At Padua College our major aim is to provide the boys with an education which is not only Catholic but also distinctively Franciscan. Hence, we try to operate not so much as an institution but rather as a faith community living out Gospel values and placing an emphasis on the Franciscan charisma. We emphasise the value of each individual and aim at providing an education which is both relevant and personal. All students from Years 5 to 12 are required to follow an academic program which provides them with a comprehensive and challenging education. Padua places a very strong emphasis on the value of a broad general education in all the major areas of learning. There are clear standards expected for class work, for assignments and presentations, for daily homework and for regular examination. In the College each boy belongs to one of the four Houses: Beirne House, Grigg House Mitchell House and Odoric House. The names of the Houses honour four prominent friar teachers who have taught at Padua.