Independent Schools Guide 2024: Strathcona Girls Grammar celebrates a century of unstoppable women

The new principal of Strathcona Girls Grammar, Lorna Beegan, has arrived at an exciting time in the Canterbury school’s history.

This is Strathcona’s centenary year, and a number of celebrations are taking place at the school, including the burying of a time capsule, the launch of a pictorial history of the school, and the unveiling of a bronze statue made by a former student.

One hundred years after the first girls walked through the gates of Strathcona, much has changed. The school’s core mission, however, has remained the same – to empower girls to become confident, capable and compassionate leaders.

“Strathcona has always been an energised and dynamic place for girls to learn, and the women we educate have the power and responsibility to contribute to the world they live in,” Beegan says.

“Within an all-girl environment you can cater the syllabus and classrooms to subjects and concepts that girls are in tune with. In schools like Strathcona, if girls want to try subjects, they give them a go. They don’t hesitate.

“Our focus has always been on creating the best environment for girls to learn.”

Strathcona has carefully planned learning experiences designed for each student’s age and stage.

The Early Years has launched a new program this year. It combines outdoor play, adventure learning, curiosity, connection with nature and learning-based play.

Bespoke programs nurture and encourage girls in the middle years, too, and in Year 9, students are based at the Tay Cregan campus.

“Year 9 is an opportunity for girls to find their strengths and differences and to begin to work out who they want to be,” Beegan says.

“Girls step outside, gain independence and work closely with their designated teachers. There are plentiful excursions and camps during this year, before they return to our Canterbury campus for their senior years.”

The senior years curriculum offers students VCE and VET opportunities, and the concept of being “unstoppable” and empowered is always present.

“Girls know they matter and they understand that their education is their story to write,” Beegan says. “We want them to be all they can be, and to feel empowered and equipped with the resources and skills to pursue whatever path they choose.

“By the time students leave Strathcona, they are informed, composed and aware, they have confidence to speak their mind, they know when to listen and they call out injustice. They have bravery and faith to make a difference in their world.”

Strathcona Girls Grammar

Early Years and Junior School:  173 Prospect Hill Road, Canterbury, VIC 3126

Senior School: 34 Scott Street, Canterbury,

VIC 3126

Tay Cregan (Year 9 Campus): 30 Yarra Street, Hawthorn, VIC 3122

strathcona.vic.edu.au

Enquiries: (03) 8779 7500, registrar@strathcona.vic.edu.au

Years: Early Learning-Year 12

Denomination: Baptist

Gender: Girls

Fees: $21,788-$37,414

Boarding: No

Scholarships: Yes

ATAR (median for 2023): 90.9