Red Bend Catholic College

Red Bend Catholic College, Forbes is a co-educational day and boarding school established in the Marist and Mercy traditions. It aims to foster educational excellence within a Christian environment.

​The College, through its Marist charism, focuses on the spiritual, academic, cultural, personal and physical development of students preparing them to become 'Good Citizens and Good Christians'.

There is an emphasis on every member of the College community being valued and respected. The College prides itself on its Catholic values, family atmosphere and community involvement. The dedicated and enthusiastic staff serve the present and future individual needs of students.

Red Bend Catholic College, a local community of Mission within the Australian Marist Community, offers a Marist-inspired educational experience for boys and girls from Years 7 to 12.

As a Marist school it aims to develop young people of character, integrity and compassion who will in their turn become Good Christians and Good citizens. There are many elements that contribute to the wonderful spirit of the College, but we would like to highlight a few of these.

The first is the sense of community and friendship. The College is a place where staff and students feel welcomed and accepted; although we value academic excellence, all are taken in who desire to do their best and make an honest effort.

The second element that makes the College special is the importance placed on our students. There is a strong commitment to the boys and girls to see them grow into adults who will contribute to the world around them. Each one is valued as an individual and we strive to provide the best educational opportunities at all times. We have a committed, professional and very generous staff. Our HSC results are solid and we are very much in the process of evaluating all aspects of the school to maximise the opportunities for every student.

The third element that makes the College a good place are the opportunities for the students to develop their strengths, talents and character. We host an extensive sports and co-curricular programme and have wonderful facilities. As well as sport we offer involvement in music, public speaking and debating, show cattle and sheep, agriculture, and community service to name only some of the activities that engage the students and build that wonderful spirit of cooperation and sharing between them, the staff and parents.

The College is a co-educational day and boarding school situated in Forbes, which is located in the Central Western region of New South Wales. Prior to 1977, the Catholic education of students in this region was provided by three secondary schools; Our Lady of Mercy College, Forbes; Our Lady of Mercy High School, Parkes; and Marist Brothers' College, Forbes.

In February 1977, these three schools combined to form one co-educational High School, with the name of Red Bend Catholic College, at the site of the former Marist Brothers' College, on the banks of the Lachlan River. This merger, as symbolised on the College Crest, brought together the great teaching traditions of the Mercy Sisters and the Marist Brothers.

Since that time, numbers have expanded in teaching areas, and in facilities. The boarding residences, the swimming pool, the Multi-Purpose Hall and Performing Arts Centre, and the Design and Technology Centre have complemented the strong characteristic features of the main College building. These days the College educates 770 students and offers 150 boarding places.

Through Difficulties to Greatness' is the college motto. We aspire to create an environment which enables individuals to develop spiritually, intellectually, physically, culturally and socially, so our students may participate in society as good Christians and good citizens.

Education is a moral and sacred enterprise and involves good choices and responsibility. Students are educated in responsible values based upon a strong belief in God and an imitation of the life of Christ. The example of parents, teachers, ex-students and friends of the College is needed in this passing on of the Catholic and Marist heritage to our young.

In our contemporary, Australian society it is important to instil in the students the skills and knowledge to live integrated, fulfilled and happy live’s, to inspire them to be self-directed, life-long learners.

At Red Bend Catholic College, all teachers aim to create opportunities for students to become resilient, critical thinkers that are challenged to move out of their comfort zone and to accept responsibility for their learning.

 This is achieved in all lessons by:

• Displaying a passion for their subject that demonstrates knowledge and understanding and models behaviour that engages students to work to their full potential.
• Creating relationships of trust and respect that allows students to question and direct their learning.
• Well thought out programs that are constantly evaluated and up-dated to meet current educational trends.
• Thorough planning of each lesson that takes into account the varying learning abilities within the classroom and that use a variety of strategies to engage all students and make their subject relevant.
• Clearly communicating the learning intention or purpose of the lesson and expectations within the classroom.
• Having a variety of classroom management strategies to draw on when needed.
• Actively seeking and participating in professional development activities to further knowledge and current trends, especially in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).