Caroline Chisholm College, located in Glenmore Park, provides Catholic education for girls in Years 7 to 12. Each student is educated to recognise and realise her potential and challenged to use her gifts to serve others and enrich society. The students are encouraged to emulate the values lived by Caroline Chisholm and exemplified in the school motto “Faith, Courage, Tolerance”.
Facilities: A spacious library and air-conditioned classrooms, wireless access throughout the college, performing arts space, modern science laboratories, technology rooms, visual arts and music facilities (including a digital recording studio), a learning centre and data projectors throughout. Facilities exist to teach across an extensive subject range.
Electives: A breadth of curriculum choices exists for students, with increasing options in Years 11 and 12. Some of these include Agriculture, Biology, Business Services, Business Studies, Chemistry, Commerce, Computing Studies, Dance, Design and Technology, Drama, Early Childhood, English, Family and Community Studies, Food Technology, Geography, History (Ancient and Modern), Hospitality, Information Technology, Japanese, Legal Studies, Mathematics, Music, PD/Health/PE, Photography and Digital Media, Physics, Primary Industries, Religious Education, Science, Society and Culture, Studies of Religion, Textiles and Design, Visual Arts and educational initiatives including VET and Penrith/Blue Mountains Business Industry Partnership links.
Sport: There is strong participation in Parramatta Diocese Secondary Schools Sports’ Association in athletics, basketball, cross-country running, dance, gymnastics, hockey, netball, soccer, softball, swimming, touch football, and volleyball. Internal sport time provides a range of options including:
Years 7 and 8: Netball, basketball, jump rope, soccer, modified games, cricket, softball, dance, European handball, volleyball, AFL, life-saving, indoor sports, badminton and oztag.
Years 9 and 10: Touch football, oztag, self-defence, yoga, indoor sports, aerobics, gym, dance, volleyball, swimming, aqua golf, softball, skating and fitness classes.
Co-curricular activities: Debating, public speaking, Mock Trial, writers’ competitions, school musical, choir, instrumental groups, academic competitions, enrichment and extension programs, special needs programs, equestrian participation, representation at Royal Easter Show and Penrith Show, Amnesty International, social justice group, St Vincent de Paul group, visual arts competitions and exhibitions, annual open nights in creative arts, technology, science, college magazine, Caritas Australia.
Welfare and personal development: Good relationships within the college community contribute significantly to the sense of wellbeing and the quality of learning of all students. Students participate in the pastoral care program, peer support program, reflection days and retreats. Each home-room teacher cares for and takes a special interest in each student in the home-room. The counsellor works with students to listen, support and empower. Year leaders and their assistants develop an overall sense of the progress, achievements, difficulties and spirit of the students in the year. Student leadership is promoted.
A merit award scheme for achievement and improvement is in place. A careers adviser assists students in Years 10 to 12. Home-school communication is fostered and parental involvement is encouraged.