Independent Schools Guide 2022: Fintona has the successful trifecta

Fintona prides itself on being a school that nurtures great learners through expert teaching.

“From the beginning, the girls are encouraged to look at things closely and they question and get different perceptions. We embed that curiosity in all we do,” says Fintona’s head of Learning, Teaching and Development, Ruth McKinnon.

The creative and thoughtful teaching and learning programs at Fintona are designed to uncover and build the strengths and talents of each student. The experiences and opportunities on offer ensure that students enjoy success in a wide range of fields post-school.

Most recently, one graduate of the class of 2021 is now studying engineering at Cambridge University in England and another is studying art and design at the prestigious New York University. Other students from the 2021 cohort are now exploring medicine and economics.

McKinnon says teaching and learning programs that encourage participation and that are founded on clear communication and expert teaching support are key to helping students develop interests, strengths, knowledge, skills and confidence.

“We do all these things well and we infuse them into everything we do,” she says.

“Girls learn by talking their way to understanding and so we have a process of talking, thinking and then doing. Similarly, we have a huge range of activities that girls can take part in – there is something for everyone.”

A raft of co- and extra-curricular activities in and outside the classroom help students develop a broad skill base, stimulate engagement and, in turn, help students build academic excellence.

A newly launched Green Team focused on sustainability is one example of the activities available at Fintona that are stimulating learning.

Green Team members are auditing the school’s energy and water use and recycling efforts and will suggest improvements where they can be made.

“Senior students have also just started the IPEC Group – a club for students interested in getting together to talk about international politics and economics,” McKinnon says.

To ensure students progress in whatever subjects they are studying, Fintona’s teaching and learning approach relies on the transparent communication of clear objectives. This enables girls to know what is coming next in their studies so they have time to prepare, reflect and understand their learning goals.

“A teacher explains what is going to happen in a lesson and what they are aiming to achieve together. Students know the objectives and are confident to ask if anything is not clear,” McKinnon says.

The nurturing and supportive learning environment is partly due to Fintona’s size, and small class sizes ensure that every student is known to their teachers.

“Our girls feel supported enough to have a go at anything. If they want to be in the rowing squad, as long as they come to practice and do the training, they will be supported to be in the rowing squad,” McKinnon says.

“This mindset of being able to have a go transfers to the classroom and means they will be able to have a go at anything from calculus to Shakespeare.”

That depth of support extends to helping students step outside their usual domains. While it may be confronting initially, the support of peers and teachers helps students navigate any concerns and develop important skills.

“We tap into our students’ interests, listen to their questions, encourage them to express themselves clearly and logically and help them think critically,” McKinnon says.

“We have a strong learning community at Fintona and everyone is working towards the same goal – of creating great learners who have many opportunities ahead of them.”

Key Details

Address:
79 Balwyn Road,
Balwyn, VIC 3103

Enquiries:
fintona.vic.edu.au
(03) 9830 1388
registrar@fintona.vic.edu.au

Years:
ELC to Year 12

Denomination:
Non-denominational

Gender:
Girls

Fees:
$16,912 to $32,656

Boarding:
No

Scholarships:
Yes

ATAR:
95.85 (Median for 2021)