, performing, role-playing, singing with actions and reciting information. Learning a language contributes to the development of skills in thinking and reflection, and the development of inter-culturally aware citizens.

“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”

Albert Einstein

Students continue to be challenged to think ‘outside the box’ and reflect on their own learning. They question assumptions, explore social, moral and ethical issues, and further hone their critical thinking skills. In doing so they build a repertoire of strategies to choose from during learning activities and life beyond the classroom.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Winston Churchill

Our young people show empathy, compassion and respect toward the needs and feelings of others. A genuine commitment to contribute to society makes a positive difference to the lives of others and the environment. Working with teachers and mentors, our students explore their place in local communities, volunteer with local organisations, such as aged care homes, and support environmental initiatives, all the while developing the confidence, knowledge and practical skills to contribute to our local and global communities. 

“True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body: the two are ever united.”

Wilhelm von Humboldt

Exercise and sports provide our students with the opportunity to focus their physical energy, allowing them to challenge themselves and others, and develop skills. Activities make include rock climbing, basketball, golf, ultimate Frisbee or golf.