Our educational philosophy is grounded in two fundamental principles: the conviction that every student possesses the capacity to learn, and the commitment to providing each student with a high-quality education. At JPC, we adopt the Catholic Education Catalyst pedagogical framework. Catalyst is a research-based approach, adopted by the system for students beginning in Kindergarten and through to Year 12. This pedagogical framework is informed by both the Science of Reading and the Science of Learning to ensure all students progress through the learning continuum.

This framework is delivered using ‘High Impact Teaching Practices’ in all of our classes, which inform how our teachers develop, implement, and facilitate learning experiences that maximise learning opportunities for all students.

This includes all staff:

• holding the belief that all students have the capacity to learn
• setting high expectations of students and consistently applying these
• establishing routines and expectations to support all student's participation
• explicitly teaching content in all subjects, students can improve their knowledge
• planning and developing lesson structures that optimise learning
• using formative assessment and feedback to inform improvement in teaching and learning
• regularly reviewing content in the learning cycle to support engagement and students’ long-term memory development.

Education is a collaborative exercise which can not be isolated from the crucial role families play in the learning process. We believe parents and carers are role models to students and are their first and most important teachers. We work with families to understand ways to support students in their learning, encouraging engagement, and communication with the College.

High Impact Teaching Practices

In our strive for excellence we embed research from the Science of Learning into our everyday classroom practices. We prioritise full participation among students, encouraging active engagement through daily reviews, sharing in pairs and then to the group and using mini-white boards. This enables participation in a non-threatening way and provides immediate feedback to inform learning and next steps.

Additionally, integrating explicit teaching of language skills (including vocabulary) alongside other direct instruction techniques, enhances comprehension and retention across subjects. By providing clear explanations, modelling concepts, and offering guided practice opportunities, our teachers empower students to grasp complex ideas effectively.

Such holistic approaches not only nurture academic proficiency but also foster critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for success.

Year 7 & 8 Program

During Years 7 and 8, students undergo a period of transition while simultaneously exploring a diverse range of subject pathways. Alongside core subjects such as Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Health and Physical Education, students engage in a rotational schedule of electives. These electives include Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, Music, Food Technology, Digital Technology and Textiles & Design, and ensure a comprehensive exposure to various disciplines before elective choices are made in Years 9-12. Additionally, students commence or continue their language studies, with the option of French or Chinese (Mandarin) maintained throughout both years.

Year 9 & 10 Program

In Years 9 and 10, students select year-long electives within The Arts, Technologies, Health and Physical Education or Languages domains. Furthermore, increased choice is granted in core subjects, with options such as Mathematics (Advanced or Core), Science (Advanced or Core), English (Advanced or Core), and Health and Physical Education. Within Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS), students complete one semester of History each year, followed by a choice of Commerce (Business and Economics), Civics and Citizenship (Politics or Law). From 2025, an array of supplementary programs complement the elective offerings, including both STEM and Humanities Gifted and Talented Programs, Talented Sports Program, Work Skills Program, and support for students with English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) or those requiring additional assistance in other areas.