Learning in Secondary
At St Rita’s College, our curriculum is shaped by the values of our Catholic and Presentation traditions.
We’re committed to keeping learning relevant and engaging, continually refining our programs to reflect the best in modern education. Our teachers are passionate, collaborative, and dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every girl is encouraged to achieve her personal best.
Through innovative and evidence-based practices, our teachers foster curiosity, understanding, and a love of lifelong learning. We set high expectations for both staff and students and believe in the transformative power of education.
From Years 5–10, we follow the Australian Curriculum, with carefully designed units that meet national content and achievement standards. Our students are also exposed to a curriculum that promotes excellence and equity, is inclusive, recognising the individual needs of all students, as articulated in the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Educational Declaration (Dec 2019). In Years 7–12, students engage in a rich blend of academic, vocational, and cocurricular opportunities in a supportive and stimulating environment.
Years 7 to 10
In Year 7 we have a dedicated transition program to assist all of students, new and continuing, to step seamlessly into secondary schooling. A large part of this transition is the joy of discovering the wide range of subjects available as students experience what secondary at St Rita’s College has to offer. The process of discovering what brings success and joy continues in Year 8 as students begin to dig deeper into their passion and interests.
Years 9 and 10 bring increased academic rigour as students build on the skills, understandings, and knowledge to prepare for the Senior years.
Through our teaching and learning, St Rita’s College aims to:
- Develop resilient, confident and creative young women, ready to take their place in the world.
- Nurture and educate our students, in partnership with families, to develop young, articulate women of integrity who are increasingly independent, discerning, creative and resilient.
- Use educational research and data to improve pedagogy and student outcomes.
- Allow students an opportunity to participate in extension subjects and experience a variety of elective subjects.
- Promote lifelong learning, with our staff as role models for our students.
To ensure we achieve this, our teaching staff are guided by our extensive Teaching and Learning Framework.
Years 11 and 12
We recognise the challenges students face in planning their futures in a rapidly evolving world. At St Rita’s College, we equip students with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to explore their interests confidently and make informed post-school decisions.
St Rita’s College commits to offering our Senior students various pathways to success. Students will be able to choose from Senior Pathways that include the university rank pathway (ATAR) and Tertiary Vocational Pathway (TVP), both which allow students to achieve the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
In the Senior school, students are encouraged to study six subjects in Years 11 and 12 which can be a combination of General, Applied and TVP subjects.
TVP Pathway (Tertiary and Vocational Pathway)
The College offers students a range of formal TVP opportunities as part of Senior Pathway considerations. All students have access to a range of Certificate courses designed to expand their post school options. These then extend into a range of opportunities in Years 11 and 12, particularly for those students who are looking at a work and further study pathway. Opportunities that exist in TVP at St Rita’s are:
- Work Experience and Placement
- School‐based apprenticeships and traineeships
- Certificate Courses offered in the timetable
Students who meet the requirements of the QCAA are eligible to receive the Queensland Certificate of Education or the Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement at the end of Year 12.
Senior Pathway Opportunities Include:
- Broad subject selection to align with student strengths and interests
- ATAR and Tertiary Vocational Pathways (TVP), including the Diploma of Business and other qualifications
- Year 11 Work Experience Program
- Sofitel Noosa Resort and Spa ‘Live and Learn’ Program – exclusive to St Rita’s College
- Careers fairs, expos, counselling, and Year 10 Careers Day
- Subject selection mentoring and SET Plan meetings
- Active student tracking and personalised support
- Access to alumnae and professional networks
Through strong partnerships and real-world learning experiences, we empower students to discover their strengths and shape their futures with confidence.
How do we support and extend our students?
St Rita’s College believes in the lifelong potential of every individual to learn, grow and develop. Through thoughtful curriculum design and teaching practices, each student’s individual requirements are acknowledged and addressed. We are committed to embracing and supporting the diverse learning profiles of our students, including those with disabilities.
A dedicated team of inclusive education staff, including specialist teachers and teacher aides, collaborate closely with classroom teachers to provide targeted support and reduce barriers to learning and assessment.
For high-achieving learners, we offer a dynamic range of High Potential Learning and Extension programs designed to extend, enrich, and inspire.
Our goal is to foster curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning - supporting every student to strive for excellence and explore their passions.
Study Skills Program
Students also have access to a range of Study Skills programs and workshops which assist them in developing the skills and habits that underpin academic success. The program covers:
- Time management
- Organisation
- Motivation
- Memorisation techniques
- Note-taking skills
- Conquering procrastination
- Perfection paralysis
- Anxiety reduction and exam strategies
A group of high-achieving immediate past scholars are also employed as tutors by the College specifically to work with Year 11 and 12 students.
College Library
The Library is an essential partner in the delivery of quality teaching and learning across the Secondary years, providing students with access to resources and support that extend well beyond the classroom. It plays a central role in developing independent research skills, critical thinking, and academic integrity, while also offering a welcoming space for study, collaboration and inquiry. Through specialised programs, curated collections and responsive support, the Library equips students to confidently navigate their learning journey and prepare for future pathways.
We acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional owners of the land where St Rita’s College now stands.