At Penrhos, we believe education extends far beyond the classroom. While our Secondary School students navigate a dynamic academic program, they are equally supported in their emotional, social and personal development.
Through a dedicated pastoral curriculum and individualised support, we nurture confident, compassionate young women who are empowered to lead, connect and thrive – in their studies and in life.
Structured pastoral periods are timetabled throughout the week, offering rich opportunities for students to develop the social and emotional skills that underpin wellbeing, relationships and meaningful engagement. In Years 7 and 8, our focus is on building friendships, fostering a sense of belonging and cultivating positive learning behaviours. Students are guided to recognise their individual strengths, set personal goals and grow with purpose.
Our Junior School motto – Love Grows Here – is echoed in our Secondary School motto: Together We Grow. This philosophy shapes a caring and inclusive environment where every student is known, supported and inspired to flourish.
Pastoral Programs
Learn, Lead, Unite Program (Years 7-9)
The Learn, Lead, Unite Program cultivates the Penrhos Learner characteristics through experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity and purpose. Students are encouraged to explore their passions, develop their leadership capabilities and act with compassion and integrity.
Designed to meet the developmental needs of early adolescence, the program embeds the Penrhos Learner attributes at every stage, empowering students to think critically, connect meaningfully and contribute positively to their world.
Year 7: the Learn course supports a smooth transition into Secondary School, helping students build confidence and a sense of belonging. Through engaging experiences, they identify their strengths, explore new interests and passions, and begin to understand themselves as learners and members of the Penrhos community.
Year 8: in Lead, students develop the confidence and capability to make a difference. The course strengthens critical thinking and problem-solving skills, empowering students to take initiative, collaborate with others and lead change with purpose and integrity.
Year 9: Unite encourages students to look outward – promoting advocacy, reconciliation and active citizenship. Working together on meaningful projects, they learn to lead with empathy and compassion, driving positive change within their community and beyond.
MyEducation Program (Years 10-12)
MyEducation is a structured, after-school study program for students in Years 10 to 12. It offers a supportive space to build effective academic habits and gain confidence through guided practice and mentoring.
Students develop key skills in:
- ⏰ Time management: planning, prioritising and staying organised with their time
- 📝 Note-taking and organisation: learning efficient ways to capture and organise information
- 🧠 Critical thinking: analysing and approaching problems with clarity and logic
- 🧩 Problem-solving: applying strategies to work through complex challenges
The program encourages both independent learning and peer collaboration, creating a balanced environment for practice and growth.
Alumni tutors (supported by Penrhos staff) act as mentors, offering real-world tips, encouragement and insights from their own recent study journeys.
Wellbeing Framework
At the heart of our pastoral approach is Penrhos CONNECT – a dedicated wellbeing framework that recognises the importance of relationships, self-awareness and community. Grounded in the principles of positive psychology, Penrhos CONNECT supports every student to flourish academically, socially and emotionally.
Through this program, students are encouraged to build a strong sense of identity and purpose. They learn to manage emotions, embrace challenges, celebrate strengths and contribute meaningfully to their school and the wider world. Our students are supported by their teachers, Heads of Students, psychologists and Learning Enhancement teams who work in close partnership with families.
We believe that connection is foundational to wellbeing – and that when students feel seen, heard and valued, they are best equipped to thrive.
Community Service Program
At Penrhos, community spirit is at the heart of student life. We believe in empowering our students to make a positive impact, both within the College and beyond. As part of the curriculum, all Year 12 students are required to have completed at least 30 hours of community service during their Secondary School years.
This program encourages students to:
- Develop a deeper appreciation for diverse communities
- Engage in meaningful, real-world experiences
- Advocate for causes that matter to them
Our goal is to inspire a lifelong commitment to making a difference.
Ngala Maya Program
Penrhos is proud to support and celebrate the cultures, identities and contributions of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families. We recognise and value their unique ways of knowing, being and doing, and actively seek opportunities for shared learning within our community.
Our Ngala Maya program – meaning ‘Our Place’ in Noongar language – was named by our students to reflect a deep sense of belonging at Penrhos. It offers a supportive network where students are encouraged to connect with culture, family and peers through regular involvement in on-campus and community events.
Global experiences
We believe that meaningful learning can – and should – happen beyond the classroom. Our international and interstate tours offer students the chance to immerse themselves in new environments, engage with diverse perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Whether it’s a language and cultural tour to Japan or France, exploring innovation at Space Camp in the USA, performing on stage during a Sydney dance tour, or participating in community service programs in Laos and Thailand – these experiences are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence and foster global citizenship.
Through firsthand learning and real-world connections, our students return home enriched, inspired and ready to make their own impact on the world.
2025 tours:
- New York Creative and Performing Arts tour
- Community Service tour
- Australian Volleyball Schools Cup (Gold Coast)
2026 tours:
- USA Space Camp
- Japan languages tour
- French languages tour
- Italy and Denmark Food and Fashion tour (proposed)
Leadership
We encourage every student to lead – not just in title, but through action, empathy and integrity. Our leadership program begins early and evolves across the Secondary School years, offering formal and informal opportunities for students to discover their voice and make a meaningful difference in their community.
From Form Captains, Student Year Representatives, student-led committees such as the SAGA (College yearbook) and Library Committees, as well as senior leadership roles and our Student Council, our students take on responsibilities that strengthen confidence and communication, foster collaboration and ignite initiative. We also provide tailored workshops, mentoring and guest speaker sessions to help our students build key leadership capabilities that will serve them long after school.
Our aim is to empower courageous, capable leaders – young women who lead with heart, inspire others and are not afraid to challenge the status quo.
“Leadership at Penrhos isn’t about being the loudest in the room – it’s about lifting others up, having the courage to speak with kindness and being the person others can rely on.”
