Resilience and Strength
The beginning of Senior School brings changes and challenges for both students and parents. We work hard to strengthen the parent-school relationship, becoming a team. Our efforts are focused on establishing limits with room to grow, aiding the girls to develop resilience, and encouraging the promotion of each girl’s strengths.
The students can explore diverse co-curricular activities from sport and debating to music or drama. They participate in clubs, House events, and form strong friendships and connections across year groups. Their learning options range from Languages (Latin, Chinese, Italian, Spanish, French, and Japanese) to Mathematics, Design and Technology, and Personal Development, Health, and Physical Education. Our Learning Enrichment Team supports all students and includes learning support, and gifted and talented programs.
Wellbeing and Development
The girls have the opportunity to go ‘off-grid’ through our Middle School Outdoor Education program, developing resilience and independence, and creating memories through journey-style expeditions. Their understanding of the importance of wellbeing increases, supported by working through developmentally appropriate programs. They connect with each other and our supportive staff, through small Connect Groups, year group meetings and via our House system, overseen by Wellbeing teachers, Year Coordinators and the Head of Middle School.
The Foundation Studies Program in Year 7 builds academic skills, ensuring all learners can engage and succeed in secondary learning. It combines wellbeing with teaching science to empower students in their learning journey. An optional after-school study program – MILO (My Independent Learning Opportunity), is also available.
Ms Emma Poole
Head of Middle School
Renaissance Studies
In Year 7, led by the Wenona Counselling Team, the Renaissance Studies program takes a unique approach to fostering the girls’ emotional wellbeing. Drawing from evidence-based psychological concepts, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, our Renaissance Studies teachers equip the students with tools to better understand their inner world.
In Year 8, students explore the lives of powerful female world leaders, gaining a nuanced understanding of historical and contemporary figures who have shaped societies. They hone their critical thinking skills as they analyse the far-reaching impacts of female leadership.
Academic Program
Years 7 and 8 are pivotal stages of academic development. Our Middle School program is designed to help students master subject-specific skills and deepen their knowledge base. Simultaneously, we focus on developing crucial competencies such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. The focus is exploratory, integrative, relevant and grounded in the NESA curriculum, providing a strong academic foundation for future learning in Years 9 to 10. Wenona’s own Renaissance Studies program [LINK] is particularly valuable during these years, providing student-centred instruction that is broad in scope and rich in diverse perspectives.