St Aloysius College Prospectus

Prospectus

Acknowledgement of Country

Welcome to St Aloysius College

Welcome to St Aloysius College.

I am delighted to have led the College on the journey so far of our transition to Co-Education.

While we honour the rich history and enduring traditions of our College, we strive toward writing an exciting new chapter in the St Aloysius story. This chapter will see the perpetuation of our outstanding curriculum underpinned by Catherine McAuley’s vision for a balance in education of academic learning with compassion for others, and a genuine curiosity of and regard for the world.

The College curriculum ensures the empowerment of our students to develop and uphold the Mercy values.

St Aloysius students thrive in an environment of curiosity and authenticity, inspired to develop their own opinions, find their own voice, and walk their own path to confidently contribute to an ever-changing world.

Mary Farah Principal

Our Vision

St Aloysius College’s vision is to build a highly creative, student-centred learning community where individual needs are met and where the aspiration toward personal excellence is integral to everything we do.

We aspire to be a compassionate and just community, to educate our students to strive for personal excellence, reflecting self-awareness, courage and resilience. To embody Mercy values for an optimistic future, inspired by the vision of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy.

Our Mission

St Aloysius College is inspired by the teaching of Jesus Christ and the vision of Catherine McAuley, with a commitment to living out the Mercy values and acting with respect and integrity in a Child Safe school. Our students and staff are encouraged to be empathetic, confident and creative lifelong learners.

Our Values

St Aloysius College is committed to the Mercy Education values of: Compassion

Hospitality

Justice Service

Respect

Courage

Inspiring Bright Futures

In its 137-year history, St Aloysius College has welcomed (and continues to welcome) students from a vast array of faiths, backgrounds, suburbs and indeed, countries. The College community is united by a common goal; to ignite curiousity in our students, empowering them to define and discover their own brilliance.

For each student, this brilliance is different. Among so many others, this may be the pursuit of academia, of community service and contribution, of physical athleticism, or of entering the Arts. It is our commitment to fostering acceptance of all that has created an inspiring environment underpinned by respect for and acknowledgement of the individual paths our students define for themselves.

This future focus has been the driving force in the College’s decision to embrace co-education, to truly prepare our students for their lives beyond secondary school and to enhance our already thriving community. It is this growth mindset that ensures our students leave St Aloysius College as balanced, creative and thoughtful young people who are ready to fulfil their potential as outstanding adults.

In a culture cultivated by the individuality of each member of the community, there is no ‘typical’ St Aloysius student. We celebrate our diversity. We accept all and thrive on the fusion of cultures and backgrounds that enable our students to flourish. The College is the thread that connects these vibrant, dedicated, and thoughtful young people.

At St Aloysius College, we inspire students to remain curious for the rest of their brilliant lives.

An Empowering Education

Academic programs at St Aloysius College have been designed to encourage a lifelong enthusiasm for learning and discovery.

We have a curriculum that blends the very best of educational tradition with an innovative, inquiry-based crosscurricular approach that allows students to make connections, synthesise knowledge and develop literacy skills in a collaborative culture underpinned by a focus on the wellbeing of, and respect for, the individual.

We pride ourselves on our commitment to stretching the boundaries of a conventional education. Ever-evolving, and with increasingly future-focused resources and equipment, our academic and co-curricular programs are carefully designed to increase cross-discipline

awareness, curiosity and understanding. Our students are confident to identify and build connections between ideas and learning areas and are empowered to apply these, without limitation, to the myriad of different futures they will define for themselves.

The vast College curriculum is supported by exceptional facilities including our Gymnasium on Boundary Road and our Torquay Campus.

The core St Aloysius academic curriculum is guided by data obtained from student testing, surveys and teacher feedback, and further enriched by various complementary and extension programs, some designed for specific year levels, and others developed for whole-school delivery.

“St Aloysius has taught me I shouldn’t only be able to learn but I should want to learn.”

A Journey of Excellence

St Aloysius College is one of a select number of schools in Australia with accreditation to teach the Universal Learning Programme (ULP), developed by the International School of Geneva along with UNESCO’s Bureau of Education.

This framework for international education is designed to provide a holistic approach that promotes lifelong learning and encourages students to develop a range of skills and competencies. At St Aloysius, the ULP curriculum is delivered to students in Years 7-9, and emphasises the importance of developing global citizenship, cultural awareness, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By engaging in inquiry-based learning and real-world problem-solving through the ULP, St Aloysius students are able to develop the skills and competencies necessary to flourish in a complex and rapidly evolving world. This focus on critical thinking and problem-solving is essential for navigating the complexities of the modern world and for contributing positively to society.

Through a curriculum that is underpinned by respect for the individual, St Aloysius students

are encouraged to appreciate and respect diverse perspectives and cultures. The ULP fosters greater understanding and cooperation between different communities and contributes to building a more peaceful and interconnected world. The ULP at St Aloysius College is focused on developing well-rounded individuals who are able to think critically and engage with the world in a positive way.

The emphasis of the ULP on developing lifelong learners and global citizens makes it a highly valued element of the St Aloysius College curriculum, and provides a solid foundation for students as they move forward in their academic and personal journeys. By cultivating and honing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, St Aloysius College ensures our graduates are well-prepared to thrive as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of their collective futures.

Scan QR code to learn more about Curriculum

Subject Offerings

Years 7-9

English

Health & Physical Education

Humanities

Language: French

Language: Italian

Language: Japanese

Mathematics

Religious Education & iMercy

Science

STEAM

ELECTIVES & SEMESTER SUBJECTS

Art

Design Technology

Drama

Food Studies

Music

STEM & Design

Textiles

Visual Communication Design

The Junior Years

During Years 7 to 9, students are provided with both the academic rigor of the core subjects and the stimulating interests of a number of elective choices.

These formative years at St Aloysius College are characterised by the provision of a unique learning environment where academic, co-curricular and pastoral care programs are interwoven, ensuring that each student’s development into a confident and enthusiastic learner is encouraged and nurtured.

Classroom activities are designed to inspire students’ learning in this transitional phase of education, where they move from childhood through to young adulthood.

The curriculum of the Junior Years is further enriched by opportunities to attend school campus and participate in a vast array of incursions and excursions.

Year 10

English

Future Me

Health & Physical Education

Humanities

Mathematics

Religion (Texts & Traditions Unit 1)

Science

ELECTIVES

Drama

Languages - French

Language - Italian

Language - Japanese

Literature

Media & Photography

Philosophy

Sport Development

STEM & Design

Textiles

Visual Art

Visual Communication Design

Unit 1 Biology

Unit 1 Food Studies

Unit 1 Health & Human

Development

VET: Cert II Applied Fashion

Design & Technology

Year 11 & 12

VCE SUBJECT OFFERINGS

Accounting

Art Making & Exhibiting

Biology

Business Management

Chemistry

English

English EAL

English Literature

Food Studies (Units 3&4 only)

General Mathematics

Health & Human Development

History

Languages: French

Languages: Italian

Languages: Japanese

Legal Studies

Mathematical Methods

Media

Physical Education

Physics

Psychology

Specialist Mathematics

Theatre Studies

Visual Communication Design

ADDITIONAL PATHWAYS

The Senior Years

The senior years at the College are student-centred, where small numbers of students enjoy expert teaching in preparation for life beyond school. During these years, students are encouraged to explore their talents and interests academically, culturally and as part of the local and global community.

The Languages and Humanities curricula are extended by opportunities for students to participate in international tours, where they will travel through Japan or Italy and form connections with students from the College’s partner schools.

An extensive, personalised Careers & Pathways program is delivered to all senior students in both individual and collaborative group sessions.

This approach allows us to cater an individualised pathway for each student. Our VCE class offerings are broad for a school of our size, meaning many classes are small in number.

Across the senior years, students further develop creative thinking and collaborative skills and make choices in their learning while developing a greater sense of independence.

Beyond the Curriculum Sports and Clubs

The St Aloysius College curriculum is enriched and extended by a vast co-curricular offering that is alive to the needs and wishes of the students and evolves as they do.

The program encompasses sport, camps and outdoor education, drama productions, ensemble music, programs with an environmental or entrepreneurial focus as well as school-based wellbeing programs.

St Aloysius College is a proud member school of both the Association of Co-Educational Schools (ACS) and Catholic Girls Sport Association of Victoria (CGSAV), giving our students

the opportunity to access and experience elite level coaching, an extensive selection of sports and facilities, and participate in fierce intercollegiate competition.

Additionally, St Aloysius students participate in a wide range of intra- and interschool competitions including Creative and Performing Arts programs (such as choir, orchestra and the musical production), and social and cultural extensions including Debating, Chess and Public Speaking.

Through College-based programs, students also work to provide services and support to our wider community.

Sports Offered

ASSOCIATION OF CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOLS (ACS)

The ACS competition runs on weekdays to ensure students already belonging to external clubs and participating in elite weekend programs are supported. St Aloysius students participating in ACS Sport will have the opportunity to complete in a number of competitions, including:

•AFL

•Athletics

•Badminton

•Basketball

• Cricket

•Cross Country

•Hockey

•Netball

•Soccer

•Softball

•Swimming

• Table Tennis

• Tennis

•Volleyball

CATHOLIC GIRLS SPORT ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA (CGSAV)

In addition to the ACS, St Aloysius College is a member school of the CGSAV (formerly SCSA).

ROWING

St Aloysius College enjoys a partnership with Essendon Rowing Club.

CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS

Co-curricular clubs involve both schoolbased and external competitions and include (but are not limited to):

• Animation Club

• Art Club

• Chess Club

• Choir

• Code Green (Sustainability)

• College Musical Production

• Debating

• French Club

• Italian Club

• Japanese Club

• Journalism Club

• Mercy in Action

• Orchestra

• Public Speaking

Student Futures

St Aloysius College staff are exceptionally well qualified in their various fields, both academic and beyond, and are committed to encouraging each student to achieve their own personal best.

Throughout their secondary education years in this close-knit school, St Aloysius students are known by, and know, their teachers well. These strong relationships foster a culture of inquiry, and our students leave as creative, independent thinkers with a love of learning and solid foundations that prepare them to step out into the world and embrace their collective futures.

The Careers Program at the College commences in Year 10 with Future Me, a school-based career education and assessment program conducted designed specifically to help students discover career options and pathways, develop necessary research skills to explore their options and to make subject and course selections for Years 11 and 12. This is an important time and the discussions that start here assist in facilitating a smooth transition into the senior years.

Once in the senior years, students have access to a wide variety of further resources through the Careers Centre, where they are able to access information on and discuss interview practice, university open days, interstate universities, scholarship and study abroad opportunities, resume-writing, VTAC and VCAA key information, TAFE courses and pathways, and apprenticeship guidance. Families are also kept informed via the Weekly Careers Bulletin.

There is a deliberate focus on helping our students define their own brilliance. For this reason, students who choose not to undertake the VCE are supported to study through either the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) or through Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses.

Wellbeing and Student Leadership

We recognise the very important role that social, cultural and physical wellbeing play in the learning, personal growth and development experienced by our students during their six years at the College.

At St Aloysius College, with the involvement of an extensive array of programs and initiatives, wellbeing is woven through the entire curriculum.

Being a small school, the relationships among our student and staff cohort reflect a genuine understanding of, and regard for, the individual. There is a deliberate focus on developing mutual respect and trust among all members of the College community. While St Aloysius College pursues (indeed, achieves) academic excellence, this is never at the expense of student wellbeing, nor the individual interests and goals of each student, which in a school of our size can be individually acknowledged and catered to.

There is a multi-tiered approach to wellbeing at the College, with the Assistant Principal of Student Wellbeing and Engagement working closely with two College Psychologists and a School Counsellor to deliver programs unique to the College, including the year-level specific Nourish Program, Wellbeing Wednesdays and Daily Mindfulness sessions. Each of these programs is designed to foster resilience, build connections and enrich the interpersonal connections of all students.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

The student population is led by an elected Student Leadership Team which includes students from all year levels. Leadership positions are bestowed upon students based on their Year Level and their House. At Year 12, the College appoints two CoCaptains and a team of prefects who operate across all learning and co-curricular areas.

Looking Ahead: Strategic Intents and the Masterplan

The transition of the College to co-education and the resulting expansion of student numbers has been carefully considered and involves significant Capital Works through our College Masterplan, which has been developed in consultation with Mercy Education, our wider College community, Architects and educational leaders.

The Masterplan incorporates the preservation of the industry-leading facilities currently in operation at the College, and the development and introduction of additional learning and recreation spaces designed to maximise the performance of our Curran Street site.

The first stage of the Masterplan is the redevelopment of the College’s Boundary Road site into a six-storey standalone Senior Years campus. This facility has been designed to ensure the delivery of all VCE subjects in outstanding, purpose-built learning spaces, complemented by numerous indoor recreational areas and further enhanced by neighbouring outdoor recreation facilities.

The College is well serviced by public transport, with the following options available to students:

• Dedicated bus service running between Footscray Train Station and the College for both arrival and departure.

• McAuley and Flemington Bridge train stations within walking distance

• The 57 tram stop 20 is within walking distance

Scan QR code to read more about Strategic Intent: Towards 2027

VCE Campus Opening 2026

Opening early 2026 at our Boundary Road site, the VCE campus is purpose-designed to cater to the emerging needs of our students, and encompasses:

• Six levels and Basement

• Foyer and reception

• Collaborative learning and event spaces

• Student hub

• General learning areas

• Science laboratories

• Flexible spaces

• Administration and staff areas

• Rooftop terrace

Scan QR code to learn more about the St Aloysius Campuses and Facilities