Middle College Senior College

The middle years (Years 7, 8 and 9) within the College are centred upon the key learning areas set out by QSA Essential Learnings and the Australian Curriculum.

Subjects are offered within the nine key learning areas of English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Economics and Business, Civics and Citizenship, Languages other than English, Japanese, Physical Education, Design and Technology, Information and Communications Technology and Art.

In Year 7 and 8, students study a range of core, year-long subjects, as well as eight term-long elective ‘taster’ subjects. The aim of Years 7 and 8 is to provide foundational knowledge, skills and processes in a range of subjects and allow students to experience a variety of subjects.

Year 9 focuses on developing the foundational knowledge acquired in Year 8 and building upon this to prepare for the senior phase of schooling. In Year 9, the College offers a range of semesterised units. This unitised approach allows flexibility in subject choices for all boys, allowing greater continuity of teaching and learning, exploration of topics in depth, and subjects that meet the needs of students. Providing choice in subject selection ensures boys are both engaged in core units whilst accommodating the boys’ interests and future study and career pathway options.

Senior school is a time of growth and development for young men. With a focus on achieving excellence and developing moral values, students are challenged to reach their full potential and become men for tomorrow.

Years 10, 11 and 12 students at St Mary’s College are able to choose between a Tertiary Entrance Pathway, a Non-Tertiary Entrance Pathway or a Vocational Education pathway (including TAFE/School Based Apprenticeships) or a combination of both.

Students can choose from General Subjects (used to calculate an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) or Applied Subjects and Certificate Courses.

All students achieve either the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or the Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement at the conclusion of Year 12.

St Mary’s College offers an extensive range of subjects and quality teaching in each of the alternative pathways available.

By the conclusion of their Year 12 studies, students will have experienced units of study in depth, achieved results commensurate with their abilities, studied units of work relevant to their future aspirations and developed positive student-teacher relationships.

Mission & Identity

St Mary’s College is a Christ-centred community that recognises human life as a spiritual journey during which all contribute to the enhancement of God’s kingdom on earth.

The College strives to be a community that provides support to all, to realise their potential so that each boy has the opportunity to live out our College motto – Conanti Corona (the one who strives wins the crown). We seek to provide the place where the messages of Blessed Edmund Rice and the Gospel are evident and lived.

The aim of the subjects Religious Education, Religion and Ethics, and Study of Religion at St Mary’s College is to develop students' religious literacy in the light of the Catholic tradition, so that they may participate critically and effectively in the life of their faith communities and wider society. The range of student experiences means a great variety of responses in class and in whole school activities. The College community also participates in community service activities such as fundraising for Caritas, St Vincent De Paul, Rosie’s and others, forming lifelong partnerships, and demonstrating faith in action and service to others.