EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
The Vision, Mission and Values of the Academy are reflected in its educational philosophy and realised in its educational practices.
Religion & Spirituality
The religious dimension of Christian life and experience underpins every aspect of life at the Academy.
Each student is encouraged to develop a spirituality and an ethical framework that enables her to live a faith-filled,
active life. This spirituality, based on the witness of Jesus and the role modeling of both staff and students,
is respectful of diverse faith traditions and cultures and is lived with a generous spirit of service for others.
All students are provided with experiences that help them to explore and extend their faith, to carry on the tradition
of Mercy and to pursue authentic decision-making.
Catherine McAuley’s charism, exemplified in the spirit and tradition of Mercy, is brought to life in encounters
within the classroom, sacramental moments and the commitment to social justice.
Learning & Teaching
At the Academy there is a commitment to a tradition of scholastic excellence and the provision of a wide range of
co-curricular opportunities. The right of each person to be a learner is respected and individual differences are
capitalized on to maximize student engagement.
Among the hallmarks of successful learning and teaching at the Academy are the development of a well rounded set
of skills and attributes in each student and the capacity for each student to take considered risks.
Passionate, talented and committed staff members contribute to a culture of learning and teaching that invites
students into the educational endeavour. This endeavour encourages the sharing of existing knowledge and
learning strengths, but also challenges all to engage with new knowledge, new methodologies and new conceptual frameworks.
A life-long love of learning is fostered through students and teachers both engaging with ideas, people and concepts
that inspire creative processes and responses. Such processes and responses encourage the innovative use of information
and communication technologies in all fields of study.
When a young woman leaves the Academy she is well prepared to make a mature transition to further study or the workplace.
Student Management & Well-Being
Effective student management and well-being respects and embraces individual and cultural differences and occurs
in a climate of mutual respect and support.
Each young woman is recognised, cared for and supported in developing to her full potential.
Every effort is made to apply rules and procedures justly and consistently. Students are supported in their discovery
of life’s joys and sorrows. They are encouraged to laugh and find humour in life, to look for the good in themselves
and in others and to forgive themselves as well as others.
The College’s pastoral and organisational structures seek to uphold mercy as the key quality of caring and progressive
young women who are empowered to respond confidently and generously to their own needs and those of others.
Resource Management & Sustainability
The Academy has a strong heritage and a long tradition of faith, adaptability and courage.
The wisdom, experience and expertise of all staff members make an enduring contribution to the collective
consciousness and the rich story of the Academy. Each staff member’s knowledge and skills add value to the
educational experience of each student and to her family’s relationship to the College.
The Sisters of Mercy in the Academy convent play a vital role in College life and the College is enriched by their presence.
The stewardship of resources and care for the environment are the responsibility of each member of the College community.
A well-devised Master Plan and maintenance strategy utilises the College’s resources in a manner that maximizes their full value.
In the long term, the Academy is committed to sustainability – in buildings and practices.