High School (14-16 year olds)

  • A rich integrated curriculum in which subject disciplines are imbedded in real-world research, wherever possible, complemented with targeted core skills workshops.
  • Extended research projects: curriculum negotiated between students and teacher – a mix of mandated outcomes from the Australian Curriculum, group experiences and individual preferences.
  • Each student’s personal control over, and accountability for, their learning is celebrated/tested through an individual presentation to peers, teachers and parents, who act as ‘critical friends’.
  • Students may undertake intensive and personally-demanding Community Research Internships, where they negotiate with an expert/business/community group to undertake a mutually-beneficial, community-based, authentic research project over an extended period. Ensures unlimited learning options.
  • The Scientific Method (observe -> hypothesis -> predict -> test -> theory) integral to all learning areas and research.
  • Core Teacher Advisor co-ordinates a diverse education program for the group and for students individually, and offers a very high level of pastoral care at an emotionally-charged time of life. Every student feels valued within the small group, as peers learn to tolerate and value individual differences and different ways of viewing the world.
  • Emphasis on identifying and practising effective work/study skills and strategies for self-management of workload, e.g. team work, mentoring, problem-solving, negotiation skills, peer editing/review/feedback, creative presentation of ideas/research findings.
  • Learning may occur on-campus and off-campus, alongside scientists, artists, coaches, authors, poets, musicians, and other experts, e.g. to carry out research at the National Library or take a glass-making course at Canberra Glassworks.
  • As part of reflecting on their sense of identity and acknowledging/nurturing personal strengths, and as they get ready to transition to larger educational settings, students are encouraged to write their own story, following immersion in the world of autobiography.
  • Ongoing specialists – Visual Arts, Music & Performing Arts, Outdoor Education, Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, Sports and Italian.
  • Outdoor Education, including an intensive Intercultural Expedition, is an essential and compulsory learning experience for all students.
  • Safe, supportive environment develops a strong sense of belonging, while holding students accountable and challenging inconsiderate behaviour – students can’t get lost in the crowd or be invisible!
  • Small, multi-age classes target the benefits of collaborative peer-learning and mentoring. A high educator/student ratio – 2:25.
  • Classrooms open 8:30am–3pm.