Senior School Information and Co-curricular Handbook Senior School Information and Co-curricular Handbook 2 Contents Vision and Values 1 Message from the Headmaster 1 Message from the Deputy Headmaster/Head of Senior School 2 Pastoral Care 3 Academics 4 Information, communications and learning technologies 6 Keystone 7 Boarding 9 Outdoor Education 10 Sport 13 Music 27 Co-curricular, clubs and societies 31 Senior School procedures 34 School fees 38 Important dates 39 Key contacts in the Senior School 40 1 Message from the Headmaster Vision and Values The staff, students and I look forward to welcoming you and your family into the School in 2021. Vision At St Peter’s College we believe in a holistic approach to Our vision is to be an education. We are educating exceptional community minds, building healthy bodies of learning. and nourishing spirits. We achieve this through our strong, inclusive Values Anglican ethos, through the Truth delivery of a robust academic curriculum, and through the diverse range of co-curricular We pursue truth that activities that embrace a wide variety of sports, outdoor we might live lives of education, the creative and performing arts and other integrity; we are led by stimulating programs. We have a long tradition of success truth to engage with in providing a truly rounded education that prepares boys to God, the world and seize the opportunities and manage the uncertainties that others with courage inevitably lie ahead. and kindness. ‘Pushing the Boundaries’ is a well-researched outdoor Respect education program designed to enrich the boys’ spirit and broaden the depth of their experiences within a We value each person natural environment. I ask each boy to embrace this and their place in the experience to develop his personal attributes of courage, rich web of life. grit, determination, passion, endurance, commitment and Service integrity. You can be confident that in coming to St Peter’s College We understand that the you have chosen a school where we have outstanding world is a community in teachers who understand the specific needs of boys, and which order and wisdom where boys are allowed to be themselves. We know how must prevail to serve best to engage boys, and we know how to enthuse them. life for all beings in a Each boy is nurtured and cherished for the contribution he sustainable way; makes to the broader School community. We take pride St Peter’s College in knowing each boy in the School and we value every seeks to serve the needs individual and his unique qualities. We understand how best of our wider community. to encourage him to discover and develop his gifts, talents and true strength of character. I hope that you will find the information contained in this booklet a helpful guide that will address any remaining questions you may have as you prepare to join the School. The staff, students and I stand ready to make the transition as seamless as possible for you. I am sure you will settle into life at St Peter’s College and all it has to offer and that you will soon feel part of an exceptional community of learning. We look forward to seeing you soon. Tim Browning | Headmaster Senior School Information and Co-curricular Handbook 2 Message from the Deputy Headmaster/Head of Senior School With around 1,000 students from Years 7 to 12, including minded approach to student progress, and we are active 100 boarders, the Senior School is a busy and vibrant in supporting and facilitating accelerated learning wherever place and a supportive community for all. Students pursue appropriate. interests and talents both in and out of the classroom, At St Peter’s College, we believe relationships and supported by both each other and a committed team engagement are as important for student wellbeing as of staff. they are for learning. Driven by our values of truth, respect St Peter’s College prides itself on its offer of a broad and service, our students are confident to show their best education and academic rigour. Students have the efforts, contribute positively to our respectful culture and opportunity to learn from a passionate team of teachers make decisions in support of others. Outstanding pastoral in an inspiring environment, one that reflects our history care underpins everything we do and ensures that our as much as our drive to be an exceptional community families feel a strong and supportive sense of belonging. of learning. The School strikes a balance between core Welcome to St Peter’s College. subjects and an exciting program of electives, which adapts with the interests of each cohort, appropriately Marcus Blackburn | Deputy Headmaster/ allowing student voice to influence and secure authentic Head of Senior School engagement in the learning process. We also lead an open- 3 Message from the Deputy Headmaster/Head of Senior School Pastoral care House system Senior School Houses Upon commencement at St Peter’s College every student is allocated a House, each of which is led and guided by the Head of House. Houses are the fundamental units in the pastoral care system at the School. Each student is part of a House, to which he can give his loyalty and from which he can receive guidance and encouragement. Da Costa House MacDermott House In Years 7 and 8 (Middle Years) students are part of Mentor classes with other students from their year level. In Years 9 to 12 (Senior Years) students are organised into smaller groups, known as Mentor groups, under the care of a House Mentor. Our House system promotes the social, academic, spiritual and emotional wellbeing of each student. The House system provides many opportunities for Farr House School & Allen House students to participate in annual traditions and community activities enhancing a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Friendships formed by the students during House activities often last a lifetime. For students in Years 7 and 8, the Mentor is the first point of contact. The Mentor, Year Level Coordinator and Head of Farrell House Short House Middle Years collaborate to support students. In Years 9 to 12, the Mentor and Head of House are the first points of contact for students and parents. The Mentor, Head of House and Head of Senior School take a collaborative approach in guiding and supporting each student. Hawkes House Woodcock House Chapel program Through our Chapel program students are encouraged to develop an appreciation of the role that spirituality has in wellbeing. This is an inclusive program, focused on encouraging thoughtful engagement and meditation. We impart our Anglican values directly through our House Howard House Young House Chapel Services, School Musters, and indirectly through the role-modelling of our teachers and through the celebration of students past and present who have represented these values to all. Senior School Information and Co-curricular Handbook 4 The curriculum at St Peter’s College provides opportunities for every student to be educated to take their place in the world as informed, active, responsible Academics citizens, often in positions of leadership in the community. We want every student to commit to being a creative, Boys in Years 9 and 10 also begin to prepare themselves open-minded, life-long learner who can use failure as a tool for either the SACE or the International Baccalaureate for growth. Importantly, every student is responsible for his Diploma Programme (IBDP). Our ‘stage not age’ approach own learning. Teachers work with every student to enable means that some students in Years 9 and 10 may have him to show independence of thought, develop intellectual the opportunity to study courses and material beyond their tenacity and to understand himself as a learner. year level. Students are also invited to take part, where appropriate, in our Micro Credential Program. From Years 7 to 12, students are challenged, inspired and nurtured through both a rich and diverse curriculum and through Years 11 and 12: Acceleration and moving evidence-based, innovative teaching. Opportunities are provided beyond the ATAR for students to come to know the world through different perspectives, represented by subjects within eight faculties: Learning in Years 7 to 10 is designed to provide a firm basis for either of the two options offered to students in Years 11 • The Arts (Visual and Performing) and 12: • English • The South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), or • Personal Development (Health and Physical Education, • The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Religious and Values Education, Wellbeing) (IBDP). • Humanities The School offers over 25 SACE subjects and 18 IBDP • Languages (including English as an additional language) subjects, in six different areas, to enable students to select • Mathematics a course of study in keeping with their abilities and interests. • Science All three languages (Chinese, French and German) are • Technology. offered in Years 11 and 12 for both the SACE and the IBDP Diploma. Students who take the IBDP must study at least one language other than English. Italian and Spanish Course structure ab initio are also offered in the IBDP. These are beginner Years 7 to 8: A broad, liberal education language courses which can be undertaken without previous experience in this language. Due to small class sizes in Years During the first two years of the Senior School, students 11 and 12 languages, often the SACE students will study the study a broad range of subjects with no early specialisation. IBDP language curriculum in a combined class with Students choose one ‘Language other than English’ (LOTE), IB students. selecting from Chinese (Mandarin), French or German. Arts and Humanities subjects are compulsory, offering the Students should note that most SACE Year 12 subjects are broadest possible base on which students can build their now offered in Year 11 for learners in need of acceleration aspirations as learners.