EDUCATION, TRAINING + CAREERS
PREMIUM FEATURE
Townsville’s Only Secondary College For Boys Educating Young Men as Leaders AS Townsville’s only secondary school for boys, Ignatius Park College is uniquely placed to cater for the specific needs of adolescent boys. Principal Michael Conn said the singlegender nature of the boys’ College has been a significant factor in the school’s success in academic, sporting and cultural pursuits over many years. “Research by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) indicates that single-sex schools are able to offer many advantages not available in other schools,” Mr Conn said. “We recognise that boys think and learn differently from girls and we are able to tailor our curriculum and teaching strategies to boys learning styles”. This hands-on approach to teaching and learning has been so successful that 98 per cent of students opting for tertiary study
124
DUOMagazine September 2016
have gained entry into courses of their first or second preference. A part of the College success can be attributed to clear parameters and guidelines in all areas of school life. “Our focus is in having concrete structures in place so that boys know exactly what is expected of them and what the consequences are for not meeting those expectations.” Mr Conn also believes boys perform better when they feel a sense of connection with their school. “We work hard to cater for a wide range in interests. Boys can be involved in our sports development programs, the annual musical, debating or outdoor education programs,” he said. “It is important that boys of all interests can find some point of connection with their school. All the evidence shows that they
perform better when this occurs.” Most important of all, however, is the building relationships – with teachers, each other and the wider community. On entry into the College, boys are assigned a homeroom group within the House System, remaining with that group throughout their years at the College. “Our aim is for boys to grow into outstanding young men with highly developed leadership skills, critical thinking, creativity and emotional intelligence.” Mr Conn said. The College upholds the Christian Brother’s proud traditions of educating young men as leaders.