One of the reasons a Joeys education is so highly valued is our unique Extended Day Program. Teachers and parents regard it as fundamental to academic success because it strengthens study time and puts students ahead of the curve.
At the College, all boys are given the option to stay back after school under full supervision until 8pm. Beginning with cocurricular activities, they move on to dinner and finally one-and-a-half to three hours of managed study guided by teachers and tutors.
It is so popular with mums and dads, that along with boarders, more than 80 per cent of day boys take up the program. The study benefits are substantial. Because they are supervised by teachers on site, they can iron out problems and prep for their lessons in regular class the following day.
It provides a structured routine that will serve them well into the HSC and beyond. It also further develops collaborative working habits – students can exchange ideas – and a spirit of academic camaraderie.
“Rather than studying on their own when they are home, which can be a grind, the boys collectively know they are in this together, sitting in a study space with other boys working on the same concepts,” says Deputy Headmaster Mr Michael Blake.
Students are in a setting where they are encouraged to apply themselves and are surrounded by good role models. All boys are taught how to manage their time, develop a study timetable and hone research skills.
And if they are experiencing specific problems, they can access tutors, who are registered and vetted by the College.
“Rather than studying on their own when they are home, which can be a grind, the boys collectively know they are in this together, sitting in a study space with other boys working on the same concepts,”
MR MICHAEL BLAKE (DEPUTY HEADMASTER)
Year 8 coordinator Mr Mick Blair has witnessed first-hand the program’s effects. “Both parents and boys tell me they get more work done here, because it makes the boys accountable.”
The advantages for students of a structured, disciplined study program seamlessly blended into the school day are enormous, but there are also many pluses for parents. The Extended Day Program affords peace of mind and releases parents from the burden of monitoring homework habits.
Negotiating and enforcing study times at home with sons who feel they’ve clocked off for the day when they exit the College gates can be a tricky and tiring business. Then there are the distractions provided by siblings, screens and mobile phones. There may also be issues with sharing wi-fi and access to a dedicated study space. Joeys study program removes these obstacles.
“By the time the boys go to study they are ready to switch on and focus,” Mr Blake says. “They have already played sport or done co-curricular activities, showered and had a hot meal in the dining room.”
“Both parents and boys tell me they get more work done here, because it makes the boys accountable.”
Mr MICK BLAIR (YEAR 8 BOARDING COORDINATOR)
The Extended Day Program also offers convenience. Instead of picking up students at 5pm during peak traffic, parents collect their sons from College at 8pm. That means the rest of the night can be reserved for quality time together – without the shadow of study hanging over things.
“Sometimes parents don’t have the motivation or time after a long day to make sure their son is working hard at his studies,” Mr Blair says.
He believes the program’s benefits extend beyond academic gains.
“There are positive social outcomes for the students, too. At dinner they sit with different boys who might not be in their classes and get to make new friends. It’s great to see.”
St Joseph’s College is at the forefront of innovation in education. The Extended Day Program, at no extra charge, confirms our commitment to providing students with the premium learning tools they need to succeed.
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