## 1. Overview
St Brendan-Shaw College is a Catholic, co-educational secondary school serving families in Devonport and the surrounding region. It operates within the Catholic Education Tasmania network, delivering a values-based education that aims to balance academic growth with service and community.
The school is medium-sized, with class sizes typically in the low 20s. The atmosphere is inclusive and supportive, emphasizing a strong sense of belonging, personal responsibility, and a balanced focus on academics, sport, and pastoral care.
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## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy foundations, English and humanities, and opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills. The school supports a broad curriculum that includes STEM and languages, with pathways that prepare students for post-secondary study or vocational training.
- Special programs: A range of extension and enrichment options within the Tasmanian curriculum, with potential access to Vocational Education & Training (VET) courses and pathways to the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) or ATAR as appropriate.
- NAPLAN / trends: Public trend data typically show stable to improving literacy and numeracy outcomes over recent years at Tasmanian Catholic schools; SBSC generally mirrors positive regional trends with continued focus on reading, writing, and numeracy development.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes in the low 20s with a student-teacher ratio commonly around the 1:12 to 1:20 range, depending on subject and year level, allowing for targeted support where needed.
- Support for diverse learners: Strong emphasis on inclusive education, with dedicated support for diverse learners including EAL and SEN, access to learning support staff, and targeted interventions to help students succeed.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A broad range of team and individual sports, including football (soccer), basketball, netball, cricket, tennis, athletics, and swimming, aligned with inter-school competitions and local clubs.
- Strong teams or achievements: Interschool competition participation and regional events; achievements vary year by year, with emphasis on teamwork, development, and fair play.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active programs in music ensembles, choirs, and school drama productions, with opportunities to perform at school and community events.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest clubs that foster problem-solving, strategic thinking, and collaboration.
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, regional competitions, and opportunities to participate in academy-style programs or inter-school events to broaden experiences outside the classroom.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and proactive programs to promote respectful behaviour and a safe school environment, with staff training and student involvement in preventative initiatives.
- House system: A house-based structure that fosters belonging, friendly competition, and peer support across year levels.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors or wellbeing staff focused on social-emotional development, student resilience, and timely support.
- Transition support for new students: Structured onboarding, peer support, and targeted assistance to help new students settle in and build connections.
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## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site facilities suitable for a range of physical education activities and teams.
- Libraries: A well-stocked library and study spaces to support reading and research.
- Science labs: Modern science laboratories for biology, chemistry, physics, and related coursework.
- Music/performing arts centers: Facilities designed for music education, rehearsals, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Dedicated spaces for technology, design and digital learning projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or eating areas offering healthy choices.
- Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained outdoor spaces for recreation and recreation-based learning.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A values-driven, faith-informed ethos that emphasises service, integrity, respect, and responsibility.
- Leadership style: Student voice and leadership opportunities through student councils, committees, and peer-mentoring programs; collaborative and supportive staff leadership.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear behavioural guidelines aligned with the school’s ethos, encouraging positive relationships, accountability, and community respect.
- Community reputation: A recognisable local Catholic school known for its caring culture, steady academic focus, and involvement in community activities.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds can flourish and contribute.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical school day runs from morning to afternoon with a defined timetable; start and finish times may vary by year level and term.
- Before/after school care: Some provision or partner arrangements may be available for before/after school care or supervision.
- Uniform requirements: A school uniform policy is in place, with specific items (and seasonal variations) outlined by the school; uniforms are part of daily practice.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local transport options and bus routes servicing Devonport and nearby areas; check the current transport plan for exact routes and timings.
- Canteen availability: On-site or nearby canteen facilities providing daily meal and snack options.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees and levies are structured to reflect a mid-range level typical of Catholic systemic schools; information on compulsory contributions, textbooks, uniform, and additional costs is available from the admissions office.
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an application form with supporting documents (birth certificate, baptism certificate if relevant, immunisation records as required).
- Provide school reports and any requested academic or behavioural references.
- Admission timeline typically includes an initial application period, a shortlisting/decision window, and notification of offer; timelines can vary by year level and spaces available.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- When places are limited, a waiting list is used. Families are added to the list in order of receipt and/or priority factors as defined by the school (e.g., sibling ties, Catholic family affiliation). Offers are made as spaces become available.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry for Year 7 commonly involves a documentation check and may include an interview or informal meeting to understand student needs and fit. Additional information (attendance, conduct, and prior academic records) may be requested.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered where space permits. Applicants should contact the admissions office to discuss availability, required documentation, and transfer arrangements.
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based Catholic environment, strong pastoral care, balanced academics, supportive staff, and opportunities across sports, arts, and clubs.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value community, service, faith-informed learning, and a well-rounded education with opportunities to participate in sport, arts, and leadership.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Extension and enrichment within the curriculum, leadership opportunities, competitive sports, music ensembles, drama productions, robotics and coding clubs, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through emails, newsletters, a school portal or communication app, and occasional meetings and events; responses typically provided by pastoral and administrative staff.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centred and inclusive learning with clear expectations, regular feedback, and a blend of face-to-face instruction and digital learning resources.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Access to learning support staff, targeted interventions, and tailored assistance in literacy and numeracy as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, personalised help plans, tutoring options, and coordination with teachers to monitor progress and adjust support.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above: emails, newsletters, portal/app updates; parent-teacher meetings and termly progress reports.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teacher availability for guidance, intervention, and individual feedback within the timetable.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A wide range of sports (team and individual), music and drama programs, robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other clubs and competitions.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, modern libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology/innovation labs, a canteen, and well-maintained outdoor areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated digital learning with access to devices and software to support lessons, research, and project work; emphasis on safe and responsible use.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and transport options servicing Devonport; accessible facilities and parking arrangements as per the school’s policies.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees and levies reflect a mid-range cost structure for a Tasmanian Catholic school; uniform, textbooks, and extra-curricular costs may apply; financial assistance may be available.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Catholic values and pastoral care integrated into daily school life
- Medium-sized, welcoming community with opportunities in academics, sport, arts, and clubs
- Supportive learning environment with focus on wellbeing and inclusion
- Range of extracurricular activities and practical learning options
- Clear pathways to post-school options, including TCE/ATAR and VET pathways
- Cons
- As a mid-sized Catholic school, competition for places can occur during peak intake years
- Uniform requirements and related costs are part of the annual expenses
- Transport logistics may require planning for families coming from outside the immediate area
