Loreto Normanhurst Deliver Student Success in HSC Subjects Currently Claimed to be in Decline

Loreto Normanhurst is leading the way in confronting the challenges faced by students in academically rigorous HSC subjects, specifically in the sciences. Driven by the school’s award- learning model and balanced FACE Curriculum that places equal emphasis on the key areas of faith, academic, community and extra-curricular, is a commitment to encourage students to excel in subjects like Chemistry and Physics, where statewide success rates are waning.

​The school’s Head of Science, Simone Bryant believes it is important and integral to challenge and equip students with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills to solve authentic problems for the complex world around them from a younger age, “ At Loreto Normanhurst, we are acutely aware of our important role as educators to bridge the divide through the thoughtful implementation of curriculum programming and Deep Learning experiences across the full scope of STEM-based subjects.” Bryant passionately advocated for real-world STEM experiences in school during National Science week earlier this year.

Director of Learning, Kieryn Bateman believes that the school can attribute their above average HSC results in the sciences to building their STEM framework into students learning from the beginning of the secondary school years. “By integrating science, technology and numeracy skills and content into cross-curriculum learning opportunities, students learn that STEM underpins many other curriculum areas and is an essential skill for real-world problem-solving. This begins with providing integration of STEM opportunities in Years 7 and 8 via our Integrated Learning curriculum.“

In response to the intensifying focus on achieving band 6s and E4s in extension subjects, Loreto Normanhurst emphasises a balanced approach to education, ensuring students are not deterred from taking scientifically rigorous subjects from early in their high school education. Ms Bateman continues, “Physics is integrated into Rube Goldberg design challenges in Year 8 and coding including robotics is integrated into our Year 7 Discovering the Future unit.”

​Speaking to the benefits of consistency in academic performance in school subjects for future academic and career paths, Ms Bryant said “maintaining strong performances in Science and Mathematics is not only essential for success in specific STEM-related careers but also for developing critical skills that are applicable across a wide range of academic and professional paths. It lays the groundwork for a lifetime of learning, adaptability, and success in an increasingly complex and technologically driven world.”

​By moving beyond mere knowledge acquisition, the school immerses students in hands-on experiences that make abstract concepts tangible to foster the skills needed in future STEM careers. The school’s innovation in STEM provides immersive experiences for its students, making STEM careers more appealing and accessible.
​Ms Bateman maintains a strong focus on encouraging students to pursue academically challenging subjects countering the national trend of declining results in these areas.

“This is also reflected in our destination data – as 20% of our students in 2022 received tertiary offers in the fields of Exercise Sports and Medical Science. ​ Our HSC performance in these subjects is consistently above state averages, and on average 20% of our students achieve the highest band (E4) in Extension Mathematics; with similar results reflected in Physics and Chemistry,” says Ms Bateman.

The school has employed several STEM-based programs into their curriculum including a STEM Club, Coding Club and Titration Club. Loreto Normanhurst also introduced a STEM tour for students to the USA at the end of Term 3 2023. Over 30 students and 6 staff engaged in field work across the USA – NASA, Grand Canyon, Silicon Valley, and the Natural History Museum. ​ This allowed students to see STEM alive in the real-world, and learning opportunities ranged from Physics to digital innovations, ecology and geology.

In Term 4 2023, Loreto Normanhurst will further strengthen their Deep Learning practices by opening their all-new Agricultural Technologies Centre, providing students with hands-on experiences in sustainable farming and modern agricultural technologies. Ms Bateman continues, ​ “The school’s commitment to merging theory with practice allows for the seamless intertwining of classroom learning and real-world applications in STEM fields. In the past five years we have introduced new science subjects in Stage 5, with Agriculture now a key and popular elective at Loreto Normanhurst.”

Loreto Normanhurst's approach aligns with contemporary educational needs, preparing students to tackle new and unfamiliar situations in final exams, particularly in challenging subjects like Chemistry and Physics. By encouraging participation in rigorous HSC subjects, Loreto Normanhurst not only prepares students for academic success but also nurtures critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and resilience, which are essential for their future endeavours.

About Loreto Normanhurst

Loreto Normanhurst is an independent Catholic, day and boarding school for girls in Years 5 – 12 in Sydney, NSW.

It offers an award-winning model of learning, an extensive extra-curricular program, a modern faith, and a strong sense of community.

With over 125 years of excellence in educating girls, Loreto Normanhurst graduates are independent, articulate, compassionate women who are seekers of truth and doers of justice.