From the Principal
Preparing Young Women for the Future: Learning in Action at Loreto College Marryatville
How do we know if we are preparing young people well for the future?
It is a question that educators, parents and communities continue to ask, particularly as the world our young people will inherit becomes increasingly complex and interconnected. International assessments such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) provide one important lens through which to consider this question.
Next term, the results of PISA 2025 will be released. Conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), PISA is one of the world's largest international assessments of student learning, with more than 90 countries and economies participating. The 2025 cycle focused on science, with mathematics and reading as minor domains, and introduced two new areas of assessment: Foreign Language Learning and Learning in the Digital World. These additions recognise the growing importance of communication, adaptability and digital capability in preparing students for the future.
Previous PISA cycles have highlighted not only trends in achievement, but also the importance of equity, wellbeing, and ensuring that young people develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to thrive. Yet international assessments tell only part of the story. They cannot fully capture the rich experiences, meaningful relationships and breadth of opportunities that shape young people and enable them to flourish.
I am proud to lead a school that offers an education that inspires curiosity, creativity and a lifelong love of learning. From the Early Learning Centre to Year 12, our students are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions, embrace challenges and apply their learning in authentic and meaningful ways.
This commitment is reflected in the breadth of opportunities available to our girls. Senior students can choose from 35 SACE courses to create pathways aligned with their interests and aspirations, while younger learners benefit from a balanced approach that combines explicit instruction with inquiry-based learning and specialist subjects, including science, designed to build strong foundations and nurture discovery.
Beyond the classroom, students can participate in 15 sports, perform in 12 music ensembles, and engage in more than 20 clubs and co-curricular activities. Service and social justice initiatives, grounded in the values of Mary Ward, encourage our girls to become compassionate, informed and active citizens who seek to make a difference in the world.
None of this happens by chance. Our talented and dedicated staff are experts in their fields who continually refine their practice to ensure every student is known, challenged and supported. They understand that education is not simply about preparing students for the next test but about preparing them for life.
Whatever the PISA results may reveal next term about the global educational trends and accomplishments of students from around the world, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing an outstanding education. It is a privilege to partner with families in this important work, and we are proud to offer a learning experience that empowers each young woman to flourish, realise her potential and lead a life of purpose, freedom and integrity.
Annual Giving
As you would be aware, we launched our Building Futures Together Annual Giving Campaign last week. Thank you to the many families who have already so generously contributed to this important initiative. If you would like to be part of this special project and help make a lasting impact on our College community, we invite you to donate by clicking here.
Kylie McCullah
Principal