Independent Schools Guide 2024: Toorak College focusses on tackling real-world issues

Toorak College Principal Kristy Kendall firmly believes in the potential that can be unleashed when schools work closely with industry leaders. So, for the past few years, she has invited major corporations to the school to mentor students and open their eyes to possible career pathways.

Kendall has primarily focused on building partnerships with industries in which women are often underrepresented, such as construction and infrastructure, engineering, finance, architecture and medical research.

“Industry and corporate partnerships inform our curriculum from Year 8 to Year 12,” she says. “That allows girls to start to envisage their future lives.

“They have exposure to different industries and workplaces, bring that back to the classroom and start to see the curriculum and teaching in a new light. They see bigger connections.

“The partnerships we have built with industry help girls put themselves in the picture – and that’s powerful.”

One of the first corporations to work with Toorak College was Downer, a provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand with a significant footprint in transport, utilities, facilities, defence and energy.

Other supporters include Seymour Whyte, NAB and Cell Care.

The companies provide mentorship, talk about careers in their industry and explain the skills required. There are also opportunities for students to visit worksites. Cadetships are also offered to successful graduating students.

The Futures Program begins in Year 8, with students undertaking a project called Mornington 2030.

“The girls look at what type of community will be needed to sustain life on the Mornington Peninsula in 2030,” says Kate Brown, Deputy Head of Senior School, Academic Growth.

“They have to re-imagine the area, examine future infrastructure needs below and above ground, consider sustainability, and work out what resources and assets will be required.”

When completed, students present their Mornington 2030 vision to industry mentors.

During years 9 and 10, students continue being exposed to real-life industry experiences.

Through a partnership with NAB, students visit the bank’s head office and learn about the banking environment and current challenges posed by issues such as identity theft and phishing. They also discover the diverse career areas available in the world of banking, such as marketing, law and economics.

“Industry brings knowledge and informs the skills we need to teach,” Brown says. “They get to develop the learning with us so we know what the want from a student graduating from high school searching for a cadetship.

“We give companies an opportunity to develop their talent pipeline.”

New to the Futures Program this year, Year 10 students focus on building their cybersecurity skills and understanding how to protect data.

During years 11 and 12, students hone their resume writing and interview skills with the help of professionals.

Year 12 students can also apply for cadetships with corporate partners that allow them to complete university studies while working part-time at the company. Upon completing their degree, they have a priority job offer.

“The immersion and breadth of opportunity offered by the exposure to different industries and careers mean girls know what the end picture is like,” says Melissa Schoorman, Deputy Principal and Head of Wardle House.

“They understand what they are doing and why. They have a clear vision and know what is ahead of them.”

Kendall says they are working with industry leaders “to create environments that inspire young women to lift their head”.

“We are focusing on industries where women are outnumbered because our students believe there is no industry that they can’t be part of. They want to take their place and genuinely believe they have something to give.”

Toorak College

73-93 Old Mornington Road, Mount Eliza, VIC 3930

toorakcollege.vic.edu.au

Enquiries: 9788 7234,

enrolments@toorakc.vic.edu.au

Years: K–Year 12

Denomination: Non-denominational

Gender: Co-educational ELC, Girls only from Prep–Year 12

Fees: $7244 –$33,224

Boarding: Yes

Scholarships: Yes

ATAR (median for 2023): 86.0