CARDIJN COLLEGE
Music Programs
The music curriculum at Cardijn College is multi-faceted catering for a diverse range of interests and abilities. The Music Advanced program offers students who already play an instrument or sing the opportunity to continue developing their skills in performance and musicianship. Entry to Music Advanced is by application and audition.
The Music Experience course is perfect for students new to music but eager to explore their creativity. This program introduces basic skills on rhythm section instruments, nurtures music appreciation while establishing some music theory fundamentals. Students passionate about sound creation and production can dive into technology-based music-making in our Music Technology course, including recording, sound manipulation, and music production. Whether you’re an aspiring instrumentalist or tech enthusiast, this course offers an exciting gateway to the world of music.
Co-Curricular Music
At Cardijn College, we offer a range of ensembles to help students build confidence and refine their musical skills while playing or singing in a group. Ensemble participation is a vital part of music education, fostering teamwork and enhancing the skills developed in instrumental lessons. Think of it as a bonus weekly lesson, free of charge, to support your child’s musical growth.
Students from Years 7–11 can join multiple ensembles with parent/guardian consultation, while Year 12 students are encouraged to limit their commitments to two ensembles unless negotiated with parental consent. Each ensemble rehearses weekly outside school hours and performs at concerts, assemblies, liturgies, and prestigious events, including the ABODA Festival, Catholic Schools Music Festival, Port Noarlunga Blues Festival, Southern Jazz Club, and Generations in Jazz.
Ensemble involvement requires a year-long commitment to ensure consistency and success, especially as many ensembles support Year 12 SACE studies in ensemble performance. By participating, students gain invaluable experience, contribute to their peers’ learning, and play a key role in the vibrant musical life of our college.
Instrumental Music Program
The instrumental program at Cardijn College supports our vibrant Ensemble Program, Advanced Music students seeking to enhance their skills or learn a second instrument, and those in Music Experience, Media, or Technology courses exploring instrumental music. Students outside these programs are also warmly encouraged to join.
Our experienced instrumental teachers are experts in their fields, offering weekly lessons during school hours. Lessons typically run for 30 minutes, with flexibility in length and frequency available through direct negotiation with the teacher. Each student generally receives a minimum of 16 lessons per semester. Tutors provide feedback through continuous reporting, keeping parents informed of their child’s progress throughout the term.
We offer lessons in a wide range of instruments, including:
- Woodwind: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone
- Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello
- Guitar: Acoustic, Electric, Bass
- Percussion: Drums, Mallet Instruments
- Piano: Classical, Jazz, Contemporary
- Brass: Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, French Horn
- Voice: Jazz, Classical, Music Theatre, Contemporary
For more information, contact the Cardijn Music Department at [email protected].
Year 7 B.I.G Program
At Cardijn, all Year 7 students participate in our BIG (Brass Immersion Group) program, an innovative initiative designed to foster resilience and build essential life skills through the challenge of learning a brass instrument. Research shows that music education enhances attention, reading, listening, emotional stability, numeracy, and memory, making it a fun and enriching way to develop resilience and “learn how to learn”.
Through the BIG program, students face the ups and downs of mastering an instrument—embracing mistakes, problem-solving, and discovering the value of consistent effort over time. These experiences not only help students progress musically but also equip them with the determination and perseverance needed to tackle challenges in school and life. By applying these lessons beyond the music room, students gain a lifelong skillset that makes the program a truly BIG success.
B.I.G. Continuers Program
In Semester 2, Year 7 students may choose to continue learning their instrument through weekly small-group instrumental lessons with a specialist instrumental tutor and instrumental hire. The Music Department is pleased to offer this opportunity at a significantly subsidised cost to support students in continuing their music education.
Enrolments incur a non-refundable fee of $100 per student which contributes towards instrument hire and tutor lesson costs. This amount will be charged to your school fee account.To participate in the B.I.G. Continuers Program, students are required to meet the following expectations throughout Semester 2:
- Attend their weekly instrumental lesson.
- Enrol in Concert Band and attend weekly rehearsals. This ensemble is tailored to beginner instrumentalists and supports students in transitioning to other co-curricular ensembles. Rehearsals take place each Wednesday at lunchtime in the Music Rehearsal Suite.
- Engage positively in the program with the aim of:
- transitioning to private individual instrumental lessons in Year 8
- enrolling in Advanced Music in Year 8 for at least one semester.
By the end of the program, we hope students will have developed a passion for music and feel encouraged to continue their instrumental and musical learning journey. At the end of this year, families will be contacted to discuss possible continuation options into Year 8.
Should you wish to enrol in the B.I.G. Continuers Program, please complete the 2026 B.I.G. Continuers Program Enrolment form. Please note that enrolments close on Friday 26 June to support the organisation of instrumental hire and lesson allocations for Semester 2.
Other Opportunities
At Cardijn College, students have access to unique opportunities to explore music and sound beyond the classroom. Through our connection with Arch D Radio, students can participate as radio hosts, music producers, programmers, sports reporters, and more. Their work is broadcast on Life FM, offering a professional platform for students from all year levels to develop their skills—no prior experience required.
Our music students also have the chance to shine in the wider community. From performing at local events to auditioning for the prestigious Catholic Schools Music Festival at the Festival Theatre, there are countless ways to showcase their talent. Additionally, collaborations with the Onkaparinga Council provide workshops and performance opportunities, further enriching our students’ musical journeys.
College Musical
The College stages a bi-annual Musical, bringing together Drama, Music, and Dance in a vibrant and collaborative performance. The next Musical will be held in 2027. For more details, please visit the Arts page.
R – 9
GALILEE
ALDINGA
At Cardijn College Galilee in Aldinga, we offer education from Reception to Year 9, creating a nurturing environment where each student feels a unique sense of belonging. This campus is known for its focus on ecological awareness and community involvement.
7 – 12
MARIAN
NOARLUNGA DOWNS
Cardijn College Marian, located in Noarlunga Downs, educates students from Years 7 to 12. It is celebrated for its comprehensive curriculum and vibrant extra-curricular program that caters to a diverse student body, providing varied learning pathways that meet individual needs and aspirations.
10 – 12
MARCELLIN
CHRISTIE DOWNS
Cardijn College Marcellin in Christie Downs is focused on providing extensive vocational education and training opportunities for students in Years 10 to 12 and beyond. Our strong industry partnerships help extend relationships into our students’ future careers, offering real-world experiences that are second to none.