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This is a school that was built on the catalyst of change in education in Adelaide in 1951. It was born out of Archbishop Matthew Beovich’s devotion to commencing a more formalised style of Catholic education in the region.
It turns out Matthew was satisfying a need, as the popularity of the Junior school in Norwood quickly grew and in 1967 the Secondary campus opened in Athelstone, in the northern suburbs. Today St Ignatius College is a leading educational institution in South Australia and has celebrated the success of thousands of graduates over the years.
The college enrols over 1500 students from Reception to Year 12 as well as managing a highly regarded Early Childhood Centre linked to their Athelstone campus. As a Catholic college, their teachings are based on the Ignatian tradition in the Jesuit education order.
Academic emphasis and intellectual competence are hallmarks of the college’s philosophy. St Ignatius College aims to ignite each students heart with compassion and support a mind that sees limitless possibilities, giving students the potential to ‘go, set the world alight’ in the words of the college’s Saint, Ignatius Loyola.
This is a co-education learning environment that is supportive and mindful, recognising that each student has a unique skill set. St Ignatius College has done a commendable job in catering to each student specific needs with a focus on a broad and varied curriculum.
The sporting facilities and programs have seen them excel in numerous athletic endeavours, and during their inaugural intercollegiate sports carnival with Mercedes College, they have a reputation of taking home many of the 21 shields in the competition.
Amongst the state Australian rules football competition, St Ignatius College also ranks highly and have an impressive number of notable professional football players that started their sporting journeys at the college.
The arts are another area of the college’s avid attention. With a new performing arts centre built in 2014, housing student classrooms, tutorial rooms and an auditorium with seating for over 300 people.
Further developments include the Caroline Chisholm building constructed in 2017, which offers varied learning opportunities such as a green screen room, building workshop and interactive classrooms creating dynamic spaces for teachers and students alike.
This is a school with a genuine sense of community bringing together all those involved, teachers, students and their families. Combined with a learning style that promotes student involvement in a wide range of activities, creates students that are critical thinkers prepared for whatever their careers beyond school might be.
