Senior Curriculum

English inspires students to become confident communicators, thoughtful readers and critical thinkers. Through the study of fiction, nonfiction, picture story books, plays, poetry, media and persuasive texts, students explore diverse ideas, perspectives and experiences. 

Across Years 7 to 12, students strengthen their reading, writing, speaking and analytical skills in a supportive and intellectually challenging environment. Expert teachers encourage curiosity, creativity and meaningful discussion, helping students engage deeply with language and literature. 

The English Department is committed to extending and challenging each student. We are focused on developing students’ wider reading and analytical skills, vocabulary, written and verbal skills of expression. 

Health is a core subject in Years 7 and 8, while Physical Education is a core subject from Years 7 to 10. Through practical and theoretical learning experiences, students build an understanding of wellbeing, movement and lifelong health. 

Students benefit from outstanding facilities, including a twenty-five-metre indoor swimming pool, indoor court, Gymnastics Room, Weights Room, rowing facilities and St Michael’s Green. 

Students can further explore their interests through a range of Health Sciences electives in Years 9 and 10, followed by a comprehensive Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) program in the senior years. 

From Preparatory to Year 9, students study Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business, Geography and History, developing analytical thinking, inquiry skills and an understanding of society, culture and global challenges. 

From Year 10, students can select from a range of electives that prepare them for senior studies and future pathways. Subject offerings culminate in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), including Accounting, Business Management, Economics, Geography, Ancient History, History: Revolutions, Legal Studies and Politics. 

Students can further enrich their learning through the Humanities Enrichment Program, guest speakers and alumni presentations, gaining valuable insights into careers in business, law, government and public life. 

In Year 7, students study two languages, choosing from Chinese (Mandarin), French, Indonesian and Italian. In Years 8 and 9, students continue one language, building fluency and intercultural awareness through sustained learning. 

Languages become an elective in Year 10 and are strongly encouraged for students considering language studies in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). 

Students wishing to pursue languages not offered at Loreto Toorak may study through distance education with the Victorian School of Languages or other approved providers. These studies can contribute to a student's overall subject load, providing additional opportunities to extend their learning and broaden their understanding of the world. 

Across Years 7 to 10, students engage with key areas of Mathematics, including Algebra, Number, Geometry, Measurement, Probability and Statistics. Through rich learning experiences, students build fluency, reasoning and the confidence to tackle increasingly complex challenges. 

Learning is carefully sequenced to prepare students for the three Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Mathematics pathways: General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics. Students are supported to identify the pathway that best aligns with their strengths, interests and future aspirations. 

Our program is designed to not only meet educational standards but to inspire a lifelong appreciation for mathematics. 

Science is a dynamic, collaborative, and creative human endeavour arising from our desire to make sense of our world by exploring the unknown, investigating universal mysteries, making predictions and solving problems. 

Science is a core subject from Years 7 to 10. Through practical investigations and collaborative learning experiences, students develop the skills to question, analyse and solve complex problems while building a strong foundation across scientific disciplines. 

In Year 7, students also participate in Project STEM, where they tackle real-world challenges through design thinking, coding and engineering. These experiences strengthen problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills while connecting learning across Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology. 

In Year 8, students may choose one or both of STEM: Bubbles and Bricks and STEM: Design and Construction. 

Students can further extend their interests through specialist electives such as Rocketry in Year 9, and a broad range of science and technology electives in Year 10 including Aviation, Biological Science, Chemical Science, Digital Technologies, or Physical Science. Senior students can pursue pathways in Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Applied Computing, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. 

Beyond the classroom, students engage in competitions, camps, collaborative projects and the annual School Science Week, further enriching their passion for scientific discovery. 

The Performing Arts program at Loreto Toorak nurtures creativity, confidence and self-expression, while developing skills that enrich learning across all areas of life. Students discover their unique voice, collaborate with others and build the confidence to perform, create and communicate with purpose. 

Music 

All students in Year 7 study Music as part of the core curriculum, developing musicianship, creativity and an appreciation for diverse musical traditions. 

Through practical and theoretical learning, students strengthen their listening, performance and composition skills. Music also supports broader learning by enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, discipline and collaboration, helping students grow as confident and capable learners. 

Drama and Theatre Studies 

All students in Year 7 undertake Drama as part of the core curriculum, with elective pathways available throughout Years 8 to 10 and continuing into Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Theatre Studies. 

Students explore performance, script interpretation and theatrical production while working collaboratively with peers and industry professionals. Through these experiences, they develop creativity, communication skills, critical thinking and the confidence to present ideas with clarity and conviction

Grounded in the values of Loreto Toorak, Religious Education helps students develop compassion, integrity and the confidence to lead lives of meaning and service.  

Across Years 7 to 12, students explore the legacy of Mary Ward, the teachings of Jesus, Scripture, Catholic tradition, ethics, morality and the role of faith in contemporary society. Through inquiry, discussion and reflection, students are encouraged to consider their values, deepen their understanding of others and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. 

Beyond the classroom, students participate in prayer, Chapel assemblies, liturgical celebrations and retreat experiences that foster reflection, connection and a sense of purpose. 

Our highly acclaimed Visual Arts curriculum challenges our students by engaging them in a range of creative and innovative art-making experiences. 

All students study Art in Year 7. From Year 8, students can explore pathways in Art or Visual Communication Design, with increasing choice available through Years 9 and 10, including Art Creative Practice, Media and Art Making and Exhibiting (Photography). 

Senior students can continue their passion for the arts through Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) studies in Art Creative Practice, Art Making and Exhibiting, Media and Visual Communication Design. 

Working with experienced teachers, practising artists and industry professionals, students develop skills across drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, digital imaging, film and graphic design. Consistently strong student outcomes and recognition in external awards reflect the quality and depth of Visual Arts learning at Loreto Toorak.