Overview
St Augustine’s College (QLD) in Augustine Heights is a Catholic, co-educational secondary college that focuses on faith-informed, values-driven education within a supportive community. The school aims to combine strong academic programs with a well-rounded formation in leadership, service, and character.
The campus is medium-sized for the region, offering a welcoming atmosphere that emphasises pastoral care, inclusivity, and student well-being. Classes are taught in a manner that fosters engagement and peer support, with a culture geared toward preparing students for post-school pathways while staying true to Catholic values.
Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on English and STEM, with a breadth of subject choices to develop critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving. Leadership development and language studies are part of the curriculum.
- Special programs: Gifted and Talented pathways and accelerated learning options are available for students who benefit from more challenging material. Leadership programs and service-learning opportunities support holistic development.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL support and SEN support are available, along with in-school learning support teams to help students access curriculum and adapt learning plans as needed.
- Sports offered: Football (soccer), rugby league, basketball, netball, cricket, athletics, swimming, tennis, and other team/individual sports are available.
- Strong teams or achievements: The college participates actively in regional and diocesan sports competitions with competitive teams across junior and senior levels.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Ensemble opportunities, school choir, and drama productions are available to students, helping to develop performance and creative skills.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, and debating clubs provide avenues for intellectual challenge and collaboration beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships: Participation in local diocesan events and school-level competitions; collaborations with community clubs and local sporting bodies enhance opportunities for students.
Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: The school maintains a clear anti-bullying policy and a positive-behaviour framework designed to promote respectful interactions and restorative practices.
- House system: A house structure supports belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition across activities and pastoral programs.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: A dedicated wellbeing team and school counsellors provide confidential support and guidance for students.
- Transition support for new students: New-student orientation, buddy programs, and transition resources help students settle in smoothly and build connections quickly.
Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site sports facilities and playing fields support physical education and extracurricular teams.
- Libraries: Well-stocked library with study spaces and digital resources.
- Science labs: Modern science laboratories for practical experiments across multiple disciplines.
- Music/performing arts centers: Music rooms and performance spaces support ensembles and drama activities.
- Tech/innovation labs: Dedicated spaces for technology, robotics, coding, and design projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen facilities for students and staff.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern outdoor playing and recreation areas for break times and informal activities.
- School values / mission: A Catholic ethos guides the school’s mission, emphasising faith, service, compassion, integrity, and responsibility.
- Leadership style: Collaborative leadership that involves staff, students, and families; opportunities for student voice through councils and peer leadership roles.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear behavioural standards anchored in respect, accountability, and positive conduct.
- Community reputation: A supportive, faith-centered community with strong family engagement and a focus on forming well-rounded young people.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring equitable access to programs and support.
School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical daylight hours for a secondary school day, with early starts and end times aligned to the Queensland program; full timetable published by the school each year.
- Before/after school care: After-school care and supervision options are available to families, subject to enrolment.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is part of daily dress, with guidelines provided by the college; details are available on the uniform policy.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Public transport options (bus routes and nearby train/bus connections) are available; families often arrange school transport through regional services.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or snack facilities operate during breaks and lunch.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the medium-to-high range for non-government Catholic schooling in Queensland; exact figures are published annually by the school and are subject to family circumstances.
Enrolment & Admissions
- What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Begin with an online expression of interest or application form, followed by submission of required documents (birth certificate, immunisation history, previous school reports). The school will outline the admissions timeline, including open days, interviews, and offer dates. Confirmations are typically issued ahead of the new school year.
- Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Depending on capacity, there may be a waiting list. The school will advise on current vacancies and the process for placement, which often includes priority for siblings, Catholic families, or specific intake years.
- Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry often involves a formal application plus information gathering (academic records, attendance history). Some years may include an interview or meeting with a member of leadership or the enrolment team to assess fit with the school’s ethos and expectations.
- Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered subject to vacancy and suitability; families should contact the enrolments team as early as possible to discuss available places and required documentation.
Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A strong Catholic ethos, individualized pastoral care, balanced academics, and a supportive community that fosters character and leadership.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Motivated learners who value academic effort, service, and a faith-informed community; students who participate in co-curricular activities tend to benefit from the holistic approach.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Accelerated or gifted pathways, leadership programs, diverse sports, music ensembles, drama productions, robotics, debating, and coding clubs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, parent portal updates, email, and scheduled information evenings; open channels with form tutors and leadership.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Curriculum aligned with state standards, with a focus on literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and problem-solving; a blend of classroom instruction, collaborative learning, and targeted support.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- In-school learning support, targeted interventions, EAL/SEN services, and access to tutoring or extension programs as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Individual learning plans, access to counsellors, and collaboration with families to identify strategies and targets.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports, music, drama, robotics, chess, coding, and debating clubs to suit varied interests.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, technology labs, and a canteen.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools to support learning, with appropriate e-learning resources, coding and tech spaces, and cyber safety education.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Access to local bus routes and train stations; information on transport options is available through the school’s enrolments team.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees fall in the middle-to-high range for non-government Catholic schooling in Queensland; exact amounts are published annually and may vary by year level and family circumstances.
Short Pros & Cons list
- Catholic ethos with a values-driven culture
- Strong pastoral care and student support
- Broad academic, sport, and arts offerings
- Balanced approach to academics and personal development
- Diverse clubs and pathways for talented students
- Fees are higher than public options (as with most non-government schools)
- Course and pathway availability can vary by year level
- Admissions can involve waiting lists depending on capacity
- Location may require some families to travel or rely on transport options
