Senior School
Welcome to our Senior School (7–12)
At St Michael’s, the Senior School is where students discover who they are, what they love, and how they will make a difference. From Year 7 to Year 12, we combine academic excellence with exceptional wellbeing and co-curricular opportunities to ensure our secondary school students leave prepared for purposeful, balanced and rewarding lives.
Why choose our Senior School
Our comprehensive, private secondary school educational program in Years 7-12 engages students intellectually, physically and socially, providing valuable critical thinking opportunities, and encouraging autonomous and collaborative learning.
VCE Excellence
Class of 2024
“Our students achieve more than just results — they develop into well-rounded, confident young people who are ready to lead, serve and thrive in the world beyond St Michael’s.” - Head of the School, Gerard Houlihan
Years 7 to 9
The early Senior School years at St Michael’s mark a time of discovery — where our secondary school students develop confidence, independence and a love of learning. From Year 7 through to Year 9, students engage in a broad academic program, hands-on learning experiences and rich co-curricular opportunities that nurture both intellect and character.
Academic Program
Students study a full core curriculum of English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Languages (French, Italian, Japanese or Chinese), Health and Physical Education. The Arts and Technologies feature prominently through semester-based rotations in Music, Dance, Drama, Visual Arts and Design Technologies.
In Year 8 and 9, secondary school students begin to make elective choices, deepening interests and preparing for future pathways. A strong wellbeing focus runs through all learning, guided by the Anam Cara program, which supports reflection, empathy and resilience.
House System & Wellbeing
Every student belongs to one of five Houses — communities that foster belonging, care and friendly rivalry through shared events, assemblies and inter-House activities. The House system forms the backbone of our wellbeing approach, connecting students across year levels through supportive relationships with tutors, Heads of House and peers.
Regular mentoring sessions, small group tutorials and close communication with families ensure each secondary school student is known, valued and supported as they navigate early adolescence with confidence.
Experiential Learning
The Years 7–9 Experiential Learning program builds teamwork, courage and social awareness through our Exodus Outdoor Education and City-based experiences:
- Year 7 Friends and Foundation Camp – a supportive introduction to outdoor learning and forming new connections.
- Year 8 City Experience – students step into Melbourne’s civic and cultural landscape, building real-world skills and exploring community engagement.
- Year 9 Service Learning – A truly life-changing opportunity to visit Cambodia and work within a local village to undertake a dwelling construction project for a local family and their extended household.
These experiences are complemented by leadership workshops and service opportunities that build confidence and perspective beyond the classroom.
Performing Arts
Performing Arts are integral to early Senior School life.
In Years 7 and 8, all students study both Music and Theatre Arts, with opportunities to join choirs, instrumental ensembles, and Dance or Drama productions.
By Year 9, students may elect Drama, Dance or Music as specialist subjects and audition for School productions or ensembles, laying foundations for VCE studies in the arts.
Participation builds collaboration, creativity and self-expression — skills that serve our secondary school students in every aspect of school life.
Sport
Sport is embedded in every secondary school student’s experience from Year 7 onwards.
All students take part in weekly ACS interschool competitions, House carnivals (swimming, athletics, cross-country), and Health & PE classes that build physical literacy and teamwork.
Students represent St Michael’s across sports such as basketball, netball, football, tennis, athletics, volleyball, and more.
By Year 9, many take on leadership roles within their Houses or trial for senior teams.
Years 10 to 12
In Years 10–12, secondary school students move into the pathways and purpose stage of their education, where they take greater ownership of their learning, pursue areas of strength, and prepare for life beyond school. Academic excellence is paired with balance, wellbeing and meaningful experiences that shape future-ready graduates.
Academic Program
secondary school students in Year 10 continue with core studies — English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Health and PE — while selecting from a broad range of electives across the Arts, Technologies, and STEM. Many students begin early entry into VCE Units 1–2, gaining a head start in subjects such as Psychology, Business Management, Dance, or Computing.
In Years 11 and 12, secondary school students complete their Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), choosing from over 40 subjects across all major disciplines, including Languages, Sciences, Humanities, Arts and Technologies. Dedicated academic mentoring, small class sizes and expert guidance ensure every student is supported to achieve their personal best.
House System & Wellbeing
Well-being remains central to the senior years. Each secondary school student continues within their House community, supported by tutors and Heads of House who provide consistent guidance through the challenges of adolescence and the demands of VCE.
Regular check-ins, wellbeing programs, and social events strengthen connections across year levels, while senior students model leadership, responsibility and care for younger peers. The House structure ensures that even as independence grows, every student remains seen, supported and valued.
Experiential Learning
The Experiential Learning program continues to challenge and inspire students through leadership, outdoor education and real-world exploration.
- Year 10 Immersion Project – students undertake a sustained inquiry or community-based project, connecting learning to personal interests and potential career paths.
- Year 11 Kosi to Coast Expedition – a signature 20-day rafting and hiking experience from Mount Kosciuszko to the sea, fostering resilience, teamwork and reflection.
Performing Arts
Performing Arts flourish in the senior years, offering both academic and co-curricular pathways.
- VCE Music, Dance, Drama and Theatre Studies provide rigorous academic programs for aspiring performers and creatives.
- Students take leading roles in major School productions, concerts and festivals, or explore behind-the-scenes roles in design, lighting and stagecraft.
- Through ensemble work and performance, students develop confidence, discipline and collaboration — qualities that enhance their academic and personal success.
Sport
Sport remains a cornerstone of wellbeing and balance throughout Years 10–12.
- Year 10 students continue in ACS competitions and have opportunities to captain teams or mentor younger players.
- In Years 11 and 12, students may choose to continue competing, focus on leadership roles, or contribute to the sporting community through coaching and event organisation.
- Many of our senior athletes compete at elite ACS and state levels, supported by expert coaching and sports staff.
Co-curricular Highlights
Sport
Sport is an integral part of wellbeing and community life at St Michael’s. Through weekly ACS competitions, House carnivals, and diverse sporting programs and facilities, secondary school students develop resilience, teamwork and pride. From friendly House rivalry to elite-level representation, sport offers something for every interest and ability.
Experiential Learning
Our Experiential Learning program takes education beyond the classroom — developing character, leadership and real-world understanding. From Outdoor Education camps and the City Immersion program to the Year 9 Service Learning trip to Cambodia and the renowned Year 11 Kosi to Coast expedition, students gain perspective, independence and a lifelong sense of purpose.
Our Educators and Student Support
At St Michael’s, students are guided by dedicated educators who combine subject expertise with a deep understanding of young people. Our teachers are mentors and advocates who know their students well, supporting both academic and personal growth.
Working alongside classroom teachers, our Wellbeing and Student Support Team — including School Psychologists, Counsellors, and Learning Support Specialists — provides individual and small-group support to enhance wellbeing and learning.
Students benefit from:
- Counselling and psychological support to promote emotional health and resilience.
- Targeted learning enhancement and tutoring to build confidence and study skills.
- Mentor teachers and Heads of House who oversee each student’s overall development.
Through this collaborative approach, every student feels seen, supported, and understood, enabling them to thrive both in their studies and beyond the classroom.
"I think St Michael’s has helped me become a more outgoing person who is more willing to take things on. I’ve learnt to juggle many activities in my schedule, and to feel comfortable speaking in front of large groups of people, a skill that I am sure will be useful throughout my life. I think most importantly, my education at St Michael’s has taught me the importance of balance, encouraging both academic and extra-curricular endeavours. I feel that I am now a well-rounded individual, largely thanks to my time at the School."
Thomas
OM 2021
St Michael’s is one of Australia’s leading independent coeducational schools, educating more than 1200 students from Kindergarten to VCE. We acknowledge the Boonwurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which St Michael’s stands. We pay respect to their ancestors, elders and emerging leaders, and we are committed to reconciliation through authentic relationships and continued cultural learning.
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