The next exciting step in your daughter’s education begins in Senior School where many challenges and rewards lie ahead and where she will begin to make decisions and choices that will affect her life beyond school. It is here that intellectual and personal growth and academic achievement are of primary importance.
St Mary’s vision includes a commitment to providing an innovative curriculum that equips girls for life and work in the 21st century. The broad but rigorous curriculum recognises students’ wide spectrum of abilities, interests and ambitions and embraces innovation in classroom practices and the integration of technology. The Senior School comprises about 850 students from Years 8 to 12.
In Years 8 to 10, girls study a core curriculum in English, Mathematics, Science and Society and Environment subjects. Year 8s follow a compulsory programme, which includes studying one or two languages of French, German, Italian or Japanese. In Years 9 and 10, more individual choice is offered with a variety of elective subjects that are enriching, intellectually stimulating, useful and enjoyable. Dance, Electronics, Marine Science, Creative Crafts and Digital Design are just some on offer.
Extension programmes challenge academically gifted students, many of whom experience outstanding success in statewide and national competitions. There is also additional support from specialised staff, who work towards improving skills in literacy and numeracy in a positive, productive and encouraging environment. In most cases, both programmes contribute to an enhanced overall performance. Career education and work experience are aspects of the Year 10 course, which contribute greatly to personal development and an increasing maturity.
A wide range of Year 11 and 12 courses, from Physics to French, Economics to Physical Education Studies, Accounting to Drama, provide for students planning to pursue a university degree. Other courses, such as Food Science and Business Management prepare students for destinations such as TAFE, for employment, traineeships, specialist colleges and for life in an ever-changing world. In addition, students can participate in CareerLink, a selective programme in association with employers, which enables Year 12 students to gain workplace training one day a week and provides an excellent foundation for prospective employment.
Computer technology is an integral part of the curriculum in many study areas. A modern Information Technology Centre, comprising the automated Senior School Library and the Technology and Enterprise Department, with Windows and Apple Mac laboratories linked to the Internet, is a centre of activity within the school.
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| Would you like to come to St Mary's? |  |
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| The Camp programme in Years 5 to 9 and Year 11 lets the girls try their hand at countless activities | |
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