Waterford. Does the name evoke images of fine crystal? At St Kevin’s College Waterford Campus it represents something more. Here at the Year 9 campus in Richmond the motto is Luceat Lux Vestra. Let Your Light Shine.
St Kevin’s College Waterford Campus is a unique place. It’s separate from the main college. The campus is reserved exclusively for Year 9 students. This separation is purposeful. The goal is to make adolescence successful. The boys have their own space where they can feel significant. They take ownership and responsibility.
St Kevin’s College was founded in 1918. The Christian Brothers wanted a strong academic tradition. The college was a matriculation centre. It served all the Brothers’ schools in Melbourne. The college grew quickly. In 1932 it moved to Toorak. It became a full primary and secondary school.
The Waterford campus opened in 1999. It was originally located in Balaclava. In 2002, Waterford moved to Richmond. The campus provides a dedicated space. Here the boys can grow intellectually physically socially emotionally and spiritually.
The Waterford program is crafted to make changes positive. It lays the best foundation. Boys become young men ready for the senior years. They develop knowledge skills and understanding.
The campus promotes effective organization. Students cultivate critical thinking. They become deeply intuitive. Students connect with their own learning. They are aware of their strengths. Boys learn to act independently. They take control of their learning habits.
The Waterford curriculum engages adolescent boys. The location is perfect for experiential learning. The boys attend classes five days a week. Each day has seven 45-minute classes. Students use electronic devices to enhance learning. These devices do not replace traditional teaching methods.
The curriculum includes core subjects. Boys also choose two elective subjects each semester. Homework is an expectation. Boys should engage in at least 90 minutes of learning each night. Reviewing each subject is highly recommended. This converts short-term into long-term memory.
Assessment is formative and summative. It gives boys opportunities to engage. They connect more profoundly. They understand each academic discipline more deeply. Assessment includes research experimentation oral presentations and tests.
Teaching balances explicit instruction experiential learning collaboration and connection to the wider world. There are no Semester One Examinations for Religious Education English and Science. This provides opportunities for experiential learning. All subjects complete Examinations at the end of Semester Two.
Formal College Reports are available on the Parent Portal. Academic Progress Interviews also occur. Staff report frequently via the Portal. Boys staff and parents are always welcome to communicate.
The Outprac Program is unique to Waterford. It enhances the curriculum. Students gain practical learning experiences off-campus. Each experience complements the curriculum. The program uses resources in inner Melbourne.
The Outprac Program provides experiential learning. It develops initiative independent research and collaborative learning skills. It also encourages critical thinking.
The RICE Program is another unique experience. RICE stands for Rich Investigation Challenge and Expedition Programme. It is a dynamic learning journey. It’s also a physically and mentally challenging outdoor experience. The outdoor experience varies in length. It can be 9-10 days away from home. Destinations include the Wet Tropics Arnhem Land and the Snowy Mountains.
St Kevin’s College Waterford Campus shapes young men. They learn to shine their light. They take these lessons beyond the campus. They impact the wider world.