Year 7: Independence, Confidence, and Connection

At St Hilda’s, we support Year 7 students as they develop independence and organisation while transitioning to Senior School. Navigating a new campus can be both exciting and challenging, but our dedicated Head of Year and Wellbeing Teacher provide guidance and encouragement every step of the way.

Our Wellbeing program fosters strong peer connections and engagement in school life through a variety of activities, helping students feel supported, valued, and empowered.

A highlight of the year is Year 7 Camp, which is designed to strengthen friendships, build resilience, and foster a sense of belonging. For many students, being away from home is a valuable opportunity to develop independence and confidence. Through outdoor learning and teamwork, they return with a greater sense of self-assurance and readiness to embrace new challenges.

All Year 7 students participate in a specialist Dance program, which becomes an elective from Year 8 onwards. The course blends technical and theoretical aspects of dance, allowing students to develop their strength, flexibility, rhythm, and musicality while exploring a range of dance genres and cultural influences.

As students settle into their academic studies, our Learn program helps them develop essential study skills, while nightly homework reinforces learning and encourages self-discipline. Students are also encouraged to attend the Tutoring Centre for extra support, whether to complete assignments, strengthen their understanding of key concepts, or seek guidance from staff.

Throughout the year, Year 7s engage in collaborative learning experiences, where they are encouraged to work inclusively, cooperatively, and independently—equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in Senior School and beyond.

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.

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.