## 1. Overview
Damascus College Mount Clear is a Catholic, co-educational day school serving students across a Prep–12 program in the Mount Clear/Bendigo region. The school focuses on a faith-informed education that combines strong academics with pastoral care and community values. It aims to nurture well-rounded, responsible young people who contribute positively to their families and the broader community.
- School type: Catholic
- School size: Medium
- Class size: Mid-range, with a focus on individual attention and student support
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-based, with a strong emphasis on service, leadership and community
## 2. Academics & Learning
Damascus College Mount Clear aims to deliver solid academic outcomes within a holistic, values-based framework.
- Academic strengths: English, STEM, literacy and numeracy foundations, leadership development, and strong Religious Education as part of the core curriculum
- Special programs: Leadership development programs, religious formation, targeted learning support, potential acceleration pathways where appropriate
- NAPLAN / trends: Regional NAPLAN trends indicate stable to improving performance in core literacy and numeracy areas over recent years; the school uses data to drive targeted interventions
- Student-teacher ratios: Classrooms are designed to be supportive with mid-range student-teacher ratios to enable personal attention
- Support for diverse learners: Programs and staff to support EAL/D students, students with additional learning needs, and inclusive education plans
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
This is a key area for families, with a broad range of opportunities.
- Sports offered: Australian rules football, soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, tennis, athletics, swimming, volleyball and more
- Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in intra-regional and inter-school competitions with a track record of competitive teams
- Music, arts, drama programs: Robust performing arts options including choir, band, instrumental lessons, drama productions and school productions
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other academic and interest clubs
- Partnerships: Local clubs and inter-school competitions; engagement with regional sporting and arts programs to broaden opportunities
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Pastoral care and wellbeing are central to the school experience.
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, restorative practices, and a proactive, supportive culture
- House system: House-based pastoral groups that foster belonging, teamwork and healthy competition
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Dedicated counselling and wellbeing staff available to students and families
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted transition support to help new students settle in
## 5. Facilities
Facilities are designed to support academics, arts, sport and student wellbeing.
- Sports grounds: On-site athletic facilities and fields for games and training
- Libraries: Well-equipped library and study spaces
- Science labs: Modern science laboratories for hands-on learning
- Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music, drama and performances
- Tech/innovation labs: ICT and STEM-focused spaces for project work and digital learning
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen with daily meal options
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, functional outdoor spaces for student recreation
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
A values-driven school with a clear community focus.
- School values / mission: Catholic faith-based values centered on service, compassion, integrity and respect
- Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with student voice opportunities and active involvement in school life
- Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour expectations built on respect, responsibility and safety
- Community reputation: Well-regarded within the Bendigo Catholic education community for supportive school culture
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive practices, respect for diverse backgrounds, and opportunities for all students to participate
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical information to help families plan their day.
- School hours: Typical school day runs in line with Victorian norms (morning start and afternoon finish; times may vary by year level)
- Before/after school care: OSHC or school-approved care arrangements available
- Uniform requirements: School uniform required; details provided by the uniform shop and school policies
- Transport (bus routes): Bus services and school transport options connect Mount Clear with Bendigo and surrounding areas
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or approved meal options for students
- Fees (range): Fees are generally mid-range for Catholic schools in Victoria; exact amounts vary by year level and program
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an online application with required documents
- Attend school open events or information sessions as offered
- Shortlisting and interviews/applications review typically occur for key entry points (often Year 7 and other intake years)
- Offer of placement follows, with guidance on next steps and enrolment
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists can apply for popular year levels; priority is often given by application date, availability, and family ties to the school community
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry requirements may include a Catholic faith orientation or parental confirmation of values alignment
- Interviews are commonly part of the process; tests are not routinely required, but may occur for some programs or year levels
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, subject to space availability and timetable compatibility; families should contact the admissions team to discuss options and timelines
## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based Catholic education with a strong sense of community, balanced academics, and supportive pastoral care
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Motivated, community-minded learners who engage in faith formation, service, sports and the arts
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Advanced coursework pathways, leadership roles, competitive sport programs, music and drama, clubs and competitions
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, emails, parent portals, information evenings and phone calls
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered, inclusive learning with integration of technology, project-based activities and faith-informed education
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Learning support teams, targeted interventions, EAL/D support and access to tutoring or specialist referrals
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Progress monitoring, teacher collaboration, flexible support plans and engagement with families
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are mid-range with teacher-student ratios designed to allow individual attention and timely feedback
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad program across sports, music, arts and academic clubs, plus inter-school and community partnerships
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs and canteen
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated ICT, digital literacy and responsible use of technology as part of learning
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Bus routes and local transport options; procedures for accessibility and drop-off/pick-up
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are mid-range for the region; additional costs may include uniforms, excursions and elective activities
## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Strong Catholic values and pastoral care
- Balanced academics with broad co-curricular options
- Supportive environment for diverse learners
- Active involvement in sports, arts and clubs
- Clear communication with families and community involvement
- Cons
- As a mid-range Catholic school, some facilities or programs may have wait lists at peak intake years
- Uniform and additional activity costs can add to overall expenses
- Transport options depend on regional routes and schedules
- Availability of places varies by year level and demand
- Some specialized programs may require travel to other campuses or venues for certain activities
If you’d like, I can tailor this content further with more precise details (like current uniform policies, exact hours, or transport routes) once you provide or confirm the latest information from the school.
