Vision

The St Brendan’s Program at Damascus College equips students to become compassionate, engaged leaders who positively impact the world. Grounded in the Gospel values of empathy, integrity, and courage, students learn to care deeply, think critically, and act purposefully. Through real-world learning, they develop collaborative and problem-solving skills, embodying the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy as they shape a just and meaningful future.

Mission

Students will lead initiatives that advocate for the Dunnstown community by developing local projects that support sustainability, leadership, and cultural heritage. Their work will serve their personal growth and uplift the community through advocacy, partnerships, and shared projects.

About the St Brendan's Program

The St Brendan's Program offers a project based learning environment, located in the small Victorian regional town of Dunnstown, 12km from Ballarat. The program is designed to empower students and facilitate their personal growth and development through wellbeing workshops and two main projects.

With a strong focus on project-based learning, with the curriculum structured around four key spheres which are informed by the Damascus College Attributes, and underpinned by the Damascus College Social Emotional Learning Competencies:

• Focused learning through critical and creative thinking
• Cultural awareness and global citizenship
• Mercy tradition and transformative action
• Spiritual formation

The program is structured around two main projects: Environment and Lifestyle and Creative Culture. Student agency and voice will be incorporated by providing choices in projects and learning experiences. The program will engage with College staff, families, the Dunnstown and Wadawurrung community, and there will be a strong emphasis on the expression of faith and spirituality embedded into the program, along with liturgy and self-reflection.

Immersive learning projects anchor the St Brendan’s Program with a focus on developing leadership, stewardship, and social justice. Aligned with our Mercy values and designed to engage students in real-world problem-solving, these projects empower students to identify issues, harness team strength and create solutions.

Program Structure

Action Habits: Skill development

Each morning, students will participate in an Actions Habits session. Student will select a topic/skill of interest in which they are allocated time to research or practise their chosen topic or skill. Examples may include: learn an instrument, gardening, enhance their skipping or knitting skills.

Projects

Two main projects will be studied and rotated at the midway point of the program (about 4-5weeks). Students will be in smaller groups for their projects which are studied Monday to Thursday, and Friday is set as a Discovery Day.

Project 1: Environment & Lifestyle (STEM & HPE)

This project integrates environmental responsibility with personal wellbeing, emphasizing sustainability and health. Students will engage in activities like reforestation, water testing, and gardening, while also exploring nutrition, fitness and personal growth through challenges like 'Run the hill.' The project fosters a holistic approach to caring for both the environment and oneself, rooted in the values of stewardship and resilience.

Project 2: Creative Culture (English/Hums/Language/RE)

This project focuses on celebrating the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Dunnstown through creative expression. Students will explore storytelling, digital media, and visual arts, collaborating with local artists and community members. Through these activities, they will reflect on cultural identity, religious traditions, and the power of art to foster connection and community, all while living out the values of compassion and justice.

Discovery Day: Fridays

Friday is Discovery Day. Students will participate in wellbeing curriculum to enhance their understanding of leadership and positive relationships. STEM activities will feature to further their study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

St Brendan's Program Timetable

Program Student Outcomes

1. Build positive relationships and show empathy
2. Apply critical thinking and problem-solving with a focus on justice and service
3. Express creativity through Christian reflection
4. Adapt socially with compassion and respect
5. Engage in Dunnstown community as stewards of creation
6. Develop and present ethical business or social initiatives
7. Provide and apply peer feedback with compassion
8. Demonstrate literacy and numeracy skills through real world community and environmental projects