Inclusive Learning
Girls of all abilities have a place at Stella Maris where they can learn, grow and become the best they can be. Stella Maris respects the wide range of academic abilities and interests present in every student population and is proactive in providing a broad range of strategies and support mechanisms to maximise every student’s learning.
Tailored programs designed in collaboration with each student give all our students what they need to thrive as individual learners.
Every student is able to learn and has the right to do so within a safe and supportive community of learners.
The teaching staff make adjustments in content, teaching methods, approaches and structures to provide all students of similar age with an equitable and participatory learning experience.
Our inclusive education model offers flexible teaching and learning methods adapted to students’ strengths and requirements. The College is committed to providing inclusive classroom teaching in accessible learning environments with appropriate supports. Features of the program include
- A dedicated and highly-qualified Inclusive Learning Team that works with students both in the classroom and in the Inclusive Learning Unit
- Focus on individual tuition and/or small group participation
- Additional literacy and numeracy support
- Individual learning plans
- Modified subject resources and assessment tasks if required
- Building girls’ confidence in themselves as learners
- Transition to secondary school program
- Close collaboration with teachers, parents, outside agencies and the College Counsellor
- Remediation and adjustments for learning activities, including assessment tasks
- Referral and assessment services
- Assistance with applications for examination provisions for Stage 6 girls
- Preparation for transition to post-school employment or further training
- Simulated workplace environments for senior Life Skills girls, for example, in the College Canteen, the Information Centre and College Café
- Work and Community Life Skills for senior girls, for example
- Peer tutoring
Enrichment Opportunities
Stella Maris College offers enrichment classes in all subjects from Years 7 to 10. The College’s enrichment program caters for students who exhibit high academic potential and strive to excel through a strong work ethic. The purpose of the Stella Maris enrichment program is to further develop the skills and abilities of our students by delivering an environment that provides challenge and where students can work with peers who share similar interests, abilities and aspirations.
The curriculum in these classes is designed to offer a rigorous complexity that develops conceptual knowledge, application, critical thinking and attitudes that are appropriate to each student’s developmental level.
Selection into these classes is based on a variety of academic ability and curriculum-based assessments. A student’s evidence of commitment to learning and teacher feedback is also used to inform placement.
Many avenues and opportunities exist throughout the College for students to extend themselves and to be challenged in their areas of personal strength and emerging interests. In addition to the challenges and opportunities afforded in the classroom, our students can participate in an extensive range of competitions and workshops often including
- AHIGS Festival of Speech
- Australian Brainbee Quiz
- Australian Geography Competition
- Australian Mathematics Competition
- Book and a Bear Writing Workshop
- Da Vinci Decathlon
- GATSTA Cluster School Events
- GT CSIRO Workshop
- GT Robotics Workshop
- ICAS Computer Skills, English, Maths, Science, Spelling and Writing Competitions
- Informatics Competition
- Mathematics Enrichment Challenge
- Philosothon
- Rio Tinto Big Science Competition
- Science IQ Quiz
- Sharemarket Game
- Tournament of the Minds
Other Enrichment Opportunities
Our timetable includes a variety of electives and levels within mandated subjects to suit girls of all abilities and interests, for example, five levels of senior English. Enrichment also includes in-class differentiation across non-streamed classes. This means that, wherever possible, the teaching and learning process is varied in order to engage each girl in ways that are best suited to her particular learning needs. Our students also undertake a study skills program and other curriculum-related programs from Years 7 to 12 that support academic and personal achievement.
Stella Maris recognises that extra-curricular activities and leadership opportunities, such as debating, the arts, sport and formal student leadership positions, add richness to the learning experience for students of all abilities, both in depth and in scope. As such, these programs form an integral part of our inclusive learning philosophy. All our students are encouraged to challenge themselves in areas of strength but also in areas outside their comfort zone.
We are delighted that you are considering Stella Maris College as the school of choice for your daughter’s secondary education. 
