PARADE COLLEGE

Established in 1871, Parade provides quality Catholic boys’ education in the Edmund Rice tradition. The two campuses at Bundoora and Preston are located in spacious grounds and are well serviced by public transport. Parade College offers students the opportunity to enjoy a balanced education in modern facilities, pursue academic, spiritual, cultural and sporting excellence, grow in confidence and self-esteem and become valuable members of society.

Facilities: Parade College has excellent facilities that include several purpose-built laboratories for science, information technology, music technology and creative arts, a resource centre with a virtual library accessible to all students at any time via the internet, recreational facilities encompassing vast grounds, sports ovals, and a new Bunjil Park sports facility and Fitness Centre. There is also a modern technology centre incorporating electronics, robotics, automotive and computer-aided drafting as well as the Edmund Rice Trade Training Centre which offers senior students training in building construction, electro technology, furnishings and bricklaying. Parade College also has a brand new commercial kitchen which is home to food technology and hospitality studies as well as a state-of-the-art theatre for assemblies, drama and musical productions.Curriculum: Students in Year 7 study a common program across the Key Learning Areas and students in Years 7 to 12 have an extensive range of academic subjects. Students in Years 8 and 9 have an extensive range of electives drawn from the Lower School Elective Curriculum. VCE units are available in Year 10 for advanced students. Students may select a program from the areas of VET in Year 10. This prepares students for apprenticeships as well as tertiary studies. VCAL is also available for students moving into Years 11 and 12. University Mathematics is available in VCE for advanced students. Students with special needs are identified in Year 7 and provided with support programs.

Sport: Students learn the fundamentals of physical education in the classroom and participate in a house-based competition. Sport activities include athletics, Australian Rules, badminton, canoeing, target shooting, cricket, sailing, hockey, netball, orienteering, sail boarding, sailing, soccer, surfing, swimming, tennis, volleyball and weightlifting. The college is a member of the Associated Catholic Colleges sports competition. Survival and leisure skills are developed through the extensive Outdoor Education program and year-level camps.

Extra-curricular activities: Parade encourages all students to attempt a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as cultural, sporting, outdoor and community programs. There is a big band, jazz group, junior band and other ensembles, a large-scale annual musical production providing opportunities for drama, music, sound and lighting as well as debating and public speaking.

Student welfare programs: When a student enters the college, he becomes a valued member of the college community and experiences the dignity of being a personally known, valued, respected and cared-for individual. Pastoral care is readily available through house tutors and house leaders, college chaplains, the college psychologist, student counsellors and advisers. There is an integrated program of Religious Education. Parade students are involved in a variety of community service and work experience programs.