Saint Ignatius College is proud of its unique position in the Geelong region as the only Catholic co-educational secondary college. Saint Ignatius College Geelong is focused on academic excellence and we congratulate our recent Year 12 VCE students on their achievements, which resulted in the college being ranked number 1 co-educational Catholic college in Victoria in 2014. The college is a proud Jesuit Partner School pursuing academic distinction while promoting conscience, compassion and service to others. The college belongs to the network of 95 Jesuit schools in Australasia and the remarkable Jesuit education network of schools and universities worldwide.
The recent construction of the new Xavier Centre, a Year 7 and 8 precinct, which includes 16 classrooms and associated staffrooms, adds to our many new outstanding learning spaces accommodating the recent growth in student numbers of well over 1000. The commitment of our young women and men to rigorously develop skills and talents underpins all they do. Students engage intellectually and spiritually and work collaboratively to develop lifelong learning skills. Invaluable opportunities are provided by an enriching broad academic curriculum, a laptop program for all students across the college, a variety of co-curricular activities, many of which reflect our coastalrural environment, and pastoral care program. Always pursuing best practice in teaching and learning, we embrace new initiatives, innovation and new technologies.
Exceptional delivery of these dynamic programs, within model learning spaces, continues to strengthen student learning. Integral to a Jesuit Catholic education are immersion experiences in language and culture, the latter allowing our students to engage in the realities of the world while reflecting on the values of human dignity and servant leadership.
Facilities: Located in a natural rural setting, and easily reached by an extensive bus network, numerous new buildings and facilities in recent years reflect the ongoing pursuit to provide enriching experiences and opportunities for students. Saint Ignatius College is proud of these additions. The recent Middle School (Years 7 and 8) precinct comprises sixteen new classrooms, numerous staffrooms, presentation rooms and outdoor areas. Inclusions to the extensive sporting facilities comprise grass tennis courts and a fitness centre. The magnificent Drysdale Catholic Church, adjacent to the college grounds, is used extensively.
Curriculum: Students are challenged in a specifically designed cultural and physical environment to develop deep and rich learning and to be those who make a difference in the world. Saint Ignatius College takes a rigorous and comprehensive approach to continual program development in the pursuit of first-rate educational outcomes supported by a broad curriculum that is tailored to meet the needs of students at each stage of schooling. The Middle School (Years 7 to 8) focuses on building foundation skills through a range of core subjects and arts and technology subjects.
Year 9 students, located in a separate precinct, work on developing strengths, talents and attributes. Significant and popular are co-curricular activities which support and complement the curriculum. Recent experiences have included coastal walks, camping and Melbourne discovery programs. The college offers an extensive range of VCE, VET and VCAL studies. Located in the Senior School precinct is the Work and Further Education (WAFE) and careers co-ordinators. Information Technology is integral across the college with a laptop program for all years. Recent initiatives include the introduction of Italian to the language school.
Sport: The sports program is well developed and growing, and provides opportunities for all to participate in school and interschool competitions that can lead to higher levels. The College fields many successful teams in a variety of sports.
Extra-curricular activities: Activities include leadership programs, local and overseas social justice community projects, public speaking, award-winning performing arts productions, orchestra and choir and overseas language and community service tours and immersion programs. The vibrant Performing Arts program enables our young men and women to experience Music, Dance & Drama, to develop their special talents, and perform in a variety of settings.
Student welfare programs: Saint Ignatius College takes great pride in its pastoral care system. Student counsellors are available to students. The country grounds are divided into areas where students of all levels mingle together, and other areas where they can mix with friends their own age. The Xavier Centre is the Middle School (Years 7 and 8) precinct and homeroom teachers instruct students in many of their core subjects and provide a stable environment for developing confidence. The homeroom encourages a more personal school experience and as a result students are nurtured in their endeavours, both as students and as individuals. Year 9 and Senior School students continue to be supported by the strong pastoral care system led by the level co-ordinators and homeroom teachers. Christian values are an important part of the school philosophy and a Social Justice Student Group is active on local and wider issues. The school develops leadership through the SRC, Class Captains, School Leaders, House Leaders, Sports Team and Community Service Leaders.
Principal: Mr Michael Exton