Choosing the best learning environment for your son can be daunting. What’s the best way to engage our sons in learning? What environment sets them up for success? Fortunately, parents on the Northern Beaches have experts in boys’ education right on their doorstep at St Augustine’s College.
“We are proudly a Catholic school for boys, teaching in the Augustinian tradition,” says Principal Jonathan Byrne.
“Our educators specialise in the best learning practices for boys and are constantly engaged with and contributing to research in this field. We implement science-backed programs that benefit boys academically and help them grow into young men of integrity and empathy.”
The College is a renowned leader in boys’ education and a member of the International Boys’ School Coalition. Its staff regularly present at key worldwide education conferences and lead action research projects.
In 2024, the College’s Dean of Student Wellbeing presented on the unique Augustinian Wellbeing in Education program embedded at the school. Other areas of focus include literacy as a school-wide approach, working memory in the Primary classroom, and relational aspects of play to develop agency and independence in learning.
And the College’s focus on boys’ education is clearly working. It is now the 5th ranked Catholic School in NSW. Last year’s HSC results saw 34% of students achieving an ATAR of 90+ , with four above 99, and a strong showing in the HSC Showcase for Drama, Visual Arts, Design and Technology, and Industrial Technology.
Mr Byrne emphasises that the College doesn’t just celebrate its top performers. “As a comprehensive non-selective boys’ school, we are proud of all our students who achieve to the best of their ability and beyond previous expectations. Our patron Saint Augustine provides a great framework for our boys to pursue individual achievement and personal growth amongst a community of friends.”
No matter where your son’s passion lies, there’s staff at the College ready to champion it and support him. Whether it’s the Learning Enhancement team’s guidance at the Da Vinci Decathlon that saw Year 9 students achieve 2nd place in Codebreaking and Year 10 rank 3rd in Art and Poetry, Years 5 and 6 Maths groups placing in the top 10% at the Maths Olympiad, or specialist coaches leading rugby, basketball and football teams to championship victories, all students are cared for and challenged.
The pursuit of excellence and setting high expectations starts in the College’s Primary school. Mr Byrne says that, while in other settings Years 5 and 6 can be a gradual slowing towards the end of primary schooling, at St Augustine’s College it’s the first step in the next 8 years of higher education. Students receive a strong foundation before they step into Year 7 by being introduced to a timetable with 6 periods a day, and access to high school resources and specialist teachers.
The College’s students may not appreciate the theory and rigour behind their education, but what they do know is how much they love the opportunities that their school provides and the benefit of having their school mates live close by (the College draws nearly all of its students from the northern beaches, which provides a strong local community for families).
Open Day
St Augustine’s College’s upcoming Open Day is a great chance to hear directly from students about what they love the most. You can also direct questions about boys’ education to the dedicated teachers across the campus.
Explore facilities including design and technology workshops, science labs, library, sport areas and gymnasium, and specialist art and music studios. Student-led tours are very popular and book out – so jump online ASAP to register.
Oh, and did we mention there’s free snags and gelato?
Open Day: 28 February 2025, 3.30pm – 7pm – register here.
Location: Alfred Rd, Brookvale NSW 2100.
Reception: 02 9938 8200 or email General Enquiries
Admissions: 02 9938 8225 or email Admissions
This is a sponsored article in support of local news and great local education.
