Strathcona Girls Grammar School

## 1. Overview Strathcona Girls Grammar School is an independent day school for girls in Canterbury, Melbourne. The school aims to provide a values-driven, academically rigorous education in a supportive, girl-focused environment. With a medium-sized community and relatively small class groups, the school emphasises personal attention, mentorship, and a broad range of co-curricular opportunities. The atmosphere blends academic striving with a nurturing culture that encourages leadership, resilience, and inclusion. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: English, STEM, languages, and the arts are core focus areas, supported by programs that foster critical thinking, communication, and leadership. - Special programs: Gifted and talented opportunities, leadership development, and pathways that support accelerated or extended learning where appropriate. - NAPLAN / trends: The school tracks performance trends over time, aiming to maintain strong results relative to comparable independent schools and state benchmarks. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes are designed to be small-to-medium, enabling regular teacher access and personalised guidance. - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners and students with special educational needs (SEN), plus targeted academic coaching where needed. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Netball, basketball, tennis, swimming, athletics, and other team and individual activities are available, with opportunities to compete across school and inter-school events. - Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in inter-school competitions with a track record of competitive teams and recognisable achievements. - Music, arts, drama programs: Robust music ensembles, drama productions, and performing arts opportunities that run alongside academic programs. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, public speaking, and other speciality clubs support a broad interests footprint. - Partnerships: Involves local clubs, inter-school competitions, and partnerships that extend opportunities in sport, robotics, arts, and academic events. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and supportive programs designed to promote respect, inclusivity, and a safe school environment. - House system: A house structure supports pastoral care, identity, teamwork, and friendly competition across activities. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff to support mental health, resilience, and personal development. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and phased induction to help new students settle in smoothly. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site or nearby facilities for a range of sports and outdoor activities. - Libraries: Well-resourced libraries supporting reading, research, and collaboration. - Science labs: Modern science facilities to support practical experiments and inquiry-based learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Space for rehearsals, performances, and exhibitions. - Tech/innovation labs: Dedicated spaces for design, coding, digital projects, and STEAM work. - Cafeteria: On-site dining and cafeteria services. - Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained play and social areas for younger students and transition between levels. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A focus on integrity, respect, curiosity, and service guides daily life and decision-making. - Leadership style: Emphasis on student leadership, staff collaboration, and a culture of continuous improvement and shared responsibility. - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct centred on respect, responsibility, kindness, and accountability. - Community reputation: A reputation for a welcoming, inclusive environment with strong parent and alumnae involvement. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to diversity and inclusive practices across programs and activities. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day runs during standard school hours with start and finish times aligned to primary/secondary schedules; occasional after-school activities may extend the day. - Before/after school care: Availability of programs or supervision outside core hours. - Uniform requirements: Clear uniform policies with specified attire for daily wear and sport. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access via local transport options; school-supported information on routes and schedules. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch facilities with healthy meal options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the mid-to-high range relative to local private schooling options; additional costs may apply for trips, activities, and uniforms. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an application with required documentation. - Complete any school assessments or tests, and participate in an interview or information session. - If applicable, audition for music or showcase talents as part of the process. - Receive an offer if spaces are available, with a defined acceptance and enrolment period. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Depending on demand and capacity, a waiting list may operate. - Places can be allocated based on date of application, siblings, readiness, and suitability; a non-refundable application or registration may apply. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry typically includes an interview (and possibly an assessment), and may include auditions for music or other talents. - Some applicants may be asked to provide previous school reports and records to support placement. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers may be possible if spaces exist, subject to the same assessment and placement processes as external applicants. --- ## 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A combination of strong academics, supportive pastoral care, broad co-curriculars, and a nurturing girl-centric environment. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who are motivated, collaborative, curious, and looking for a balanced program that values both academics and wellbeing. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Advanced coursework or enrichment in core subjects, leadership roles, competitive sport, performing arts, robotics, debate, and other clubs. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via email, newsletters, a parent portal, and scheduled information evenings; open channels with tutors and pastoral staff. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, inquiry-based learning with specialist teachers, collaborative projects, and opportunities for independent initiative. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted academic support, tutoring options, and access to learning support staff or EAL/SEN assistance as needed. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional coaching, study skills guidance, and personalised plans to help students meet their learning goals. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated in the list) - See above: newsletters, portal access, and direct contact with teachers and coordinators. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are designed to be small-to-medium with frequent teacher-student interaction and targeted feedback. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad range of sports, arts, music and drama, robotics, coding, debating, and other clubs across the year levels. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/theatre spaces, and technology/innovation labs. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools across learning, one-to-one or device-supported practices, coding and media production, with teacher supervision. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local transport options with information on routes and possible school-supported arrangements; accessibility considerations are addressed in planning. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees reflect independent school pricing in the area; additional costs may include uniforms, trips, camps, and extracurricular activities. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Independent, girls-focused education with a strong academic and co-curricular balance. - Small-to-mid sized classes enabling personalised attention and mentorship. - Broad range of clubs and facilities supporting diverse interests (STEM, arts, sport, leadership). - Structured wellbeing and pastoral care with a house system and counsellors. - Active community culture and parental engagement. - Cons - Fee level is higher than public options and some other school types. - Competitive environment may not suit every student; access can depend on placement and spaces. - Admissions processes can be selective and may involve multiple steps and interviews. - Mid-year entry depends on slots, which can limit flexibility for some families.