Discovering your best: More than just a motto

POSTED July 6 2026 , News, Academic, Senior School

Helping each girl discover her best is more than a guiding principle; it is a commitment that shapes every stage of her educational journey. For our Year 10 students, the beginning of the year marks the point at which they begin to look towards their upper school years and imagine what their future might hold beyond our School gates. Our carefully designed careers and subject selection program supports students as they explore their interests, recognise their strengths and begin shaping a future that reflects their ambitions and aspirations.

From the beginning of the year, students participate in a range of experiences that combine career education, academic guidance and practical workplace exposure. Beginning with an exploration of potential career options and developing a plan, students gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities available to them after school and the many pathways that can help them achieve their goals.

Following the parent/daughter information evening, opportunities such as our Course Market Day allow students to engage directly with teaching staff and current Year 12 students, asking questions, exploring possibilities and gaining valuable first-hand perspectives on subject choices.

The St Mary’s/Hale Careers Expo further strengthen this partnership, ensuring both students and families are well supported.

Experiential learning also plays a key role through Work Experience Week, where girls step beyond the classroom to explore industries of interest, gaining insight into workplace expectations and the qualifications required for different professions. This real-world exposure helps students connect their subject choices to future career possibilities while building confidence as they begin to imagine life beyond school. In 2026, our girls completed placements in a range of organisations, including law and architecture firms, hospitals, physiotherapy clinics and small business operations.

An important feature of our program is individual advice. Following the various experiences and information sessions outlined above, students and their families meet with teachers during Parent–Student–Teacher interviews. These conversations provide an excellent opportunity to discuss subject selection, future goals and pathway options. Each student also participates in a dedicated subject counselling session with a member of our Subject Counselling Team, ensuring she receives personalised guidance as she considers the subjects and pathways best suited to her strengths, interests and goals. We recognise that every girl’s journey is unique. Rather than limiting choices or directing students towards a particular outcome, our goal is always to work alongside them and their families to ensure their aspirations remain at the centre of every decision.

Together, these experiences ensure that every Year 10 student is supported to make informed and considered decisions about her upper school years. At St Mary’s, subject selection is not simply about choosing courses; it is about empowering each girl to discover her best, pursue her aspirations and take her first steps towards a meaningful and purposeful future.