At this time of year, the Senior School takes on an entirely different feel, and its not just due to the warmer weather. Of course I am talking about the exams currently in full swing. Apart from the Year 7 and 8 students, who continue with their normal schedule of classes, all other year levels are in the midst of their end of year exams.

For our Year 12 girls, this is a critically important time as the final part of their secondary educational journey. The library and other study areas in the School are busy with Year 12 teachers continually engaged in one-on-one meetings; this is a time for students to fine-tune individual strategy. The Year 11 cohort are having their real first taste of demanding VCE examinations, designed to mirror what they can expect at the end of 2026.

The Year 9 and 10 exams, while important, are not nearly as stressful. These prepare the girls so that, by Year 12, each will have developed the skills, resilience and, importantly, a level of grit.

While strong academic achievements are important and ATARs are part of our core business, they are not the only thing that matters. A true and good education requires timeless human needs to be met. This week I received in my inbox the findings for investigations conducted by McCrindle Research, which identified several Timeless Human Needs. These include:

1. Belonging and identity
2. Trust and safety and
3. Beauty and Joy

Yes, achieving a great exam result will provide a level of achievement and satisfaction, but being part of a community that provides belonging, connection and opportunity to flourish is what students really need. When our girls trust their teachers and peers, they feel safe to learn, to make mistakes, and to try something new, enabling them to move forward into adulthood with hope and optimism.

Exams are an important part of our students’ academic journey at St Catherine’s, however, it is our aim to nurture the individual girl, provide rich experiences and an environment that nourishes their very spirit and soul.