Social and Emotional Educational Development
Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model
What is the LNSGM?
The Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model (LNSGM) focuses on the development of students in a holistic sense, utilising the key areas of Faith, Academic, Community and Extra-curricular (FACE Curriculum) to focus on individual student growth.
At the centre of our approach is growing individuals and communities where relationships and learning are of equal importance. All students work in partnership with teachers and faculties to provide an award-winning student-centred learning model.
See the FACE Curriculum in Action
Oak SEED
Oak SEED is a preventative, strength-based program that strengthens the Loreto Normanhurst Pastoral Care whole-school approach to wellbeing. It focuses on a broader purpose of education to develop the social and emotional capacities necessary for individuals to achieve their academic and personal potential.
The program fosters essential skills to engage in the learning process, allowing students to manage complex situations and uncertainty, communicate confidently, and think critically.
Formation and Immersion
An integral element of the LNSGM is a comprehensive Formation and Immersion Program. All students engage in spiritual formation and age-appropriate experiences that are linked to the curriculum.
Year 5 & 6
Students in Years 5 and 6 participate in a three-day outdoor education experience where through outdoor activities and shared challenges, students build resilience, strengthen relationships and engage in reflection grounded in Ignatian spiritual practices.
Year 7
In Year 7, students begin with Traditioning Day, an onsite experience that introduces the Loreto Normanhurst story and traditions. This leads into the Mary Ward Open Circle Experience, a four-day outdoor program where students develop social and emotional skills while engaging in spiritual formation and reflection.
Year 8
In Year 8, students undertake the five-day Songlines Experience in the Sydney Basin. Through engagement with Indigenous culture, stories of Country and outdoor learning, students build relationships, resilience and a deeper understanding of connection to place.
Year 9
Year 9 students participate in the two-week Far North Queensland Outreach Experience (FNQE). Through community service, engagement with Indigenous communities and experiential learning, students step beyond the classroom to deepen their understanding of social justice, reflection and Ignatian spirituality.
Year 10 & 11
Year 10 & 11 students have the opportunity to participate in optional immersion experiences that deepen their understanding of community and culture. These include visits to remote homelands with Traditional Owners and the Loreto Rural Partnership program, where students serve regional communities and develop an appreciation for rural life.
Year 12
As students transition into Year 12, they participate in the Senior Retreat, an Ignatian spiritual experience focused on reflection, discernment and finding God in all things. Students are also introduced to the Cardoner Project, which offers optional overseas immersion opportunities following graduation.
Diverse Learning
At Loreto Normanhurst, we recognise and nurture the diversity of learners within our community, supporting every student to achieve her academic and personal potential in an environment of care, respect and high expectations.
Our approach is guided by the Response to Intervention (RTI) three-tier model, allowing us to identify and respond to students’ learning needs with targeted support and enrichment.
Our Diverse Learning program includes:
- Gifted and Talented enrichment, including opportunities such as the Da Vinci Decathlon, university extension courses and mentoring.
- Learning support programs, with evidence-based interventions such as MultiLit and MacqLit delivered through explicit and targeted instruction.
- A highly qualified team of educators with postgraduate expertise in both Gifted Education and Special Education.
Parents in Partnership
We believe parents play an essential role in supporting each student to reach her full potential across the FACE Curriculum (Faith, Academic, Community and Extra-Curricular). Through a strong partnership between students, parents and teachers, we encourage reflection, independence and a shared commitment to each student’s growth.
A key part of this partnership is our Plenary Meetings, where students take an active role in reflecting on and presenting their learning.
- Academic Plenary (Term 2)
Students reflect on their learning across academic subjects, sharing their progress and goals with their parents and teachers. - Holistic Plenary (Term 3)
Students reflect on their growth across all elements of the FACE Curriculum with their Advisor and parents, considering their academic progress, wellbeing, service and extra-curricular involvement.
