Learning at Iona

Primary school

In Years 5 and 6, we endeavour to foster a safe and stimulating learning environment that is exciting, engaging and meaningful. Underpinning our learning and teaching is a belief that students are individuals who develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.

Our primary students to demonstrate their unique talents by expanding on the core curriculum to include activities, opportunities and programs not available within the national curriculum. 

The program is characterised by hands-on learning activities that inspire creativity, critical thinking and collaboration.

And of course, Iona’s world-class facilities and resources are all on campus to ensure every student has what he needs to reach his full potential – wherever his passion lies.

By beginning their Iona journey at the first step, our Primary students are immediately immersed in a wonderful, nurturing environment where they can add their chapter to a continuing story stretching back to 1958, and become a member of a passionate community of Iona Old Boys that will be a support network for the rest of their lives.

Middle school

Students in Years 7 and 8 study a broad curriculum and, like in Primary, teachers at Iona College foster strong relationships between with students and families.

Hands on, problem-based learning is encouraged and technology is used as a tool to enhance creativity across a range of learning areas including robotics, visual art, science, music and industrial design and technology.

In Year 9, students experience their first elective model. This is a turning point for students as they move towards the end of compulsory years of education. 

Outside of the core subjects of Religious Education, Mathematics, English, History, Science, Health & Physical Education, students choose three elective subjects from the following list:

• Aerospace
• Commerce
• Marine Studies
• Music
• Design
• Drama
• Digital Technologies
• Industrial Technology
• Art and Film
• Japanese
• Physical Education
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)

Senior School

Year 10 is considered a transition year prior to the senior phase of schooling. It is at this point that students start to specialise in their curriculum offering. 

Throughout this process, they are supported by the Pathways Team to ensure that decisions are informed and accurate. 

At Iona, we have a particular focus and passion for the pathway of the individual and we cater for the broad variety of options and electives going forward.

This work ensures Year 10 families select pathways appropriate for their individual skills and abilities and to ensure that they are ready to advance to the next stage of their schooling.

Core subjects in Year 10 are Religious Education, Mathematics, English, History, and Health & Physical Education. They then choose three elective subjects from:

• Aerospace
• Commerce
• Physical Science
• Life Science
• Music
• Drama
• Digital Technologies
• Industrial Technology
• Design
• Art and Film
• Japanese
• Physical Education

In Years 11 and 12, all students complete an English and Mathematics program of study.  In addition, Iona College is conducting a trial of Catholic Studies, a faith in action model that supports students in life beyond Year 12.

We support students who wish to pursue and achieve an ATAR for tertiary study, and annually enjoy a wonderful success rate of students accessing their first-choice preferences.

Similarly, students wishing to pursue School-Based Apprenticeships or vocational pathways receive guidance and support through the process. 

It is our inclusivity and diversity that allows our College to remain the vibrant and positive atmosphere of which we are proud.

Academic success and intellectual and human development are linked with involvement and therefore, in addition to focusing on their studies, we encourage our students to participate in and make a contribution to the religious life and co-curricular activities of the College.

Faith 

People may believe what you say, but they will always believe what you do – and Iona’s education programs ensure that students not only learn about the teachings of Jesus, but put them into practice.

To truly understand the teachings of Jesus and our patron, Saint Eugene de Mazenod, students in Iona’s 3:16 and 10:10 religion programs must also follow in their footsteps by initiating positive action.

Every week, students in these programs attend Hemmant Cemetery to tidy the grounds and clean headstones, visit primary schools in the community to help young students with their reading, assist the students from Darling Point Special School with their activities, care for our local environment and provide peer support and mentorship to younger Ionians.

These programs – and many other excursions and workshops throughout the year – are true Catholic education, and following the Oblate mission to serve others.

By learning to help others in the community, students learn how to be better men.

It is at the heart of the Oblate mission, and what it means to be an Ionian.

Iona was founded and remains a ministry of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a Catholic religious congregation founded by St Eugene in Aix-en-Provence in France in 1816 that was dedicated to serving the people and helping the poor and those in need.

Today, the Oblates serve God in 67 countries around the world. In Australia, the Oblates run four Colleges – of which Iona is the oldest – including St Eugene’s at Burpengary, Mazenod College Victoria and Mazenod College Western Australia.

Mass is celebrated before school every day in the College Chapel, which is the geographical and spiritual centre of the Iona campus.

Each house takes it in turn to host the celebration for the community, with whole-school Masses held in The Provence Centre.

Every Ionian is challenged to meet their potential and grow into exceptional men of faith and service to, in the words of St Eugene, “learn what you are in the eyes of God”.