The path to adulthood is not always easy and the Pre-Senior (Year 9) program is a key year which prepares students for their senior studies. Students are supported to step beyond the classroom, take ownership of their growth, build confidence in their individuality and make meaningful contributions to the communities around them.
The School’s ethos that ‘every student matters every day’ is reflected in the Pre-Senior experience which is built around concepts of belonging, independence, generosity and mastery.
The Pre-Senior year begins with a focus on fostering a strong sense of belonging. When students feel confident and included they gain motivation to succeed and the confidence to be themselves. Through structured activities such as interactive workshops and team-building exercises, students gain personal insights and learn more about each other. Activities like ‘speed meeting’ sessions help students to build active listening skills and to ask thoughtful questions.
The Pre-Senior experience is also designed to be fun, as positive experiences create ideal environments for personal growth. As Levi, Year 10, reflected, “Year 9 was a year that encouraged growth and learning and was enjoyed by all.”
By helping students to feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for their community and each other, the program purposefully lays the foundations for strong wellbeing and self-esteem. “Shared experiences and group activities encourage students to practise respectful relationships and understand the importance of looking after one another,” explains Aidan Ryan, Senior Head of Pre-Senior.
As the year progresses, the Pre-Senior program enables students to develop more advanced skills, nurturing their independence and self-motivation. Students are encouraged to take charge of their own learning, make informed decisions, and step beyond their comfort zones through real-world experiences. The program also equips students with a wide range of life skills, including effective study habits, digital literacy, independence and more.
“It was an experience that significantly strengthened my independence and responsibility,” said Tilly, Year 10, reflecting on the Pre-Senior program.
Students are also given opportunities to make a genuine difference to others through initiatives like the Social Impact Ventures elective.
“Real change starts with self-awareness and kindness,” says Aidan. “We guide our students to be compassionate and considerate, which is an important part of a well-rounded education.”
Students work together to support a social cause they care about and develop their own social enterprise or campaign. This year, for example, students have worked with The Salvation Army, Kingston City where they have learnt about homelessness and rough sleeping in the local community. The students have also volunteered in the community garden, planting vegetables that are used to prepare meals for those experiencing homelessness in the Kingston area.
Other opportunities, such as the Ecology and Waterways project, see students educating their peers about environmental stewardship, while fundraising activities like sausage sizzles for The Smith Family encourage a spirit of giving.
A core element of the Pre-Senior year is to also nurture service-minded leaders who understand the issues facing their communities and are motivated and confident enough to create meaningful change themselves.
“Generosity is at the heart of social change,” explains Aidan. “By working on projects that matter, students discover the power they have to make the world a better place.”
Recent initiatives like the School’s Hearts and Hands committee enable students from different campuses to contribute to community support projects.
“While students are making a positive impact on others, they are also experiencing a cultural shift within themselves,” says Bronwyn Harrop, Head of Social Justice. “They are developing empathy, broadening their perspectives, and building a stronger sense of who they are.”
By the end of the Pre-Senior year students are equipped to face the challenges and leadership opportunities of Senior School and beyond. “We want our students to have a big impact in the world,” says Aidan. “But just as importantly, we want them to be kind, grounded and confident in who they are and the goals they want to achieve.”
