Paulines are justifiably proud of the College’s academic record, its history of notable alumni and the distinguished contribution they have made to public life.
To date, St Paul’s has produced 29 Rhodes Scholars, three appointees to the High Court, two Prime Minister (Sir William McMahon GCMG and Gough Whitlam AC QC) and one Deputy Prime Minister (John Anderson AC). The College has also produced over 100 University Medalists, 20 in the last decade. These days, most of our students achieve a Distinction or High Distinction Semester Average Mark (SAM).
St Paul’s is a rare setting for university students to cultivate intellectual resources for the long run. Whether through College-led activities or at mealtimes and in new friendships, Paulines have the opportunity to encounter different fields and challenging ideas. While specialist training is important, students are encouraged to step back and form a wider vision of life; to see both the particular and the whole, the present and perennial. More than the acquisition of information, a liberal education is about the pursuit of wisdom for life lived in community.
The Tutorial Programme is at the heart of academic life at College and one of the best reasons for choosing St Paul’s.
Tutorials are offered in over 60 core first and second-year units delivered by the University of Sydney. Additional discipline tutorials also run where requested. Peer learning in small numbers is a valuable way for students to spend time with each other and deepen their understanding of their course content. College tutorials are particularly beneficial settings for first-year students to adjust to the new demands of university life.
The Programme is overseen by the Assistant Senior Tutors and largely taught by high-achieving senior students or alumni. Residents are welcome to join any tutorial, regardless of their course.
Mondays
The Monday Speaker Series is an opportunity to invite leaders in their field to give a short address to students at Formal Dinner during semester. The Q&A forum afterwards in the Junior Common Room is an opportunity for keen students to engage further in a smaller setting.
Thursdays
On Thursday evenings, guest speakers deliver a 20-minute address in the McCredie Room followed by a time for Q&A. These topics are usually more specialised and predominantly attended by postgraduates, although all residents are encouraged to join. This is followed by Formal Dinner in the McMillan Refectory.
These seminars are wonderful settings for students to engage in intellectual inquiry across backgrounds and disciplines.
St Paul’s provides a range of dedicated study environments to suit both individual and collaborative work. The Mansfield Library offers quiet, focused spaces for independent revision, alongside rooms for tutorials and small group discussion. Across the College, reservable tutorial rooms and common areas are available for collaborative learning. Students also make use of the Quadrangle and the Salisbury Café to read, meet and work throughout the day.
