Year 7

We encourage our Year 7 students to try new things, make new friends, learn new skills and find their voice in a supportive environment. 

Our Year 7 program combines the excitement, creativity and individualised care associated with a primary school with the specialised facilities, academic rigour and cocurricular opportunities that our Senior School is renowned for. Our girls are given more independence as they begin their Senior School journey while retaining the pastoral care that a central classroom provides.

Year 7 Centre

Our Year 7 Centre serves as an essential transition space. It is specifically designed to support our Year 7 students’ wellbeing as they navigate the move to Senior School. The centre features several classrooms surrounding a central courtyard, creating a secure and cohesive environment that encourages focus, growth and a sense of belonging. Here, the girls begin each day with the same teacher, establishing a consistent start that fosters stability and connection.

Within the Year 7 Centre, students enjoy a rotation of teachers in English, Mathematics, Science and Social Science. This close-knit team of eight Year 7 teachers works collaboratively to build supportive relationships with each student, helping them feel seen, valued and confident as they embark on new academic challenges.

This gradual integration into Senior School enables Year 7s to feel supported as they expand their studies into specialist areas beyond the centre. They explore a broad curriculum with teachers across the Senior School in Dance, Drama, Design and Digital Technologies, Languages, Music, Physical Education and Religious Studies. These new experiences enrich their learning, ignite their curiosity and encourage a greater sense of independence as they step into this next stage of their educational journey.

By balancing a consistent learning environment with increasing opportunities to explore the wider Senior School, our Year 7 Centre nurtures academic growth while prioritising wellbeing, resilience and a strong foundation for the years to come.

Year 7 is the perfect time for students to explore everything that St Mary’s has to offer. Our Year 7 learning program offers students a range of experiences so they can discover their interests, strengths and learning preferences. Year 7 students study the following subjects:

• Mathematics
• English
• Science
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Languages: Japanese, Italian, French, Language and Literacy (French)
• Digital Technology
• Design Technologies
• Media
• Physical and Health Education
• Outdoor Learning
• Visual Arts
• Performing Arts: Music, Dance and Drama
• Religious Studies

Arts and Sport

We inspire our students to explore their passions and hone their talents through dynamic arts and sports programs, providing them with opportunities to develop their confidence, resilience and skills. With a wide range of activities that cater to diverse interests, students are encouraged to push boundaries, embrace creativity and celebrate their unique strengths.

MUSIC

Our classroom music courses cover music literature, the history of music, music theory, music perception, music performance and techniques of composition, including melody writing and arranging for ensembles and harmony.

Year 7 students do three music classes per cycle for the duration of the year. Students who have not previously learnt an instrument are encouraged to do so through our Year 7 Beginner Band Program.

Instrument and voice lessons are given privately by specialist music teachers who visit the school each week. Lessons are 40 minutes in duration and are scheduled throughout the school day.

DANCE AND DRAMA

All Year 7 students participate in Dance and Drama classes via our Arts Alive course, which focuses on exploration, experimentation, key skills development and building self-confidence.

SPORT

In the Senior School, all students participate in a variety of individual and team sports, including:

Interhouse sporting events play a vital role in school life, with all students participating in our Interhouse Swimming and Athletics Carnivals. These events are characterised by enthusiastic participation and strong House spirit, fostering a sense of community and healthy competition among students.

In addition to swimming and athletics, students are encouraged to compete in our Interhouse diving, cross country and gymnastics events, further enhancing their athletic experience.

As a proud member of the Independent Girls Schools’ Sports’ Association (IGSSA), we provide opportunities for students to excel in interschool sports. Athletes are selected based on their results from interhouse carnivals and trials.

Student wellbeing

We acknowledge that transitioning from primary to secondary school is significant. That is why we provide we provide comprehensive support to our students and their families.

Our Head of Year 7 and Associate Dean of Students (Years 7 to 9) provide overarching support to our teachers and are always available to discuss any concerns with parents and guardians. They are members of our broader Senior School Wellbeing Team, which is made up of our Deputy Principal (Students and Wellbeing), Associate Dean of Wellbeing, Heads of Year, Head of Boarding, Psychology Services team, Head of Learning Support, School Chaplain and Health Centre staff.