Senior College

Senior College provide a rich, challenging and secure learning environment, which helps each girl reach her potential socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically, creatively and academically. The girls engage in a broad academic curriculum and are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of cocurricular activities.

A bridge to adulthood

We recognise that our students are now young adults and treat them as such. In addition to specialist subject areas, the purpose-built Senior Studies Centre contains extensive common areas and break out spaces. Additionally, Year 12 students have the use of their own common room, so can take responsibility for effective use of their time.

Leadership opportunities

Every girl is seen as a leader and Abbotsleigh provides extensive leadership opportunities for students. Each year group undertakes developmentally appropriate leadership training and practice. In addition to our prefect system for girls in Years 11/12, all girls have the opportunity of leading younger girls in a range of areas.

Achieving high learning outcomes

Each girl is encouraged to strive for excellence by taking responsibility for her own learning. Our teachers have high, yet realistic expectations of their students, and girls and staff work collaboratively so that each girl attains her personal and academic best. The Senior College encourages a spirit of enquiry and innovative thinking, and students engage in customised learning experiences that are challenging, rich and thought provoking.

Academic and pastoral care

Underpinning all activities at Abbotsleigh is the extensive academic and pastoral care program, which focuses on student wellbeing and resilience. Each girl belongs to a House tutor group that meets regularly. Tutor groups work on service, leadership, academic, recreational and creative pursuits, appropriate to the Senior College.

The use of laptops enhances research and teamwork, preparing our girls for tertiary education, a career and participation in a globally networked future.

We implement positive psychology strategies to identify individual strengths and apply them by goal setting and reflection to ensure each girl flourishes.

Gifted and talented programs, special provisions, ESL and counselling can all be accessed by Senior College students through the Education Services team.

From work experience to gap years and university selection, our Careers Advisor is here to help our Senior College students find their path.

The Senior College curriculum prepares students for the NSW School and Higher School Certificates. It is taught by highly qualified and experienced subjects specialists.

The Senior School staff actively encourage the young women of the Senior College to exemplify the attributes of integrity and compassion as befits current and future leaders.

Head of Senior School

Head of Senior School

Mrs Victoria Rennie holds a Bachelor of Arts (English and Theatre Studies) from the Australian National University, a Graduate Diploma in Education (English and Drama) through Macquarie University and is currently undertaking her Master of Business Administration (Educational Leadership) with Charles Sturt University. She is an Abbotsleigh Old Girl and former Abbotsleigh Head of English and continues to teach our girls English. With a strong academic and pastoral background, Mrs Rennie has a genuine care for fostering positive and productive relationships within the school community. She possesses a comprehensive understanding of the changing global landscape of education and the need for schools to be aware of developing new and innovative teaching and learning models.

Dean of Senior College

Mrs Annette Ware has led our Senior College since 2012, having previously held various roles at Abbotsleigh since 1997. Annette is passionate about character development going hand in hand with academic progress, and loves seeing young women grow to be well rounded and well grounded. She delights in observing girls using and developing their talents and abilities, and developing a heart for others and a desire to impact our world for good. She is a specialist Studies of Religion teacher and is committed to ensuring that the Christian foundations that underpin Abbotsleigh’s life seep into the everyday experiences of girls and staff.