Years 7 to 12

The adolescent years mark a period of momentous physical, emotional and intellectual development in a girl’s life; a time when she begins to question the world around her, evaluate her relationships with others and think more deeply about spiritual matters. She needs a secure and supportive environment in which to develop confidence, find her own voice and establish the ground rules for the rest of her life.

Our phases of learning and development program has been designed to meet the specific needs of the early teenage years. The educational program, focused on the whole-person paradigm, considers each girl’s specific needs as she progresses through Years 7, 8 and 9. The College’s organisational structure, facilities and curriculum are all focused on engaging each student’s heart, mind, body and spirit.

By focusing on student-centred, enquiry-orientated learning, we aim to encourage a love of knowledge and independent research. As with the Junior School, information technology is integrated across the curriculum, with personal notebook computers used by each student.

We have found that Year 7 girls benefit from the specialised teaching that they receive along with opportunities for extension and access to facilities not normally available in a primary or junior school setting. Great care is taken to ensure that students feel comfortable transitioning into secondary school. Students are offered a variety of leadership opportunities during this period which assists with their development and sense of importance during what we deem to be a critical time in their development.

Obviously, the more we can help a girl discover her strengths and interests, the better informed her decisions will be. Our work experience, community service, outdoor education and peer mentoring programs are all there to help your daughter answer the question, “What makes me tick?”

With her subjects chosen, she’ll enter Years 11 and 12 along either a university or vocational pathway. During this period she will be supported with on-going careers counselling, visiting speakers and study skills sessions. We give her plenty of opportunities to incorporate sporting, cultural and social events into her life.

To ensure you stay abreast of your daughter’s development, there is a strong focus on communication through parent information evenings, student review evenings, newsletters and email. With your help, by the time she graduates we will have shaped your daughter into a young woman with the skills and confidence to adapt to a rapidly changing world.

Please see the Penrhos College Prospectus for more information.