Respectfully teaching and learning on Kaurna land
Courage Creativity Compassion
St Peter’s Girls’ School provides outstanding educational opportunities for students from Early Learning to Year 12 in an engaging, collaborative and dynamic environment. Since 1894, the School has built upon the legacy of our founding Sisters, who were brave pioneers of girls’ education. Their daring vision and faithful determination continues to resonate with students today. Guided by their example, our holistic education encourages students to challenge, serve and lead with integrity and imagination.
Our vision at St Peter’s Girls’ School is inspiring women of character and influence.
Cherylyn Skewes Principal
Welcome to Saints Girls
St Peter’s Girls’ School is an ELC to Year 12 Anglican and International Baccalaureate World School located in Stonyfell.
Selecting a school for your daughter is among the most important decisions you will ever make, one that can set the foundations for future success and fulfilment.
At St Peter’s Girls, a multitude of elements make us your school of choice. Our story began over 130 years ago, inspired by a vision for quality girls’ education and core values of Courage, Creativity and Compassion
These values are shown differently in each of our students at Saints Girls based on their unique personalities and experiences.
For generations, students have entered our School as girls and graduated as women who dare to shape our world.
We prepare our girls for life beyond school through our future-focused teaching and learning platform which expertly blends academics and wellbeing as a formula for ongoing success and fulfilment.
With our long history of excellence in education and our readiness for a rapidly-changing tomorrow, there has never been a better time to be at Saints Girls.
Cherylyn Skewes Principal
Cherylyn Skewes commenced as Principal of St Peter’s Girls in 2023, bringing a wealth of educational and leadership experience from Early Learning to Senior School.
She holds a Master of Education (Curriculum and Administration Studies) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
With core teaching expertise in Years 7 to 12 English and German, Cherylyn’s career journey boasts breadth and depth. She held various leadership roles at St Peter’s College in Adelaide, was founding Principal of the reimagined Annesley Junior School and spent five years as Principal of Leibler Yavneh College in Melbourne.
In 2022, Cherylyn was invited to join Independent Schools Victoria as a Principal Consultant, developing strategies for school improvement with educational experts and Principals.
Our History
St Peter’s Girls’ School was established in North Adelaide in 1894 by the Community of the Sisters of the Church, pioneering English women who sailed to a settlement they knew little about on the other side of the world.
The Sisters arrived with very few possessions, but what they brought to our shores was priceless: a vision for quality girls’ education . The School moved to our beautiful leafy location of Stonyfell in 1957.
The School was managed by the Community of the Sisters of the Church until 1986 when a change
in vocation within the Community resulted in the Sisters creating a different governance model and gifting the School to a Board of Governors.
Students at St Peter’s Girls’ School are inspired to follow in the footsteps of our founding Sisters as women of Courage, Creativity and Compassion
The Power of All-Girls’ Education
Our students and graduates exhibit the merits of single-sex schooling as a significant advantage when it comes to academics and wellbeing.
St Peter’s Girls’ School has a proud history of empowering generations of girls to become the leaders of tomorrow.
We encourage our girls to be who they want to be, both in and outside the classroom.
Research from around the world continues to show the substantial merits of single-sex schooling over co-education. The ICGS (International Coalition of Girls’ Schools) outlines studies that affirm what we at Saints Girls know from our collective experience about the advantages of genderbased education.
• Female graduates are far more likely to consider majoring in Mathematics, Science and Technology.
• Girls are encouraged to be more competitive and less risk-averse.
• Girls are more inclined to strive for greatness with heightened career aspirations.
• Girls are more likely to speak up in environments where they feel their opinions are respected.
• Single-sex schools encourage improved self-esteem and wellbeing in adolescent girls.
Every opportunity, learning environment, leadership position, sports team, music solo, and lead role in a play is designed for and held by a girl. An all-girls setting such as Saints Girls provides a place for academic growth and excellence, a place where girls are free from gender stereotyping and are instead empowered and encouraged to become bold leaders who are confident to stand up for themselves and to voice their opinions.
A Community of Lifelong Learners
St Peter’s Girls is an Anglican ELC to Year 12 SACE and IB School.
St Peter’s Girls has continued to break new ground with the strength of our teaching and learning programs. Our School is led by outstanding, committed educators with state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support learning outcomes.
Among many other qualities, we offer the special opportunity for students to start their educational journey in our Early Learners’ Centre and progress all the way through our Junior, Middle and Senior Schools on the one campus.
This brings a solid sense of community as we work together to help each girl reach her full potential.
Whether it be through Academics, Sports, Music, Performing Arts, Public Speaking or a combination of disciplines, Saints Girls are well-rounded individuals who are inspired to shine in their chosen endeavours.
A Place Like No Other
One of the elements that truly sets Saints Girls apart is our stunning campus at Stonyfell where first-class facilities are encased in natural beauty.
Our girls can immerse themselves in a gripping novel or a puzzling Maths question under the relaxed gaze of a koala in a tree above them. The tranquil calls of native birds resonate around the grounds, adding to the charm of this unique learning environment.
It’s not just our pristine setting; our buildings and facilities are first class. In recent years, our Master Plan has been transformational, delivering a series of key projects: expanding our Early Learners’ Centre, increasing access to additional sporting facilities in neighbouring Bell Yett Reserve, installing high speed network services to boost online learning, building a new Middle School and opening a new Library.
In 2019, our new Science Centre was built, cementing Saints Girls as a national leader in STEM.
Featuring seven cutting-edge laboratories and impressive breakout areas, our Science Centre makes every day a new discovery at St Peter’s Girls. The building has also doubled the size of our Visual Arts space and delivered a new Junior School Art hub.
Our previous Science facility has been transformed offering a dedicated Media Hub featuring sophisticated filming, lighting and editing equipment to elevate digital learning on our campus.
Our Junior School has been reimagined with a new playground, new classrooms and breakout areas to further empower our girls.
In 2024, the construction of the North West Build commenced. This state-of-the-art facility will expand our current offerings and will feature:
• Two Multipurpose Indoor Courts
• Spectator Platform
• Modern Fitness Room
• Weights Room
• Movement Studio
• Drama Space
• Music Rooms
• General Learning Classrooms
• Changing Rooms
• Underground Car Parking
Tradition of Academic Success
Our Class of 2024 reinforced our tradition of academic success across the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, with our students achieving the following incredible highlights:
• Top ATAR – 99.75
• 41% of SACE students achieved an ATAR of 95+ (top 5% nationally)
• One third of our IB students achieved a Distinction (IB score 40+)
• 52 Merits were achieved
Throughout the year, the Class of 2024 embodied our School values of Courage, Creativity and Compassion, demonstrating unwavering dedication and resilience in all their endeavours.
Over half of our 2024 SACE Stage 2 students achieved an ATAR of 90+, placing them in the top 10% of the country. 78% of Stage 2 grades achieved were in the A band, more than double the State figure of 34%.
Our 2024 Joint School Duxes, Heidi Gong and Ishita Chellaboina, both achieved an ATAR of 99.75. Heidi, the 2024 IB Dux and the School Assessment-based DUX (recipient of the Bessie Hill Memorial Medal winner for IB), achieved Merits in English A SL, French B SL, Economics HL, Physics HL, Chemistry SL, Mathematics AA HL, and an A in her Physics Extended Essay. Ishita, our 2024 SACE Dux,
also earned Merits in Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematical Methods, along with two University High Distinctions.
Charlotte Norman, the School Assessment-based SACE Dux (Bessie Hill Memorial Medal winner for SACE), achieved an impressive ATAR of 99.05. Charlotte earned awards in English Literary Studies, Research Project, Music Ensemble, and an A+ in Drama.
St Peter’s Girls is proud to be the only all-girls school in South Australia offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, and our 2024 IB cohort continues to set a high standard of academic learning.
These achievements reflect the diligence and dedication of our students, supported by first-class educators and mentors.
Learners of Tomorrow
Staying at the forefront of technology is essential in today’s fast-paced learning climate and St Peter’s Girls’ School is a trailblazer in the field.
Saints Girls are thriving in stateof-the-art spaces designed for the learners of tomorrow including our leading-edge Science Centre, multiuse Maker Space, a dynamic area for digital learning and creative technologies, and industry-standard Media Hub. With pursuits ranging from coding and robotics to 3D printing and drone piloting, our girls have the tech world at their feet.
To support essential digital learning devices such as laptops and tablets, the School recently completed a major IT infrastructure refresh incorporating a significant upgrade to our wireless network and the provision of 24/7 uninterrupted system access.
On the curriculum front, innovative elective subjects in Year 10 such as Film Production (including Certificate III in Screen and Media) and Space Design Enterprise ‘Mission to Mars’ reflect our commitment to STEM and the rapidly-changing world around
us. In fact, our creative approach to STEM teaching in Year 10 has been recognised with our inclusion on The Educator’s list of Innovative Schools
Another STEM highlight is our annual Girls in Tech Expo, where students from local primary schools join our girls for a day of interactive workshops covering coding, Artificial Intelligence (AI), drone technology and more.
These initiatives have elevated the School’s standing as an educational leader in STEM, with more of our graduates selecting fields such as Engineering for their University studies to pursue the careers of tomorrow.
We have had much success cross our STEM offerings. In recent years, various teams of girls have claimed top prizes in prestigious competitions such as the Microsoft AI for Good Challenge, Shark Tank eSchool and REA’s Space in Schools Program.
Signature Programs
To give our students the best start in life, we run a host of wellbeing programs and initiatives exclusive to St Peter’s Girls’ School.
#EMPOWHER WELLBEING PROGRAM
The School delivers a groundbreaking, age appropriate wellbeing program tailor-made for our students.
The creation of this bespoke program is a key pillar of the School’s Strategic Plan which is cementing our reputation as a national leader in all-girls’ education and wellbeing.
#EMPOW HER was developed specifically for our girls following comprehensive surveys of students and our families.
The #EMPOW HER curriculum for Years 7 to 12 flows into Home Group sessions twice a week where our girls are provided with a range of tools to tackle various challenges facing young women including stress, mental health, self-esteem, sleep and social media.
As part of the #EMPOW HER program, students hear from inspirational speakers such as 2023 Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt, Adelaide Crows AFLW Player Anne Hatchard and National and International Drug and Alcohol Educator Paul Dillon.
The Junior School curriculum was launched following the Middle and Senior School rollout, and program content continues to evolve to meet the needs of our girls. The URStrong program has been implemented in our Junior School to support the students, teachers and families. Students are taught the skills and language to assist in establishing and maintaining healthy relationships while also increasing their resilience.
Topics and tools are also shared with our parent community, as successful wellbeing programs empower schools and parents to work in partnership.
CAREER.READY PROGRAM
At Saints Girls, we believe in the power of quality career education.
As a continually evolving space within schools, best practice asserts that the majority of career education content should be covered before students enter Year 12.
Designed for Years 7 to 12, our bespoke and future-focused Career.Ready program aims to equip our girls for the everchanging digital age and connect them with industry to prepare them for future success.
Teaching content is drawn from the Australian Blueprint for Career Development as well as intensive programs taught in other states, with emphasis placed on enabling students to make sound career choices by better understanding their passions and preferences.
Girls in each year group complete career action plans, exploring with their teachers and parents the resulting data and insights in order to revisit and adjust their plans each year.
The program incorporates our popular JobChat initiative which allows our students to delve into their fields of interest by connecting them with industry professionals including many of our talented Old Scholars.
In parallel, St Peter’s Girls hosts a Scientist in Residence throughout the year to help further ignite and nurture the STEM spark in our girls and show them where science can take them post-school life. The School facilitates regular seminars and workshops across a wide cross-section of careers.
LEADERSHIP MATTERS PROGRAM
To complement and work in triplicate with our #EMPOW HER wellbeing and Career.Ready programs, Saints Girls proudly runs a bespoke leadership program: Leadership Matters
The program is named after Muriel Matters who was studying at University in Adelaide when our School was founded in 1894, the same year women in South Australia gained the right to vote. Muriel went on to campaign courageously for female suffrage in the UK, and as such, her legacy inspires our values and skills we wish to instil in our girls today.
Our Leadership Matters program is based on research from academic papers on student leadership from around the world, as well as an audit of best practice from national and international schools.
The program is arranged into four domains:
Self-Leadership: understanding emotions, self-regulation, personal values, motivation, strengths, weaknesses and personal wellbeing.
Fostering Positive Relationships: how empathy, trust, inclusiveness, conflict resolution, collaboration, and the ability to motivate and empower others combine to help build great teams.
Goal Achievement: harnessing communication, problem-solving, agile thinking, time management and project management skills to bring ideas and projects to fruition.
Taking the Lead – Taking Action: carefully curated practical opportunities to experience and reflect upon leadership moments.
Core content has been tailored for our students across Years 7 to 11, and we aim to encourage our girls that everyone can experience and share moments of leadership.
EDGE PROGRAM
Our EDGE (Extended, Differentiated and Gifted Education) Program is designed to stimulate and challenge all students. Our EDGE Coordinator works with teachers to complement and enrich the curriculum in our classrooms, whilst also leading additional activities to ensure gifted and talented students can extend themselves by participating in other rigorous and stimulating learning opportunities. The program focuses on developing the skills of creativity, critical thinking and collaboration through the disciplines of Philosophy, STEM, Critical Literacy and Design Thinking.
Students are able to work with a range of specialists including our Scientist in Residence, School Psychologist, Old Scholar professionals and external industry experts to gain realworld perspectives and insights. They also have the opportunity to showcase their creative talents by publishing and contributing works to our annual Arts Journal, Out of the Blue
Many of our girls put their learning to the test through competitions and other external activities. Year after year, their passion and dedication yield local, national and international accolades with highlights across the da Vinci Decathlon, Philosophy, Ethics, Linguistics, STEM and more.
SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM
What is Service Learning?
Service Learning is the active participation in meaningful service of others, for all students from ELC to Year 12 to grow in genuine, meaningful and practical service towards others through School supported opportunities.
We recognise the importance of service learning and giving back to our community, and we do so with a significant part of our program undertaken through our School House Charities. Each of our Houses has a charity they partner with which enables them to engage with the wider community.
Our Year 10 Home Groups have the responsibility of running the House charity activities across the year with each student engaging with their House charity in a range of different ways from volunteering to fundraising.
This hands-on experience allows our students to demonstrate compassion to those around them in practical ways whilst giving back to the community and allowing them to practice their leadership, organisation, and collaboration skills.
A range of international immersion experiences are also offered to our students as part of our unique Service Learning program.
Benefits of Service Learning
• Allows the Christian ethos of the School to be expressed in a practical and meaningful way.
• Builds an attitude of citizenship and empathy for others.
• Enables students to work in collaboration with others towards a common purpose.
• Nurtures students to become empowered and engaged women within their communities.
• Enriches the academic curriculum by providing an opportunity for students to apply what they have learnt in the classroom into meaningful action.
• Provides a mutually-beneficial relationship between the students and those they serve.
• Encourages students to partner with their local community whilst understanding its role and position within a global context.
OUTDOOR AND EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION
At St Peter’s Girls, we encourage our students to challenge their thinking by creating meaningful learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Throughout the year levels, our Outdoor and Experiential Education Program encompasses our values of Courage, Creativity and Compassion
Girls develop their creativity by engaging in problem-solving activities that require collaboration and skill. They display courage by moving outside their comfort zones, enhancing their resilience and selfawareness. They show compassion by demonstrating respect for others, and an appreciation of nature and environmental responsibilities.
Students from Years 1 to 12 are involved in our structured curriculum, taking part in rich experiences which have clear outcomes. Each year level program is thoughtfully and progressively challenging and by the end of Year 10, our girls become self-reliant in camp preparation and flexible in their response to discomfort and challenge.
This program supports our girls in developing positive relationships with themselves, with others including peers and School staff,
and the natural world. The program also connects closely with our #EMPOW HER wellbeing program. The topics and tools delivered in #EMPOW HER sessions are easily transferred to the camp setting.
Growth in Learning
Our program incorporates several learning outcomes in other subjects including Health and Physical Education, Geography, History, Science, Mathematics, English and Art.
Due to the immersion in the natural environment, these experiences can teach cross-disciplinary components of the curriculum such as an Aboriginal outlook on the country, along with conservation and sustainability.
Our links with the Australian Curriculum also flow to specific content descriptions related to self-reliance, interdependence and leadership, managing personal risks, life-long physical activity, and health and wellbeing.
From Year 9, our students can take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a youth development program that empowers participants to explore their full potential through activity and service.
OUR PATHWAY TO SCHOOL
At St Peter’s Girls, we provide our bespoke Pathway to School program, a highly focused ELC-to-school experience for all ELC children during the 12 months prior to starting school as Reception students.
Based in flexible and dynamic learning spaces within our ELC, our Pathway to School program is led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers across the ELC and Junior School.
To complement the globallyrecognised learning experiences that take place across our Centre, children are engaged in an extended range of focused learning opportunities aimed at setting them up for a successful and positive start to school.
Fundamental capabilities that are accelerated through our Pathway to School program include social, emotional and self-management skills further developing independence, organisation and resilience. Literacy, numeracy and STEM explorations are amplified daily during rich inquiries and interwoven play activities, guided by problem-solving and creativity. Crucially, our Pathway to School program places children’s wellbeing at the centre as we focus on their individual growth.
Benefits for children progressing from our ELC to Reception at St Peter’s Girls’ School:
• A strong sense of belonging in our School community from a young age as girls become familiar with School staff and the wider School environment.
• Close communication and handover of information shared between our ELC and Reception teachers.
• The power of all-girls’ education delivered by a world-class provider of single-sex schooling.
• A consistent approach to the teaching of literacy and numeracy across ELC to Year 6.
• Buddy programs with girls in other year levels that create connections across our ELC to Year 12 School.
• A high sense of aspiration as younger girls see and engage with older girls daily.
• Involvement in our bespoke ELC to Reception Hat and Bag Ceremony – an exciting rite of passage celebrating our girls’ Pathway to School.
Our School Values
Our School values of Courage, Creativity and Compassion guide and inspire girls to develop into women of character and influence.
Outstanding achievement, academically or otherwise, has been a hallmark of our graduates.
Countless numbers of Saints Girls go on to realise their aspirations across a host of disciplines, shaping the world of today for the generations of tomorrow.
Old Scholar and International Youth Ambassador
COURAGE
Thenu Herath (Patteson 2015)
Schembri Director of Early Learners’ Centre
Liz
Early Learners’ Centre
The School sets the foundations for learning in our Early Learners’ Centre (ELC), a cherished place where girls and boys aged two to five can discover, create and connect.
Our children are guided by a talented team of qualified Early Childhood professionals who expertly lead them on their learning journey. Our Centre features thought-provoking outdoor play spaces and inspiring rooms that harness transparency and connection.
The Centre’s educational practice is underpinned by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), influenced by the Reggio Emilia Approach which promotes the development of identity, enhanced learning possibilities and empathy.
The ELC’s outstanding work in this space has been recognised by educators in South Australia and across the country for the excellence it demonstrates in Early Childhood Education. Our educators are active contributors to local and global education networks including the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange (REAIE).
We have a strong history and connection with the Reggio Emilia Approach, with educators visiting Reggio Emilia in Italy for professional development and expansion of our international network.
Our commitment to sharing Indigenous history and culture has also been celebrated with a national honour for outstanding commitment to reconciliation in education. Indeed, our trailblazing work in reconciliation and environmental sustainability has been harnessed and symbolised in our Hallett Road playspace and garden.
Our ELC is comprised of two captivating Learning Communities: In Learning Community 1, we have Stonyfell and Bell Yett rooms, with children aged 2 to 3.5 years. Children then progress to Learning Community 2, with Erindale, Pathway Hallett and Pathway Ferguson rooms for children aged 3.5 to 5 years, which encompasses our Pathway to School program for children 12 months prior to starting Reception.
Qualified Early Childhood teachers oversee the educational program between 8.30am and 3.30pm during term time, and our seamless extended hours and Vacation Care offerings are supported by the same Diploma-qualified (or higher) educators who work within the school-hours program.
A unique feature of the ELC is its location, right next to the spectacular Ferguson Conservation Park which has become a key habitat for the children’s learning.
Another exclusive aspect is the ability for girls who start in the ELC to continue their educational journey into Reception and beyond, all on one campus in a continuously nurturing and supportive environment.
Community is the bedrock of life at our ELC. We consider ourselves an extended family, and we welcome new members to our community with open arms.
PLAYGROUP AND VACATION CARE
An additional offering within our Centre is our weekly Playgroup sessions for children aged 6 months to 2 years accompanied by their parents or carers, and we run a flexible and stimulating Vacation Care program each school holiday period for ELC students aged 2 to 5.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Our ELC is open from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and operates for 50 weeks of the year. We are closed on public holidays.
Attendance is 2 to 5 days a week, with our 4 and 5 year olds required to attend a minimum of 3 days per week.
CHILD CARE SUBSIDY
St Peter’s Girls’ ELC is an Approved Child Care Centre and therefore registered for the Child Care Subsidy. Eligible families can claim a subsidy for all long day care programs.
To receive the Child Care Subsidy, families must meet immunisation requirements. Further information regarding eligibility is available from Services Australia.
Marika Taylor Head of Junior School
Junior School
The Junior School is a vibrant and contemporary learning environment for young and inquiring minds from Reception through to Year 6.
Reception to Year 6 are the fundamental years of schooling, in which our students develop firm foundations in literacy and numeracy, as well as personal, social and emotional skills that enable them to be successful, resourceful and resilient young learners.
Incorporating the Australian Curriculum, the Junior School teaching and learning program and methodologies are based on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), covering Humanities and Social Sciences, English, Mathematics, Performing Arts, Science, Digital and Design Technologies and Health and Physical Education. Through inquiry, action and reflection, the IB philosophy aims to develop a range of competencies and dispositions that include skills for thinking, working with others, communicating, self-management and research.
In addition, students engage in a variety of lessons taught by specialist teachers including Languages, Music, Technologies, Visual Arts, Physical Education, and Guided Inquiry and Research.
Our co-curricular offerings are dynamic and diverse. Through music, sport and many other activities, we encourage our girls to delve into their skills and passions.
Our annual Year 5 Production is a major highlight in the School calendar, allowing our Year 5 girls to develop confidence as they explore acting, song and dance. Girls gain further life experience on a variety of camps and study trips aimed at building resilience and inquiry. In Year 6, every student has the opportunity to take on extra responsibilities as Peer Leaders, becoming role models for our younger girls and prepare them for Middle School.
Our Junior School classrooms and breakout spaces are bright, open and take advantage of the beautiful natural outlook of the grounds and adjacent reserve of Ferguson Conservation Park. Modern flexible furniture allows for students to work individually and in small or large groups. A dedicated Junior School Art room and Library complement the rich classroom and specialist teaching program.
Through research, reflection and continual improvement, our Junior School curriculum strengths include:
• Consistent approaches to literacy and numeracy learning from Reception to Year 6.
• An inquiry approach to linguistic development including phonics instruction to learn the 44 speech sounds of English. A strong focus on developing reading and writing skills using structured approaches at each year level.
• A focus on the ‘Big Ideas’ in number as central to the development of robust skills and understandings in Mathematics.
• Rich trandisciplinary units of inquiry studied at every year level, embedding Australian Curriculum knowledge and understandings within the PYP Framework.
• A school funded 1:1 iPad program for all Junior School students.
• A strong digital technologies curriculum, utilising a diverse range of equipment and resources.
• An intensive languages program in Chinese, French or additional English.
• Opportunities for Mandarin background speakers to continue to develop their language proficiency.
• Mind Lab – a hands-on strategy games curriculum focusing on emotional, social and cognitive capabilities.
• An embedded bespoke wellbeing program, including an intentional friendship skills curriculum.
COURAGE
Emma Smerdon Head of Middle School
Middle School
Our Middle School features open and flexible learning spaces, spectacular views of Ferguson Conservation Park and the latest technology to ignite young minds.
The Middle School is a dynamic learning environment for girls in Years 7, 8 and 9. It caters for the academic needs of adolescent girls and their developing social, emotional, cognitive and spiritual domains.
Led by highly-qualified and caring staff, our teaching and learning revolves around our Middle School Academic Framework, clearly identifying the skills and attributes we aim to build in our students. We empower our girls to be adaptive learners, ethical and motivated individuals who collaborate, communicate and think creatively to achieve their best.
We offer a robust curriculum designed to extend each girl’s abilities and lay a solid foundation for her senior years, equipping her with a wide range of knowledge and skills. It covers the learning requirements outlined in the Australian Curriculum and provides special interest courses.
As well as undertaking core subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science, students study a language such as French or Chinese, and our girls also choose from a range of electives including Drama, Music, Dance, Visual Arts, Geography, Creative Technologies and Food Technology.
In Years 7 and 8, students participate in Futures, an in-house program that develops the skills of leadership, project management, problem-solving, and creative and critical thinking. They create businesses, travel agencies, and short films to connect these skills to real-world experiences and life.
Our girls participate in a variety of vibrant co-curricular activities, and the progressively challenging Outdoor Education program builds resilience and teamwork as girls embark on annual camps.
Senior School
Building on the foundations of our Junior and Middle Schools, our Senior School sets us apart as a leader in education, discovery and wellbeing.
Our Senior School curriculum provides our Year 10, 11 and 12 students with flexibility and choice as they take responsibility for their own learning under the guidance of our expert teaching staff.
We encourage our girls to embrace co-curricular activities and the community spirit of the School. Crucially, we empower our girls through our dedicated wellbeing program, giving them the tools to face the challenges that lie ahead.
In Year 10, students study English, Mathematics, Science, History, Physical Education and the SACE Stage 1 subject Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) which is a compulsory SACE subject where students consider their aspirations by researching career, training
and further study choices. By mapping their future, they identify their learning goals and plan how they can be achieved. A practical component of this course is a formal workplace learning placement, which provides a realworld learning opportunity.
Students also select elective subjects from a variety of areas to broaden and support their learning and developing interests. Options could include Economics, Forensic Science, Film Production, Justice and Society, High Performance (Sports Coaching), World of Food and Psychology.
Options within our Performing Arts faculty include Music, Visual Arts, Drama and Dance. Languages we offer are French and Chinese.
Lauren Sutton Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School
SACE
The South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) is an internationally-recognised qualification that leads to a variety of tertiary studies, training and career opportunities. At St Peter’s Girls, students complete SACE requirements over a three-year period by starting their Exploring Identities and Futures subject in Year 10.
Year 11 students study the SACE Stage 1 subjects (including a full year of English, and at least one semester of Mathematics) as well as Activating Identities and Futures which allows students to explore an area of personal interest through a process of self-directed inquiry.
In Year 12, students complete their Stage 2 subjects.
At St Peter’s Girls, students can choose from 24 SACE subjects across a range of disciplines.
In making their selections, girls are supported to gain the skills and knowledge they need to successfully engage in their future careers and life choices.
SACE subjects on offer may include:
• Biology
• Business Innovation
• Chemistry
• Chinese (background speakers)
• Dance
• Digital Technologies
• Drama
• English
• English Literary Studies
• Food and Hospitality
• General Mathematics
• Languages (IB Languages)
• Legal Studies
• Mathematical Methods
• Modern History
• Music Explorations
• Music Performance: Ensemble and Solo
• Music Studies
• Nutrition
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Psychology
• Specialist Mathematics
• Visual Arts: Art/Design
Students may also elect to study an IB subject such as Economics, Global Politics or a foreign language as part of a SACE hybrid course.
IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
An International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) education aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring graduates who create a better world through intercultural understanding and responsibility.
St Peter’s Girls is the only independent all girls school to offer this highly sought after programme in the State.
The IB Diploma Programme is an exciting and challenging twoyear course that leads to a highly regarded qualification, preparing students for success in lifelong learning and opens doors locally and globally for tertiary studies.
The IB Diploma curriculum emphasises both breadth and depth of knowledge. Students study six subjects and three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and the Extended Essay (EE). Theory of Knowledge provides the skills to critique knowledge, CAS is a creativity, physical activity and service programme, and the Extended Essay engages students in independent research.
Students choose three subjects to study at a higher level and three subjects at a standard level across multiple disciplines. IB subjects may include:
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Chinese A: Language and Literature
• Dance
• Economics
• English A: Literature
• Global Politics
• Language B: Chinese/English/ French
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physics
• Psychology
• Spanish ab initio
• Theatre
• Visual Arts
The IB Diploma is recognised by tertiary institutions locally, nationally and globally. The majority of our graduates attend universities in Australia, with others studying at universities in the UK, USA, Hong Kong and Singapore. They study a wide range of degrees from Medicine to Marketing and Quantum Physics to Physiotherapy.
IB graduates speak very highly and passionately of their experiences in the Programme and its benefits in preparing them for study at university. The critical thinking and time management skills learned as well as the experience gained by engaging in the Programme are invaluable assets for students intending to undertake tertiary study. IB graduates also take into their future endeavours an experience of understanding current and relevant global issues.
Performing Arts
Our outstanding Performing Arts program gives our girls the confidence, guidance and resources to explore their passions and master their craft.
DANCE
Students from our ELC through to Year 12 are given countless opportunities to experience the joy of dance and creative movement.
Our Junior School co-curricular Dance program is offered from Years 3 to 6, providing inclusive and exciting opportunities to learn skills in many genres of dance culminating in a performance experience to celebrate their love for dancing and the stage.
Our annual Year 5 Production is a highlight in the School calendar each year. Students are provided with a rich and authentic Performing Arts experience, and the Production week is something they remember throughout their schooling lives.
The School Musical and FUSION are offered each year to students of all abilities across Years 7 to 12, for those who would like to further engage in dancing, singing and acting within the co-curricular program. These large-scale productions bring our community together to celebrate the hard
work and talent of performers, and attracts large audiences to experience the high calibre of Performing Arts at Saints Girls.
St Peter’s Girls is one of few schools to offer Dance at SACE and IB level. Our students enjoy a growing number of rich performance opportunities, industry workshops and exposure to world-leading choreographers and dancers. Additionally, we offer interstate trips to dance festivals and training programs where Performing Arts can be studied and pursued after school.
Showcasing Middle and Senior School students’ own choreographic works throughout the year is a way for them to gain creative, collaborative and expressive skills and experiment with movement to communicate ideas and themes.
Internal and external students from Years 5 to 11 are encouraged to apply for scholarships in Performing Arts, to recognise and celebrate their exceptional skills in Dance, Drama and Singing.
MUSIC AND INSTRUMENTAL TUITION
The School’s multi award-winning Music program combines all the right notes to foster a passion for performance and music in all of its forms. More than half of our students play an instrument or learn voice and the School runs over 20 co-curricular ensembles with almost 350 girls participating in weekly rehearsals.
Our Music students consistently attract national and international accolades across a host of competitions and activities. Our talented vocal ensembles have won 1st place in multiple divisions at Generations in Jazz and have achieved outstanding results across strings and band divisions at the ABODA Music Festival.
The School’s epic Cabaret Music Concert has become a feature of our events schedule, showcasing collaborations with acclaimed performers. All Middle and Senior girls participate in our annual Choral Night and can also extend their talents in our biannual School Musical or FUSION Performing Arts Collaboration.
Another highlight is our annual Music Camp in Term 1, where Music students from Years 5 to 12 build a culture of family within ensembles across the year levels.
Saints Girls enjoy fantastic live performance opportunities on stage, on air and in collaboration with world-renowned artists and composers. Our vocal ensembles also have two albums on Spotify and many professional music videos.
Music is embraced by all year groups and we provide a coordinated academic pathway for girls who wish to continue studying SACE or IB Music throughout their Senior schooling and beyond.
Our Junior School Music Immersion program runs for three terms, offering students the opportunity to develop their ability to participate in teams, problem solve and improve their organisation skills. Year 2 students play recorder, Year 3 girls choose a string instrument and the Year 4 classes learn a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument.
In addition to Music lessons offered as part of the curriculum, private instrumental or voice tuition can be coordinated with our Music tutors.
“Creativity, which is the expression of our originality, helps us stay mindful that what we bring to the world is completely original and cannot be compared.”
–BRENE BROWN
DRAMA
Drama plays a respected role at St Peter’s Girls. Our dedicated staff give students the skills and direction they need to flourish, both on stage and behind the scenes.
Specialist workshops are also held throughout the year to empower our students through practical exercises and theoretical wisdom. We facilitate a number of excursions as well as inviting artists to perform at the School.
The School’s curriculum introduces Drama at a young age, fostering a passion for theatre that blossoms with our annual Year 5 Production, steadily building up to studies in Years 11 and 12 where SACE and IB students perform dynamic pieces.
VISUAL ARTS
The School’s Visual Arts curriculum stimulates and inspires our ELC to Year 12 students to explore their creativity, push boundaries and challenge their thinking.
Our girls are given the guidance and freedom to express their individuality in anything from paint to plaster. While traditional art is extremely prominent, technology has also become a major focus. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the latest design software and equipment to produce a range of dynamic artworks and products.
Each year, our SACE and IB students illustrate their talents in vibrant exhibitions, gaining valuable real-world experience.
As part of our rich Arts cocurricular offering, Art Club is offered to Years 6 to 12 students with an interest in exploring and extending their visual art and design skills.
It is this creative support, combined with our enthusiastic educators and first-class resources that set Saints Girls apart in Visual Arts.
Sports
Sport is part of the fabric at Saints Girls. Our students take a range of activities in their stride, building confidence, strength, coordination and teamwork.
Sport is a key component of daily life at Saints Girls. Through our co-curricular program, we aim to provide a variety of options for girls from Reception to Year 12 to participate in a sport that suits them. Whether that be competitive or social, on a court or a field, St Peter’s Girls’ School wants to help students develop a life-long love of sport and being active.
In 2025, we will continue to build consistency in our program offerings and delivery from Reception to Year 12 and commit to finding new and innovative ways for our girls to participate in sport. Our coaching philosophy is the same across all sub-schools, deriving from The Saints Way, creating a cohesive sporting pathway for students as they progress through the sub-schools.
THE SAINTS WAY
The Saints Way will be introduced across all co-curricular sports in 2025. From Foundation programs, to our Premier League and Senior A teams, this philosophy will reinforce the way we participate, learn, develop and strive to be our absolute best across all facets of sport at Saints.
It also celebrates the ‘Saints Spirit’ which we are known for throughout IGSSA and the other competitions in which we participate.
WHY COMPULSORY SPORT?
Participation in sport brings with it an array of evidence-based benefits including higher levels of confidence and self-esteem, improved academic performance, and enhanced social skills. We believe that these are crucial to the overall development of our girls. Being involved in a sporting program also allows girls to show commitment whilst developing skills that can be applied in a variety situations.
School Life
While our School prides itself on our girls’ academic, sporting and cultural achievements, there is so much more to life at Saints Girls.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Junior School students belong to a Class, while Middle and Senior School students are allocated to Home Groups. Their Class or Home Group Teacher is their primary contact, providing pastoral care and guiding them on a path to success and happiness. Students in Years 7 to 12 are also supported by a Head of Year Level. Heads of Year Level in partnership with the Home Group teacher are responsible for the care and wellbeing of every student in their respective cohort. The Head of Year Level assumes responsibility in the areas of pastoral care, student welfare and student transition. This structure helps fuel the self-belief of our girls and their ability to address issues such as personal and cyber safety, study skills and time management.
In the Senior years, their Home Group allocation is based on their School House. The girls stay with the same Home Group teacher for
those three Senior years which fosters House pride and continuity of support.
Students also have a strong connection with their Head of Sub-School, and can access the School’s Psychologist, Registered Nurses, Chaplain and the Coordinator of Student Services.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
St Peter’s Girls is on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), enabling international students to join our community. The School can arrange accredited homestay accommodation, which costs a fraction of the price of typical school boarding facilities.
International students enjoy a comprehensive support network including a dedicated International Student Manager, personal counselling, EAL/D teaching and access to specialised tutoring.
CHAPEL
Chapel Services are held throughout each term, allowing our girls to develop and strengthen core values. Led by the School’s Chaplain, the services embody our Anglican principles and traditions through song and prayer. They offer a time for reflection and are a key component of our pastoral care.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Various leadership opportunities provide our girls with valuable qualities and experience which they can use in later life.
In Year 6, all students have a leadership role, undertaking a special Leadership program involving workshops and mentoring. In Year 9, girls can become Middle School Leaders. Opportunities also exist in other year levels in areas such as Sport and Music.
Students in Year 12 can be inducted into the School’s formal Prefect system, building their skills while acting as role models to our younger girls.
St Peter’s Girls also has a bespoke Leadership program to lift our girls to even greater heights.
CLUBS
Beyond our Performing Arts and Sports offerings, our girls can join a variety of clubs, committees and programs that appeal to their interests and curiosities. Opportunities include Public Speaking, Debating, Chess Club, Environment Club, Library Club, Code Club, APEX, Art Club, Philosophy Club, and more.
HOUSE SYSTEM
An integral part of the School’s fabric is our House system. Generations of students at St Peter’s Girls have belonged to one of four Houses: KENNION, KILBURN, PATTESON or SELWYN The Houses are named after key figures in our School’s history. For decades, these four Houses have inspired healthy rivalry through academic, sporting and cultural competitions.
House events include Choral Night, Sports Day, Swimming Carnival, an annual dinner and Spirit Week, as well as charitable activities demonstrating our passion for service learning.
POCKET POINTS
The School’s Pocket Points program is a popular and prestigious honours system within St Peter’s Girls.
This program recognises Middle and Senior School students for excellence and dedicated representation of the School. Girls earn points for their House in areas such as Sport, Music, Debating, Community Service and Chapel. When a set amount of points is accumulated, the recognition is displayed across the student’s blazer pocket through stripes and embroidered initials.
Scholarship Opportunities
St Peter’s Girls’ School offers a range of Scholarships to acknowledge and encourage excellence.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Entry: Open to internal and external students from Years 5 to 11.
All Academic Scholarships are based on the results of the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) examination, which is held on Saturday 1 February 2025.
PRINCIPAL’S SCHOLARSHIP
Entry: Open to external students from Years 7 to 11.
The Principal’s Scholarship at St Peter’s Girls’ School is a testament to our commitment to nurturing exceptional individuals who embody the core values of our School: Courage, Creativity, and Compassio n.
PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS
Entry: Open to internal and external students from Years.
5 to 11 Each year a select number of Performing Arts Scholarships may be awarded to students with a minimum of 4 years of dance training, have a strong academic record and a proven ability to perform at an elite level.
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Entry: Open to internal and external students from Years.
5 to 11 Music Scholarships may be awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional ability in
music and display minimum AMEB grades for their entry year level following audition, per the criteria listed in the Application Form.
SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS
Entry: Open to external students from Years 7 to 11.
Each year a select number of Sport Scholarships may be awarded to external students who can demonstrate an ability to perform at an elite level in their sporting disciplines and possess a strong academic record.
OLD SCHOLARS’ ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Entry: Open to external students from Years 5 to 8.
This Scholarship is awarded to a student who has proven all-round ability and who has a connection to our School through a generational family member having graduated from St Peter’s Girls in the past, continuing the family tradition at Saints Girls.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) SCHOLARSHIPS
Entry: Open to external students from Years 11 to 12.
As the only all-girls’ school to continue to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in the State, we are excited to continue to offer IBDP Scholarships for 2026.
School Bus Service
Getting your daughter to and from School safely and on time is an important part of daily life at St Peter’s Girls.
We offer a convenient, personalised bus service for our School families, catering for students who live in all areas of Adelaide. We have a fleet of 10 buses which service all areas of Adelaide.
When and where possible, our bus service provides a door-todoor service as determined by the Transport Manager. If a door-todoor service is not possible for your home address, our bus staff will communicate with you to determine a suitable alternative drop-off/ collection point.
Our buses and vans are operated by experienced and qualified drivers, who are part of our staff, chosen to meet the high standards set by the School. All vehicles are equipped with mobile phones for last minute bookings, cancellations and emergency communication.
Please note that the routes change regularly depending on new families and daily patronage. The below list is indicative only and varies from year to year.
BUS 1: NORTH EAST
Windsor Gardens, Hectorville, Tranmere, St Morris, Beulah Park, Magill, Auldana, Wattle Park
BUS 2: ADELAIDE CENTRAL
Adelaide CBD, Norwood, Magill, Stonyfell
BUS 3:
MAWSON LAKES
Mawson Lakes, Pooraka, Modbury, Gilles Plains, Clearview, Windsor Gardens
BUS 4: DERNANCOURT
Dernancourt, Athelstone, Rostrevor, Tranmere, Hectorville, Kensington Park, Wattle Park
BUS 6: WEST LAKES
West Lakes, Woodville, Findon, Torrensville, Prospect, Walkerville, St Peters, Erindale
BUS 5: ADELAIDE HILLS
Mount Barker, Littlehampton, Hahndorf, Balhannah, Aldgate, Stirling, Crafers, Summertown
BUS 7: SOUTHERN
Brighton, Oaklands Park, Edwardstown, Goodwood, Toorak Gardens
BUS 8: GLENELG
Glenelg, Richmond, Ashford, Unley, Glenunga, Beaumont, St Georges
BUS 9: BLACKWOOD
Blackwood, Belair, Mitcham, Glen Osmond, Netherby, Urrbrae
BUS 10: GOLDEN GROVE
Golden Grove, Tea Tree Gully, Highbury, Athelstone, Tranmere
BUS 11: SOUTH OVERFLOW
Westbourne Park, Beaumont, Linden Park
