Student Admission Policy

Introduction

St. Joseph Integrated Secondary School, founded in 2025 under the management of the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA) and administered by the Holy Family of Bordeaux, is committed to providing holistic education that integrates academic excellence with practical skills development. This admission policy reflects our commitment to our school motto "Duc in Altum" (Cast into the Deep), challenging students to pursue deeper learning, and our five foundational pillars that guide our educational approach.

Motto: "Duc in Altum" (Cast into the Deep). Location: Benga, Nkhotakota District, Malawi.

Vision and Mission

Vision: "Transformation of society and humanity by producing citizens who are grounded in the truth and rooted in Catholic values with a spirit of service and respect for others."

Mission: "To provide holistic (integrated) education that promotes human dignity and development infused with the gospel truth and Catholic values in an environment of freedom and responsibilities for the service of community and humanity at large."

Admission Principles Aligned with Five Foundational Pillars

1. Faith Formation and Moral Development

We seek students who:

• Demonstrate respect for Catholic values and willingness to participate in the school's spiritual life
• Show openness to moral and ethical formation
• Are committed to personal growth in values and character
• Respect the Catholic ethos of the school, regardless of their religious background

2. Academic Excellence with Local Relevance

We seek students who:

• Show academic potential that can be nurtured toward excellence
• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and love for learning
• Display readiness to engage with both theoretical knowledge and practical applications
• Show interest in addressing local challenges through education

3. Holistic Human Development

We seek students who:

• Show potential for growth across intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions
• Demonstrate interest in extracurricular activities that develop the whole person
• Exhibit basic leadership qualities that can be further developed
• Show resilience and determination in the face of challenges

4. Community Service and Social Justice

We seek students who:

• Display sensitivity to the needs of others and willingness to serve
• Show potential to become agents of positive change in their communities
• Demonstrate respect for human dignity across socioeconomic differences
• Express interest in contributing to community development

5. Sustainable Resource Stewardship

We seek students who:

• Show respect for the environment and natural resources
• Demonstrate responsibility in the use of resources
• Express interest in sustainable practices and conservation
• Show willingness to learn practical skills for self-sufficiency

Admission Criteria

1. Academic Requirements

• Satisfactory completion of primary education with a Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination (PSLCE)
• Minimum qualifying marks as determined by the Admissions Committee for the academic year
• Submission of official academic transcripts from previous schools
• Satisfactory performance in the St. Joseph entrance examination, assessing Mathematics, English, Science, and aptitude for practical learning

2. Character Assessment

• Recommendation letter from previous school's headteacher
• Demonstrated good behaviour and conduct
• Personal interview to assess alignment with school values
• Willingness to abide by the school's code of conduct and embrace its Catholic values

3. Age Requirements

• Applicants for Form 1 must be between 12 and 14 years of age at the time of admission
• Applicants for other forms must be of appropriate age relative to the form they are applying for

4. Aptitude for Integrated Learning

• Demonstrated interest in both academic and vocational learning
• Basic aptitude for practical skills as assessed during the admission process
• Willingness to engage in community service and environmental stewardship activities

Admission Procedure

1. Application Period

Applications are accepted annually between July 1st and August 20th for the following academic year.

2. Required Documents

• Completed application form
• Birth certificate or other proof of age
• Baptismal certificate (for Catholic applicants; optional for non-Catholics)
• Primary School Leaving Certificate or equivalent
• Academic transcripts from previous schools
• Recommendation letter from previous school
• Two recent passport-sized photographs
• Medical information form
• Any other documentation as may be specified

3. Selection Process

1. Review of application documents by the Admissions Committee
2. Entrance examination covering academics and aptitude for practical subjects
3. Interview with student and parents/guardians to assess alignment with school values
4. Assessment of potential contribution to school community
5. Final selection by the Admissions Committee

Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity

In alignment with our Five Foundational Pillars, St. Joseph Integrated Secondary School is committed to:

1. Gender Equality

• Maintaining a 50:50 ratio of male and female students
• Providing equal educational opportunities across all programs
• Fostering an environment of mutual respect between genders

2. Economic Inclusion

• Reserving places for academically promising students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
• Implementing a tiered fee structure where possible

3. Students with Special Needs

The school provides special accommodations for students with albinism and considers applications from students with special educational needs when:

• The school can reasonably meet those needs with available resources
• The student can benefit from the education offered
• The student's needs will not significantly impair the education of other students

Priority Considerations

While St. Joseph Integrated Secondary School is open to students of all backgrounds, priority may be given to:

• Students from Benga Parish and Archdiocese of Lilongwe
• Students from feeder Nkhotakota and Salima District primary schools
• Children of staff members
• Siblings of current students
• Students demonstrating exceptional potential in alignment with the school's five pillars

Fees and Financial Obligations

• Tuition and fees are set annually by the School Board
• A non-refundable application fee must accompany all applications
• Upon acceptance, a deposit is required to secure placement
• Fee payment schedules and methods will be provided with acceptance letters
• Parents/guardians must commit to timely payment of all fees

Transfer Students

Students seeking to transfer from other schools must:

• Submit all regular application documents
• Provide detailed transcripts from current school
• Take placement tests as determined by the academic department
• Meet with the Headteacher for Academic Affairs
• Demonstrate how they will contribute to the school community

Appeals Process

Applicants who wish to appeal an admission decision may:

• Submit a written appeal to the School Director within 14 days of the decision
• Provide any additional information that may support the appeal
• Await the final decision of the Appeals Committee, which will be communicated within 21 days

Expectations of Admitted Students

Students admitted to St. Joseph Integrated Secondary School commit to:

• Embrace the school motto "Duc in Altum" by pursuing deeper learning and personal growth
• Participate in the spiritual life of the school with respect and openness
• Pursue academic excellence while developing practical skills
• Engage in community service activities
• Practice responsible stewardship of school resources and the environment
• Respect the dignity of all persons in the school community
• Uphold the Catholic values and ethos of the school
• Contribute positively to school culture and community

Non-Discrimination Statement

St. Joseph Integrated Secondary School does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic origin, or socioeconomic status. While the school maintains its Catholic identity and mission, it welcomes students of other faiths who respect and abide by the school's values and traditions.

Amendments to the Policy

This admission policy is subject to periodic review and amendment by the School Board in consultation with the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA).

The source document includes signature blocks for Board approval and MCSPA endorsement. A completed approval date is not recorded in the shared file.

Contact Information

St. Joseph Integrated Secondary School, PO Box Salima, Benga, Nkhotakota District, Malawi.

Email: stjosephsecondary.benga@mcspa.org

Website: www.stjoseph-benga.com