“CityNews” is showcasing some of the best education and training providers Canberra has to offer.

IT’S never too late to learn. And with so many training and education centres in and around Canberra, what better time to start than now?

Whether it’s learning in a new school, finding the confidence to perform on stage or better your existing knowledge – “CityNews” is showcasing some of the best education and training providers Canberra has to offer.

CGS students are ‘ready for the world’

CANBERRA Grammar School (CGS) was established in 1929 and is a co-educational independent Anglican school from preschool to year 12, says acting head of school David Smart.

“Canberra Grammar School offers outstanding academic education, co-curricular opportunities and pastoral care to day and boarding students of all backgrounds and faiths within a community guided by Christian values,” he says.

“At CGS, we take a student-centred and globally minded approach to all learning. We are an International Baccalaureate World School and the only school in the ACT to offer the NSW Higher School Certificate.

“We stand out as an exceptional educational institution, offering a stimulating curriculum that prepares students for success in a changing world.”

David says CGS emphasises character development and global citizenship, fostering a caring, inclusive community that values diversity, respect and empathy.

“The school offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, including traditional sports and less-common pursuits like taekwondo and sustainability groups, encouraging students to pursue their interests and develop new skills,” he says.

“We invite everyone to our whole-school open days on May 11, August 17 and October 19.”

Canberra Grammar School, 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill. Call 6260 9700, or visit cgs.act.edu.au

Knowledgeable staff ensure quality student performance

ST Thomas Aquinas is a co-educational school offering a high-quality education for students from preschool to year six, says principal Leah Taylor.

“We are a community inspired by St Thomas Aquinas to deepen our faith, to seek knowledge and to flourish. Students are encouraged to be compassionate, resilient, inclusive and engaged,” she says.

“We offer opportunities for students of all abilities. We have an extensive intervention program for students who need a boost in literacy and numeracy, as well as opportunities for gifted students. 

“This year, year five and six students are participating in a project run by the Australian Space Agency to promote STEM in primary schools.”

Leah says in 2020, staff embarked on a journey to introduce teaching practices based on the Science of Learning.

“Staff use this knowledge to inform their planning and resources,” she says.

“As a result, we have seen a significant improvement in student academic performance.”

Leah has been principal at St Thomas Aquinas since 2020.

“During more than 20 years working in primary schools, I have become committed to ensuring that all students exiting primary school are able to read, as this is ultimately the gateway to all knowledge.”

Tours may be arranged by phoning the school office.

St Thomas Aquinas, 25 Lhotsky Street, Charnwood. Call 6258 4077, or visit staquinas.act.edu.au

Giving children the opportunity to do things for themselves

CAPITAL Region Community Services provides more than child care, and creates a nurturing and community oriented early education environment, says director of Bruce Early Childhood Centre Stella Shin.

“Over the months of May and June you can visit our centre open days across the Belconnen region,” she says.

“See first hand our natural outdoor spaces, convenient locations to CIT, Calvary Hospital and Westfield Belconnen and our exceptional in-house chefs who cater to meet the dietary needs of all children.

“I am looking forward to welcoming families to the first of our open days on May 13.”

Stella says her early education and care philosophy is rooted in the rights and agency of the child.

“I believe in being a safe and trustworthy person so that the child trusts you enough to come to you, not the other way around,” she says.

“It is also important to adjust your approach to fit the needs of the child, and give children the opportunity to do things for themselves.

“I also believe an early education and care centre should be a place where a child can build their social competence.”

Capital Region Community Services, call 6264 0200, or visit crcs.com.au

College sees a decade of student growth

ST John Paul II College (JPC) began in 2013 with a single cohort of year seven students, and has since grown to a school of about 1000 students, says assistant principal – development, Jacob Knowles.

“Together with Good Shepherd Amaroo, Holy Spirit Nicholls and Mother Teresa Harrison, we are very proud to be offering a preschool to year 12 Catholic pathway in Gungahlin,” he says.

“JPC offers a unique, innovative educational environment where every student can flourish. Diversity is embraced and learning outcomes are optimised for each individual. 

“This is achieved through a pedagogical approach that maximises student learning using evidence-based, high-impact teaching practices and a self-directed learning environment.

“Our philosophy includes knowing each student well and caring for them in a welcoming and secure environment. We aim to assist each student to develop all aspects of themselves, growing emotionally, socially, intellectually, spiritually and physically, supported by strong values and the principles of the Catholic faith.”

During May JPC is offering school tours, which can be booked through the school’s website.

“We also have a senior college expo on May 17,” he says.

“An essential part of our life as a Christian community is working together for the common good whilst fostering in each individual a feeling of belonging and of self-worth. 

“At St John Paul II College, we work together – parents, students and staff – to form this strong dynamic community.”

St John Paul II College, 1021 Gungahlin Drive, Nicholls. Call 6163 4800, or visit jpc.act.edu.au

Learning through fun in theatre

CHILD Players ACT is a community theatre group with a focus on being educational, fun and accessible, says production manager Angela Fewtrell.

“We were established 18 years ago, and this year we’re looking forward to launching our new play in the July school holidays, ‘The Mayor of Munchkin Land’,” she says.

“It’s pre-’Wizard of Oz’, written in an educational way to teach four to eight-year-olds how elections work.

“The audience gets to vote during an interval. Glinda the Good Witch teaches people how to vote, but the Wicked Witch tries to mess things up.

“The performers are between eight and 12 years old, with adult support.”

Angela says Child Players ACT are also running a musical training program in the September school holidays.

“The production is ‘Pirates of Penzance’, especially designed by Dr Georgia Pike-Rowney and Dr Susan West, for participants aged between 12 and 20,” she says. “Enrolments are now open.

“Georgia and Susan bring a wealth of knowledge; both have degrees in musical education. No audition is required to participate.”

Child Players ACT. Visit childplayersact.net

Catholic schools transform teaching and learning

STUDENTS in Canberra’s Catholic schools have reported positive change in classroom behaviour as the result of teachers using high-impact teaching practices (HITP).

“In a recent survey of more than 1100 secondary students in these Catholic schools, more than 700 respondents recognised a change in behaviour with teaching based on the science of learning,” said a Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn spokesperson.

“The report by TeachWell asked students to reflect on how their teachers had changed since they had participated in HITP professional learning as part of Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn’s ‘Catalyst’ program.

“’Catalyst’ has translated the science of learning into classroom practice through HITP, with almost 80 per cent of students reporting a distinct change in the way their teacher was engaging them in learning, following their participation in HITP professional learning.

A year 12 student responded:“Class is very engaging, and I feel comfortable contributing to class discussions because of the environment in the classroom and the teaching style,” 

Catholic Education said the 90 teachers who participated in the survey confirmed their commitment to consistently incorporate HITP in their classroom because they observed the positive impact it had on students’ behaviour and learning ability. Almost all teachers said they would recommend HITP to their peers.

“Thank you for strengthening our teaching practices. The reason why we teach is to make an impact on student learning and sharing the successes in the classroom,” one teacher said.

Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn. Call 6234 5455, or visit cg.catholic.edu.au/parents/enrolment/

Tutoring for students, by students

AFTER graduating from Narrabundah College with a 99.85 ATAR, Sreeya Das officially began Excel Academics in March 2022.

Now, a little more than a year later, Sreeya says Excel Academics has grown to 90+ tutors and more than a thousand students, offering year five to 12 students private online tuition for maths, science and English subjects.

“Excel Academics chooses the top five per cent of tutors from thousands of applications each year, with our team consisting of student doctors, prestigious scholarship recipients, olympiad finalists and more,” she says.

“Students also receive access to topic notes, summary sheets and mock exams made by 99.85 to 99.95 ATAR scorers during their time in years 11 and 12.

“Most importantly, we make every lesson personalised to the student’s goals, school curriculum, and schedule.

“Our team has walked the exact same path as our students, graduating from the same curriculums and dealing with the same obstacles. With our experience and knowledge, we are motivated to help students achieve their academic goals as we have a strong sense of relatability and empathy for their journey.”

Sreeya says Excel Academics offers a free 15-minute consultation to all new students who want to see if Excel Academics tutoring is for them.

“Excel Academics was started by a student for students, we will always strive towards the highest-quality learning experience, supporting students through challenges and helping them achieve their academic potential.”

Excel Academics. Call 0483 905377, or visit excelacademics.com.au

Catholic school brings tradition and wisdom

THE construction of St Jude’s School began in 1974, with the first pupil intake in January 1975, says principal Cameron Reed.

Almost 50 years on, Cameron says the students still love learning.

“They are a joy to be around and they are supportive of each other,” he says.

“Unlike some other schools in the same area, we are well established. With that comes tradition, wisdom and an openness to purposeful growth in everything we do.

“We are a high-quality, community-oriented Catholic educational environment, where students thrive, staff are happy and parents are engaged.”

Cameron says the St Jude’s community believes in educating spirit, mind and body to embrace today and meet the challenges of the future.

In 2023, St Jude’s became the only Catholic school in Canberra with a 1:1 device. Every student in K-3 has access to an iPad and each student in 4-6 a laptop. These devices enhance learning and open the students to a whole new world. As educators, we use them when they will enhance the learning opportunity. There is definitely a sense of balance.

St Jude’s has an education support dog, named Judy, to help with student anxiety.

“She is calm, caring and loving, a fantastic addition to our school community,” he says.

Cameron says with Molonglo continuing to grow, they are always open for new enrolments with school tours, every Tuesday in May, 9.30am-11am. Contact the office to book a tour.

St Jude’s Primary School, Mulley Street, Holder. Call 6288 7688, or visit stjudesps.act.edu.au

‘Good and safe’ educational hands

CANBERRA Girls Grammar School invites everyone to join the whole school open day on June 1, says principal Terrie Jones.

“The Open Day will provide opportunities to explore the early learning centre, junior school and senior school, and discover a school community that celebrates diversity, academic excellence and independence,” she says.

Carsten Knorr has a daughter who attends Canberra Girls Grammar School, and he says she is in very good and safe educational hands.

“This is her fourth school she has attended, and she thinks it’s the best,” he says.

“She started at the school last year, and the staff and students helped her to join in and feel comfortable very efficiently.

“The students are friendly girls. They help each other out and so my daughter loves the school environment, and she has been helped significantly in her transition into a senior phase of learning as she finishes year 10 this year.”

Carsten says as long as his daughter likes the school, then his wife likes the school and he likes the school.

“The teachers are also very dedicated to their work and to helping us,” he says.

“Their way of communicating with parents is very quick, efficient, and personal, which makes us feel acknowledged.

“They have been very welcoming, and down to earth.”

Canberra Girls Grammar School, 48 Melbourne Avenue, Deakin. Call 6202 6420, or visit cggs.act.edu.au

Nurtured and appreciated students

ST Benedict’s Primary School opened in 1955, and is a strong part of the impressive history of Catholic education in Canberra, says assistant principal Karen Haines.

“We have a close, supportive community of students, staff, parents and the St Benedict’s parish,” she says.

“Through our mission, we believe we are the face of Christ to all who come through our doors, with a strong foundation on the charism of St Benedict.

“Staff are passionate about connecting with every student, improving student outcomes, achieving measurable academic growth for all students and developing each individual to reach their full potential.”

Karen says teaching and learning opportunities at St Benedict’s are developed based on current Australian and international education research, and teachers use data effectively to inform their high impact teaching practices.

“Our small school allows for each child to be uniquely known, appreciated and nurtured,” she says.

“We give explicit instruction in core curriculum areas with a specific focus on English and mathematics, and specialist lessons in library, music, Japanese, gymnastics, dance and a variety of sporting clinics.

“We are a place of welcome and belonging for all, and we celebrate our diversity.”

Karen says St Benedict’s is running an open morning on May 12, 9am to 11am, and an open evening on May 18, 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

St Benedict’s Primary School, Corner of Tallara Parkway and Sturt Avenue, Narrabundah. Call 6295 8027, or visit stbenedicts.act.edu.au

Developing the next generation of dancers

QL2 DANCE’S innovative, challenging and diverse programs help shape the next generation of dance artists, says artistic director Ruth Osborne. 

“We’re a contemporary organisation with an extensive training program tailored for ages five to 26,” says Ruth.

“We value creative input and collaboration in a non-competitive environment where each dancer is supported in their individuality.”

Ruth says QL2 dancers are always sharing their talents with the community through a wide variety of performances. 

“Every year our Quantum Leap ensemble presents a new work at the Playhouse choreographed by professional choreographers in collaboration with the Quantum Leap ensemble dancers.

“Our ‘Chaos Project’ for younger dancers aged 8-18, also presents every year with a new work, and we also present works in festivals every year in Canberra and nationally.”

Ruth says that it’s QL2’s “holistic” approach to dance that makes them unique.

“Our programs allow creativity, confidence, collaboration and true leadership to flourish,” she says.

QL2 Dance, Gorman Arts Centre, 55 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon. Call 6247 3103 or visit ql2.org.au