Downlands Our aim is simple: to treat every pupil as an individual, supporting them as they grow into mature, confident, resilient, well- rounded young people with strong relational skills, and to create a nurturing climate which supports the search for truth, hope and real meaning in life.

Stephen McIllhatton, Principal The Downlands choice

Choosing the right school to fit your daughter or stage (Will Power, , Professor Michele Ford). son is an important decision for your family. Like Choose values you, we want the best for your child, which means As a Missionaries of the Sacred Heart College, we take on the offering more choice than any other school on the responsibility of caring for your . child in a way which will help them develop into good human Our first priority is education, in later life. Choosing Downlands beings. with Downlands providing the also means that siblings can grow Choose community widest choice of options for OP up together - and there is ample We welcome children and families or Non-OP streams. We know space to grow on our beautiful 38 who want to be part of our your children and work with them hectare campus. community and who want to individually, our teachers striving make the most of opportunities Choose affordability to ensure students achieve in their offered at the College. Choosing Downlands means that chosen areas. families know exactly how much These friendships, community and Participating beyond the academic school costs, up front and we offer opportunities at Downlands create is also important at Downlands, flexible payment choices to best a network of support that extends with sporting, cultural and other match your family situation. long after graduation. co-curricular opportunities for Choose tradition Give your children the gift of a both students and parents. At Downlands you are part of a Downlands education and you Choose coeducation family built on strong traditions. give them a gift for life. As a coeducational high school, Current students ride on the Downlands reflects the diversity achievements and successes of our society and provides an of those who have gone before excellent foundation for the them, and who continue to excel Who are the development of meaningful, both locally (like Mike Ahern and Missionaries realistic and lasting relationships John McVeigh) and on the world of the Sacred Heart? Founded by Fr Jules Chevalier in France in 1854, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) are an international Catholic congregation. The MSC believe if people come to experience the love, gentleness, kindness and compassion of God, then they will have hope, meaning and purpose in their lives. 2 Downlands has an outstanding record of academic success through expecting the best from its pupils. We also want them to enjoy their learning and to take responsibility for it.

Stephen Koch, Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning Subject choice

Downlands offers the broadest curriculum on the OP SUBJECTS OFFERED INCLUDE: Darling Downs, which then provides the widest • Accounting • Agricultural Science choice after . • Ancient History • Biological Science By supporting both apprenticeship his or her individual learning • Business Communication and Technologies (BCT) and university pathways, the journey. The allocation of this • Chemistry is covered by the Technology College caters for everyone, • Dance including siblings with different Levy and your child keeps the • Drama strengths and abilities. As school computer over the holidays. • Engineering Technology should be a place to learn about • English The school curriculum is aligned • Film, Television and New Media life, our coeducational school to state and national requirements. • French reflects the world in which we live. This year’s Curriculum Handbooks • Geography are available on our website. • Graphics Curriculum choices • Home Economics Our approach promotes learning Excellent teachers • Hospitality Studies excellence and encourages Our teaching staff genuinely know • Information Processing and Technology (IPT) students to integrate faith with life your children and the College is • Japanese and to develop a love of learning. small enough to cater for each • Legal Studies We engage students in learning child’s individual needs, with their • Mathematics A • Mathematics B processes that will help them to progress regularly communicated to parents. Teachers also provide • Mathematics C strengthen their learning gifts, • Modern History tutoring and regular feedback on talents and abilities. As part of • Music pupils’ assignments drafts. the Digital Downlands Program, • Physical Education • Physics each student is provided with a Our teachers often go above and • Science21 Dell Ultrabook, a laptop/tablet beyond to enable students to take • Study of Religion combined, to enhance learning in opportunities offered outside the • Technology Studies a digital environment and support school environment. • Visual Art

NON OP SUBJECTS INCLUDE: • Creative Arts • English Communication • Information & Communications Technology (ICT) • Prevocational Mathematics • Recreation Studies • Religion and Ethics

CERTIFICATE COURSES INCLUDE: • Certificate II in Business • Certificate I in Construction • Certificate I in Engineering • Certificate I in Manufacturing • Certificate II in Kitchen Operations • Certificate II in Rural Operations • Certificate I in AgriFood Operations 4 Please note: Subjects are timetabled according to demand. Our children are having a wonderful time at Downlands, enjoying their learning experiences, making good friends for life and taking all the opportunities that come with being a Downlander. Joanne Warren, Parent, Withcott Co-curricular choice

Beyond the classroom, Downlanders can choose to become better acquainted and involved in the College from a range of interest-based activities to community through: complement their academic studies. These co- ∞∞ Meeting other parents curricular activities provide a chance to develop the ∞∞ Developing a network of adult friends balance so essential for wellbeing in adult life. ∞∞ Getting to know teachers and other staff At Downlands all levels of ability Co-curricular choices currently ∞∞ Being introduced to, or getting are catered for. available include a mix of cultural, better acquainted with your sport, personal development and child’s school friends. Encouraging participation agricultural activities: Co-curricular involvement is a Parents are encouraged to ∞∞ Drama Club participate in the Downlands chance to: ∞∞ Debating community in a way that • Try something new in a ∞∞ DIVAS program (for girls) matches their interests, talents supportive environment ∞∞ Cattle Show Team and availability. Support groups • Have fun ∞∞ Sport include: • Learn new cultural or physical ∞∞ Choirs and ensembles. ∞∞ Parents and Friends skills Parents are welcome ∞∞ Friends of the Performing Arts • Develop an additional interest Co-curricular activities are ∞∞ Downlands Sports Supporters not only about the students that may be lifelong ∞∞ Art Exhibition Committee - parents also play a big role • Mix positively with a multi-age ∞∞ Downlands Ag Supporters and are encouraged to attend group. performances and matches, It’s through this co-curricular providing support for children to involvement that students develop give their best performance. What is skills that they can use for the rest Downlands parents also view Spirituality of the of their lives. these activities as an opportunity Heart? Fr Chevalier saw in devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus the cure for the ills of his time. His vision is no less relevant in addressing the signs of the times in the 21st century. We now more regularly refer to a Spirituality of the Heart. 6 The most important aspect of Downlands is the sense of family and community that the school fosters. The children are proud to wear the uniform and very proud to be Downlanders. The friendships they make continue well after the completion of Year 12.

Natalie Brownlie, Parent, Sporting choice

There is a rich tradition of sporting excellence • Cheerleading • at Downlands College. Participating in sport • Cross Country encourages physical fitness and is an opportunity to • Equestrian develop character and integrity. • Football • Futsal • Golf It’s these bigger lessons that • 50m heated outdoor • Hockey Downlanders take with them pool • through life - learning about fair • Fully equipped gymnasium • play, being strong, teamwork, • Six ovals • Swimming resilience, supporting others, • Six courts • Tennis giving your best, perseverance, • Two courts • Touch Football leadership, strategic thinking and • Cricket nets • Volleyball. what being ‘a good sport’ entails, • Athletics tartan track. such as being humble in both Interstate and overseas trips Part of the Downlands sporting defeat and victory. enhance the Downlands sporting tradition involves competing at program, and each year a number Qualified coaches include school, club, regional and state of outstanding individuals are current teachers, parents and level as well as optional interstate selected for state and national past students. They understand and overseas sporting tours. teams. the Downlands Ethos and Boys and girls sports the importance of positive Many sporting options are sportsmanship. available to boys and girls of every The Downlands Extensive facilities ability and include: Downlands is well appointed with • Athletics Prayer quality amenities, including: Lord, be with us in our studies, that • AFL we may master the difficulties and be • Sacré Coeur Sports Centre • Basketball formed by wisdom and knowledge. Be with us in our sport, that we may win without boasting, lose without begrudging. Be with us in our leisure time, that our pleasures bring us no shame, but rest to our bodies, peace to our minds. Be with us with our friends, that we may be ready to help whatever the cost, bring happiness wherever we go. Be with us in the Chapel, that we pray and listen and worship and let you guide our lives. Lord, make us strong in faith, courageous to follow your call, true to you, to Downlands, to ourselves. Amen 8 Every child is valued with their gift, whether that gift be academic, sport, or the arts, that’s definitely important to the school and it shines through in the children.

Neida Mims, Parent, Longreach Cultural choice

Students with an interest in, or passion for music, and joy for the whole College community. dance, acting or singing can choose from many Performance opportunities school-based and external opportunities to learn Students also perform at: and perform. • Soirées for scholarship students and invited guests Downlands College offers a well- instruction. Most performances (twice each year) developed cultural program led by are held in the Graham Centre • Gala Concert dedicated and qualified staff. at the College. Students are able • Interhouse Performing Arts to practise and perform on one Ensembles cater for all levels Festival of two grand pianos, and create There are currently up to twelve • Battle of the Bands original harmonies using state-of- ensembles and choirs on offer: • Paul Morton Choral Festival the-art composition software. • To Glee or Not To Glee • College Choir • Shakefest • Canticum Girls Choir College Musical • Cultural Awards Night • Male Choir The Downlands Musical is held • Toowoomba Eisteddfod • Gryphon Chorale every two years and students • School assembly. • Liturgical Band participate in all facets of the • Musical Band production to stage this major • Guitar Ensemble event. On and off-stage talent • Percussion Ensemble is entirely sourced from the The MSC Ethos • Stage Band Downlands student body - the and school life • String Ensemble actors, dancers, band, stage crew Living an MSC • Orchestra and technical crew. spirituality • Saxophone Ensemble. The level of professionalism Private tutoring is also available for achieved with every school involves those wanting more personalised musical is a great source of pride a journey into one’s own heart and into the heart of the human condition, open to encountering there the compassionate heart of Jesus, the Heart of God. This is the journey that we hope that our students and staff will undertake, each to their own capacity and guided gently within the framework we provide. 10 We want students to have the confidence to be themselves, to enjoy school and each other’s company and importantly, to have a sense of humour. The school has a unique history, beautiful surroundings, a distinctive spirituality and unequalled character.

Tim Morrison, Deputy Principal - Pastoral Care Heart and life choice

At Downlands we want our students to do well We are guided by MSC at school, and also in life, by being good people - Constitution #32: strong in mind, spirit and faith. Ours is a spirit of family and true friendship With a history Lesson is presented and all year formed by kindness reaching back levels participate in days that to the mid reinforce the Charism of the MSC. and understanding, by 19th century This allows students to reflect compassion and mutual in France, the on what makes being at an MSC forgiveness, by gentleness, MSC Ethos at school so special. humility and simplicity, by Downlands distinctively focuses Student Formation Pilgrimage hospitality and a sense of on the “Spirituality of the Heart” Each year our Student Leaders which offers a listening and make a pilgrimage to places of humour. compassionate heart through MSC and Catholic significance in Downlands students are involved relationships in community rather Sydney, and most importantly, to in fundraising and serving the than fixed answers and dogmatic MSC heartland at St Mary’s Towers community through the Social solutions. in Douglas Park south of Sydney. Justice Group and by volunteering Our MSC Ethos Quality pastoral care at Rosies, the Toowoomba Staff and students experience the Our Pastoral Care program is Refugee and Migrant Service and Ethos as true friendship, kindness, based on the teachings of Jules providing breakfast at a local state compassion, humility, forgiveness, Chevalier and every member gentleness, understanding, of staff is considered part of the primary school.. hospitality, simplicity and a sense Pastoral Care team. Monthly liturgical celebrations are of humour. Spirituality of the Using clear, direct and open celebrated at the College. Boarders Heart underpins our heart-centred communication, staff model and attend a weekly Sunday mass and approach. teach the skills needed to be part early morning mass on a Friday is Every term a school-wide Mission of a vibrant community. offered to staff and students.

Downlands offers a Social Justice Group which is open to all.

This group focuses on advocacy, awareness-raising, outreach and fundraising, and assists with various national and international campaigns such as MSC Missions, Caritas and St Vincent de Paul.

12 The Downlands Rural Centre is a fully functioning farm. Only seven minutes from the centre of Toowoomba, students benefit greatly from the 14 hectare Rural Centre located on our 38 hectare College campus. Rural and agricultural choice

Inclusion of rural and agricultural studies has been transition to further agricultural studies or work. an integral part of Downlands since 1931. This Beyond the school gates, the rural commitment to country families helps boarders program: from rural properties adjust to being away from • attends and exhibits a variety home, as well as providing skills for a future in of cattle breeds at local, regional and major Royal agriculture. Agricultural Shows and specialist breeder shows Agricultural Science is an integral • Rotation and pasture • competes at Rockhampton part of the Science curriculum management Beef Week, held every three from Year 7 onwards. • Egg production years. A very hands-on subject, it • Citrus and olive orchard • maintains industry provides opportunities for management partnerships with AgForce, students of all ages to participate • Aquaculture. hosting agricultural days and in a variety of projects at the 14 the Moo Baa Munch event at Students can also participate in hectare on-site farm, including: Downlands. Judging, Paraders and Herdsman • Fencing competitions. Downlands is also a registered • Cattle handling and show Low Line Stud as this breed preparation The future in agriculture of cattle is very suitable for Senior students may choose • Beef, sheep and chicken feed educational purposes. to obtain a Certificate II in trials Rural Operations or undertake • Beekeeping and honey Agricultural Science subjects extraction to contribute to an OP score. The MSC Ethos • Low input vegetables Downlands is a Gateway School and school life • Crop production to Agribusiness, assisting the MSC Missions support projects around the world, from to Vietnam and just about everywhere in between, supplying water to the thirsty, assistance for the disadvantaged, education and health initiatives.

14 We find it so convenient that we have one staff group, one financial and administration sector, the same medical, sporting, academic and social groups to converse with, and one school calendar to relate to. When other parents ask us about the boarding aspects of co-ed, we let them know how enormously beneficial it has been for us as a family. Scott and Janene McLellan, Parents, Durong Boarding choice

Boarding is integral to the Downlands community vocation. The family is a model for the level of care provided by our and our boarders are the heart and soul of the professional, dedicated staff. College. Established in 1931, Downlands welcomed A busy boarder is a happy day boys and girls in 1971 and has been fully boarder, and through an energetic Activities Committee, boarding coeducational since 1993. students are kept active with a full calendar of events, including: Downlands is the of keeping families together - • theme parks of choice for many rural families brothers and sisters are able to • climbing Tabletop Mountain in , New South Wales, stay, live and grow up alongside • attending sporting events and the Northern Territory, and each other, forming memories • rock climbing international students are also that last a lifetime. • go-karting welcomed. As a home away from home for • pool parties The boarding experience is up to 300 students, the choice to • trivia nights much more than just meals board is increasing in popularity • social events with other and beds. Downlands provides for farming and other families, boarding schools. an environment that promotes with a new boarding house for All of these activities are covered growth as an individual, the Years 7 to 9 boys (Harris House) by Downlands’ all inclusive development of interpersonal recently opened. This multi- boarding fees, so no-one misses skills and access to a wide variety million dollar facility features out. of opportunities and activities that semi-private accommodation, may not otherwise be available. incorporating both sleep and study. Boarding options With two Full time, weekday and casual Experienced staff boarding houses boarding options are available. For our staff, caring for boarding for girls and three Coeducation has the advantage students is more than a job; it is a for boys, and over 80 years of experience, we are experts in boarding. Up to 300 students and eight residential staff call Downlands home during school terms and three families live on campus full time.

16 Downlands College prides itself on being a warm, kind and caring school as well as being disciplined and organised. It is made up of people who are genuinely friendly, bright and energetic.

Stephen McIllhatton, Principal Make an educated choice

We invite you to visit Downlands to experience boarding fee. Fees are payable on an annual, term or fortnightly the sense of community, learning and respect that basis and a full schedule is exists amongst our staff and students. Our Open available from the College. Day is held in May each year and families are Scholarships and bursaries welcome to book a tour at any time. Downlands offers Academic, Performing Arts and All Rounder Scholarships for Year 7 and Year We know that seeing the College letter will be sent and acceptance 10 entry. Applications close in in action, and witnessing how of the offer is then required. February of the year preceding students and teachers interact is a Fees and Payment Choices entry. Bursaries are also available. wonderful way of understanding Be assured that there will be no exactly what sets Downlands apart surprises with Downlands fees - from other schools. textbook hire, retreats and camps, A non-selective school subject levies, school buses, Why You do not have to be Catholic student insurance, membership to attend Downlands; however of the Downlands Past Students Downlands? each student and their family is Association (DPSA) and sporting 1. Community expected to willingly support and registrations all included in the Many schools talk about it, participate in the spiritual life of tuition fee. There is a capital but at Downlands we live our the College. levy to improve facilities, and a commitment to a strong and technology levy which provides vibrant, faith-based community There is no entrance exam. students with a laptop, software every day. Enrolment applications can be and technical support. submitted at any time and an 2. Educational Excellence All activities, laundry needs, meals, interview with the Principal With a diverse range of subjects accommodation and boarder or Assistant Principal will be from which to choose, students parent events are included in the arranged. If a place is offered, a have a pathway to their life beyond school and have both academic (OP focussed) and vocational training choices available to them.

3. Sport, art and culture With teams in more than 14 local and regional sports competitions, a thriving Cattle Show Team and extensive student involvement in arts, music, dance and drama activities, there truly is something for everyone at 18 Downlands. Experience Downlands You are always welcome at Downlands. We look forward to meeting you and your family. Open Day See how your family fits within our family - our annual Open Day is held in mid May each year and is an action packed day where interested families can meet current students and teachers. Family Tour Personal tours are conducted throughout the year. Simply call to book a convenient time and see the school in action. The Downlands Stopover Regional primary schools are invited to break their next school trip with a stopover at Downlands on our beautiful 38 hectare campus. Stay the night with our compliments.

To find out more please contact our Enrolments Office, Ms Merilyn Rohde and Mrs Catherine Mims on 07 4690 9500.

www.downlands.qld.edu.au19