|
 As part of the Order
that traces its origins back to St Augustine, the College promotes his ideal of
community where the members are ‘of one mind and heart on the way towards God.’
An Augustinian approach to education seeks to create a community context in
which learning can occur. The community extends to students, staff and parents.
The work of the school involves a partnership between student and teacher, and a
partnership between teachers and parents. It also extends to the other members
of the community including past students and parents. As an Augustinian school,
the College is part of an international network of schools and universities. The
cross cultural exchange of ideas and friendships amongst staff and students from
different countries enriches College life.
Education in the Augustinian tradition is concerned with building a firm foundation
of knowledge for personal and spiritual life as well as a basis for professional or
work life. Real education is characterised by a searching for knowledge and
understanding that is integrated with personal experience. St Augustine speaks
about the teacher within who can test the truth of what is being taught. This teacher is the presence of God within
the person. Processes of interior reflection and evaluation are part of this. The College motto, ‘Truth Conquers,’
is based on the phrase from Augustine’s writings ‘Nothing conquers except truth and the victory of truth is love.’
Ultimately, our lives need to be based on truth. Truth is true knowledge, not ignorance. Truth is living rightly, not
according to false values. Ultimately it is God who is both Truth and Love. Almost as a consequence of this, an
Augustinian education also seeks a balance in learning between different kinds of subjects, be they humanities or
sciences, career oriented or focussed on spiritual, personal and interpersonal growth. Truth cannot be found along
a narrow path.
Since its beginnings, the College has treasured open, friendly and caring relationships between teachers and
students. As an educator himself, St Augustine found this an essential element of good teaching and learning for
both student and teacher. As a consequence of the community ideal, the pastoral care of students, parents and
staff is a very important part of the character of the school. At all times, but in times of crisis or difficulty
especially, all members of the community are encouraged to reach out to those in need. Amongst students, the
College seeks to instil a sense of self-discipline. On one hand, students are called to account for their actions. On
the other hand, the ultimate ideal is one of self-directed right behaviour. Again, the Augustinian ideal is of ‘free
people acting under the influence of grace, rather than slaves under the law.’ Rule of St Augustine.
|
