Senior schooling at Fairholme is a dynamic phase of learning, living and leading.
Our students in Years 10 to 12 are immersed in a learning phase that embraces the aspirations of the individual. It can be a time of discovery or purposeful specialisation - or both, as every girl develops her passions and explores new possibilities, all within a happy, fulfilling and caring community.
In addition to traditional academic pursuits, it seems that whatever their passion, our girls are able to engage in rich learning within The Arts and Culture, Sport, a range of Service learning activities and via the leadership structure in the Senior School.
Accomplished, enthusiastic and devoted practitioners lead the girls in capturing and maximising each moment from which valuable learning can evolve. They have a commitment to foster independence, resilience and the ability to take initiative through a focus on positive psychology and spiritual richness.
They are well cared for within our highly effective system of community pastoral care which provides valuable support that enables them to feel comfortable while stretching boundaries in their pursuit of excellence. Such care also empowers the girls to manage relationships effectively and restoratively, while encouraging them to be aware of the importance of emotional maturity and being critical contributors within the communities to which they belong now and in the future.
Nurturing skills in independent learning and healthy relationships, the Senior School experience is focused on supporting girls with their mental agility, self-belief and the abilities to work with others in order to deal with the mounting complexity of life in the 21st century and life ‘beyond the Holme’.
Student Centred, Student Driven, Student Led
Mr Tom McCormick | Head of Senior School
MEd-Leadership & Mangement, PGCE, BSc(Hons), MACE, MACEL
Striving for excellence, independence and empowerment in the education of women.
Senior School Curriculum
The Senior School at Fairholme offers a dynamic and diverse curriculum for girls in Years 10, 11 and 12. Learning in the Senior School occurs in the classroom and beyond, implicitly and explicitly, formally and informally.
We are mindful that learning is a constant journey and that it can be initiated by both students and teachers and is strengthened when shared and explored between the girls and amid staff members.
Inspiring, challenging and thought-provoking, the delivery of our programs is designed to help each student achieve a level of distinction and accomplishment that is their personal best. It is during these years of formal schooling that Fairholme’s aim to develop lifelong learners reaches its peak, whilst establishing clear, considered links to the learning which happens beyond school.
The curriculum, its delivery, the learning experiences and the dedication of passionate and skilled practitioners nurture the Senior School girls to become:
- knowledgeable people with deep understanding
- divergent thinkers
- creative and inquisitive
- active investigators
- skilled and sensitive communicators
- engaged participants in our interdependent world, and
- reflective and self-directed learners
Curriculum Overview
YEAR 10
English
Mathematics
Mathematical Methods
Science
Humanities
Business
Dance
Drama
Music
Visual Art
Japanese
French
Design Technology
Digital Technologies
Engineering
Health and PE
Sport Physiology
Christian Education
Thrive
YEAR 11 & 12
English
Literature
English and Literature Extension
Mathematics
Mathematical Methods
Specialist Mathematics
Ag Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Psychology
Ancient History
Modern History
Geography
Accounting
Economics
Legal Studies
Dance
Drama
Music
Visual Art
Music Extension
Japanese
French
Hospitality
Fashion
Digital Solutions
Health and PE
Senior PE
Sport and Recreation
Sport Physiology
Christian Education
Thrive
Why is Fairholme Top of Toowoomba?
An outstanding reputation as a strong academic school
Fairholme College delivers a leading standard of education across core learning areas such as English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Christian Education, Thrive program and Health & Physical Education.
The College is renowned for providing an extraordinarily nurturing environment that encourages the pursuit of creative and academic excellence through Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Arts and Languages.
Challenging girls to reach their full potential
Development opportunities available to Senior School students range from consistent academic growth through to co-curricular pursuits which can be life-changing, exhilarating experiences – from musical productions, eco-tourism experiences, national sporting meets, international Service programs to international student exchange trips.
Preparing our girls for life beyond the Fairholme gates
Those seeking tertiary entrance are counselled and well-prepared for further study, while students who desire to pursue vocational experience and qualifications, alongside their regular academic program, have an abundance of options.
Regardless of the learning choices made by our girls, Senior School staff avidly inspire, motivate and encourage all Fairholme girls to enjoy a dedicated work ethic with a spirit of excellence.
Caring for her mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing
A strong focus on academia, is well supported by our Pastoral Care and Thrive programs. As the girls embark on a curriculum that is focused on literacy and numeracy, intellectually engaging, relevant to their lives and deliberately fun, our pastoral care and Thrive programs work to enhance the emotional, social and spiritual development of each girl alongside her studies.
Learning Enhancement
Innovative and multi-faceted, our Learning Enhancement Centre (LEC) supports the learning of all Fairholme College students, recognising that each student can be at different stages along the learning spectrum; we aim for inclusion for all girls.
Learning Enhancement at Fairholme is offered through supportive, inclusive programs across the College, providing ongoing benefits for students, staff and parents. This may involve in-class support, small group assistance and classes and withdrawal support. This enables us to ensure that each girl requiring support has a program tailored to their needs.
Students who may benefit from learning support are identified and referred to the LEC team for further assessment. They meet with a member of the learning enrichment team who will help with assessments, study skills, examination preparation and organisation. The team has established intervention programs for girls who need more intensive support.
LEC staff also work with closely with teachers, families and specialists to ensure a collaborative approach to leaning management.
These include:
- Specialist advice for teachers and parents for shared approaches in class and at home
- In-class, small group and withdrawal assistance for students
- Planning with staff for differentiated curriculum
- Formal assessment of individual student needs
- Individual education plans for students assessed as requiring additional learning support or extension/accelerative options
- Early intervention programs in the Junior School
- Homework and assessment help sessions conducted before, during and after school
- Co-curricular interest groups E.g. Robitics club, STEAM, Debating, Various Drama and Arts groups
- Facilitation of student participation in a variety of competitions including University of Southern Queensland Science and Engineering Challenge, Darling Downs Maths Team Challenge, Mathematics Olympiad
- Referral to external specialists.
Fairholme Pathways Centre
As they enter Years 10, 11 and 12, our girls are deliberately prepared to launch into life beyond Fairholme.
A successful transition from Senior School into their pathway of choice is at the heart of each resource available at our Pathways Centre, which was developed to ensure that all students are offered an opportunity to create an exciting and authentic career plan.
Greta Centre
The Greta Centre Libraries at Fairholme are dynamic environments that empower students and support 21st century learning.
They are not just places for reading in, but they are places for thinking, exploring, creating, collaborating… which means they are rarely silent!
The College operates two centres for learning - The GRETA Centre and GRETA Junior.
The GRETA Centre
The GRETA Centre services Middle and Senior School staff and students
Open Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.30pm.
GRETA Junior
GRETA Junior services Fairholme Junior staff and students
Open Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 3.25pm.
Global Learning
Our vision is to nurture girls who are confident, compassionate and respectful contributors within an increasingly interconnected global society. While this global perspective is embedded in our everyday learning, we also provide meaningful opportunities for our students to step beyond the classroom and engage directly with the wider world.
Through exchange programs, international tours and the presence of international students within our community, Fairholme girls develop cultural understanding, independence and a broader perspective that prepares them for life beyond the College.
Exchange Experiences
Fairholme offers a range of exchange opportunities each year, allowing students to immerse themselves in the academic and cultural life of leading international schools. Partnerships with prestigious institutions such as The Rugby School, Oakham School and Bryanston School in the United Kingdom provide students with the opportunity to live and learn abroad, build lasting friendships and gain invaluable personal and educational experiences.
International Tours
Our international tour program provides students with enriching opportunities to explore diverse cultures, languages and global contexts. These experiences foster independence, adaptability and global awareness while deepening students’ academic and personal growth. Recent tours have included the Cambridge Oxbridge Academic Program, Cambodia Service Trip, Japan Language Tour, France Language Tour and the Paris Fashion Tour.
Global Student Program
Fairholme warmly welcomes international students into our College community. Their presence enriches our cultural environment and provides valuable opportunities for all students to develop intercultural understanding and global awareness.
International students are fully immersed in the life of the College, participating in academic programs, co-curricular activities and boarding life. These shared experiences foster lifelong friendships and prepare Fairholme girls to thrive as globally minded citizens in an ever-changing world.
