Downlands, the School of Choice
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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, Tim Horan, 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 Darling Downs. 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 secondary school. • 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, Toowoomba Sporting choice There is a rich tradition of sporting excellence • Cheerleading • Cricket 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 swimming pool • Netball through life - learning about fair • Fully equipped gymnasium • Rugby Union play, being strong, teamwork, • Six ovals • Swimming resilience, supporting others, • Six tennis courts • Tennis giving your best, perseverance, • Two basketball 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