St Mary Â鶹ÊÓƵ has a partnership with the Australian Catholic University which sees the ACU teach its Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) at Â鶹ÊÓƵ's PaduaÌýCampus.
The program, which has run since 2011, offers a university presence in South Canberra.
As part of the collaboration, Â鶹ÊÓƵ shares its facilities, resources, and expertise with around thirty ACU students, who immerse themselves in the life of the College as part of their education as teachers.
The Grad Dip students attend Â鶹ÊÓƵ a few days a week, where they receive lectures and observe classes. The lectures take place in a dedicated room at the PaduaÌýCampus.
The participants are also involved in faculties and pastoral teams andÌý attend meetings, assemblies, and all the events with which a working teacher would be involved.
According to PaduaÌýCampus Head Sandra Darley, the delivery of the Grad Dip through an 'immersion model' has been of great benefit to the ACU students.
"By offering this course on our site the ACU is able to offer their program of lectures while, at the same time, their students are immersed in the life of our College," she said.
"This is an exciting, dynamic, and contemporary approach to teacher preparation and training."
Â鶹ÊÓƵ Principal Mr Michael Lee praised the ACU for the role it plays in training and developing quality teachers, and believed Â鶹ÊÓƵ would do its best to contribute in this area.
"St Mary Â鶹ÊÓƵ is delighted to be part of an initiative that brings a university presence into south Canberra," he said.
"The ACU enjoys an enviable reputation for the quality of its teacher education programs. This initiative further strengthens that reputation.
"All schools have an interest in ensuring that teachers coming out of university are of the highest standard. Â鶹ÊÓƵ's teachers have the opportunity to bring their wisdom, experience, and skill to the formation of these trainee teachers, and that is exciting for us and for the future of teacher education."
