Learning in Secondary

Learning in Secondary

"Real-world immersive experiences provide our students with a curriculum that is authentic and responsive to the demands of our times – making their learning experiences dynamic and rich."

Kieryn Bateman, Director of Learning

Our Award-winning Model for Learning

The Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model (LNSGM), our award-winning model for learning, focuses on the holistic development of students across the key areas of our FACE Curriculum - Faith, Academic, Community and Extra-curricular.

FIND OUT MORE

Immersive Learning

An integral element of the LNSGM is our comprehensive Formation and Immersion Program. All students from Year 5 to 12 engage in key events every year designed to:

Challenge students at a level appropriate to their age group;
Provide opportunity for spiritual formation;
Reinforce experiences through evaluation and self-reflection;
Guide students in putting their learnings into action.

The following opportunities are provided to each year group and are a differentiating component of learning at Loreto Normanhurst Secondary School:

Year 7

A four-day immersive program beginning with Traditioning Day, and The Mary Ward Open Circle Experience.

Year 8

The Songlines 5-day program takes place in the Sydney Basin focusing on the Indigenous country and Indigenous culture of this region as well as building relationships and resilience.

Year 9

Far North Queensland (Outreach) Experience. The 13-day experience focuses on spiritual formation, community living and independence, along with Community Service placement.

Year 10

Compulsory immersion to remote homelands of Arnhem Land, Central Australia and Cape York, plus optional immersion through the Loreto Rural Partnership Program.

Year 11

An optional immersion to remote homelands in Yarrabah.

Year 12

An introduction to the Cardoner Project, a Jesuit organisation engaged in overseas outreach.

Diverse Learning

"We recognise that each child is unique and each child has different gifts and abilities, interests and styles of learning. Academic care is central to the education of the girls at Loreto."

Simonetta Cesamolo, Head of Diverse Learning

We seek to nurture the diversity of learners in our community, encouraging each student to fulfill her academic and personal potential in an atmosphere of freedom, care and respect. Our diverse learning approach supports students with the following resources and facilities:

Dedicated diverse learning teachers with post-graduate qualifications in Gifted and Special Education.
Learning Support Assistants who provide in-class, small group and 1:1 intervention programs.
The development of Individual Adjustment Plans for students to adapt teaching, learning and assessment activities as needed.
Response to Intervention Approach (RTI) to ensure students achieve academic, social and emotional outcomes.
Differentiated curriculum and enrichment opportunities for Gifted and Talented students and High Potential Learners.
A range of support options for students with additional needs, including study support, homework help, evidence-based interventions and diverse HSC pathways.

Learning Support & Academic Opportunities

Our Learning Support and Academic Opportunities programs include:

Academic Support Classes through a number of programs from Year 7 to 12
Homework Help available most mornings and afternoons
Future Problem Solving
University Short Courses
TAFE and Distance Education Courses
FACETIME program designed for senior students and focussed on skill development

For comprehensive information about our Immersions, Learning Support, Academic Opportunities and Partnership with Parents, including details about these programs and more, download our ‘Learning at Loreto’ booklet.

DOWNLOAD

Our Curriculum

We offer a wide range of curriculum subjects.
Click through the links below to hear a video presentation from each of our Heads of Department
about the learning approach and subject areas covered by their teams.

Aboriginal Studies

Drama

English

Extra-Curricular

History

Languages

Music

Mathematics

PDHPE

Religious Education

Science and Agriculture

Social Sciences

Sport

Technologies

Visual Arts

Career Guidance

"We work to provide a suite of activities to inform the girls and give them the confidence and curiosity to make their career decisions."

Alexi Kayes, Careers Advisor

In the Careers Department at Loreto Normanhurst, we strive to give students the confidence to discover their passion and purpose, explore the future of work and achieve their after-school goals, whatever they may be. Highlights of our program include an onsite Careers Expo, LN Careers Week, and our Alumnae Career Chats, when a large group of Year 11 students met with ex-students to discuss their career path of interest.