A B Paterson College, Arundel School Reviews

A B Paterson College, Arundel

School Reviews

By Parent - 14 Feb 2024, Rate: bad

A toxic environment from the top.
No idea on the future, clueless in terms of building capacity in staff, and curriculum that probably wouldn't pass the test if questioned.
Good staff leave and the turnover is significant - once gone their reputation is drawn through the mud to justify nasasistic behaviours. Others that stay see through this but are too afraid to question, otherwise they are next on the list.
My kids are simply unhappy there as a result of all of this and we are leaving like a lot of others.

By Parent - 22 Nov 2023, Rate: excellent

Watching the actions of some of the parents outside the school . I doubt the children of those parents will learn anything. Schooling starts at home , and that’s the underlying issue with most children who are not happy .
It’s a good school, and so are lots of the other schools . Sadly the parents are the ones who need schooling .

By Parent - 16 May 2023, Rate: bad

I'm appalled by this schools standards and teaches behaviours. They don't care about the students only uniform and their 'reputation'. Don't waste your money and time coming to this horrific school

By Parent - 25 Apr 2023, Rate: excellent

After reading the reviews we were hesitant to start our children in high school there but we are so glad we did! I have been told from several parents that the feel of the school has changed to that of a more welcoming atmosphere and mental health is a school priority. Any questions or issues we had were all met promptly with care and attention. I can't speak for the past but as a new parent we already feel at home here.

By Parent - 07 Sep 2022, Rate: bad

The school only cares about MONEY not current student and parent at all!!! Very Rude to say we have long waiting list so do not care about you at all! Feel much better after changing school! The discussing school management and culture I happened ever!!!If you want to be treated in a rude and arrogant way you can definitely choose this school!!!

By Student - 23 Mar 2022, Rate: excellent

I think this school provides amazing education and proposes every student no matter what there ability with the most helpful and fun time possible. As a student from the college I think that you will get the best possible education and you wont regret sending your child here. But I do think they can give you an overload on homework in senior school. The teachers way of teaching students will make you see that all the money you put in here is very much worth it.

By Parent - 24 Oct 2021, Rate: bad

just bad, absolutely bad is all i can say
most people apart from a few teachers from each department speak utter nonsense and have no idea how to teach or manage students, im willing to bet my life savings that all the good reviews are fake
at least they switched out grimes for a nice principal
its the gulag in there, dont go, if youre already there remember child support is always available

By Parent - 19 Oct 2021, Rate: poor

The school has gone downhill.
Today it was announced they chose Male Captain and Vice Captains. In an age of equality to choose 2 males when there are quality females at the school as well is deplorable.
There are many good schools on the Gold Coast who educate and treat all genders fairly
STAY CLEAR

By Student - 24 Nov 2020, Rate: excellent

Are people really still fussing over the spelling bee incident? He spelled the word as 'abscence' instead of 'absence,' and they wiped the round's results just to fair, and they got the same winner, because she had the highest score. Besides, he went over the time limit. Not everyone can be a winner. This school is amazing, you will not regret enrolling here.

By Parent - 10 Feb 2020, Rate: excellent

Best school ever totally would send all me kids there again all 5 loved it.

By Parent - 03 Dec 2017, Rate: excellent

My sons have both had amazing years at A.B. Paterson College. They have had incredibly caring, professional and committed teachers. Both boys thank us regularly for sending them to such a great school. They have really nice friends and enjoy everything on offer; academic, sporting and cultural experiences.

By Parent - 02 Dec 2017, Rate: poor

To the parent who rated “excellent” on 29/11/17: You are entitled to your own view and should not attack other parents for their comments when you don’t even have the facts. The spelling bee incident is the back drop to the real problem at school. This story exposed the culture of arrogance from the Directors of Learning enhancement, Director of Gifted and Talented program, assistant Principal. They tried to hide the embarrassing mistake made when teacher judges failed to pick up a wrong spelling in the spelling competition. They later dismissed the parent’s video evidence. They denigrated the parent by accusing cheating just because he had his thumb up gesture to his young son as a gesture of support during the competition. All of this accusations were used by the principal to support her decision to withdraw the word from the competition and retain their original result, awarding the wrong winner! Remember, GCBulletin is responsible for their writing and any incorrect details have been requested to be corrected by the parents involved. The parents are not at fault for the journalist’s mistake. The principal issued a school wide letter to blame the parents and flipped the story around. So from our perspective, regardless of how good a school is, if the Heads of school behave dishonestly and fail to uphold basic ethical principles, then as far as the children education goes, this is an environment to be avoided. No personal attack in reviews will make your reviews more useful for others.

By Parent - 02 Dec 2017, Rate: poor

To put into perspective, there are bad reviews from real experienced parents. As of end of 2017, there are at least 5 students leaving the junior school. This is from parents talking amongst themselves. May be more, who knows. It may be a fitting school for some, but certainly have not been able to keep some families and the list is growing .

By Parent - 02 Dec 2017, Rate: bad

Not worth your money !

By Parent - 02 Dec 2017, Rate: excellent

I agree with previous comments about the school lacking emotional support for young children. Just an average school with just above average academic results. Wouldn’t send my kid back here again. Teaching staff : hit and miss. Didn’t even have enough books for advance readers. Very hierarchical where you can’t really get genuine interaction with them.

By Student - 30 Nov 2017, Rate: bad

defenatley do not recomend this school to anyone all they teachers besides maths teachers teach you nothing all they say is goodluck and im like thanks alot for that, that made me feel so special now yay

By Parent - 29 Nov 2017, Rate: excellent

The parent commenting on the story about the spelling bee, gave an entirely different account of what happened to the local paper on the Gold Coast where this school is located. Take your tiger suit off lady ! Glad you are leaving the school. The school doesn't need people like you there. Your kid didn't spell the word in the required time frame, it's a year 3 spelling bee - are you going to put the results on his resume when he is 30 ????
The school is fantastic

By Parent - 29 Nov 2017, Rate: good

I have two children that started in year 6 after being at a state school for two years previously. I have found overall the communication between the teachers, children & ourselves not only supportive but encouraging. The teachers have made it very clear that they are there for the children and to assist them in being the best they can be. It is up to the children whether they choose to push themselves.

By Parent - 24 Nov 2017, Rate: bad

I am disgusted at the culture of cover up that’s happening at this school. My son just did a spelling bee competition. He was spelling bee champ in 2 years in a row (year 1,2). At the competition, his anxiety slightly took the better of him and he has a wrong spelling at the second round. But by the 10th word, his score was 9/10. Two other contestants had 9/10 and the third was declared winner 10/10. It turned out that the winnner was incorrectly on 1 word but the panel of 3 teachers judging as correct. As a parent in the audience, I did not see the incorrect spelling but my son and the other boy spotted the wrong word when they presented their white board up. The issue is both boys who should not have loss were very upset over the incidence and distressed at the end of the competition. Within 15min, I reviewed the video we had of the event and it was clear that the wrong spelling was given as correct. When the issue was raised to the Head of Learning Enhancement, she brushed it down to the Head of Academic and Talent, who later that day dismissed it and said to accept the judges decision as final. How ridiculous is it that teachers can’t spell the word ‘absence’ and forced it upon the students to accept the wrong spelling? I complained to Karen Roman and Brian Grimes about this dismissive behaviour and was given another ridiculous response without any substantial ground. Karen Roman made a ruling that because my son took a bit longer in that disputed word, as she viewed the video footage, and that my husband had a thumb up gesture in support that would be disqualify for my son, therefore she ruled it as complete removal of the round with the word ‘absence ‘. This is shocking cover up and arrogance from a teacher like her. So basically thinking that if she removes the word from the competition now she can rule the result as status quo. If anyone is thinking about enrolling in this school, please think again and look for another institution that promotes academic progress as well as emotional well being. This school uses Gifted and Talented marketing pitches but doesn’t really have substantial program for special , intelligent kids who may be a bit different and require personalised education approach. All they needed to do was a simple apology to the kids who were unfairly loss, and acknowledge their equal result for them to feel good about their effort. The principal couldn’t even say sorry for her teachers mistake! That’s a lot of bricks for any prospective parents to hit against !

By Parent - 21 Oct 2016, Rate: poor

The staff are incapable in nurturing emotional intelligence among young students, and run the school like a corporation to meet superficial performance indicators without engaging meaningfully with the young minds they are responsible for. This culture begins right at the top with an impassible principal and his executive team.

By Alumnus - 04 Aug 2016, Rate: excellent

i walk past the school alot while i am running and i hear weird screaming noises from the green sheds. And there are always 2 guys there, one guy with no hair and one that looks like santa

By Parent - 27 Dec 2015, Rate: excellent

My kids have been at AB from the beginning of their schooling (10 yrs so far). Yes, there have been inevitable changes but the facilities are extensive, our children have excelled both academically & in sporting activities, and have been strongly supported throughout by staff and the college's peer mentoring programs. We had one minor incident with bullying (reported considerately by a peer, not by my own child) which was assertively and quickly dealt with by staff. Yes, staff can be firm on uniforms but awareness of how you present yourself to others is also important in working life so I don't see the issue...
Is it a school for everyone? No. But neither is any other....

By Student - 17 Dec 2015, Rate: bad

I could not think of a worse school to go to. They have the most decriminating senior leadership team, especially the principle Brian Grimes and deputy principle Marie Perry. They thought it was reasonable to suspend and later told me to leave the college due to a medical condition. Absolutely appalling!

By Student - 03 Nov 2015, Rate: bad

WORST SCHOOL EVER

By Student - 17 Sep 2015, Rate: excellent

It is sad that the school board allows the leadership team to systematically destroy the reputation of the school, at the cost of the futures of every student. I came to AB expecting more than a military school run by people with no soul.

By Parent - 25 Aug 2015, Rate: average

I am very disappointed at the behaviour of the school teachers.There is no reward mechanism for above average students..no recognition for merit above mediocrity.I have found teachers highly unapproachable and do not have a welcoming attitude at all.Very upset that I got drawn in by its reputation.My children have suffered as a result.

By Student - 04 May 2015, Rate: poor

To be honest I think that the school does not live up to its amazing reputation. This may be because Miss Dawn lang is not her any more. The school focuses way too much on uniform and makes boys wear long trousers and blazers in summer as well as ties. They also make us wear hats, even on a rainy day under a shade. They care way to much about upholding their 'reputation'. Many of the good teachers also seem to be leaving. Can't wait to leave in a few years...

By Parent - 23 Jan 2015, Rate: excellent

Since Mr Grimes took the reigns a couple of years ago, the school has begun to descend into rewarding mediocrity and conformity. To the person who made those comments about a number of activities available at the school - it is not the quantity but the quality that counts; also bullying happens at this school just like at all other schools - however this issue is not acknowledged and is simply swept under the carpet with a meaningless slogan " zero tolerance for bullying ". There is no genuine interest in students, and the teachers of quality have already left the school in droves. The so called community consists of a clique of sycophantic mothers, who teach their children how to feel good about yourself at the cost of putting down others. The school has a very parochial attitude and is just a sad place where no great minds ever have any chance to be cultivated.

By Parent - 03 Dec 2014, Rate: bad

Very robotic and unsupportive school. Since withdrawing both of my children, I have seen a massive change in their over all happiness and wellbeing.

By Parent - 13 Aug 2014, Rate: excellent

My daughter was in the 2012 cohort. I can't thank the school enough of how the school have built a confident, talented and decent young lady. Of course no school is perfect. If there's anything I expect it to improve, it is to have more discipline in both academic and co-curriculum performance, NOT less. Schools prepare students for future workforce. The calibre of the workforce is ever increasing and that's what a school should set the benchmark for.

By Student - 05 Jul 2014, Rate: excellent

I have been to both public and private school and i prefer ab because the teachers care for your education they might be strict but thats because they want you to be disiplend. The students at this school are very caring for one another. This school is a very nuturing environment and i recommend it 100%

By Student - 04 Jun 2014, Rate: excellent

School is not bad.

By Student - 13 May 2014, Rate: bad

The school tends to make quite a few elaborate claims of manufacturing everyone into the perfect student. But really its just an average school which institutionalizes all the students. All the school cares about is maintaining its lofty pretentious reputation by focusing more on uniform standard than good grades.
The teachers posses little interest in teaching students the topic and are more concerned with teaching them what they need to know to ace their next exam.
And as for those academically gifted, successfully institutionalized students themselves?
Their personalities don't quite measure up to their remarkable grades, but their ego's go beyond that.

By Parent - 15 Apr 2014, Rate: bad

I have been denied access to my children's reports and made to feel less than human for even considering asking. I was bullied by the staff and intimidated. I was not the paying parent but neither was the parent receiving the reports. Very sad and unhappy at the treatment. If I could I would pull my child from the school.

By Student - 03 Apr 2014, Rate: excellent

happy it is fun

By Student - 25 Mar 2014, Rate: average

I have been to both public and private schools
This one did not stand out as considerably excellent
There is a significant pressure to perform exceptionally, yet it is difficult to be rewarded a high mark. The teachers are extremely strict, rather than nurturing, and scare students into working/complying.
Most of the students are highly competitive in an unhealthy way. I was not happy at this school despite trying to be thankful that I was at a 'prestigious' school, and am glad to have finally left.

By Parent - 23 Feb 2014, Rate: excellent

As all schools, there will be issues that surface however, the difference with AB is there proactive nature in identifying problems and solving them. They hold students and parents accountable regarding poor behaviour...and so they should! Well done AB.

By Student - 17 Nov 2013, Rate: bad

Racism is not tolerated at this school...protecting people with darker pigment. However, people from Anglo-Saxon decent are referred to as 'white pigs' by peers and this is tolerated.

All the cohorts are 'dib-a-dobbers' this stems from the "supporting each other" philosophy. Individualism is not tolerated. If you have read George Orwell's 1984, you will grasp a greater understanding of how it feels to be apart of this college.

As a graduating senior student of 2013, I am proud to say I have finally escaped.

By Parent - 09 Nov 2013, Rate: poor

As a parent, admittedly I kept my children at this school despite how unhappy they were. Bullying happens here like any other school, maybe not in severe forms but enough to cause a lot of distress. The racial slurs against light skins peers is ignored by teachers. The wrong people are punished for behaviour that is not their own. The school is robotic, not nurturing. Due to some bullying incidents my daughter started wearing a little bit of foundation to improve herself esteem at school. This was so looked down upon she got a note in her diary and I received a phone call deeming how unacceptable it was. When my husband and I got divorced my daughter saw the school councillor. The councillor followed protocol and stated the privacy act. The next day my daughter came home and asked, "Did you tell the school we were getting divorced?" I did not. The councillor breached her privacy and shared confidential information with colleagues. She was sitting in English when she got a phone call from her heads of house that had an uncomfortable discussion with her.

I have so many stories I wish to share. I thought this school had an excellent reputation and that is why my kids were there. Reflecting back now I should have pulled them out as soon as they started complaining about how unhappy they were. If you are considering sending your kids there I would advise you not to. If you do, don't hesitate to pull them out as soon as they start complaining about how unhappy they are or having a change of attitude that's abnormal to their usual behaviour.

By Student - 28 Oct 2013, Rate: excellent

To the comment below; our school has over 34 different sporting options and if thats not enough you can take up one of the 116 other activities.
A.B Paterson College is the best school you will ever find. Staff are 100% dedicated to their jobs, bullying is something you never hear about and in the event that it does take place the school takes the correct steps to ensure it doesn't repeat itself and has a 0 tolerance towards bullying.
The academics at this school are amazing, I don't think they could be any better. As a community the school looks out for everyone, even the ones slipping through the cracks.
If you're hesitating about sending your child to A.B Paterson, don't. They will thank you for it.

By Student - 15 Sep 2013, Rate: poor

There's no sport and most teachers are mean. Mix religions cause troubles sometimes