St Clare's College

## 1. Overview St Clare's College ACT is a Catholic, independent day school for girls located in Griffith, Canberra, offering secondary education (Year 7–12). The college combines faith-inspired learning with a strong academic program and a commitment to building character and service within the school community. The school presents a medium-sized, close-knit environment where students are encouraged to aim high while receiving support from teachers, mentors and peers. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a focus on academic excellence, personal growth and community involvement. - School type: Catholic - School size: Medium - Class size: Approximately 20–25 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, academically focused --- ## 2. Academics & Learning St Clare's College emphasizes a broad, rigorous curriculum across the core disciplines, along with opportunities to develop leadership, creativity and global perspectives. - Academic strengths: English, Science, Mathematics, Humanities, and Languages; leadership development andcollege-wide academic culture - Special programs: Gifted and Talented pathways, accelerated learning options, leadership programs; pathways to senior qualifications (ATAR/VET options) within the ACT framework - NAPLAN / trends: NAPLAN trends show stable to improving performance in key areas such as reading and writing over recent years, with continued focus on numeracy - Student-teacher ratios: Typically around 1:12–1:18, varying by year level and subject - Support for diverse learners: EAL support, SEN support, learning support staff, in-class assistance and individualised learning plans --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths A strong emphasis is placed on physical activity, the arts and a wide range of clubs to suit many interests. - Sports offered: Netball, basketball, soccer, hockey, athletics, swimming, tennis (seasonal selections as per program) - Strong teams or achievements: Competitive inter-school teams with representation in ACT competitions and regional events - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music program with choirs and ensembles; drama productions and performing arts opportunities - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, science and other interest-based clubs - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and inter-school competitions to broaden experience and competition exposure --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing is central to the student experience, with systems in place to support personal growth, resilience and safe school culture. - Anti-bullying approach: Proactive anti-bullying programs and clear reporting channels; emphasis on a respectful, inclusive culture - House system: House-based pastoral structures to foster belonging, leadership and practical wellbeing support - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: On-site counsellors and wellbeing staff to support students’ social, emotional and mental health needs - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and targeted transition support for new entrants --- ## 5. Facilities Facilities are designed to support learning across academics, the arts, science and technology, with spaces that are both functional and engaging. - Sports grounds - Libraries - Science labs - Music/performing arts centers - Tech/innovation labs - Cafeteria - Updated playgrounds --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture The school’s values shape behavior, leadership, and the overall community atmosphere. - School values / mission: Faith-led education focusing on integrity, service, excellence and compassion - Leadership style: Collaborative and student-centered, with opportunities for student leadership and voice - Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations aligned with restorative practices and positive discipline - Community reputation: Strong sense of community and parental involvement, with a reputation for support and collegiality - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that respects diversity and fosters belonging --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical, day-to-day information helps families plan and navigate school life. - School hours: Reflects the standard ACT secondary school day (start and finish times published by the school) - Before/after school care: Available through on-site or partner programs - Uniform requirements: Full school uniform required; details provided in the student handbook - Transport (train/bus routes): Accessible by public transport; specifics available from local transport authorities and the school - Canteen availability: On-site canteen offering a range of meals and snacks - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees fall within the mid-to-high range for private Catholic secondary schools in Canberra; current schedules available on inquiry --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Applications are typically submitted online with supporting documents (birth certificate/immunization records, academic reports, etc.). An interview and consideration of faith/values alignment may be part of the process. Offers are issued according to vacancy and intake year; timelines vary by year level. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, there can be a waiting list. Priority may be given to siblings and to applicants who meet the school’s enrolment criteria; the school outlines the waitlist process upon inquiry. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry often involves an interview and may include assessment activities. Some years or programs may have additional requirements; faith alignment and fit with school culture are considered. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, subject to vacancy and the suitability of the applicant. Families interested in mid-year transfers should contact the admissions office early to discuss options and required documentation. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A Catholic, values-oriented environment that balances strong academics with wellbeing, character development and community involvement. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a faith-based community, positive relationships with teachers, and opportunities to excel across academics, arts and sports. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - A broad curriculum with leadership programs, accelerated learning options, clubs (robotics, coding, debating), performing arts and competitive sports teams. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through newsletters, parent portals and scheduled parent-teacher meetings; access to wellbeing and pastoral care staff as needed. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A combination of strong core instruction, differentiated learning supports, and opportunities for higher-order thinking, real-world projects and collaboration. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - In-class support, targeted intervention, learning support staff, and access to tutoring or coaching as appropriate. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Counselling and learning support services, along with personalised plans and ongoing teacher collaboration to adjust learning pathways. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically range around 20–25 students per class, with teachers providing targeted support and monitoring to ensure individual attention within the group setting. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A wide range of sports (netball, basketball, soccer, hockey, athletics, swimming, tennis), plus music, drama, and clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating). - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Modern sports facilities, science labs, music and performing arts spaces, libraries, technology labs and student common areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools in learning, IT facilities and resources to support collaborative and independent work, with emphasis on digital citizenship. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access via public transport with routes servicing Griffith; information on specific routes and accessibility is available from the school and local transport providers. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are in the mid-to-high range for private Catholic secondary schools in Canberra; current fee schedules are provided by the admissions team. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Catholic values-based education with a supportive community - Balanced emphasis on academics, arts and sports - Wide range of co-curricular activities and leadership opportunities - Strong wellbeing and pastoral care with a house system - Reasonable class sizes that allow individual attention Cons - Fees are higher than government schools - Limited public transport options outside peak times; reliance on local routes - Availability may vary by year level and program; mid-year transfers depend on vacancies If you’d like, I can tailor this further with any specific programs or details you want highlighted, or adjust tone to match your site style.