SIENA COLLEGE CAMBERWELL

Siena College Camberwell’s distinctive history reveals a well planned purpose for educating young women. Established in 1940, Siena College is a Catholic school for young women in the Dominican tradition. The Dominican Sisters, who founded the college, built a school where young women could follow their academic and cultural interests, believe in their potential and become passionate lifelong learners. The tradition continues today with an education based on a deep respect for the unique qualities and gifts of each member of the community. Emphasis is placed on personal excellence in all endeavors and the college aims to equip students to participate fully in a globalised world, to nurture their gifts and to build their self esteem and sense of connectedness. The college is committed to contemporary learning and teaching and integrating modern technologies to make student learning exciting and interesting for young women.

Facilities: Located close to the city, the college’s classically designed convent and adjoining chapel are complemented by contemporary technology-rich facilities that provide an aesthetically pleasing learning and teaching environment.

Curriculum: The college nurtures an atmosphere of scholarship, of intellectual inquiry and strive for excellence. Students are challenged to be creative, critical and reflective thinkers with a respect for evidence and openness of mind. Through opportunities for both independent and collaborative learning across a broad curriculum, individual needs are catered for through specifically tailored support programs and enrichment opportunities for highly able students. Three languages are offered — French, Italian and Mandarin Chinese — together with a broad range of VCE studies that include all prerequisites for tertiary courses. Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects can be undertaken as a part of VCE.

Sport: The college is a member of Girls Sport Victoria (GSV) and offers a wide range of sports including football, soccer, badminton, indoor cricket, basketball, volleyball, netball, tennis, hockey, softball, cross-country, athletics, swimming and diving, aerobics, equestrian, snow sports, surf life-saving, triathlon, self-defence and some leisure activities.

Extra-curricular activities: A comprehensive co-curricular program enables students to pursue their interests, further develop their knowledge and skills or discover hidden talents. Programs are offered in Drama, Music, Visual Arts, Leadership, Social Justice, Debating, Public Speaking and Learning and Enhancement/Extension. Cultural and Language exchange programs are offered to China, France, Italy and South Africa as well as an indigenous immersion trip to remote parts of Central Australia. There is an extensive and highly successful instrumental music program.

Student wellbeing programs: A vertical, house-based wellbeing program ensures that students are known and feel connected and that quality relationships are encouraged between girls across and within year levels. The whole-school approach to student wellbeing is informed by restorative practices and emphasis is placed on students being made accountable for their actions. This fosters a sense of responsibility and empathy. There are many opportunities for parents to be involved in the educational development of their daughters. Siena College’s strong sense of community is valued and celebrated.