Stepping Up
The transition from Middle School to Upper School, and Upper School to Senior College mark pivotal moments in a Wenona student's academic journey. This year, both cohorts have been preparing with a series of fun activities, on and off campus.
Year 10 has been engaging in a comprehensive three-week program that blends workplace experience, life skills development, and informal milestones. The program opened with an intensive week of Work Exploration. The students stepped beyond the classroom walls to immerse themselves in their potential future careers.
Nina participated in a placement at Taronga Zoo. "My time at Taronga was extremely valuable because it enabled me to gain fascinating insights into both the corporate and animal world," she said. Her experience ranged from attending Foundation Team meetings to the more practical aspects of animal care – including, she noted with good humour – "a lot of cleaning!"
The workplace program has opened doors to diverse industries, from cutting-edge research at the Garvin Institute of Medical Research to the precision-focused world of architectural modelling at Porter Models. For Chloe, the week at Porter Models was particularly fortuitous. "The studio environment and team were incredibly welcoming," she said. Her performance must have been impressive – it led to an offer of a summer position.
Ally joined Danielle Victoria Design Studio, an experience that gave her greater clarity about the future. "It assured me in wanting to be an interior designer," she said, adding that the experience provided valuable insight into day-to-day professional life.
Following the work exploration week, students have been engaging in a carefully structured schedule that includes Assessment Feedback Days, providing valuable insights into their academic progress. The RYDA Driver Education Day at St Ives emerged as a highlight, offering practical insights that extend well beyond the classroom. As Nina noted, the course revealed surprising statistics – “around 50% of crashes occur roughly 10 minutes away from home" – and provided engaging demonstrations that made the rules easier to absorb and remember.
A significant milestone arrived on Thursday 28 November, with the informal Upper School Celebration Assembly and Step Up to Senior College panel discussion, marking the students' progression toward their final years.
Friday 29 November was Skills Day, with the students rotating through sessions that included mental fitness, entrepreneurship skills, car maintenance, and barista techniques.
The program culminates in the final week of Term 4, with a Service Day at Martin Place and a Learning Sprint, before Year 10 joins the whole School for a picnic day and final Celebration Day at the State Theatre.
By combining both internal expertise and external specialists, the program reflected the School's understanding that success in the Senior College and beyond requires more than academic prowess.
As Chloe observed, "We have all greatly benefitted from the emphasis placed on independence, self-motivation, community service, and personal connection to our future responsibilities."
Meanwhile, Year 8 students have been engaging in some transition activities of their own, as they prepare to move up from Middle School to Upper School. Their activities have included an Urban Challenge, a trek around Sydney that combined problem-solving with city navigation. They were also treated to a day at Luna Park. Though enormous fun, these carefully chosen activities provided the girls with opportunities to forge new friendships beyond their usual social circles and strengthen the community they will rely on during the more academically rigorous years ahead.