Daramalan College

## 1. Overview Daramalan College is a Catholic, co-educational secondary school serving students in Years 7–12. Rooted in Catholic education, it combines faith-based values with a focus on academic achievement, leadership development and practical learning. The college aims to foster a supportive, inclusive community where students are challenged to grow academically, socially and morally. The school size is medium, with class sizes typically in the low to mid-20s. The atmosphere is built on a nurturing, inclusive culture that balances academic expectations with pastoral care and a strong sense of belonging. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: English and humanities are strong foundations, with solid performance across STEM subjects and opportunities to build leadership skills through curriculum and co-curricular activities. Languages and electives support a well-rounded profile. - Special programs: VET in Schools, accelerated learning options, and gifted/talented programs are available to extend capable students. The college also emphasises leadership development and service learning within the curriculum. - NAPLAN / trends: Historical trends show consistent performance in key domains (reading and numeracy) with positive trajectories over recent years, reflecting a stable, improving achievement culture. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes and teacher access are designed to support individual attention, with a typical student–teacher ratio in the mid-teens to low-20s range. - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated learning support staff, EAL assistance where needed, and inclusive education practices help students with varying needs participate fully in learning. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A broad range including football (soccer), basketball, netball, cricket, rugby, athletics and swimming, with opportunities to compete in interschool events. - Strong teams or achievements: Competitive school teams with participation in local and regional competitions; emphasis on teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active performing arts culture with opportunities for ensembles, choir, instrument tuition and school productions. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other interest-based clubs encourage problem-solving and teamwork. - Partnerships: Engagement with local clubs and regional competitions to broaden experiences beyond the classroom. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Proactive anti-bullying strategies, clear codes of conduct and supervised channels for reporting concerns. - House system: A house-based structure supports pastoral care, leadership opportunities and community events throughout the year. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff to support students’ emotional and social health. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and gradual transition plans help new students settle in smoothly. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site facilities to support physical education and interschool sports. - Libraries: A well-equipped library with spaces for study, research and quiet reading. - Science labs: Modern laboratories for chemistry, biology, physics and related STEM work. - Music/performing arts centers: dedicated spaces for music, drama and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Practical spaces for design, technology, coding and ICT learning. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen offering healthy meal options. - Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained outdoor spaces for recreation and socialising. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Catholic ethos guiding integrity, service, respect and compassion within a community-focused mission. - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice and involvement in decision-making. - Behaviour expectations: Clear behavioural guidelines anchored in respect, responsibility and self-discipline. - Community reputation: Positive standing within Canberra’s Catholic school community, with emphasis on inclusive, faith-informed education. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical school day runs from around 8:15am to 3:20pm, with structured times for lessons, breaks and transitions. - Before/after school care: Availability of after-school supervision, study support and activity opportunities catering to families’ needs. - Uniform requirements: Full school uniform required, with sports uniform for PE days and interschool events. - Transport: Access to local public transport networks; school may support or coordinate bus routes where available. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen providing a range of meals and snacks. - Fees: Fees are in the medium range for Catholic systemic education; additional costs for uniforms, excursions and some electives. Financial assistance and scholarships may be available. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an online application with required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, academic reports where applicable). - Provide supporting materials (parish verification where relevant). - Attend an enrolment interview or information session as part of Year 7 intake; receive offer of place if successful. - Complete enrolment confirmation and participate in any orientation activities prior to starting. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - There can be a waiting list if vacancies are limited. Priority may be given to siblings, parish-based applicants, and those with earlier application dates. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - An interview is commonly part of the Year 7 intake process. Academic records, immunisation history and evidence of suitability for the school’s Catholic ethos may be requested. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, mid-year transfers are possible subject to vacancies and a smooth transfer of student records, with the admissions team guiding the process. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-driven education with strong pastoral support, solid academic results, and a balanced emphasis on sport, arts and service. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a faith-informed community, want solid academics, and are motivated by a balanced program of curriculum and extra-curricular activities. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to accelerated learning options, VET courses, leadership opportunities, a broad sports program, music and drama, robotics and debate clubs, and community service. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through newsletters, emails, parent portals and scheduled information evenings; open channels with teachers and pastoral staff. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A student-centred approach that integrates faith, values, and rigorous academics; emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration and real-world application. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Dedicated learning support, targeted interventions, EAL assistance where relevant, and access to tutors or study supports as needed. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individualised support plans, regular progress monitoring, and collaboration between teachers, coordinators and families to address gaps. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate) - See above: newsletters, portals, emails, and direct contact with teachers and pastoral staff. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically in the low-to-mid-20s, with teacher access for individual guidance through planning, feedback and targeted support. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A wide range of sports, music, art and drama programs, plus clubs such as robotics, chess, coding and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen and well-maintained outdoor spaces. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital learning across the curriculum with computer/ICT facilities and potential device-based learning to build ICT literacy and problem-solving. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to public transport connections; potential school transport arrangements where available. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Medium-range fees with additional costs for uniforms, excursions and some activities; financial support options may be available. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Catholic, values-driven environment with strong pastoral care - Medium-sized, supportive class settings - Broad range of co-curriculars (sports, arts, clubs) - Solid academic program with opportunities for extension and VET - Inclusive culture with focus on student wellbeing and community - Cons - Catholic school environment may not suit every family - Fees apply beyond public schooling; some incidental costs - Mid-year transfers subject to vacancies and placement constraints - Availability of certain programs may vary by year and cohort