Years 7-9
Exploring Opportunities
Developing Independence and Self-confidence
This is an exciting time of life for our young girls—a time when they can have self-doubt but can equally be full of spirit and energy and are exploring and learning about who they are and what they can do. At Iona, our girls are able to develop their potential and become independent problem-solvers in a nurturing and secure environment.
All girls study English, Mathematics, Science, Society & Environment, Religious Education, Health Education and Physical Education. A language is compulsory in Years 7 and 8, and may be taken as an elective in Years 9 and 10. Students in Year 7 sample a number of electives, which are then available for them to pursue in Years 8-10.
At Iona, we aim to provide educational opportunities to suit young women who have a range of abilities and interests—this includes our Learning Enhancement program for those who will benefit from some remedial help as well as extension opportunities in our Gifted & Talented program for students who require more intellectual and academic stimulation.
Year 10
Exciting Choices and Building Strong Foundations
Year 10 is about exploring subjects of interest in greater depth. Even though some girls will already know their chosen pathway and others will still be exploring their options, students are encouraged to consider individual interests and abilities whilst developing strong foundations for good study habits.
Students, with help from their parents and experienced Iona staff, will embark on the exciting journey of making the first series of decisions regarding their future. They will be guided through this process by key personnel at the College and will participate in the Careers program.
Year 10 students continue to study Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science and Health and Physical Education. Students also continue to pursue their passions, develop their talents or develop other areas of interest with the selection of elective courses. Year 10 students may choose three electives.
Years 11 and 12
Preparing to Make a Difference
Following the values of the Presentation Sisters, our young women in Years 11 and 12 are encouraged to be good role models and significant contributors to the culture at Iona. With support and guidance, Iona offers maximum opportunities for these young women to achieve their personal best.
The College offers a wide range of courses, preparing students for university, Colleges of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) and the workforce. In Years 11 and 12 students at Iona embark on one of the following pathways:
- external examinations are sat at the end of Year 12
- a total of six courses including Religion & Life
- a minimum of four ATAR courses are required
- most students study five but can study six
- ATAR score 50% school assessment and 50% WACE external examination-based on best four scores
Students are aiming for university entry.
- no external examinations
- Externally Set Task (EST) in courses in which students will complete in Year 12
- courses include structured workplace learning (Year 11) and Certificate courses at TAFE (Year 12)
- a total of six courses including Religion & Life
- requirement to study Careers & Enterprise
This pathway provides access to both TAFE and alternative entry to university.
INSTEP West
INSTEP/Workplace Learning is a joint school and industry work placement strategy enabling motivated Years 11 and 12 students to work towards secondary graduation using school, workplace learning and in some cases TAFE style learning environments. This valuable program is different to work experience—rather than observe what goes on, students are given the opportunity to complete tasks related to their vocational course, whilst at the same time take part in relevant, real but supervised work.
INSTEP program complements and reinforces school learning and girls who take part in this program have the opportunity to:
- develop responsible work skills
- have assistance in career planning
- increase self-esteem and confidence
- develop broader communication skills
- increase their awareness of the link between school, further education and employment
- enhance further education, training and employment prospects
- gain a realistic understanding of the expectations of specific industries.
Iona works with the INSTEP West cluster of schools which coordinates the School Curriculum and Standards Authority endorsed program—Workplace Learning (ADWPL)—as part of the Western Australian Certificate of Secondary Education (WACE).
Students in Years 11 and 12 at Iona will:
- select a pathway ATAR or Access
- undertake six courses in Year 11 and at least five courses in Year 12
- select either English or English Literature
- study Religion & Life as one of their courses as either an ATAR or Access course
- selection of courses must include at least one List A and one List B course
- participate in the Physical Recreation Program in Years 11 and 12
Because Physical Recreation occupies one period per week and is not formally assessed by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority, students will have six courses for which they will receive external recognition and potential admission to university or TAFE.
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