Strathcona. Bring out her best.

In our Senior School, Years 10–12, we provide an extensive academic program and a broad range of activities and leadership opportunities so that every student has the opportunity to develop her talents, skills and confidence.

Strathcona Senior School

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Through guided research, individual consultation with staff and study skills advice, the girls gain independence in their learning, preparing them for tertiary study and the challenges of a future career.

To learn more about the Strathcona’s Senior School Co-Curricular activities click and download the following PDF’s:

• Years 10-12 2010 Handbook,
• VCE Curriculum Guide.

Academic Program

The Senior School offers a diverse range of subjects to meet the needs of each individual student. The strategies in each subject encourage students to think critically and creatively, to develop global awareness and to work cooperatively to establish the skills needed for life-long learning. An extensive range of VCE units is offered. Some Year 10 students take a VCE Unit and many Year 11 students include a VCE Units 3 and 4 sequence in their program. At Years 11 and 12, there are also opportunities to take VET modules and first year university enhancement subjects.

The VCE results at Strathcona are outstanding, as shown in the chart (below), which indicates that we are significantly above the State average in the A+ and A ranges.

Each year the top achievers obtain ENTERs over 99 and over 40% of students achieve ENTERs in the top 10% of the State. Students undertake a wide range of tertiary courses, the majority gaining entry to Melbourne, Monash and La Trobe universities.

Monash University research into the success of students with transition to the tertiary level and first year studies has identified Strathcona as one of the most successful of all Victorian schools. This outcome reinforces our commitment to the development of independent learning and transition skills.

Although we emphasise the achievements of the highest possible standards academically, we encourage balance in the overall program whereby the students maintain an understanding of the importance of developing a wide range of skills, being an involved, contributing member of the School community and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Pastoral Care

Strathcona takes great pride in the personal care of students and its encouragement of well-balanced personal relationships. At the senior level, Year Coordinators work closely with students, supporting them and assisting their progress towards achieving their academic and personal goals. Students are also assigned to a Forum Tutor who further supports the students. Our School Counsellor, a trained psychologist, provides counselling for students and parents, when needed.

Spiritual development and social responsibility are encouraged through Christian Education classes in Years 10 and 11, Personal Development Forums, the Liberal Studies Program in Year 12 and extensive Community Service activities.

Leadership

Leadership opportunities are a vital part of preparation for the future and are provided through the various cross-age programs.

Year 10 students take on responsibility for Form and Year Level activities, the Year 7 and 8 Drama production and assist with swimming classes with the Junior School. In Year 11, opportunities extend to leadership in the Peer Support and Big Sister/Little Sister Programs with Year 7 and the Prep to Year 2 classes, as well as leading the Science Drama production with Year 8 and 9 students. All Year 12 students are considered leaders of the School and many take on particular responsibility for House activities, Debating and Public Speaking, Music, editing of the school magazines, Social Service, Open Days, Information Services and International Students.

Co-curricular Program

This diverse program, which includes Sport, Music, Drama, Debating and Public Speaking, amongst many other activities, adds richness to the senior experience and encourages the social development of the students. House competitions in Sport, Music, Dance and Drama offer opportunities for senior students to participate and develop teamwork and leadership skills.

Global awareness is encouraged through the International Links Program involving tours to France, Italy and Korea and exchanges to these countries, as well as Japan, UK, USA, South Africa and New Zealand.

Career Planning Support

We encourage students to plan a VCE course around their career interest areas and personal strengths. They are also made aware of the requirements for entry into tertiary institutions when making subject choices for VCE.

There are a number of resources available at Strathcona to support these decisions, including the Career Website on the Strathcona Intranet, Careers Testing, a well-resourced Careers Room and individual advice from the Careers Advisor.

These resources have been designed to ensure that our girls are made as aware as possible of the options they need to consider when planning their future study or career directions.

Facilities

A purpose-built Senior Centre for Years 11 and 12, directly connected to the Library and computing rooms, provides state-of-the-art facilities to support the students at this level with seminar rooms, quiet study areas, a large gallery for whole year gatherings or lectures, a recreation area and student kitchen.