Excellence in Learning

Our reputation for high achieving students is built on the deliberate nurturing of an exceptionally strong and successful learning culture. It celebrates creativity, engagement, critical thinking, and exemplary academic and co-curricular performance, bringing out the best in each boy.

Philosophy
Teaching Boys
Top achievers in 2021
Teacher Coaching

Philosophy

Our challenging and inclusive curriculum places a strong emphasis on developing intellectual curiosity and passion for knowledge. These are great attributes we believe will prepare young men for lives full of purpose beyond our school gates, driven to make a difference in the world through generosity, service and justice.

Our teachers work closely with our boys, supporting and challenging them through rich and diverse learning opportunities that meet the needs of individual learners while stretching their abilities. Coupled with the support of classmates and friends, we set your son up to fulfil his potential.

We have a unique opportunity to teach boys that there are many good routes to becoming good men.

Teaching Boys

For over 50 years, our College has cultivated a culture that understands, accepts and celebrates boys and how they learn.

Our focus on boys’ education enables them to prosper in all areas, pursuing their interests, while encouraging them to be themselves without the preconceived notions of rigid gender expectations that can regulate their decisions and drive their development.

There is something really special about schools just for boys with teachers who understand how they learn. Our passionate and dedicated staff believe in the value of each boy and are committed to their growth. Our collaborative culture empowers our staff to work in teams that share information and the latest research to identify areas for improvement and innovation.

Our teachers place high expectations on and encourage each boy to exceed his potential.

Teachers know it is important to be able to laugh with them, to stimulate their imagination, to ignite their passions and to be able to correct them, while still conveying a sense that every boy is valued.

We are committed to being a boys' school that promotes responsible relationships and positive attitudes towards girls and women. We are uncompromising in being a safe and inclusive learning community respectful of diverse backgrounds, ethnicity, gender and nationality.

Marist teachers are passionate about creating a learning environment that speaks to the heart, expands the mind, and enriches the life of every boy entrusted to their care. The College’s Strong Minds, Gentle Hearts publication highlights the key areas of support by our teachers in providing quality boys’ education at the College.

Top 10 achievers in 2021

The College acknowledges and congratulates the Graduating Class of 2021, their families and the teaching staff on the pleasing Year 12 Certificate results. This was a remarkable collaborative effort in what was a challenging year for everyone, not least for our young men.

The College is proudly a non-selective Catholic boys’ school drawing students from a variety of educational backgrounds. To have more than 25% of students attain an ATAR greater than 90 is a performance that reflects the quality of our teaching and the diligence of our students. Half the cohort undertaking tertiary studies achieved an ATAR of 81 or above. These results combine to place the College’s academic performance in the top three schools in the ACT and are a testament to the ongoing support from their families, and to the dedication of their teachers.

The below publication profiles some of our top achievers whilst illustrating the fact that, at Marist College Canberra, you can achieve a vital balance between academic success and breadth of experience.

Learn about the College's top achievers in 2021.

Coaching done well may be the most effective intervention designed for human performance.

Atul Gawande

Teacher Coaching and Development

Since 2019, the College has implemented Instructional and Middle Leadership Coaching to focus and develop the learning needs of our teachers.

The individual coaching approach is based on the work of Dr Jim Knight and Growth Coaching International. It is founded on research around the learning outcomes of professionals and, importantly in the case of schools, the learning outcomes of our students.

All teachers at Marist College Canberra are expected to participate biennially in coaching, with a view to enhancing student learning outcomes through improvement of their own practice and using the Marist Learning Principles as its foundation.

Instructional Coaching is the foundation of the program and all teachers participate in this format. The College also conducts Middle Leadership Coaching to enhance leadership strengths and the development of skills in the leadership of our team.