Our Academic Philosophy

Inclusive Education

Iona provides a nurturing environment for students who require a higher level of support for learning assistance.

Dedicated staff work closely with students and their parents to identify strengths, specific needs and areas of concern and develop a program that encourages learning and maximises ability. 

This is achieved through collaboration with classroom teachers, differentiated activities, scaffolding for assessment and support with social and emotional needs.  Each of these empowers students to become independent learners.

Tutoring

Once a week, a team of Ionians from Years 10, 11, and 12 generously devote their time to visit the Primary School and provide valuable assistance to our students.

The Junior-to-Senior Link Tutoring initiative is spearheaded by our Academic Portfolio leaders, and allows students to give back to the community and support our youngest Ionians on their academic journey.

The morning tutoring sessions are open to all Year 5 and 6 students and provide a supportive environment for receiving help with class work, homework, or assessments.

It is another way we build connection and community for our youngest Ionians that will remain with them while they are at Iona, and then for the rest of their lives as Iona Old Boys.

Enrichment Programs

Identified students are invited to be part of Iona’s dynamic extension programs.

Students are challenged and extended within their classroom as well as through participation in a range of activities and external competitions.

Our enrichment program in Years 5 and 6 expands upon the core curriculum to include activities, opportunities and programs not available within the national curriculum units.

Based on units in the arts, robotics, science and technology, the timetabled program is characterised by hands-on learning activities that inspire critical and creative thinking, opportunities for students to investigate problems and modes of participation that foster originality and imagination.

Aspiring mathematicians are given the skills required to become the best in Australia through a variety of courses and study opportunities. 

Iona’s Creative and Visual Arts Program develops creative and critical thought processes by providing students with a vehicle to conceptualise, explore and develop their creativity. 

Students in Years 9 and 10 with an interest and ability in the sciences can participate in a range of programs, including Iona’s Robotics Program, with teams participating in the Robocup Junior Australia competition at state and national level.

Houses

Iona College has 10 house groups, each named to honour an Oblate Missionary or an iconic woman of the Catholic church.

Every Iona student is allocated a house. If your family has an existing affiliation with a house through a connection to a sibling or other relative, your son would generally be placed in the same house. 

Every house has its own ‘logo’ to encourage pride and ownership among their student members.

In 2022, Indigenous artist and Iona Old Boy Mur-raay Djeripi was commissioned to create 10 original artworks, using Indigenous art to tell the story of the person each house was named for, and the characteristics of each house.

Interhouse competition is an important aspect of interhouse activities with students competing in arts, academic and sporting arenas.

Your son’s affinity with his house is nurtured through these activities and contact with older boys and staff, with the aim that he feels secure and supported.

Classes are grouped in year levels in Primary, but in Secondary, the house forms the nucleus of pastoral care.

Homeroom groups meet each morning and houses meet as a whole on a regular basis.

This cross-age communication develops a trusting and open relationship with boys across various year levels and leadership opportunities are encouraged for the senior grade students through guidance and mentoring to the younger students.

The Head of House is responsible for the monitoring of each student’s academic, spiritual, emotional, physical and social wellbeing and through the assistance of teacher and student mentors, invaluable partnerships and close communication are fostered.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing at Iona College is based on the Positive Education Model to encourage and support students and staff to flourish.

The program being delivered to students focuses on specific skills that will assist them to strengthen their relationships, build positive emotions, enhance personal resilience, promote mindfulness, and encourage a healthy lifestyle.

The Positive Education Model developed for Iona outlines seven specific areas:

• Positivity
• Resilience
• Outcomes
• Strengths
• Purpose and Meaning
• Engagement
• Relationships and Respect

Visible Wellbeing

Developed by Professor Lea Waters from the University of Melbourne, a world-leading researcher and practitioner in the field of positive psychology, Visible Wellbeing combines the science of wellbeing with the science of learning.

Visible Wellbeing is not a set curriculum, it is a flexible approach which can be applied across any subject matter, and in all contexts – primary, secondary, and in the staff room. 

Visible Wellbeing is our approach to creating resilient, happy and successful young men by being intentionally aware of his own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.

Counselling

Iona College provides a high-quality professional counselling service to assist students, parents and families with a variety of emotional, social and cognitive issues.

Our counsellors are all registered psychologists, and possess extensive experience working with young people and their parents in an educational context. They are also trained to assist people experiencing both acute and chronic life stresses.

The counsellors liaise closely with the College Leadership Team, Heads of House, Wellbeing staff and teachers in the overall pastoral care of students and families.

They also work collaboratively with the Diverse Learning staff to assist in supporting the social and emotional needs of students.