The pros and cons of single-sex and mixed educational settings are often debated. A creative and practical solution adopted by Caroline Chisholm Catholic College offers a concentrated single-sex education from years 7 to 9 and a co-educational experience from years 10 to 12.
Director of Campus, Christ the King, Natalie Meddis says that preparatory years 7 to 9 are fundamental in setting study habits and academic skills.
“The single-sex setting encourages our girls to challenge a national trend indicating that girls are less likely to take STEM subjects at an early age,” Natalie says. “Our female students are encouraged to develop strong skills in STEM-focused subjects, with an emphasis on the development of skills, throughout their early years of secondary education.”
Several students are happy to share their experiences at the College.
“I’m excited to participate in science activities at our school,” says Aliyah, a year 8 student. “We’ve had workshops conducted by university students, as well as work experience programs.”
Natalie says that by the time year 10 comes around, the girls feel confident and engaged with STEM and therefore more likely to continue.
“We’re enjoying a rise in the number of girls taking physics, chemistry, specialist maths and maths methods,” she reports.
Francis, a former student, tells her story.
“Starting off at an all-girls school created a focused environment for me to learn, but I never felt alienated from the boys,” she says. “We visited the all-boys campus often enough for electives, which made it easier when it came time to transition to co-educational classes.”
Natalie says the single-sex/co-educational structure is part of the college’s focus on a personalised learning for all,designed to increase bonds between the school of 1500 students and their families – and it means students are known by the staff.
Nikita, a year 9 student, says: “When I walk into Christ the King campus, every day I feel this blanket of safeness that, no matter what I’m feeling, there is this unity with the staff and students so I can be and act like myself without getting judged – and that’s the best anyone could ever ask for.”
The college has a range of wellbeing programs, including counselling support and programs such as Rock and Water, enabling students to view their teenage years as opportunities.
The all-girls campus is undergoing a major refurbishment, with a performing arts centre being built, with upgrades to science and technology rooms scheduled for 2019.
Enrolments for year 7 in 2020 are now open. Tours of the all-girls campus or any of the sites can be arranged by contacting the college registrar.
Caroline Chisholm Catholic College, Christ the King Campus, 65 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook. Inquiries: 9296 5311 or visit cccc.vic.edu.au
