About Marcellin College

Marcellin College is a leading Catholic secondary school for boys, which has been conducted by the Marist Brothers since 1950.

We are guided by the educational and spiritual philosophies of St Marcellin Champagnat. Our tradition — embraced by all in our community — promotes unconditional respect, a love of learning and the personal growth of each individual within a cooperative and supportive faith community. In outlining his pastoral approach to students, St Marcellin stated “We must love them and love them all equally”. To love young people is to devote yourself completely to teaching them and to take all means that a keen mind can think of to form them in Gospel values.

Marcellin is inspired by the Marist philosophy of education, based on a spirit of belonging to the college community. We promote this spirit and encourage students, parents and teachers to work together to promote learning in a warm and welcoming environment. The partnership between families and the staff helps to support our young men in the important formative years of their secondary education.

Our college’s motto — Virtute Ad Altissima — means ‘Through Virtue and Courage to Strive for the Highest’. Our motto comes alive every day as we challenge our students to constantly aspire for excellence in all that they do.

Nurture your soul

Marcellin College strives to create a rich and diverse learning environment, recognising that a focus on developing the ‘whole person’ is essential for learning. We provide opportunities for participation, communication and engagement, which can increase self-esteem and build a sense of belonging to the college community.

The college provides a comprehensive pastoral program that supports our boys as they enter and until they exit the college. The college values positive relationships and partnerships between the college, the home and the broader community. The sense of belonging and support is enhanced by all students becoming members of a house and a smaller pastoral group.

Teaching staff, Pastoral Leaders, House Coordinators, Student Counsellors, a Careers Practitioner, VCAL and VET Coordinators, Heads of School and the Deputy Principal oversee the wellbeing of the boys and are involved in every stage of each student’s life at the college. They particularly concern themselves with the needs of each student and ensuring the standards and expectations of the college are met.

Enrich your mind

Marcellin College has an enrolment policy that does not exclude students on the basis of academic ability. We are committed to a comprehensive curriculum that reflects the individual interests and needs of our students. The curriculum is regularly monitored and enhanced to provide the best opportunity for each young man to reach his potential.

In Years 7 and 8, the academic program recognises that students in their early secondary years benefit from participating in a broad range of core areas while following an enquiry-based approach to learning. As students move into Year 9, the academic program broadens to allow greater choices via the arts, technology and language elective programs.

As students progress through the college, they are encouraged to take more responsibility for their learning and an active role in considering alternatives for their future.

In Year 10, students have the opportunity to specialise in areas of interest via a comprehensive elective program, which includes the possibility of a VCE unit of study, while balancing a commitment to their core study areas. Learning opportunities are complemented by participation in work experience and the Marist Outreach programs.

Years 11 and 12 provide students with the opportunity to choose the qualification that best suits their interests, whether it be from a wide range of VCE and VET subjects or the VCAL pathway. Learning is complemented by comprehensive Retreat and Religious Seminar programs. Over the past eight years, 98 per cent of our boys have received a first round tertiary offer.

Free your mind

We value the arts, encouraging all students to develop their creative thinking and abilities. The college offers studies in art, drama, media, music, theatre studies and visual communication. These areas also generate a rich variety of co-curricular opportunities.

Individual tuition is available in a broad range of instruments, voice and public speaking. Our many musical ensembles include string orchestras and quartets, concert bands, choir, stage bands, brass and the symphonic orchestra. Marcellin enjoys a strong reputation in the community, and our annual musical productions are always a highlight.

As part of our language program, students may study Italian, Indonesian or Chinese.

Expand your mind

Set on 15 hectares of land, Marcellin College is blessed with extensive playing fields, an award-winning gymnasium and all the equipment necessary for students to strive for their personal best.

Our Champagnat Chapel, St Marcellin’s Hall, the Br Placidus Resource Centre, the Fourviere Schools of Visual Arts, the Le Rosey Technology Centre, Rivat House and the Br McMahon Performing Arts Centre further enhance our commitment to providing young men with significant facilities that allow
them to explore exciting learning opportunities.

The use of notebook computers across the school has brought the information age to the classroom in a powerful way. Teaching staff have notebook computers and mobile devices and a specific requirement that they incorporate digital technologies in their classroom teaching.

Marcellin offers an outdoor education program at Years 7 to 9 that is designed to challenge our boys to develop a range of personal, interpersonal and practical skills, using the outdoors as a powerful tool for learning.

Co-curricular activities are seen as an integral part of individual student learning and personal growth. A broad range of programs in the areas of AGSV sport and VSRU rugby, performing arts and other academic pursuits are maintained to ensure that all students have opportunities to pursue new challenges and showcase their unique set of talents.

Marcellin College believes student leadership opportunities allow young men to gain valuable leadership experience, grow in confidence and become responsible citizens and positive role models for others within our college and wider community.

The college provides opportunities for students to undertake leadership via the Student Representative Council, which incorporates college, junior school, house and year level SRC leaders and various academic areas, namely liturgy, LOTE, performing arts, visual arts, publications, debating and sport.