St Catherine's School

[EduCativ]

We are Australia's oldest independent Anglican girls' school. Our purpose is to develop young women of character and intellect equipped to make their unique contribution to the world, with Academic Challenge and Academic Care the twin pillars of our educational approach. St Catherine's caters to girls from Kindergarten to Year 12 and boarding students from Years 7 to 12. We welcome girls of all backgrounds and respect each student's different strengths, acknowledging that diversity enriches our community. For over 160 years, many girls like you have come through our gates in Sydney. We would love to welcome you too.

Our purpose and values are founded on the wisdom of Jesus Christ. At St Catherine's we use the Bible's guiding principles to help your daughter grow in wisdom, character, and knowledge regardless of her faith background. She does not have to be a Christian to feel she belongs here. In Christo, thesauri sapientiae et scientiae. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. We offer

• Knowledge of the Bible and how it has shaped the world.
• Respect for each girl just as she is, no matter her culture, faith, or capabilities.
• Support and encouragement in a community of care and service.
• Inspiration to explore the world and her place in it.
• Meaningful learning in a community of caring relationships.

Girls can take their faith journey further by joining our lunchtime fellowship groups here at school. Adelphi and Cru are student-led groups offering opportunities for curious girls to explore the Christian message. Established in 1856, we are proud to be Australia's oldest independent Anglican girls' school.

St Catherine's School was the vision of Mrs. Jane Barker, wife of the second bishop of Sydney, who wanted to provide an education for the daughters of clergy equal to boys. And so she did. Three girls were enrolled as boarders, and the school was named St Catherine's after the patron saint of scholars in 1856.

Our teachers embrace the latest educational research balancing explicit instruction with engagement. They help each girl learn in the way that is right for her, giving her the academic rigor she needs and the tools she can use to flourish. When she leaves, we want her to be well educated, well rounded, and well balanced – ready for further study, ready for life.

The foundation of learning at St Catherine's is what we call Academic Challenge. We offer a broad, differentiated curriculum focusing on meeting individual student needs, plus other forms of enrichment, extension, and the opportunity for acceleration. Our teachers get to know the students to gain a deep understanding of their talents and interests and areas that may need some work. We will help your daughter develop a resilient mindset and show her how to apply it to her learning. Academic Challenge is part of a learning philosophy that will help your daughter to become accomplished. She can then approach her final years at school with the confidence she will need to enter university and the career she aspires to.

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