Canterbury College

The College began teaching on Monday 2 February 1987 on its beautiful site overlooking the Logan River and had its official opening ceremony in September that year. Originally named The College of the Good Shepherd, it began with 73 students across Years 6, 7 and 8. Students were taught by the Head, two full-time and three part-time teachers in two ex-mining development recreation huts until Stage 1 of the permanent buildings were available for use later that year. Parents, teachers, and students worked together to develop the land, originally a dairy farm, to build the school into a place which would provide quality academic, cultural and sporting opportunities and facilities. It has continued to grow into the beautiful campus with state-of-the-art facilities and student population of in excess of 1400 which stands now.

The Charter of Values is an integral part of Canterbury College life and is evident in all we do. It is complemented by our Code of Conduct, an agreement we make within our community that exemplifies how we live our lives within the Charter of Values. The Code of Conduct provides guidelines about appropriate behaviours expected by all in our College community to maintain a positive, inclusive environment. Posters of our Charter of Values and Code of Conduct can be seen in every classroom and staffroom throughout the College.

Many of its qualities will be shared with good schools everywhere. An ideal school would evidence a commitment to learning, justice, individual achievement and wholeness. Anglican schools will naturally value these qualities. This document seeks to define the normative features of an ideal Anglican school. In defining this distinctive ethos, the starting point has been the nature of the mother church itself on the simple assumption that Anglican schools will be like the Anglican Church.

In their day to day life Anglican schools should live out their faith in a creating and redeeming God. They should vivify the Gospel message of forgiveness, reconciliation, mission and loving service to God and our neighbour. The experience of sharing in the life of this community is itself an important part of Christian education quite apart from the formal content learned in the classroom.

The Anglican Church in its long history has come to value tolerance as a positive good and a distinguishing feature of a civilised community. Anglican schools should vivify such tolerance and acceptance and the care ethic implicit in this respect for others. The teaching/learning ethic will show itself in hard work, intellectual rigour and an openness to ideas and debate. The Anglican Church of Australia has grown out of the Church of England. As such, it has a long tradition of working within the heart of western culture in the broadest and most comprehensive sense. Our schools will be at the centre and not at the fringe of our culture. The Anglican tradition of renewing ancient forms and Sacraments to meet modern needs will be evident in the way the school community worships. Anglican schools will use the richness of symbol, story and ceremony to promote their values and order their lives. The service ethic and a commitment to social justice will be seen in the willingness of Anglican school communities to offer themselves to serve God and His people in the wider community as critical participants.

Canterbury College’s Junior School offers students a supportive and stimulating environment to assist in their development and growth. Canterbury maintains an academic focus, concentrating on building confidence and ensuring students’ future social, emotional and educational success. Each child’s progress is mapped to ensure developmentally appropriate and academically rigorous programs are provided, and an extensive range of computers and information technology is accessible.

High standards of behaviour, courtesy and honesty are expected from the children. The College atmosphere is founded upon good relationships and respect, support and cooperation through modelling the College’s values everyday ensuring the children enjoy a safe and caring environment. Canterbury education also includes camps, Blast Days (Spiritual Retreat) and excursions. Specialised programs such as Life Education, our Engine Room, Smiling Minds and You Can Do It! teach the children the personal skills they need to be successful and happy, not only at school, but throughout their lives.

Canterbury College’s National Award-winning Middle School supports and guides students in Years 7, 8 and 9 as they transition from childhood towards young adulthood. This is a period of rapid physical, emotional and intellectual development. Our focus for our Middle School students is engagement. Students at this age want to learn about things that interest them, to take on the world around them, and they face challenges which seem quite significant at this stage in their life. Students are establishing their own identity and place in this rapidly changing world and are becoming confident learners engaged with their teachers and curriculum. We tailor our programs to optimise learning outcomes.

anterbury College’s Senior School offers students a very broad curriculum, individualised guidance, and a range of vocational, academic and extracurricular opportunities, leading to diverse career pathways. The College implements a comprehensive one-on-one career guidance program across the years of Senior schooling. The pathways include a rigorous traditional academic program, Vocational Education and Training programs or a combination of both. School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are also available.

The unique Canterbury College Arts Academy immerses talented students in extension and enrichment experiences linked to pathways leading to careers in the Arts. Program partners include Universities, TAFEs and other Training Providers. Canterbury students gain experiences and skills inside and outside the classroom, through camps, retreats, conferences, workshops and other on-campus activities and excursions that are either academically-focused or part of our rich pastoral care program. Seniors have opportunities to extend their education by undertaking overseas experiences, representing the College at academic, cultural and sporting competitions and travelling the world on educational and service tours.