Senior School - Year 7 to Year 12

Our aim is to develop self-directed learners who take an active role in their learning and make informed choices about their education. Our students are encouraged to transfer and apply their knowledge and so grow beyond the limitations of traditional approaches.

Learning tasks are designed to be flexible and active. This is an environment that encourages students to negotiate their own learning. Girls are able to explore their interests and address their weaknesses, use initiative and make their own investigations and experiments. We work with students and parents to develop the most suitable learning programmes. Acceleration, extension and enrichment cater for gifted students within predominantly mixed ability classes.

Extension programmes in Science, French, Music and Mathematics promote higher level engagement

The first six months of the Senior School are the Foundation Course which establishes the learning habits and protocols for the secondary years. During the Foundation course all students study English, Mathematics, Science, Drama, History, Geography, Design and Technology, Visual Arts, Physical Education, Personal Development, Christian Studies, French or Japanese, Music and Applied Psychology. Classes are small in order to facilitate the transition from primary to secondary school and to develop the General, or essential learning, Skills.

Extension classes in Mathematics and Science and special programmes in French, Music and Science cater for students with a special interest or prior experiences in these areas.

The explicit teaching of essential learning skills such as research, analysis, reasoning, problem solving, task management, discussion skills and group co-operation is vital.

The Formative Course from Semester 2, Year 7 to the end of Semester 1, Year 8 allows students to meet most of the mandatory hour requirements of the Board of Studies. It also consolidates work in the subject disciplines.

In mid Year 8 students move into the Semester Courses which allow for some choice and negotiation of learning to ensure that student needs are met through appropriate learning experiences. In addition to core subjects of Mathematics, English and Science, approximately 38 semester courses are offered. Special courses are offered to particularly cater for gifted students. In the final six months of Year 10 the Consolidation Course prepares students for the School Certificate Tests and provides a bridge to HSC studies.

Year 9 Indonesian students perform traditional dance in morning assembly.

Years 11 and 12 students can choose from a wide range of subjects:
• English – English Fundamentals, Standard, Advanced, Extension 1&2 and English as a Second Language
• Mathematics, General Mathematics, Extension 1&2
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Christian Studies
• Aboriginal Studies
• Business Studies
• Economics
• Geography
• History - Ancient, Modern, Extension
• Design and Technology
• French - Continuers, Extension
• Indonesian - Continuers, Extension
• Japanese – Beginners
• Drama
• Music - Course 1, Course 2, Extension
• Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
• Visual Arts
• VET Hospitality, Information Technology, Entertainment and some TAFE courses are available by arrangement

All students from Years 7-12 study Christian Studies and all students from Years 7-10 take Physical Education, Health and Personal Development.