In line with its mission to develop reflective thinkers and empower students to take charge of their learning, San Damiano College Yarrabilba is putting a fresh spin on traditional schooling, unveiling groundbreaking offerings in 2025.
This year the College’s first cohort of Year 11 students will also have the option to trial a four-day schooling model in 2025 to allow more flexibility to pursue additional pathways.
The four-day schooling model will allow these students to dedicate their Wednesdays to their personalised senior education plans, with the other four days spent engaged in classroom learning.
“It’s not a day off—it’s a tailored learning experience designed to help students achieve their individual goals,” said San Damiano College Principal Peter Edwards.
“On Wednesdays, students will have the flexibility to pursue university courses, TAFE, apprenticeships, traineeships, work experience, or on-campus certifications such as automotive, business, and criminal justice studies.
“This innovative approach ensures students align their education with their future aspirations while gaining valuable, real-world experience.
“Through Griffith University's HeadStart Program, students can also undertake university-level studies while still in school, gaining the additional advantage of early entry into higher education.
“One of the key benefits of this approach is the opportunity for students to engage in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships with streamlined scheduling, allowing them to pursue these pathways without missing regular classes.”
In 2025 San Damiano College has also partnered with UNIQ You, an initiative focused on mentoring female students into non-traditional career paths.
“Year 11 students will be paired with industry professionals in fields such as mining, engineering, and law enforcement, gaining valuable insights and guidance,” Mr Edwards said.
“Our slogan, ‘our kids can’t be what they can’t see,’ underpins this partnership.
“We’re opening doors to careers students may never have considered, ensuring they understand the vast opportunities available to them.”
This year, the College’s Year 9 students will also delve into philosophy, a subject designed to cultivate critical thinking, encourage intellectual curiosity, and foster the ability to question assumptions.
This initiative stems from the school’s Teaching for Thinking project, a collaboration with the University of Queensland’s Innovative Schools Project through Brisbane Catholic Education.
“These offerings aim to teach students how to engage thoughtfully with information, question the status quo, and develop a reflective mindset,” Mr Edwards adds.
“These initiatives represent the fulfillment of a vision set in motion when San Damiano College opened in 2021.
“By blending academic rigor with real-world experiences, the school is creating a model for modern education that priorities student agency and future readiness.”
For more information about San Damiano College Yarrabilba or to enrol click here.