Senior School
Welcome to Lauriston Senior School
Many talk about changing the world. We nurture the women who make it happen. As a School that’s intellectually curious and constantly restless, we’re always ready to adapt and support those who want or need it most. With our focus on fostering physical, moral and intellectual courage, we prepare our girls to play a leading role in an ever-changing world.
At Lauriston, our educational philosophy has always been one of learning by doing.
It builds a framework of courage that makes our girls comfortable with being uncomfortable from a young age and helps create young women who accept every challenge as a chance to unlock new opportunities. To approach problems creatively, to stand up for themselves and what they think is right and to forge their own path through life, be it in Politics, Commerce, Science, the Arts, Sport or Community Service.
Combined with the value we place on community and building relationships across the School and beyond, a Lauriston education provides a girl with an intuitive roadmap to help her navigate the future and define her own destiny.
After more than 120 years of looking forward, there’s nothing holding us back.
Susan Just Principal, Lauriston Girls’ School
An inclusive community
One of the things students say they most value about Lauriston Girls’ School is the deep sense of community they experience here.
In fact, I am genuinely in awe of our students’ desire to be inclusive and to accept others for who they are.
However, creating a supportive community is just one of the things that makes Lauriston an exceptional educator.
Setting expectations high, our programs are anchored by the School’s values of courage, relationships, intellectual curiosity, creativity and engagement in life. These values are the guiding principles around which we deliver a broad and deep academic curriculum, via a team of world-class educators who nurture confident, socially conscious, and grounded human beings.
Our single sex learning environment also means girls are free to explore without the influences and limitations of gender stereotype. Rest assured, at Lauriston, there are no preconceived limits to a girl’s potential.
Indeed, we encourage our girls to embrace every single opportunity life offers, and to become a passionate, ethical and truly global citizens.
Anne Wallington Deputy Principal Senior School, Lauriston Girls’ School
The Lauriston difference
Learning at Lauriston continues beyond the classroom. It’s about developing knowledge and skills to prepare our girls for life.
A curriculum to drive lifelong learning
At Lauriston, we offer a broad-based curriculum that views local, national and global issues through multiple lenses, requiring our students to challenge their thinking on a daily basis. It allows for choice and balances critical and creative thinking with up to 28 subjects available to students by Year 12, with new subjects continuously introduced to reflect a dynamic world. Our education is designed to secure the foundations in literacy and numeracy, digital, data literacy and meta-cognitive skills, along with social and emotional and physical skills which sustain wellbeing. We track student performance across each year in the Senior School, which delivers the insights required to maximise each girl’s academic potential.
A team of exceptional educators
Each day at Lauriston, our girls are delivered into the care of a team of passionate, capable, diverse thinkers whose aim is to create safe, inclusive learning environments where students are supported to be their best. Our educators ensure all students are provided with a variety of tools that acknowledge their individual backgrounds and learning styles and are committed to creating highly visual resources, podcasts and screencasts of various topics, to keep students actively engaged in their lessons. Many of our teachers have authored textbooks, are assessors, sit on national professional learning committees and have been recognised through industry awards for their work in education.
A choice of learning journeys
Students at Lauriston can choose one of two Senior Secondary Certificates in Year 11 and 12; the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
The VCE exposes students to a broad range of subjects and allows for focus on a specific area of study, to foster a deep knowledge base in an area of interest, passion or talent. The IB Diploma also develops a broad base of knowledge and fosters in students a world view. The equal commitment at Lauriston to both certifications, each of which provide entrance to tertiary institutions locally and overseas, enables students the choice of a program of work that suits their outlook, interests, and academic goals.
A fine appreciation of the Arts
The Arts are woven into the fabric of Lauriston, reflected in its focus on Visual Arts and Design, Music and Drama. We value the capacity of the Arts to explore and deepen an individual’s understanding of life and their role in it, to build their confidence and independence and to strengthen their intellectual understanding of other areas of learning. Whether it’s a School musical or play, ensemble or choir, a project in media, or the VCE IB Art Exhibition, the vibrancy of our Arts Program contributes significantly to the academic development and the richness of our community.
A holistic approach to wellbeing
Our wellbeing program, which is integrated into every facet of the School, has been designed to develop and support the whole person. We begin with the premise that every student is a remarkable human being, already endowed with a number of strengths that will help her navigate the ups and downs of life. The program embodies a toolkit of strategies that enable our students to feel connected, authentic, and engaged, to nurture their passions and build resilience.
Tutors are core to this process and provide the time and space for students to have regular, purposeful and one-on-one conversations with a significant adult about their wellbeing, learning, goals and aspirations.
A rich Co-curricular Program
Engaging with Lauriston’s extensive Co-curricular Program enables our girls to develop their creativity, curiosity and persistence, and develop relationships and courage through a broad range of opportunities including Sport, Music, Drama and Clubs.
The Program includes Debating and Public Speaking, Amnesty International, Environment Club, Making and Coding Club, Pride Club, Model UN Club and Sustainability and Greenies. These programs allow the girls to consider and begin to form opinions about a broad range of social and environment issues and helps them build confidence and connection with each other and the world around them.
Our difference
A passion for physical fitness
Sport has been a key part of Lauriston life since the School’s foundation and aims to deliver girls equal opportunities to be the best they can be. Today, engagement in sports and fitness activities not only plays an important role in the overall health and wellbeing of our students; we believe it supports academic achievement as well.
Engagement in sport and physical activity is vital for the development of transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication. With that in mind, Sport is a core part of the curriculum in the Senior School until year 10, and House sports are played at all year levels. Lauriston also offers an extensive co-curricular Sport Program, which opens opportunities to pursue excellence at a State level, via the Girls Sport Victoria (GSV) competition.
A commitment to the community
Our Community Service activities recognise our common humanity and involve actively supporting individuals in our community or learning through participation in Lauriston’s Clubs, such as Amnesty International. Further, Lauriston girls are encouraged to establish their own initiatives and take a hands-on approach to making a difference in the lives of others. Community Service is also embedded in the IB Diploma, VCE and Duke of Edinburgh programs, and our students volunteer at numerous organisations for up to three hours a week.
A belief in belonging, inclusivity and fun
Engagement in life is one of our core values and we have a range of activities that enhance the relationships between students and teachers to create a shared sense of belonging. Central to this is the House system, where each student is allocated to one of four houses when they join Lauriston where they develop lifelong friendships through House competitions in Sport, Music and Drama. Other activities that students inspire, initiate and are involved in range from the annual dance competition, picnics, and camps. Tours and excursions are also offered at every year level and provide a perfect way for students to connect.
A chance to lead
At Lauriston, leadership is considered a skill to be developed from every perspective, be it through involvement in leadership committees, House and School captaincies, Club and Co-curricular leaderships or speaking opportunities in assemblies and of course, in the classrooms. Experience tells us that exposure to responsibility from an early age lets students to develop their teamwork, confidence, and organisation skills. Leadership is also constantly modelled by members of staff who provide positive examples of a committed approach to leading and stewardship.
A world view
At the end of a Lauriston education, we’re proud to graduate engaged, global citizens. It’s the outcome of a well-rounded education which encompasses a commitment to sustainability, evidenced in the 5-Star Sustainability of our Howqua Campus, through responsible management of resources and via the Greenies and Sustainability Clubs. Students choosing IB embrace the interconnectedness of cultures through their studies, and we also encourage cultural immersion through our Trips and Tours Program, where our girls have the opportunity to travel purposefully within their own country, such as to central Australia and overseas including Vietnam, France and China.
A focus on the future workplace
We aim to motivate our girls to be courageous and resilient lifelong learners; women with the ability to not simply look forward, but to put themselves forward as agents of change in the workplace and wider world. With the digital revolution gaining pace daily, Lauriston’s educators have an unwavering commitment to developing the girls’ competencies in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Digital and Design subjects.
Through our Careers Education Program, we ensure teachers, parents and tutors can work together to assist students plan and make informed choices for their future.
Lauriston supports girls to engage fully in life
Results are not just the marks you receive at the end of year 12.
The result of a Lauriston education is a wellrounded, confident and capable girl who has the depth of character only a willingness to try new things can create.
Lauriston helps build this strength from the inside out. We encourage students to cultivate their curiosity, explore new ways of doing things and develop the courage to just “give it a go”, even in the toughest of times. It’s why Lauriston girls continually surprise with their tenacity and willingness to ‘search outside the box’ for lateral solutions.
With constant nurturing from teachers, the camaraderie that builds between peers during the senior years on camps, at Howqua, on trips and tours, and from being part of a VCE or IB cohort creates a sense at Lauriston that you are ‘in this together’. Those relationships and group support forge a unique sense of belonging and are solid foundations for adult life.
Year 7-8
The transition to secondary school is a key moment in a girl’s life. That’s why the educators at Lauriston work with each student to support her through her experience of new subjects, new teachers and new friends.
As their horizons broaden, students are challenged daily in a supportive and inclusive environment and are encouraged to engage with the wider world. Situated over two floors, the Year 7 & 8 Centre has both open plan and dedicated learning spaces and is designed to encourage linked learning across the two years. It gives students in Year 7 and 8 a real sense of belonging and community, while meeting the specific learning, physical and social needs of girls in this age group.
The change begins early at Lauriston, with a comprehensive Year 6 to Year 7 transition program preparing girls for their entry to Senior School. It officially begins in Term 3 of Year 6 and comprises workshops, mentoring days and participation in activities with current Year 7 girls.
Students who’ll be new to the school in Year 7 are invited to attend these sessions. Parents are also invited to attend a version of orientation, ensuring that all new families feel welcome and supported at Lauriston.
Building on the Program, Year 7 and 8 camps are held in the first few weeks of the year to help the girls establish friendships in a fun environment.
“Howqua pushed me to become a risk taker and throw myself into everything even if it is daunting. This challenging year matured me and allowed for my confidence in myself to grow. After completing the year, I am a changed person and I feel capable of achieving whatever I put my mind to.”
Bella Calder, Lauriston Class of 2021
Year 9 Howqua
Year 9 is a crucial period of change in a girl’s life; one in which she needs to be supported and actively challenged to become the agent of her own destiny.
That’s why the year-long Howqua Program continues to be a pivotal and life-changing part of the Lauriston journey. Situated in the inspiring Victorian High Country near Mansfield, Howqua is where students recognise interconnections, learn to effectively handle living away from home, begin to feel at ease with ambiguity and build the strength to persist in difficult times.
Strengths and vulnerabilities of both students and staff are shared through living and working on the campus and it’s through this the girls discover how to persist when challenges arise, how to learn from their mistakes, solve problems and make real-life decisions.
However, Howqua is not simply about intellectual and emotional development.
The year is underpinned by a full Academic Program including a number of electives. The Howqua Outdoor and Fitness Programs are where girls attain a high level of fitness and take on physical challenges.
Inevitably, the year at Howqua brings forth a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, fosters a greater sense of independence and reinforces the values of teamwork and communication.
Year 10
With most students freshly returned from Howqua, a typical Lauriston Year 10 has the maturity, confidence and high level of fitness that has her eager to embrace the exciting opportunities in Senior School.
In keeping with students keen to accept a challenge, the Lauriston Year 10 Academic Program has the breadth and depth to satisfy their desire to explore new subjects and prepare them for success in Years 11 and 12.
To expand beyond their core subjects, girls work with a Curriculum Coordinator to choose from as many as 28 electives. These include Drama, Music, Literature, Geography, History, Languages, Maths, Science, Psychology, Aviation and Space Science, Systems Engineering, Sport Science, Economics, Business Studies, International Relations, Law, Philosophy, Entrepreneurship, Art Making and Media.
Year 11-12
Lauriston’s educational philosophy for Year 10-12 is grounded in building confidence and strengthening connections between students and teachers. It’s what drives the keen sense of community felt throughout the School during these formative years.
Girls are given the choice of studying for the VCE or IBDP; options designed to support their individual strengths and learning preferences. In our experience, it gives a girl the best chance of maximising both personal and academic outcomes, and as a result, her University and career choices.
Beyond academic excellence, we take the time to equip our students with the knowledge, values and experiences they will need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Student Futures
In a world where multiple career changes are the norm, students need the skills to manage lifelong learning, make good study and career choices, navigate career changes, and make the best use of their skills and abilities.
That’s why Lauriston’s Student Futures and Pathways Program enables students to explore the range of career options available and access timely careers counselling and subject selection guidance.
The journey begins in earnest in Year 7, when our Year Level Coordinators and Academic Advisors help students develop their first Career Action Plan. Then in Year 10, Lauriston’s dedicated Careers Co-ordinator introduces girls to the Careers’ Readiness Program, where they learn job seeking skills, have access to lectures by guest speakers from major Universities and attend the annual Student Futures and Pathways Expo. It features keynotes and panel sessions made up of alumnae, who discuss their experiences of transitioning out of school and into careers in a wide range of fields. Careers support continues throughout Year 11 and 12.
A choice of pathways
To provide our girls with the best chance of finding their ideal study path, Lauriston is committed to offering the IB Diploma as an alternative program to the VCE.
Our team of IB educators have both national and international experience and some are highly experienced examiners in their field. Better known but no less rigorous, the Lauriston VCE Program is run by exceptional educators and provides students a pathway to specialise in the disciplines that they are interested in. Regardless of the program a student chooses, both the IB and VCE scores result in an ATAR for University entry in Australia and internationally.
Victorian Certificate of Education
The VCE is the certificate that the majority of students in Victoria receive on satisfactory completion of their secondary education. The VCE provides diverse pathways to further study or training at University or TAFE and to employment. It is a two-year program offering semester-length units across Year 11 and 12. At Lauriston the choice of VCE subjects is wide ranging with 22 to choose from in Year 11 and 28 in Year 12; with new subjects introduced regularly to ensure the relevancy of our program. The VCE enables students to experience a diverse range of subjects, providing the opportunity for them to discover and pursue areas which inspire and interest them, or to specialise deeply in specific areas. Combined with Lauriston micro-credentialling, students are well placed to demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge and skills.
International Baccalaureate
The IB prepares students for University by instilling, through its core subject of Theory of Knowledge and the research investigation conducted in the Extended Essay, the skills needed for critical thinking and academic research and writing. It teaches students to work together as a cohort, to be organised and to explore and analyse topics more deeply. At the heart of the IB Diploma program is the Creativity, Activity and Service module which is designed to strengthen a student’s personal and interpersonal learning. The IB ultimately aspires to help develop well-rounded students who respond to challenges with optimism and an open mind, are confident in their own identities, make ethical decisions, and are prepared to apply what they learn in complex, real-world, situations. Through its focus on interconnectedness, culture and language, the IB also fosters in students a deep sense of international mindedness.
Confidence in STEM
Digital technologies already dominate the workplace, and STEM-related fields are where the real career growth will happen over the coming decades. The myth that boys do better in STEM disciplines is one our girls dispel every day.
Creating future proof graduates is a challenge for education systems across the board, but it’s one we at Lauriston embrace. As our girls enter Senior School, their already high levels of self-confidence in Mathematics, Science and Technology rapidly progress to the next level.
In Year 7 and 8, students undertake core subjects such as Technology - Fall Fast, Fall Forward, or Make the Machines. Our Year 10 students take electives in Audio Engineering, Aviation and Space Science or Systems Engineering, and Year 11s and 12s also have a broad range of STEM related subjects from which to choose.
At Lauriston, STEM learning is an immersive experience, best evidenced in our partnership with the Stanford University Graduate School of Education in 2013. It allowed us to create the FabLearn Lab, a collaborative setting for open-source technology, digital fabrication and programming that’s equipped with 3D printers, a laser cutter and technical power tools.
The FabLearn Lab is a vital crossdisciplinary learning space where girls design, create, problem-solve and engage effectively with STEM to build their confidence and capability. With future STEM careers in mind, we also offer trips to the NASA Space Camp in Year 10 and 11 and encourage the girls to meet role models amongst the Lauriston alumnae, who are pursuing successful careers in areas traditionally dominated by males.
Sport for life
Sport develops a lifelong love of fitness, self-esteem and connection with the School.
From its foundation well over a century ago, Lauriston has promoted sport as crucial to the development of a girl’s confidence, resilience and ability to work in and lead teams, all of which are transferrable skills that are highly valued by employers.
In addition to our Physical Education curriculum, Lauriston offers a co-curricular Sport Program in the Senior School which sees girls regularly engage in a range of physical activities. While the program is compulsory, all activities are designed to be safe, respectful, inclusive and structured for all ability levels. We use app technology to track results, ensuring students are not just getting the most out of their sport, but are accountable for their commitment to it.
Community interest in women’s sport has never been higher, and this is reflected in our everevolving program, which includes Cricket, AFL, Rowing, Snow Sports and Netball. Each sport is coached by experts who understand the value of participation, but also have the knowledge and experience to identify and support elite athletes in pursuit of their goals.
In line with this, Lauriston is active in GSV competitions, which enables our girls to compete at the highest level, along with supporting several auxiliary sports associations run by parents.
This outside competition also forges strong bonds between Lauriston and the wider community, including affiliations with several grassroots local clubs and a relationship with the Melbourne Football Club.
A love of the Arts
Visual Art
We consider art an inherently intellectual subject that deepens a student’s understanding of both themselves and the world around them. Thus the Art Program at Lauriston develops both practical and theoretical rigour in an environment that values skills, conceptual thinking, independence and above all, the student’s own voice.
Each of our educators is a practicing artist, committed to the development of their own skills and knowledge and holding a variety of external positions such as examiners, reviewers, assessors and Visual Communication Victoria Council membership.
Welcoming and engaging, they create a space free from the fear of failure, which gives students the confidence and permission to tap into their own vulnerability.
The art journey in Senior School begins by instilling the fundamentals of art, with the aim of encouraging independent learning and lifelong engagement. By Year 10, students are encouraged to find their own path from three schools of art; The Visual Arts, which are focused on developing the internal landscape, Visual Communication Design, which has a strong career focus, and Media, where students develop hands-on skills making media products.
In Year 11 and 12, students choose from a range of units, where the recording of process becomes key to the understanding of art and design, the individual creative journey and the ability to problem solve. During these final years, the teachers allow the students greater autonomy in the way they create to build trust, the confidence and skills to explore and ultimately, to develop a true sense of artistic purpose.
Music
Music’s capacity to stimulate the brain and improve cognitive and executive functioning has been long proven. Perhaps less known is the art form’s capacity to develop life skills including empathy, resilience, communication, problem-solving and teamwork. Music also enables the development of a range of skill sets, from composing and arranging to performing, listening, analysing and effective communication.
At Lauriston we’re passionate about making sure every student has the chance to connect with music in a rich and meaningful way, so it’s no surprise music flows through the entire School community. Every music student is viewed as a developing artist and we encourage girls to explore their inner musician and discover how incorporating music into their everyday life has the capacity to shape and grow them as a person.
Our philosophy is to meet each student at their point of need. We do this via a range of music experiences such as ensembles which encompass both western and non-western instruments, massed singing, instrumental lessons, our class music program and music camp. Indeed, the wealth of experiences available to Lauriston musicians - from performing on stage at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall to composing a digital soundtrack - all play a role in transforming their imaginations and confidence.
Drama
At Lauriston, Drama is a fun and life-affirming learning experience that fosters wellbeing and opens avenues for enriched intellectual learning.
Through the musicals and plays staged each year, there is myriad opportunity for Lauriston students to experience the broad range of roles within the dramatic arts beyond acting and singing, including costume and set design, make up design, sound and lighting, scriptwriting and management, choreography, marketing and publicity.
Putting on any production is a complex undertaking, so students quickly learn the value of collaboration and co-creation – both within the Drama Department and with students and teachers from other disciplines, such as Music and Design.
Drama plays a critical role in Lauriston’s mission of building skills for life, enabling students to further deepen qualities highly valued in the workplace, including conflict resolution, respect for their peers, confident communication, listening, organisation, teamwork and problem solving.
Wellbeing is the engine of learning
As educators, we know from research as well as experience that students who are fit both physically and emotionally will go onto be successful adults.
That’s why Lauriston’s integrated wellbeing programs aim to improve students’ mental toughness, resilience and clarity of mind, as well as engage them in physical activity. It’s a combination that helps girls thrive in all facets of their lives.
We work collaboratively with our psychologists to continuously improve on the toolkits that teach students coping mechanisms to overcome mental health barriers. These are rolled out in our overall wellbeing program known as SHINE, which stands for Strength, Health, Inspiring, Nurturing and Engagement. SHINE is facilitated by our Tutor network and supports students in their academic pursuits, and their personal, social and emotional learning. Girls meet each semester with their Tutor to set achievable and meaningful SMART goals, then reflect on those goals throughout the year.
To support SHINE, the new Ullmer Centre on campus will make available world class facilities such as competition-sized netball courts, a weights, yoga and movement room and a learn to swim pool. It ensures all girls will have facilities that enable them to grow and flourish.
By harnessing and developing students’ empathy and grit, the SHINE program aims to create future changemakers who are emotionally aware individuals, capable of lifting the spirits of their peers and being advocates for inclusivity.
Creating purpose through service
The GIVE program changes the dinner table conversation, so everyone can make a difference.
To whom much is given, much is expected. It’s a truth that drives Lauriston’s Community Service Program, known as G.I.V.E (Girls in Values Education); a way of sparking positive, practical change by building bridges between Lauriston and people of different backgrounds, cultures, ages, wealth, and religions.
We see these connections as a vital part of social change, narrowing the gap between people experiencing problems and those who can support them. Through the G.I.V.E. Program, we invite speakers into the School to develop greater awareness of world and community issues, encourage the girls to become directly involved with community organisations, or by instigating collections of goods.
The Senior School has a host of programs and events the girls can take part in such as the Youth in Philanthropy Program, where students select an area of impact, choose three charities working within it and then allocate them a sum of $10,000. They visit each organisation, discuss the issues with those working on the ground, then decide together how the money should be spent to achieve the best outcomes.
Students can also volunteer as ‘Friday Night Tutors’ during each term, assisting migrant and refugee students from non-English speaking backgrounds. Other programs include the Breast Cancer Network Australia Pink Day, G.I.V.E. Back Days, volunteering with Kids in Philanthropy, and participating in Run Melbourne to support Concern Australia and Run for the Kids, which aids the Royal Children’s hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Co-curricular Program
The Lauriston Senior School enrichment and Co-curricular program provides opportunities for the girls to be involved in activities before and after school and during lunchtimes, to extend their abilities and interests and to develop relationships.
Arts
Art extension
Fusion Ensemble
Lauriana Choir
Life drawing classes
Lilian Bayly Strings
Lunchtime Drama
Music and Ensembles
Musicianship Theory Club
Piano Club and Concert Band
Senior Jazz Band
Senior Percussion
Senior Strings
Symphonic Band
Trebelles
Camps and Outdoor
Duke of Edinburgh
Outdoor and Fitness Program
Community & Environment
Amnesty
Greenies and Sustainability
Leadership
Debating
Student Representative Committee
Sport
Athletics Track and Field
Cross Country
Diving
Indoor Cricket
Softball
Squad Swimming
Strength and conditioning
Table Tennis
A Lauriston woman
“When you meet Lauriston girls, you will recognise them. They will be the ones asking the questions. You will recognise their self-assurance and their courage to challenge the status quo. They will be the ones grounded in the community but with a world view. They are the ones who are determined and resilient, yet gracious and easygoing. Lauriston girls have a zest for life and what it really means to live. Lauriston is for life.”
Sophie Tissot, Lauriston Class of 2009 Urology Surgical Trainee and Robotics Fellow at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne.
Connect with us
Find us on Facebook @LauristonArmadale
Follow us on Instagram @lauriston.gs
Lauriston Girls’ School
38 Huntingtower Road Armadale VIC 3143 Australia
CRICOS No. 00152F
Primary Years Course Code: 015713K
Secondary Years Course Code: 005356J
ABN 15 004 264 402 +61 3 9864 7555 admissions@lauriston.vic.edu.au lauriston.vic.edu.au
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Land, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, the Boonwurrung and the Taungurung peoples of the Kulin Nations, whose sovereignty was never ceded, and pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and future, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of First Nations Peoples. We also recognise their continuing connection to Country and culture.
We acknowledge that our community is diverse; and Lauriston values an inclusive and accepting environment for all ages, genders, abilities, races, religions, sexualities and cultures.