Ladies’ College, founded in 1916, is a school of the Uniting Church. Enrolment is open to girls of all religions. Students are encouraged to be involved in a wide range of activities using the college’s first-class facilities. Set on 20 hectares of parkland in Sydney’s upper north shore, it offers convenient access to public transport.

Facilities: Three fields including a synthetic turf field, 11 netball and tennis courts, a music school, an indoor sports centre containing a gym, basketball courts, dance studio and lecture rooms, 12 fully-equipped science labs, a 220-seat lecture theatre, computer labs, an extensive library with audio-visual facilities, CD-ROM and computer links. A new state-of-the-art Senior School Centre dedicated to the unique developmental and educational requirements of students in Years 11 and 12 will open in 2011. Recent building developments include the technology and applied studies centre, a Preparatory School and the Conde library. A state-of-the-art performing arts centre, with seating capacity for 750 was opened in 2005. There are attractively refurbished boarding facilities incorporating IT access to each girl’s desk, a notebook computer program from Year 5, and extensive information technology resources throughout the college.

Courses Years 7 and 8: English, French, Financial Literacy (Year 8), Geography, German (Year 8), Japanese (Year 8), Latin (Year 8), History, Mathematics, Music, Music Elective (Year 8), PD/H/PE, Religious Education, Science, Technology, Visual Arts.

Courses Years 9 and 10: Agriculture, Classical Greek, Commerce, Drama, Dance (Year 10), English, Food Technology, French, Geography, German, History, Information and Software Technology (Year 10), Japanese, Latin, Marine & Aquaculture Technology (Year 10), Mathematics, Music Elective, PD/H/PE, Religious Education, Science, Religious Education, Textiles & Design, Visual Arts.

Courses Years 11 and 12: Agriculture, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Classical Greek Continuers, Classical Greek Extension (Year 12), Dance, Drama, Earth & Environmental Science, Economics, English Advanced, English Extension 1, English Extension 2, English Standard, English (ESL), Food Technology, French Continuers, French Extension, Geography, German Continuers, German Extension, History — Ancient, History — Modern, Hospitality, Italian Beginners, Japanese continuers, Japanese Extension (Year 12), Latin Continuers, Latin Extension (Year 12), Legal Studies, General Mathematics, Mathematics Extension 1 & 2, Music 1, Music, Music Extension, PD/H/PE, Physics, Religious Education, Senior Science, Studies of Religion 1, Textiles & Design, Visual Arts.

Sport: Athletics, badminton, basketball, biathlon, cricket, cross-country, diving, equestrian, fencing, football (soccer), futsal, golf, gymnastics, hockey, mountain biking, netball, rowing, sailing, snow sports, softball, surf lifesaving, swimming, tae kwon do, tennis, touch football, triathlon, volleyball, water polo.

Co-curricular activities: Artwear/jewellery, bands, ceramics, choral groups, dance, debating, digital artmaking/photoshop, drama club, dressmaking, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, FISH, fitness classes, higher lifesaving awards, instrumental ensembles, Mock Trial, Mooting, oil painting, orchestra, photography, speech and drama, sport, stagecraft and performance, Tournament of Minds, tours and exchange programs, yoga

Welfare and personal development: Pastoral care is an integral part of the policies and practices of the school, with two counsellors on staff. Careers guidance is offered for Years 7 to 12, while leadership training is provided in Year 10.

From the School: Pymble Ladies’ College is a leading private girls’ school offering more opportunities for girls and young women to excel. Pymble students enjoy a balanced educational experience featuring extensive curricular and co-curricular educational programs, advanced learning technology, outstanding facilities, and wide ranging choices in the performing arts, sporting and cultural arenas. The College motto of All’ Ultimo Lavoro (“Strive for the Highest”) inspires students and staff to go beyond and to be the best that they can be. Five core values — care, courage, integrity, respect and responsibility — encapsulate the spirit of the College and provide a strong foundation for dynamic learning.

Famous ex-students: Justice Elizabeth Evatt, Judge Judith Cohen, Mollie Dive, Professor Gillet, Dame Joan Hammond, Jacqui Mackenzie.