Year 7 and 8

Year 7: Independence, Confidence, and Connection

At St Hilda’s, we understand that the transition to high school is a significant milestone. In Year 7, we support students as they develop independence, confidence, and organisational skills while navigating a new campus. Our dedicated Head of Year and Wellbeing Teachers guide and encourage each girl as she settles into Senior School life.

All Year 7 students participate in our Lean In program, designed to build confidence, resilience, and inclusive leadership through engaging, interactive sessions. As leadership, collaboration, and resilience continue to rank among the most important future-ready skills, this program ensures our girls are equipped with a strong foundation.

Wellbeing is at the heart of Year 7. Our Wellbeing program fosters meaningful peer connections and a strong sense of belonging through activities that help students feel supported, valued, and empowered.

A highlight of the year is Year 7 Camp, which strengthens friendships, builds resilience, and encourages a sense of personal and social responsibility. For many students, being away from home brings a valuable opportunity to develop independence and confidence. Through outdoor learning and teamwork, they return with newfound self-assurance and readiness to embrace new challenges.

All students also take part in a specialist Dance program, which becomes an elective from Year 8. The course blends technical and theoretical components, helping students develop strength, flexibility, rhythm, and musicality while exploring a diverse range of dance styles and cultural influences.

As students establish strong routines for their academic studies, our Learn program supports them in developing essential study skills. Nightly homework helps reinforce learning and encourages healthy habits of self-discipline. Students are also welcome to attend the Tutoring Centre for additional support—whether to complete assignments, clarify key concepts, or seek guidance from staff.

St Hilda’s is proud to be the first independent school in Western Australia to implement MoneyVest, a micro-credentialled financial literacy program, for all students from Years 7–12. We believe financial literacy is essential preparation for life, not an optional extra—reflecting our commitment to designing an education that prepares young women well beyond graduation.

Throughout the year, Year 7 students engage in collaborative learning both in and beyond the classroom. They develop the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to thrive in the Senior School and to step into the future with capability and courage.

Year 8: Growth, Connection, and Exploration

Year 8 is a time of growth, new connections, and deeper engagement in school life. Students continue to develop friendships while learning to navigate social dynamics with confidence. Our Wellbeing program helps them build resilience, foster gratitude, and strengthen communication skills. The House Sister Program provides continued mentorship from Year 11 students, reinforcing a sense of belonging and peer support.

Beyond the classroom, cocurricular activities play a key role in student development. Through clubs, committees, and Community Service, students build leadership skills and deepen their connection to the broader St Hilda’s community.

Year 8 provides students with the opportunity to build on their learning, developing strong organisation, homework and study patterns. They are empowered to be critical thinkers, active problem-solvers and to take initiative in seeking assistance. Students are encouraged to access the Tutoring Centre to complete homework in a supportive and welcoming environment with their peers.

St Hilda’s is proud to be the first independent school in Western Australia to deliver the micro-credentialled MoneyVest financial literacy program to all students in Years 7–12, ensuring they are prepared for life beyond graduation.

A key highlight of Year 8 is the Cape to Cave Expedition, a five-day outdoor education experience in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, run in partnership with Christ Church Grammar School. The outdoor education camp is a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with each other promoting both positive personal and social development and relationships. Students revise the foundations of camp craft, such as trangia cooking, packing backpacks, tent set up, hygiene and navigation. Through activities such as hiking, caving and abseiling, students develop their personal resilience and unite as a group, building respect for each other and the environment.