One of the biggest and ongoing debates in the education sector is whether a single sex or co-ed environment is better for a child.
Each has its pros and cons. Research shows that, academically, kids do better in a single-sex environment. But it means they miss out on the socialisation co-ed schools offer.
How do you choose between a single sex or co-ed school?
What if you could have the best of both worlds? With all the benefits and none of the drawbacks, an unrivalled education experience offering precisely this is now available at Kedron.
Franciscans on the Hill is the clever collaboration between three schools: Mount Alvernia Girls, Padua Boys College and St Anthony’s Primary School.
Together on one hill, they offer Prep to Year 12 schooling, including single-sex education, as a combined entity.
With a singular drop-off location and shared vision, including joint classes and programs, it is promising an educational experience like no other.
“As Franciscans on the Hill we are afforded a unique and unrivalled educational experience for all,” says Samantha Jensen, Principal at Mount Alvernia College. “The special bonds we share in learning, faith and service means that together we are stronger.”
How the shared venture works
- St Anthony’s: A co-ed Catholic primary school administered by Brisbane Catholic Education.
- Mount Alvernia College: A leading, independent girls Catholic secondary school (Years 7-12)
- Padua College: An independent day school for boys from Years 5-12.
All three are distinctly Franciscan in their values, and work together in a way that benefits everyone.
The two seniors schools offer that all-important buddying and mentoring with the primary students. Students enjoy shared programs in things such as the arts, the instrumental program and extra-curricular activities. They also share social occasions and sports events. Yet, for academics, the senior students have the tailored environment of a single-sex classroom to excel and benefit from.
Parent, Michelle Arena has three children – Stella (St Anthony’s), Eliana (Mount Alvernia College) and Mario (Padua College). She says that choosing Franciscans on the Hill for her children’s education was an easy decision for the family.
“The close proximity of the three schools, as well as the common Franciscan ethos played a huge part in our decision to choose ‘the Hill’ for our children’s schooling journey,” Ms Arena says. “One drop off and pick up location makes life so easy. The cross-over of activities all three schools participate in make for a unique and unrivalled schooling experience.”
Principal Jensen says Mount Alvernia College looks forward to further cultivating our special partnerships into the future with an exciting new shared precinct on the horizon.
Related Reads
The Brisbane girls’ school inspiring courage in the face of uncertainty
Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids events, attractions & things to do with kids, schools and education, school holiday guides, health & wellbeing for families, parenting and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.
