About Lauriston Girls' School

Founded in 1901, Lauriston is a nondenominational school with outstanding academic results and a strong vision for girls’ education.

Lauriston is a ‘School for Life’. Our unique combination of hands-on learning experiences and rigorous, engaging learning programs provide girls with the skills, values and knowledge they need to pursue their dreams and make a positive contribution to the communities in which we live. Our school community is something I am immensely proud of, and one that extends beyond the curriculum. We take great pride in our students, teachers and facilities. (Susan Just, Principal)

Student care and support

Students learn best in an environment where they feel nurtured and valued for the unique individuals they are. Our specialist programs encourage students to develop a sense of belonging, resilience and a strong impression of personal integrity and social responsibility.

Curriculum

Students are encouraged to develop independent learning skills from a young age within a supportive atmosphere. A highly skilled team of teaching staff is committed to maximising the potential of every student and encouraging a lifelong love of learning beyond each student’s days in the classroom.

Senior School: In Years 11 and 12, both VCE and IB programs are offered, allowing a choice of curriculum to suit each individual student’s strengths and requirements.

Junior School: In the Junior School, there is a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy as well as specialist and enrichment programs. In Prep and Year 1, we implement the Australian Developmental Curriculum (ADC). ADC emphasises skill development and the acquisition of understandings and skills through a balanced curriculum that actively engages children in investigations, play and explicit teaching.

Kindergarten: Coeducational three- and four-year-old programs are based on the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

Co-curricular

An extensive range of co-curricular activities are offered. These include music, orchestras, bands and ensembles; more than 25 sports; community service; debating and public speaking; drama; photography; horse-riding; the Duke of Edinburgh Award; and student clubs that cater for many interests.

Our unique Year 9

Year 9 comprises a semi-residential year at our Howqua campus. Set in the magnificent Victorian High Country, near Mansfield, Howqua provides an experiential learning environment that encourages girls to meet a variety of new physical, academic and social challenges. It is aimed at helping adolescents develop independence, initiative and, most importantly, a belief in their own abilities.

Facilities

Innovative learning environments have been created at both our Armadale and Howqua campuses. At our Armadale campus we offer a purpose-built Year 7 and 8 Centre, an Arts and Visual Communication Precinct, a newly developed Science and Technology Centre for the Junior School, a Science and Resource Centre for Senior School and an integrated Performing Arts and Music Centre. Sporting facilities include a gym, an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts and a hockey and softball field. At our Howqua campus, the Arts Centre complements an impressive range of facilities including a Library and Resource Centre.

Results

In 2012, Lauriston’s VCE and IB Results were outstanding. Lauriston was ranked number one in Victoria for VCE results by The Age newspaper, and 34 per cent of our IB students were in the top one per cent of the state. Overall, three students achieved a perfect score of 99.95, 23.86 per cent of students were in the top one per cent of the state with an ATAR above 99, and 52.27 per cent placed in the top five per cent of the state with an ATAR above 95. The median ATAR for the class of 2012 was 96.05.

Key dates - 2013       

Tuesday 21 May - Principal's Morning Tea         
Tuesday 18 June - Principal's Morning Tea             
Tuesday 23 July - Principal's Morning Tea             
Monday 19 August - Year 7/8 Showcase          
Tuesday 20 August - Principal's Morning Tea          
Thursday 17 October - Howqua 2014 Parent Info Session       
Wenesday 28 August - Prep 2014 Parent Info session           
Sunday 20 October - Howqua Open Day          
Wednesday 23 October - VCE/IB Art Exhibition Opening night             
Tuesday 29 October - Principal's Morning Tea: Tuesday 29 October               
Friday 15 November - Prep-Year 7 2014 Orientation Day

Music Scholarships

For entry into Years 7 and 10. Based on an exam, school reports, an audition and an interview. Must meet minimum AMEB level.

Academic/General Excellence Scholarships

For entry into Years 5, 7, 9, 10 and 11. Scholarships are awarded based on an exam, school reports, an interview and a portfolio of achievements across a range of areas including sport, visual arts, leadership, community service etc