Learning Environment

'In single sex classes, girls have been found to participate more, be more extroverted and have more interaction with their teachers' Parker and Rennie

Siena College is a learning community. We are committed to providing a challenging, enriching and supportive education in which all students are encouraged and supported to maximise their potential and develop into confident and articulate young women. The learning program is designed to cater for the interests, needs and collaborative ways in which girls learn, encouraging students to pursue their interests in any given field.

Siena College students are surrounded by strong female role models, in both their peers and alumnae, who encourage them to strive to achieve successful outcomes from their own efforts.

View the 'Why a girls' school' research on the Alliance of Girls School (AGSA) website.

New research from Cornell University in the United States explains 'Why Girls do better in single sex schools'.

Located close to the city, the College’s classically designed Convent and adjoining chapel are complemented by contemporary, technology rich facilities that provide an aesthetically pleasing learning and teaching environment. The three storey St Catherine Centre houses a lecture theatre/auditorium, Year 12 centre, student services, art gallery, additional contemporary learning and teaching spaces, as well as an upgraded and refurbished library.

Albertus Magnus Learning Centre

The Albertus Magnus Learning Centre enables the development of knowledge, collaboration skills, as well as open minded and critical thinking in an environment where students are challenged to push the boundaries. Situated on the ground floor of the St Catherine Centre, the Learning Centre provides ideal spaces for individual work, group work or class lessons.

Students have access to a diverse range of fiction and non fiction texts, as well as a significant catalogue of online resources through the College Learning Management System and ClickView applications.

Learning and Technology

Siena College provides a technology rich learning environment with a wireless network throughout and excellent access to both fixed and portable technologies. Siena Central (our Learning Management System) provides access to all course materials and learning activities. Data projectors installed in every classroom, allow the seamless and effective integration of ICT into the curriculum.

Studies in the area of Visual Arts and Design are enhanced through access to iMac computers and the latest industry standard software.

Teachers are provided with a laptop and remote access to the College intranet. Students are able to bring a device of their choice to further enrich the learning program. Email is available to members of the College community.

A well resourced IT Help Centre provides excellent onsite support.

Professional Learning

The Professional Learning program supports the College's commitment to being a learning focused school. It is designed to support ongoing staff development of skills, knowledge and understanding, as well as greater self awareness through collaboration and sharing of best practice, leading to sustained improvement in professional practice and student learning.

Teaching staff regularly engage in cross faculty, evidence based research to inform their teaching practice. Staff work together collaboratively to investigate, trial, analyse, evaluate and finally to make recommendations regarding our pedagogical direction and subsequent future teaching practice.

At Siena College, access to quality, professional learning provides all staff with the opportunity to reflect, evaluate and improve their professional practice to enhance educational outcomes for students. The strategic goals are supported by targeted and ongoing professional learning. Staff members set personal and professional learning goals in developing their Individual Professional Learning Plans (IPLP). These plans form the basis of the Annual Review Meetings which acknowledge achievements by staff in their learning goals and help plan the future improvement strategies.