Penrhos’ Secondary School is home to a vibrant community of students from Year 7 to 12, including both day students and boarders.
We provide a high level of academic care to our students, combined with a comprehensive, balanced curriculum that encourages students to explore their personal passions and aspirations.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Every student is unique, with her own goals and aspirations. That’s why we personalise the learning journey from the early years of Secondary School, helping each student choose subjects and experiences that suit her strengths and future ambitions.
In Years 11 and 12, students can choose from a wide range of ATAR and General courses, as well as Vocational Education and Training (VET) options, including work placements and school-based apprenticeships or traineeships. Our flexible pathways allow each student to design a study plan that prepares her for life beyond school.
Our Teaching and Learning Team works closely with students to ensure they have access to the right courses and support, sometimes even introducing new programs or partnering with external training providers to meet individual needs. Most of these opportunities are available during school hours, keeping the experience inclusive and accessible.
Expert teachers
In the classroom, our expert teachers deliver high-quality, engaging lessons that challenge and excite. They are passionate professionals who personalise learning, encourage curiosity and motivate students to achieve their best. Supported by ongoing professional development and research-based practice, our staff work collaboratively to deliver consistent, outstanding education.
We encourage a Growth Mindset and guide students to become confident, independent learners who take ownership of their progress.
TRANSITIONING TO SECONDARY SCHOOL
Transitioning from primary/junior school to secondary school can be a big step. At Penrhos, we create a welcoming and supportive environment to help students adjust with confidence.
Our students are gradually introduced to:
- A larger school campus and peer group
- New subjects and specialist departments
- Managing multiple teachers and classrooms
- Organising their own time, materials and belongings
- Greater academic challenges and personal responsibility
CURRICULUM
At Penrhos, we offer a flexible and dynamic curriculum designed to support each student’s journey from Year 7 through to Year 12. You can find a full list of our courses in the College Prospectus. Alternatively, an overview of how our program unfolds is summarised briefly below.
Year 7
Year 7 students study core and elective subjects, exploring a range of topics, including a language. The Spark project focuses on bravery and character education, allowing students to reflect on courage through a personal inquiry.
Year 8
Year 8 builds on Year 7, continuing core subjects and language studies, with students choosing electives based on their interests. The Ignite project gives students the chance to explore culture and connection to place through collaborative inquiry.
Year 9
In Year 9, students continue core subjects while choosing from a wider range of electives. The Learn, Live, Give course fosters identity, social engagement and cultural responsibility, helping students understand themselves and others better.
Year 10
Year 10 students begin exploring their Future Pathways, where they start to map out their learning journey for Years 11 and 12. Students will receive tailored advice on either ATAR/WACE or VET pathways.
Year 11 to 12
Students have the flexibility to blend ATAR and General subjects, focus solely on ATAR, or take a TAFE course alongside school studies. Our goal is to support each student in tailoring their education to achieve their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) by the end of Year 12.
Secondary School Programs
Penrhos Learner Program (Year 7 to 8)
To support a smooth transition into Secondary School, the Penrhos Learner program is offered to all Year 7 and 8 students. It focuses on building essential academic and life skills that help students become confident, independent learners.
Key skill areas include:
- 📱 Digital literacy: understanding and using digital tools safely and effectively in the classroom and beyond
- ⏰ Time management and organisation; learning how to plan, prioritise and stay on top of homework, projects and commitments
- 📚 Study and revision techniques: developing effective habits for reviewing content, preparing for assessments, and retaining knowledge
- 🤝 Collaboration and self-regulation: working well with others, managing emotions and staying focused in class
- 💬 Receiving and responding to feedback: using feedback as a tool for growth and learning how to make improvements with confidence
A core focus of the program is building a Growth Mindset – the belief that abilities can be developed through effort, and that mistakes are valuable learning opportunities. This mindset helps students become more resilient, confident, and open to challenges.
MyEducation Program (Year 10 to 12)
MyEducation is a structured, after-school study program for students in Years 10 to 12. It offers a supportive space to build effective academic habits and gain confidence through guided practice and mentoring.
Students develop key skills in:
- ⏰ Time management: plan, prioritise and stay organised
- 📝 Note-taking and organisation: learn efficient ways to capture and organise information
- 🧠 Critical thinking: analyse and approach problems with clarity and logic
- 🧩 Problem-solving: apply strategies to work through complex challenges
The program encourages both independent learning and peer collaboration, creating a balanced environment for practice and growth.
Alumni tutors, supported by Penrhos staff, act as mentors – offering real-world tips, encouragement and insights from their own recent study journeys.
Academic Intervention and Extension
At Penrhos, we believe in supporting every learner – whether they need extra help or greater challenges to thrive.
Learning enhancement
Students in Years 7 and 8 may be invited to join English and/or Mathematics Enrichment classes. These smaller groups offer extra teacher support for students who need more time to understand core content and/or benefit from a focused, slower-paced environment.
These classes are taken in place of an elective and are designed to build confidence and strengthen foundational skills.
Gifted education
We are committed to helping gifted students reach their full potential in an environment that is both supportive and stimulating. Our Gifted Education Specialist monitors the progress of these students and works with teachers to develop differentiated programs that challenge, extend and inspire.
Enrichment opportunities
Beyond the classroom, Penrhos offers a wide range of co-curricular activities that encourage all students to explore their passions and stretch themselves further. Popular programs include:
- 🎭 Music ensembles and drama performances
- 🏀 Sporting teams and competitions
- 🧠 Academic clubs, including:
- Future Problem Solving
- Philosophy Club
- Chess
- Debating
- Maths Mentor
- STEM
These opportunities are designed to build confidence, curiosity and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Wellbeing
At Penrhos, student wellbeing is at the centre of everything we do. Guided by our CONNECT Wellbeing Framework, we provide a strong and supportive pastoral care program that nurtures each girl’s social, emotional and academic development.
The CONNECT Framework is grounded in the principles of positive psychology and focuses on six key themes:
- 🤝 Relationships
- 😊 Emotions
- 💪 Health
- 🎯 Engagement
- 🌟 Meaning
- 🏆 Accomplishment
Through our pastoral curriculum, students explore each of these areas, building practical skills and strategies to support their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
Our dedicated psychologists and pastoral care team work closely with teachers and families to provide personalised support. Whether it's addressing individual learning needs or navigating personal challenges, we ensure every student feels safe, understood and empowered to thrive.
Community Service Program
At Penrhos, community spirit is at the heart of student life. We believe in empowering our students to make a positive impact, both within the College and beyond. As part of the curriculum, all Year 12 students are required to complete at least 30 hours of community service during their Secondary School years.
This program encourages students to:
- Develop a deeper appreciation for diverse communities
- Engage in meaningful, real-world experiences
- Advocate for causes that matter to them
Our goal is to inspire a lifelong commitment to making a difference.
