Senior College (10-12)
Abbotsleigh’s supportive environment encourages our girls to be resilient, independent. We want each of our girls to achieve her personal best. Her academic studies are important, as is her engagement with co-curricular activities and an awareness of ways in which she can contribute service to the School and the wider world.
A bridge to adulthood
We encourage our Senior College students to embrace independence and the new responsibilities they will face as young women of fine character. Seeing challenges as opportunities for growth, using their voice for positive outcomes and fostering personal wellbeing are some of the hallmarks of our girls.
Striving for excellence
Each girl is encouraged to strive for excellence by taking responsibility for her own learning. Our teachers have high but realistic expectations of their students, and girls and staff work collaboratively so that each girl attains her personal best. The Senior College encourages a spirit of enquiry and critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. Using feedback as a tool for ongoing improvement is emphasised.
Leadership
We believe every girl has the ability to be a role model and to inspire others. Girls are encouraged to recognise the many opportunities that exist in the School to exercise this kind of leadership. More formal leadership opportunities exist through co-curricular clubs, sport and music, the Peer Support and Peer Mentoring programs and through House leadership and Prefect roles.
Wellbeing matters
If our girls are well, the can learn and perform to the best of their ability. In Senior College, each girl belongs to a small House tutor group of 10-12 students; this fosters a strong sense of belonging and allows each girl to be known. Learning support, EAL/D support, disability provisions and counselling are available to students. Through the tutor group system and the year group, girls engage in activities covering health and wellbeing, social and service pursuits, leadership.
Positive social impact
Through service-focused student led clubs such as Amnesty, Fairtrade and World Vision, we encourage our students to be compassionate, empathetic and outwardlooking global citizens. Service is a key aspect of Senior College with students engaging with those experiencing homelessness, those living with disabilities, refugees and indigenous Australians in remote communities. Abbotsleigh’s partnership with Bunda Girls’ Secondary School in Tanzania and Anglicare provides rich opportunities for mutual learning and service.
Senior College curriculum
Every Senior College student studies the following core subjects, complemented by three elective subjects (see proceeding list below).
| Year 10 | ||
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Christian Studies | English | Mathematics |
| Science | Mandatory History | Australian Geography (Civics and Citizenship) |
| PDHPE | ||
| Electives | ||
| Commerce | Chinese | Drama |
| Elective Geography | Elective History | French |
| German | Industrial Technology | Information and Software Technology |
| Latin | Learning Support | Music |
| Photographic and Digital Media | Physical Activity and Sports Studies | Textile Technology |
| Visual Arts |
Year 11
Year 11 students select a minimum of 12 units of study from the following (including at least 2 units of English and 2 units of Mathematics):
| Year 11 | ||
| Agriculture | Ancient History | Biology |
| Business Studies | Chemistry | Chinese Continuers |
| Design and Technology | Drama | Earth and Environmental Science |
| Economics | English Advanced (compulsory) | English Extension |
| French Continuers | Geography | German Continuers |
| Latin Continuers | Mathematics Advanced | Mathematics Extension |
| Mathematics Standard | Modern History | Music 1 |
| Music 2 | PDHPE | Physics |
| Software Design and Development | Studies of Religion | Visual Arts |
Year 12
Year 12 students may elect to undertake further specialised study in the following:
| Year 12 | ||
| Chinese Extension | English Extension 2 | French Extension |
| German Extension | History Extension | Latin Extension |
| Mathematics Extension 2 | Music Extension |