Rockbrook Park secondary school was founded in 1973 by a group of parents. They wanted an environment that would combine academic excellence, personal attention to each student and sound moral development, with a close working relationship between teachers and parents. Thirty-three years on, this vision continues to inspire everything we do.
Education in Rockbrook is grounded on a Christian understanding of the world and of the human person. Drawing on Catholic educational principles and social teaching the school emphasises the importance of character development. The school welcomes and respects students of other beliefs and accommodates these insofar as is practical. Attendance at religious education classes is optional for non-Catholics.
The school fosters a genuine and profound respect for others, regardless of talents, race, colour, creed or social standing. People are to be valued as persons, for who they are, not for what they are. Within the school this respect is fostered in an atmosphere of trust, openness and sincerity, and these qualities should characterise all aspects of school life and interactions between pupils, parents, teachers and management. Students in particular are encouraged to value their freedom and to use it well, taking responsibility for their actions.
The founding parents were inspired by St Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei, a personal prelature of the Catholic Church. St Josemaria’s teaching about the value of one’s ordinary work as a stepping stone to God impacts on the school’s approach to encouraging hard work, excellence and a spirit of service within the school community.
At Rockbrook’s request the Prelature of Opus Dei has agreed to make a priest of the Prelature available for the sacramental and pastoral needs of the school community. Parents, teachers and pupils may ask for his assistance in spiritual matters. He has no role or responsibility in the management of the school. (for further information on Opus Dei, visit www.opusdei.org)
Rockbrook’s educational philosophy can be understood in the following light

1. Parents are the first teachers of their children and are responsible for their education and well-being. Rockbrook values open communication and works in partnership with parents to assist them in the education of their children.
2. Each student is encouraged to strive for high academic and personal standards. Everyone is encouraged to give of his or her best and to acquire good work habits and skills. This is done both in class and through an individualised mentoring system.
3. Education is more than just good subject teaching. The schools offer an integral approach helping each pupil achieve his or her age-appropriate intellectual, spiritual, emotional, cultural, human and social maturity. The mentoring system, working in co-operation with parents, is central to this.
4. We believe that the best educational results are achieved through positive motivation of all members of the school community.
5. Teachers strive, as parents do, to be role models for their pupils.
6. We offer single-sex education recognising that this has clear advantages for all our pupils. We encourage parents to organise social events that facilitate interaction with the opposite sex in an age-appropriate way in an atmosphere of mutual respect, devoid of unhealthy peer or other pressures.
7. Physical education and extra-curricular activities are an integral part of school life and are actively encouraged.