Independent Schools Guide 2024: Ave Maria College forms ground-breaking partnership with top English football club

Always searching for ways to empower girls and break barriers, Ave Maria College recently partnered with the English Premier League football club Liverpool FC’s International Academy. The collaboration sees the College become the club’s only all-girls high performance soccer academy in Australia.

“Our charter for education is about providing opportunities, and we are always looking for different pathways for our students,” says Dane Calleja, Executive Deputy Principal of Ave Maria College.

Not only will students have access to exclusive high performance training programs but also the ability to complete micro credentials in sports management, physical education, and health through the Australian College of Physical Education.

Calleja says this latest initiative is part of Ave Maria’s mission to provide an educational experience that unites faith, learning and wellbeing and encourages girls to break down traditional barriers.

“We want our students to belong, engage, grow and thrive through a range of academic pathways, programs and experiences that enable girls to take that next step, break pre-existing boundaries and further their discovery of self,” says Calleja.

Student voice is also highly valued by the College as students are encouraged from Year 7 to take on formal and informal leadership roles. College Co-Captain for 2024

Charlotte Rowbottom is no stranger to leadership, having held several positions since joining in Year 7.

“We’ve had strong, independent young women as leaders and I always looked up to them,” she says. “I’m ecstatic to be able to hopefully inspire other girls.”

More than 100 leadership positions are available each year across a diverse array of portfolios allowing students to serve their community and impact decisions that affect them.

“Being here and having the support of teachers has built my confidence to see things that need to change and to take action,” says Rowbottom.

Throughout the year, elected student leaders participate in a series of leadership seminars to build on their skills and generate new ideas to improve the College experience. One of their 2023 initiatives saw the College host young people from across Australia for the inaugural student-led Youth Response Conference focused on global sustainability issues.

Calleja says: “It was another opportunity for our students to apply their knowledge and understanding with a real-life purpose.

“We want our students to be prepared to lead the world of the future and make their mark.”

Ave Maria College

14-22 Vida Street, Aberfeldie VIC 3040

avemaria.vic.edu.au

Enquiries: 9931 9300

Email: avemaria@avemaria.vic.edu.au

Years: 7-12

Denomination: Catholic

Gender: Girls

Fees: $8200-$9600

Boarding: No

Scholarships: Yes

ATAR (median for 2023): 73.70