Year 9 and 10
In Years 9 and 10, students start to discover who they are as individuals and gain a deeper understanding of who they want to be in life. Our private high school is prepared for these changes, with supportive programs, staff and cocurriculars.
Year 9: Discovery, Growth, and Empowerment
Year 9 at St Hilda’s is a pivotal year of self-discovery, skill-building, and personal growth. Through the Homeroom and Belonging program, students begin to explore their identity, develop a deeper understanding of their strengths, and strengthen relationships with peers. A standout experience of the year is Wandering Spirit, a year-long program that emphasizes independence, resilience, and self-care.
The highlight of Wandering Spirit is the 9-day retreat at Yeagarup campus in Pemberton, where students engage in transformative activities designed to foster personal growth and connection. In the tranquil environment, free from the distractions of technology and school demands, students explore themes like identity, respectful relationships, and authentic resilience. They sleep in chalets, working together as a community while developing their sense of independence.
Students are encouraged to immerse themselves in a variety of cocurricular activities, including sports, the arts, and outdoor pursuits. Lunchtime clubs and committees also offer opportunities to connect and explore new interests. The Year 9 academic schedule also allows students to further develop their talents through elective subjects, building on the foundation of their learning and passions.
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.
At St Hilda’s, our teaching approach ensures that each student is supported through a comprehensive understanding of their academic, pastoral, and wellbeing needs. The Wandering Spirit program, along with a strong focus on holistic education, equips Year 9 students with the skills and resilience to navigate challenges and prepare for a future where they can truly shine.
Read more about our Wandering Spirit program here
Year 10: Personal Growth and Academic Achievement
Year 10 is a pivotal year at St Hilda’s, as our girls begin looking beyond school and exploring the pathways that will shape their futures. It is a year that balances academic growth, personal development and increasing independence, while providing the guidance and experiences needed to make informed decisions about their Senior Years.
Girls are encouraged to challenge themselves both inside and outside the classroom through a broad range of academic and cocurricular opportunities. Throughout the year, they take part in work experience, community service, leadership opportunities and our Outdoor Education program, while continuing to be supported by a dedicated Wellbeing curriculum. Guest speakers and workshops explore topics including study skills, cyber safety, respectful relationships, health, financial literacy and life beyond school.
A highlight of Year 10 is the seven-day mobile expedition at Wooleen Station in the Murchison. Building on the skills developed throughout the Outdoor Education program, girls strengthen their resilience, teamwork and leadership while navigating new challenges in a unique Western Australian environment.
Students also have the opportunity to broaden their horizons through our international exchange and tour programs. Exchanges with partner schools in countries including Japan, France, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom and the USA provide immersive cultural and language experiences, while curriculum and cocurricular tours enable girls to pursue their passions in areas such as sport, music, languages and service learning. These experiences foster confidence, independence and a global perspective that extends well beyond the classroom.
Preparing for the future is a key focus throughout the year. Girls participate in career exploration, course counselling and pathway planning to help them identify their strengths, interests and aspirations. During Year 10, every student works closely with careers staff to select the subjects and pathway that best aligns with her future goals, whether that includes an ATAR program, vocational learning or a combination of both.
From entrepreneurship electives that encourage innovation and creative problem-solving to practical financial literacy through MoneyVest, Year 10 equips girls with the knowledge, skills and confidence to embrace the opportunities ahead.
