# Overview
Cardijn College is a Catholic, co-educational secondary school serving students in Noarlunga Downs, South Australia. As a medium-to-large school, it fosters a welcoming, faith-based community with a focus on academic growth, character development and service. Class sizes typically sit in the mid-range, supporting individual attention while enabling collaborative learning. The atmosphere is built on inclusivity, nurture and a commitment to helping students thrive academically, socially and spiritually.
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# Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: strong emphasis on STEM and English, with leadership opportunities and a broad language offering to support well-rounded study and communication skills.
- Special programs: opportunities for enrichment and acceleration, with gifted/talented pathways and programs designed to challenge high-achieving students.
- NAPLAN / trends: recent years show stable to improving trends across multiple domains, reflecting consistent curriculum delivery and student support.
- Student-teacher ratios: generally balanced to support effective learning, with class sizes that enable meaningful teacher-student interaction and targeted support.
- Support for diverse learners: comprehensive support for diverse learners, including EAL (English as an Additional Language) and SEN (Special Educational Needs) through targeted programs and specialist staff.
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# Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: football (soccer), basketball, netball, cricket, tennis, athletics, swimming and other team and individual sports typical to Australian secondary schools.
- Strong teams or achievements: competitive teams in local and regional inter-school events, with opportunities to pursue championships and awards across various sports.
- Music, arts, drama programs: active music ensembles and performing arts programs that provide performance opportunities and creative development.
- Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, debating and other STEM/academic clubs to boost problem solving and collaboration.
- Partnerships: collaborations with local clubs and community organizations, as well as participation in regional competitions and events to broaden experience.
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# Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: clear policies and proactive programs to promote respectful, safe school culture and student wellbeing.
- House system: pastoral structure that supports belonging, friendly competition, and ongoing mentorship across cohorts.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to counselling and wellbeing support to assist with personal, academic and social challenges.
- Transition support for new students: orientation programs and dedicated transition supports to help new students settle in smoothly.
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# Facilities
- Sports grounds: ample outdoor spaces for PE, training and games.
- Libraries: well-stocked libraries supporting study and reading for pleasure.
- Science labs: modern science facilities to support hands-on learning and experimentation.
- Music/performing arts centers: dedicated spaces for music and drama activities and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: dedicated spaces for technology, coding and creative projects.
- Cafeteria: in-house canteen offering fresh and convenient meal options.
- Updated playgrounds: safe, updated outdoor play and recreation areas.
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# School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: grounded in Catholic faith, respect, compassion, service and integrity as central to student growth.
- Leadership style: collaborative and student-centered, with opportunities for student voice and leadership through student councils and programs.
- Behaviour expectations: clear expectations around respect, responsibility and positive conduct.
- Community reputation: established as a trusted Catholic secondary school with a focus on holistic student development and community engagement.
- Diversity & inclusion: commitment to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and fostering an inclusive school community.
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# School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: standard school day with start and end times aligned to the SA school calendar; structured timetables for class and activity periods.
- Before/after school care: available options or coordinated services to support families outside normal hours.
- Uniform requirements: school uniform policy with specified apparel and guidance on appearance and presentation.
- Transport (bus routes): public transport options and bus routes commonly used by families; guidance provided on travel arrangements.
- Canteen availability: the on-site canteen or food service offering meals and snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): fees positioned in the mid-range for Catholic secondary education, with specifics published by the school budget and annual schedules.
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# Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Begin by submitting an application within the school’s specified intake windows (usually the year prior to entry). The process typically includes documentation such as previous school records, birth certificate or ID, and proof of residency. timelines commonly involve a preliminary review, invitations for information sessions or interviews, and notification of enrolment decisions within a defined period.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- There can be a waiting list when demand exceeds places. Priority is often given to siblings, then date of application, with notification of position as spots become available. It’s best to apply early and stay in contact with the enrolment team for current waitlist status.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry may involve an interview with families and students, plus review of academic records and behaviour history. Some years or programs may require additional information; the school will advise specific requirements during the application process.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, mid-year transfers are sometimes possible subject to space availability, suitability, and receiving school transfers paperwork. Parents should contact the enrolment team as soon as possible to discuss options.
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# Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based Catholic education with a focus on holistic development, supportive community and opportunities in academics, sport and the arts.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are motivated to engage across core subjects, participate in co-curricular activities and value a caring, inclusive community.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment and acceleration options, leadership programs, competitive sport teams, and active music/drama opportunities, plus clubs such as robotics, coding, debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, emails, an online portal and parent forums or information sessions.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A mix of traditional instruction and collaborative, inquiry-based learning with a focus on core subjects, critical thinking and real-world applications.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted tutoring, EAL/SEN support, and access to guidance counsellors to help with study plans and personal development.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Academic coaching, extension opportunities where appropriate, and ongoing monitoring of progress with feedback to students and families.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: newsletters, portal, emails, and parent information sessions.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are mid-range with additional small-group support and access to teacher assistance during break times or after school.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range including team and individual sports, music, drama, and multiple clubs such as robotics, coding, debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, science labs, libraries, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs and a canteen.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools to support learning, with responsible use policies and opportunities for coding, multimedia projects and online research.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Public transport options and school-arranged routes or information about travel to and from the campus; accessibility details provided by the school.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees fall in a mid-range category for Catholic secondary education, with details available on the school’s enrolment information pages.
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# Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Catholic, values-based education with a nurturing and inclusive culture
- Solid academics with strengths in STEM and English, plus enrichment options
- Broad range of co-curriculars including sports, music, arts and clubs
- Support services for EAL and SEN; dedicated wellbeing and pastoral care
- Family-friendly communication and transition support
- Cons
- Fees apply as a non-public school; families should review current cost schedules
- Enrolment demand can lead to waitlists or competition for places
- Mid-year transfers depend on space availability and may require coordination with current schools
