At St Michael’s Collegiate, learning is not confined to the classroom. As an independent Anglican day and boarding school for girls, Collegiate offers students from Early Learning to Year 12 a rich educational experience built on academic challenge, personal growth and a deep sense of belonging.
In the heart of Hobart, with access to the city, the mountain, the river and the coast, Collegiate students are encouraged to learn bravely, explore widely and grow with confidence.
A key part of the Collegiate experience is experiential learning. Often described as “learning by doing”, this approach gives students the opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. Through outdoor learning, project-based learning, service learning and leadership opportunities, students build confidence, curiosity, resilience and a stronger sense of connection to the world around them.
For the youngest students, experiential learning begins with exploration, discovery and safe risk-taking. Prep students recently explored the outdoor spaces of Cascade Gardens, while Year 2 students ventured onto kunanyi for a mountain walk, experiencing the natural beauty of Tasmania while learning in a place-based setting.
As students move through the School, these opportunities grow in independence, challenge and complexity. Year 3 students took to the waves at Clifton Beach, Year 4 explored the coastline from Mays Beach to Cremorne, and Year 5 students enjoyed paddleboarding, swimming and shared beach activities at Kingston Beach. These experiences encourage teamwork, confidence and joy in the outdoors.
In the Middle and Senior Years, learning beyond the classroom becomes increasingly immersive. Year 7 students challenge themselves through abseiling and coasteering, while Year 9 students in the Aspire program build resilience and teamwork through activities including multi-day hikes and rafting. Year 10 students take part in Connect Week, choosing from experiences such as a four-day Derby mountain bike adventure, coasteering, bushwalking, ocean swimming and service learning in the community.
These programs are much more than outdoor activities. They are carefully designed learning experiences that help students collaborate, communicate, lead, reflect and step beyond their comfort zones.
For boarding students, Collegiate offers a unique opportunity to experience this education within a supportive all-girls boarding environment. As Tasmania’s only all-girls boarding school, Collegiate welcomes boarders from 12 years of age, providing a warm, connected and nurturing home away from home.
Boarding at Collegiate allows students to be fully immersed in school life, with access to academic support, co-curricular opportunities, sport, leadership, friendships and the broader life of the School. Students are supported to develop independence, confidence and personal responsibility while remaining closely connected to a caring community.
Whether students join Collegiate as day students or boarders, they are encouraged to take part, try new things and discover their strengths. From the classroom to the coast, from the boarding house to the sports field, Collegiate provides an environment where girls can flourish — academically, socially, physically and personally.
At Collegiate, some of the most meaningful learning happens when students step beyond what is familiar, embrace challenge and discover more about themselves along the way.