Saint Mark’s College
At St Mark's College, we commit our energies to forming young men and women of faith into good citizens. Our students will be enriched by their learning and will make a positive difference to their community.
The St Mark's Bosco Campus is a thriving and energetic learning community of 500 secondary students. Bosco life is characterized by scholarship, friendship, leadership and growth into citizenship.
McNally Farm
McNally Farm is a functioning agricultural centre that engages students in a range of rural operations. It is a place of diversity, excitement and learning. Surrounded by a region rich in agriculture, McNally Farm is a valuable asset to the continual growth of the local industry.
Rural Operations
Under the direction of our agricultural teaching staff and with the support of TAFE SA, students gain learning in Agriculture and Machinery Operations, Animal Husbandry, Aquaculture, Conservation and Land Management, Horticulture and Viticulture.
St Mark’s also offers Vocational Education and Training (VET) where students have the opportunity to complete a Certificate II in Rural Operations (AHC2126) at the College’s Trade Skills Centre. Students can work through a range of skills or competencies assessed with the support of TAFE SA lecturers.
As part of the certificate, students will gain experience in:
Students aged 16 and over also have the opportunity to participate in on-site crutching, shearing and wool-handling courses conducted by TAFE SA throughout the year. This opportunity is extended to mature-aged learners and secondary students from outside of the College.
When funding is available, students have also been able to gain an industry ticket in Working Safely at Heights and White Card.
Student Pathways
VET is an important educational pathway at St Mark’s. VET subjects help students to make the transition from school into the workforce. Students are more work ready and have a chance to explore one or more possible future career pathways. VET provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in a range of vocational areas without restricting future opportunities, which may include a pathway to university.
We are committed to providing these pathway opportunities for our students. St Mark’s offers the opportunity to access many courses including:
VET links schools, TAFE SA, private providers and industry through a process of dual accreditation – approved courses or modules are acknowledged by SACE as well as by TAFE SA and industry.
Many courses are eligible for Government TGSS (Training Guarantee for SACE Students), Work Ready funding and SRCF (Small Regional Community Funding) programs. Students who succeed in such courses will receive credit for nationally accredited units of competency.
Boarding Facilities
St Mark’s College also offers boarding for students in Years 7-12. Salesian House is a five day per week boarding facility for students enrolled in secondary schooling at St Mark’s College. Salesian House, which is situated on the school grounds, has been home to many students from the region over the past decade. Salesian House is a welcoming and nurturing community housing up to 45 boarders and is characterised by safety, harmony and quality relationships.
As part of the Catholic Education SA STEM Learning Initiative, STEM vocational pathways have been included under the Students tab for all VET courses listed in the CESA Directory. Links take readers to Training.gov.au which is the National Register on Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia. The website contains detailed information about Registered Training Organisations (RTO) and Accredited courses. Contact the VET and Careers Coordinators at your schools for further information.
