Learning at Iona College
Teaching and Learning Philosophy
At Iona College, our learning culture is purposeful, evidence‑informed, and shaped by our Catholic identity.
It places the formation of the whole person, intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually at
the centre of our educational mission. Our shared commitment is to ensure that every student is known,
challenged, and supported to achieve excellence.
Our learning culture is grounded in the College values of Courage, Compassion, Leadership, and Excellence.
These values shape expectations for behaviour, engagement, and relationships, guiding students to act
with integrity and contribute positively to their community. Classrooms are built on trust, predictability, and
respect, reflecting a Catholic ethos of care and inclusion.
Iona College’s Learning Culture is underpinned by research and contemporary evidence about how
students learn.
Drawing on cognitive science, our teachers implement consistent, high‑impact instructional practices
aligned to the Iona College Instructional Model:
- Recall: Activating prior knowledge and strengthening memory through retrieval.
- Teach: Explicit instruction that makes learning clear, sequenced, and accessible.
- Model & Guide: Demonstration, guided practice, and formative assessment that clarify the learning
process. - Apply & Extend: Independent and collaborative learning that deepens understanding and builds
complexity. - Review: Consolidation, reflection, and feedback to embed learning and inform next steps.
Ultimately, Iona College aims to instil in students the desire for lifelong learning. Through rigorous
curriculum, explicit teaching, meaningful challenge, and reflective practice, students develop the
knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to flourish academically and personally, and to “Learn to Change
the World.”
Curriculum Guide
Our Curriculum Guide provides an overview of the learning programs offered at Iona College, outlining the subjects available to students and the pathways they can take as they progress through the College. It includes information about the structure of the curriculum and key learning areas to support students and families in understanding the opportunities available.
You can download the full Curriculum Guide using the button below.
