ACADEMIC CURRICULUM

Academic life

The school academic year consists of four terms. Mid-year entry will be considered if a vacancy exists. Please note: Year 10 is the last entry year group.

Academic benefits

St Catherine’s teaching is intentionally tailored to girls – this environment encourages and stimulates thought-provoking discussions. Research has proven that girls in single-sex schools achieve higher academic outcomes, and have higher self-belief, self-esteem and confidence. Following your daughter’s commencement, the Years 7–12 mentors are the student’s and parent’s first point of contact at the school. The year mentor is responsible for the holistic development of each girl. They know all students, their strengths and areas for development, well. 

Year mentors also work closely with boarding staff to ensure continuity of care for each girl. All senior school students, day girls and boarders can use the research centre (library) from 7.30am until the start of school at 8.20am, and at recess and lunch. The prep centre runs from 3.30pm – 5.30pm and Years 11 and 12 students may remain in the prep centre until 9.00pm. 
The prep centre is a wonderful resource where students have access to teaching staff, who provide homework support and mentorship.

Academic curriculum

St Catherine’s offers a comprehensive range of subjects from Years 7–10. From Year 7, students study: English, mathematics, science, history, PDHPE, French or Chinese, Latin, music, technology, visual arts  and biblical studies. From Year 8 your daughter will choose two electives and will continue with these in Year 9. From Year 10  your daughter will add one  more elective.

St Catherine’s offers one of the broadest academic curriculums, with 40 HSC courses offered at  the school.

Senior school HSC curriculum

Planning for the future

Choosing the right electives and career guidance is crucial when planning the future opportunities available to your daughter. Our tertiary advisor works closely with students to provide advice and support. Alumni speakers and other workplace professionals regularly visit the school and share their experiences and advice. Furthermore, universities conduct open days and online events which the girls are encouraged to attend.

2021-2022 HSC results

St Catherine’s offers the Higher School Certificate (HSC). HSC examinations are completed in the final year of senior school. The marks determine the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR), which enables students to enter a university in Australia or overseas. The HSC/ATAR is recognised internationally. The majority of  St Catherine’s students study at  The University of Sydney, The University of NSW, The University of Technology Sydney or The Australian National University. St Catherine’s is an academically non-selective school, and given this, student’s results are consistently outstanding.  

In 2022, a St Catherine’s student came first in the state in English as an Additional Language/Dialect, with a further three students placing within the top ten in this subject.

St Catherine’s students also placed second in the state in drama and third place in economics

Read more about our 2022 HSC Results here:

• English
• Thai 
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Cambodian
• Korean