The formation process links, from year to year, the development and growth of the students in our care at the College. They enter as boys, fresh from seven years of primary education, and leave six years later as educated young men who are ready to be active within the wider community, displaying a strong sense of purpose.
The six themes are based around concepts of growth and awareness so students appreciate that they belong to a community which is rich in history and strong in values. Ultimately, when students finish their six years at the College, they are prepared academically and socially to enter the workforce as young men who are willing to contribute to the community.
The formation process has the following themes:
Year 7 – Belonging
Year 8 – Values and Service
Year 9 – Men of Honour
Year 10 – Leadership and Involvement
Year 11 – Owning the Responsibility
Year 12 – Young Men with Purpose
Year 7 welcomes the students into the community of St Edward’s. It is based around the recognition of belonging to the College community. It incorporates teaching the students the history of Edmund Rice and the story of the Christian Brothers. It is here that we introduce the touchstones which are integral to all EREA schools in our region. We also recognise the St Edward’s College ‘Code for Learning’ which incorporates the everyday activities of our College.
Year 8 introduces the Waterford Project which instills values of service and acceptance. Bullying issues within school and the wider community are presented in classes, and educating boys in ‘right versus wrong’ is incorporated into daily teaching.
Year 9 promotes the idea of being gentlemen within society. Boys have a strong sense of justice at this age, however we encourage them to extend their horizons beyond their own personal space. Standing up for injustice, recognizing cultural diversity and acknowledging the equality of the sexes in our society are major issues that will be profiled.
Year 10 introduces the leadership program and highlights the transition into the senior school. Involvement in Leadership Prefect portfolios is encouraged and leadership is acknowledged through the badging of College Leaders in second semester. Involvement will be mandatory for those students who have ambitions of being a Prefect in their final years. Leadership is seen both in and out of the classroom and involvement in all facets of College life can be developed weekly.
Year 11 focusses on owning the responsibility of the senior years at the College. The process of goal setting for individual pathways is closely linked to leadership. Boys are encouraged to set personal standards in behaviour and a strong presence around the College is expected. Owning responsibility and consequences that come with emerging self-identity are developed. Academic and career choices will be the focus, as will continued involvement in Prefect Leadership Portfolios.
Year 12 is the final step in our formation process. Leadership can be handed over and focus can be on individual pathways and academia. Young Men with Purpose is the theme for Year 12 and purpose is defined as “with intention and determination”. All facets of College life are undertaken with intention and determination. It is here the boys graduate as young men who have achieved to the best of their ability during their time at the College.
Statement of Intent
Recent testimonies by young women have raised awareness of the prevalence of sexual assault and sexual violence among children and young people. This requires a coordinated and collaborative community-wide response in which schools have an important role. Many young people have called for better consent education at school. The NSW curriculum currently includes age-appropriate relationship and consent education from the early years of schooling, but more needs to be done. Please see the link below for the full Cross Sectoral Statement of Intent.
