A.B. Paterson College
About A.B. Paterson College
Established in 1991, A.B. Paterson College has built a reputation as one of Australia’s leading co-educational schools. With a strong academic record and exceptional facilities, the College has become a first-choice destination for families seeking a Prep to Year 12 education.
Located in the heart of Arundel on the Gold Coast, the College brings together a diverse community that values both tradition and innovation.
While honouring Australian heritage and timeless values, A.B. Paterson College also embraces forward-thinking approaches to teaching and learning, preparing students for the opportunities of the future.
Teaching for Understanding
A.B. Paterson College is internationally recognised for its commitment to the Teaching for Understanding (TfU) framework, pioneered by Project Zero at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. From Prep through to Year 12, this approach underpins the way students learn, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and real-world application.
Whether testing the chemical balance of local creeks, designing rockets, building mathematical and artistic models, composing original music, or unearthing historical artefacts, students engage with their subjects through hands-on experiences that bring learning to life.
In every classroom, participation, exploration, collaboration and leadership are at the heart of the learning journey. Teachers challenge students to search for new perspectives, question assumptions and apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
This approach ensures academic rigour while keeping learning relevant and engaging. At every stage, students are supported to grow into confident, capable and inspired young people, prepared for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
The Academic Academy
The Academic Academy supports the needs of high-ability learners. These academically excellent students from Prep to Year 12 are catered for through a variety of enrichment opportunities including project-based learning, competitions and annual international excursions. The Academic Academy works with staff and students to create programs that allow all students to grow and achieve their true potential.?
Co-Curricular Sport
A.B. Paterson College runs a comprehensive sport program designed to cater to the needs of every student, regardless of age or ability. Sport and physical activity are integral to the development of all young people, helping them learn key traits such as leadership, resilience, self-confidence and self-discipline. The College's sport offerings include team sports, strength and conditioning, individual performance sports and representative opportunities.?
The Arts
The Arts faculty offers a diverse range of co-curricular opportunities to all students. Students can choose to be involved in activities ranging from choirs, bands, dance troupes, youth theatre, musicals and creative crew. These programs provide an outlet for artistic expression, while fostering creativity, wellbeing and teamwork. A.B. Paterson College students have many performance opportunities throughout the school year and, most importantly, a chance to give back to the community through a shared love of the Arts.?