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The Arts

Our Arts program is designed to provide a broad range of experiences and opportunities for students to explore and develop their creative abilities. We offer a variety of subjects and activities that cater to different interests and skill levels.

Our Arts program features state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including a kiln for ceramics, 3D printing, design software and programs, a photography dark room and a green screen. These facilities enable students to explore a range of creative mediums and develop their skills in digital and traditional art forms.

Our drama curriculum is designed to develop students' confidence, communication skills, and creative thinking abilities. Students can engage with professional actors and theatre companies through a range of excursions, as well as to perform in front of live audiences. Our drama program provides an opportunity for students to go outside their comfort zone and try new things within the dramatic conventions.

Music is another integral part of our Arts program. We offer a range of music subjects that cater to different interests and skill levels, including music theory, performance, composition, and music technology. Our music program features a range of concert band instruments, including clarinet, trumpet, flute, and trombone and also keyboards, guitars, drums, and a recording studio.

We believe that the Arts play a crucial role in the development of well-rounded individuals. They provide students with opportunities to express themselves creatively, develop critical thinking skills, and build self-confidence. Through our Arts program, students learn to appreciate different forms of artistic expression, develop an understanding of cultural diversity, and gain an appreciation of the role of the Arts in society.

English

The English curriculum is the backbone of all learning here at St Bernard’s. Built upon the state curriculum, we have designed a program that is engaging, enlightening, and academically rigorous.

In the early years, our students are introduced to a number of texts from the classic world as well as texts that are more contemporary. Students will be expected to engage with their reading and to produce responses that are analytical, creative, reflective, and argumentative.  As students progress into their senior years, the text choices become more complex and the expectations around their engagement increase accordingly.

Students will also be expected to produce oral presentations and to participate in small group and whole class discussions. Developing confidence in voice and opinion is nurtured and fostered.

Students will have opportunities to participate in the Wide Reading program with regular timetabled visits to the library. They will be encouraged to choose from a highly diverse selection of texts.

Ultimately, we want our students to engage in a critical and creative manner with the English curriculum and to find the space and possibility to produce ideas and concepts in the spoken and written fields.

Humanities

The Humanities Key Learning Area at St Bernard's College offers a diverse range of subjects that cover four areas of the Victorian Curriculum: History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, and Business and Economics.

In History, students in years 7 to 10 study fascinating units such as Ancient Egypt, Medieval Europe, Medieval Japan, The Renaissance in Italy, Industrial Revolutions, Gold Rush (particularly in Australia), People Movement, World War 1 and World War 2. These units explore significant times and people, and the impact of change on society.

In Geography, students explore topics such as water, the water cycle, weather, liveability, landscapes and landforms (with a focus on coastal landscapes), food security, biomes, and human geography. They also learn about environmental change management and tourism, which are crucial issues in today's world.

Civics and Citizenship covers topics like the role of government, how laws are made, political parties, political activism, international treaties, and inter-governmental organisations. This subject empowers students to become active and informed citizens who can participate in their communities and make a positive impact on society.

In Business and Economics, students learn about the economy, demand and supply, business decision-making, budgets, cash flows, and an introduction to monetary and budgetary policy. This subject also covers marketing and accounting, which are essential skills for any student interested in pursuing a career in business.

At St Bernard's College, our Humanities program is designed to develop crucial skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. We also take our students on exciting excursions and explore how the world outside affects the topics we cover. Our aim is to prepare our students for VCE subjects and empower them to make a positive impact on the world.

Science

Welcome to the vibrant world of science at St Bernard’s! Our science department is a dynamic hub of exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning, designed to ignite curiosity and passion for the sciences in our students. We offer a comprehensive range of courses that cater to a diverse range of interests and career aspirations, ensuring that every student can find their niche and thrive.

Our dedicated team of experienced educators brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the classroom, fostering an engaging learning environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and explore the world around them. From biology to chemistry, physics to psychology, and engineering to environmental science our curriculum is designed to be rigorous and challenging, while also being accessible and relevant to students' lives.

In addition to our academic curriculum, we offer a variety of extracurricular activities and opportunities for students to further explore their interests in the sciences. From science clubs and competitions to hands-on research projects and field trips, there is something for everyone to get involved in and extend their learning beyond the classroom.

We believe that a strong foundation in the sciences is essential for success in the 21st century, and we are committed to providing our students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Join us on a journey of discovery and exploration as we inspire the scientists and engineers of tomorrow!

Mathematics

The modern Mathematics curriculum aims to cultivate students' appreciation for mathematical reasoning while fostering mastery of its content. It emphasises the development of mathematical proficiency, encompassing comprehension, fluency, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills necessary for interpreting contexts, reasoning, and tackling real-world challenges.

Mathematics plays a pivotal role in understanding and navigating the complexities of today's world, encompassing pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and logical thinking. Its relevance extends beyond academia, with applications in various industries such as engineering, finance, data science, and computer programming. Proficiency in mathematics not only enhances problem-solving abilities but also opens doors to diverse career opportunities, university degrees, TAFE and VET courses and apprenticeships making it an integral component of secondary education.

At our College, we offer a comprehensive range of Mathematical programs catering to a diverse range of knowledge and skill levels. From Year 7 to 10 Mathematics, Able and Ambitious, Pre-General and Pre-Mathematical Methods, Enhanced Mathematics, to a full suite of VCE Mathematics, our programs ensure that students receive tailored education to meet their individual needs and aspirations. These programs provide a solid foundation in mathematical principles and empower students to excel academically in their studies while also enabling them to pursue their goals in their chosen fields.

Furthermore, our dynamic team of skilled mathematics teachers brings an invaluable wealth of knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm to our school community. Their commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment ensures that our students are provided with many opportunities for growth and exploration within the realm of mathematics. We strive to instil in our students a lifelong passion for learning and the ability to tackle challenges, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Religious Education

The Religious Education Key Learning Area at St Bernard's College is an integral part of our holistic approach to education. Our program is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of their faith and the world around them. Religious Education at St Bernard’s centres on five Learning Domains of the Curriculum Framework with Years 7 – 9 exploring content under the following domains: Scripture and Jesus, Church and Community, God, Religion and Life, Prayer, Liturgy and Sacrament, and Morality and Justice.

As part of our commitment to supporting students in their transition to secondary school, Year 7 RE incorporates an introductory course called the Eddie and Bernie Program. This program aims to help students adjust to their new environment and includes a variety of activities, such as technology and homework management, understanding the nature of an Edmund Rice Education, and exploring the Four Touchstones that underpin our charism and charter.

In Year 10, our students head in a different direction for RE. We register mainstream students in a study of VCE Unit One Religion and Society, which explores the role of religion in society through three different outcomes: the nature and purpose of religion, religion through the ages, and religion in Australia. Across the two years of Year 10 and Year 11, students will study the Unit 1 and Unit 2 portions of the VCE Religion and Society course, and this qualification, if passed satisfactorily, shall appear on the VCAA Statement of Results.

Year 10 students who show ability and effort, and a capacity to accelerate at a higher level, shall be invited to apply to study Units 3 & 4 Religion and Society when in Year 11 which will provide an additional subject to their five studied in Year 12, a real boost to their ATAR. A select few shall be able to study Unit 3 & 4 Religion and Society alongside another Unit 3 & 4 subject in Year 11, affording them additional study time in Year 12 to focus on their remaining four subjects. We hope this will be an advantage overall.

As part of the VCE course, our Year 10 students explore the value of spaces, places, times, and artifacts. The aspect of spaces and places especially helps foster peace and provides adherents with an opportunity to reflect on one’s relationship with God and humanity.

Languages

At St Bernard’s we believe that learning a language opens doors to new opportunities, fosters cultural understanding, and promotes global citizenship. Our dynamic language program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. At St Bernard’s College, we offer both an Asian and European language: Japanese and Italian. Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in these rich cultures from Year 7 all the way through to VCE.

In Year 7, students’ sample both Japanese and Italian for a semester each. This introductory period allows students to make an informed decision about which language they would like to pursue further. Languages continue to be a compulsory part of the curriculum until the end of Year 8, ensuring that students have a solid foundation in either Japanese or Italian. Throughout these formative years, students not only develop linguistic skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for the cultures and traditions associated with their chosen language.

Students also have the chance to immerse themselves in the country of the language they study through various cultural activities and exchanges such as taiko drum performances, traditional Italian commedia performances, manga drawing sessions, bocce, Japanese martial arts, museum visits, and much more. Additionally, our College organises study tours to Japan and Italy, providing students with firsthand experiences of the language, culture, and traditions. The Language Study Tours run each year, alternating between Japan and Italy. These tours allow students to be immersed in the language and culture in which they study. This gives students an advantage over others in VCE as their cultural understanding deepens, and their conversations skills improve. 

We believe that language learning goes beyond the classroom, providing students with invaluable cultural experiences and fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them. Join us on an exciting journey of linguistic discovery and cultural exploration at St Bernard’s College. Whether you choose Japanese or Italian, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of endless possibilities.

Health and Physical Education

Our HPE program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the different dimensions of health and regular opportunities to explore and develop their physical abilities. Aside from the core HPE subjects, we also offer elective subjects for students with a particular interest in physical activity.

The program is blessed with ample facilities at the Essendon campus, that allow us to engage in a range of invasion, striking and net and wall sports, along with swimming, gymnastics and athletics. We are also able to utilise the local facilities near Resurrection House to offer additional opportunities to our Year 9 cohort. Throughout the program both excursions and incursions are offered, providing students with the opportunity to engage with specialist coaches who provide additional expertise.

In Year 10, our program is designed around offering students an insight into the HPE pathways at the VCE level, such as Outdoor and Environmental Studies and VCE VET Sport and Recreation, along with Physical Education and Health. The Year 10 program also incorporates the Year 10 Ski camp, which allows students to experience the theory content in practice while enjoying the slopes of Mount Buller.

Our curriculum is designed to develop students' confidence, communication skills, relationships and physical abilities.

Technology

The Technology Program at St Bernard’s College is meticulously designed to provide students with a rich and engaging hands-on learning experience. Whether they’re aspiring chefs or tech enthusiasts, we offer a diverse range of subjects that cater to various interests and abilities.

Our Food Studies curriculum goes beyond the kitchen—it’s about understanding the significance of healthy eating and minimising food waste. With our state-of-the-art facilities featuring two fully equipped kitchens, students have the perfect environment to hone their food preparation and cooking skills.

In our Product Design and Technology subjects, students dive into the world of wood and metal studies. Through a hands-on approach, we foster their ability to conceptualise, design, and create functional products. From understanding the design process to bringing their ideas to life using wood and metal, students gain practical skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Technology is at the heart of our College. In the junior years, students explore Digital Technologies, delving into coding, algorithms, and problem-solving. As they progress to their senior years, they have the option to delve into Software Development and Data Analytics, where they build analytical skills and create innovative software solutions.

Our diverse subject offerings ensure that every student has ample opportunities for growth. By tailoring the curriculum to suit classroom interests and needs, we empower students to achieve success across various domains.

Join us at St Bernard’s College, where technology meets creativity, and students thrive in an environment that encourages exploration, innovation, and skill development.

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