Senior College
Academic Success, Purpose and Pathways
Senior College at Orana Steiner School provides a challenging and supportive learning environment for Years 11 and 12, where students are encouraged to achieve academic success while developing the confidence, independence and skills needed for life beyond school.
Accredited by the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS), students work towards the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate and, where chosen, an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Guided by experienced teachers and a personalised approach to learning, students are supported to pursue pathways into university, vocational education, apprenticeships and employment.
As students prepare for adulthood, they are encouraged to think critically, take responsibility for their learning, and pursue their individual strengths with purpose and confidence.
What Makes Senior College at Orana Unique?
Students benefit from:
- ACT BSSS accredited curriculum with ATAR and non-ATAR pathways
- Specialist teachers with expertise across all subject areas
- Small class sizes and personalised learning
- Dedicated Teacher Guardians providing academic guidance and wellbeing support
- Individual pathway planning for university, vocational education and employment
- Leadership opportunities within the school community
- Outdoor education, camps and community experiences
- Signature Year 12 Project developing real-world skills and independence
- Community Service Hours
- Leadership opportunities with the school
- A balanced educational approach that combines academic achievement with creativity, critical thinking and personal growth
Learning in Action
Senior College students engage in a rigorous academic program while developing the independence expected of young adults preparing for life after school.
Students select subjects that align with their interests, strengths and future aspirations, supported by specialist teachers who know them well.
Learning is characterised by:
- Independent research and inquiry
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Collaboration and discussion
- Practical and applied learning
- Written, oral and creative assessment
- Increasing responsibility and self-management
Students are encouraged to become thoughtful, capable learners who can adapt confidently to the challenges of higher education, employment and an ever-changing world.
Preparing for the Future
By the end of Year 12, students graduate with more than a certificate.
They leave Orana as capable, thoughtful and resilient young adults with:
- Strong academic foundations
- Confidence in independent learning
- Well-developed communication skills
- Leadership experience
- A clear sense of purpose
- The ability to think creatively and critically
- Pathways into university, vocational education, apprenticeships or employment
Graduates are equipped not only to succeed academically, but to contribute positively to their communities and future workplaces.
We warmly invite families to visit our High School and experience the difference of a Steiner Education.
The Year 12 Project
The Year 12 Project is a signature learning experience at Orana, giving every student the opportunity to pursue a personal passion, investigate a meaningful question and create something of genuine value. Across the year, students design and manage an independent project, engaging with university-level research and, where appropriate, industry professionals or community mentors. More than a final assessment, the project develops the confidence, independence and practical skills needed for university, employment and lifelong learning.
Overview
Students undertake a year-long capstone project that enables them to:
✓ Choose a topic that deeply interests them
✓ Engage with university-level research and, where appropriate, industry professionals
✓ Create meaningful responses to real-world challenges
✓ Develop project management, independent research and critical thinking skills
Project at a Glance
- Pursue a personal passion or future career pathway
- Design and manage an independent year-long project
- Conduct authentic research and inquiry
- Maintain a reflective Process Journal
- Present a mid-year Viva Voce to receive feedback and refine the project
- Showcase their work through a professional public presentation and exhibition
- Contribute accredited units towards the ACT Year 12 BSSS Certificate
Skills & Outcomes
Through the Year 12 Project, students graduate with valuable real-world capabilities, including:
- Independent learning and self-management
- Critical and creative thinking
- Project planning and organisation
- Research and inquiry
- Communication and presentation
- Problem solving and adaptability
- Collaboration with mentors and the wider community
- Confidence for future study, careers and life
Past Project Examples
Every Year 12 Project is unique, reflecting the interests, talents and aspirations of each student. Past projects have included:
- Designing and building sustainable products
- Conducting scientific investigations and experiments
- Writing and publishing children's books and novels
- Composing and performing original music
- Producing short films and documentaries
- Developing technology and engineering solutions
- Launching entrepreneurial business ideas
- Organising community fundraising initiatives
- Creating health and wellbeing awareness campaigns
Further Information
Senior College at a Glance
✔ ACT BSSS accredited Senior College with ATAR and non-ATAR pathways
✔ Specialist teachers providing personalised academic support
✔ Every student is known and supported
✔ Dedicated Teacher Guardians focused on wellbeing, academic progress and future pathways
✔ Individual subject selection tailored to university, vocational and career aspirations
✔ Signature Year 12 Project developing real-world skills, independence and initiative
✔ Leadership roles, community engagement and experiential learning through participation opportunities at the school
✔ Comprehensive music, visual arts and practical learning alongside academic studies
✔ Outdoor education, camps and experiential learning
✔ Strong university entrance outcomes and diverse post-school pathways
✔ Part of an independent whole-school community from Early Childhood to Year 12
ATAR Results
Students choosing the university pathway at Orana have achieved strong academic outcomes, with a recent graduating cohort recording a median ATAR of 88.2 - well above the Australian median of 50.
These results reflect the strength of Orana's personalised approach to learning, where high expectations are matched with individual support.
The Main Lesson
The Main Lesson is a distinctive feature of Steiner education and remains an important part of Steiner schooling.
Each morning begins with an extended learning block where students explore significant academic concepts in depth over several weeks. Rather than moving rapidly between multiple subjects, students have the time to investigate ideas thoroughly, make meaningful connections and develop a deeper understanding of complex topics.
Combined with specialist subject teaching throughout the day, this approach strengthens conceptual understanding, analytical thinking and long-term retention of knowledge.
Teacher Guardians
Every student in Years 7–12 is supported by a dedicated Teacher Guardian who provides continuity of care, guidance and encouragement throughout their High School and Senior College journey.
The Guardian develops a strong relationship with each student and serves as the primary link between school and home, working closely with families, teachers and Leadership to support each student's academic progress, wellbeing and personal development.
The Guardian Program helps students to thrive by providing:
- A trusted adult who knows each student
- Regular academic and wellbeing check-ins and support
- Guidance with organisation, study skills and goal setting
- Early identification of learning or wellbeing concerns
- Strong partnerships between home and school
- Opportunities to develop leadership, resilience and responsibility
- A sense of belonging within the school community
The Guardian Program reflects Orana's commitment to ensuring every student feels known, valued and academically supported throughout their education.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Education extends well beyond the classroom.
Throughout High School, students participate in camps, outdoor education, field studies, excursions and community experiences that strengthen resilience, leadership and teamwork.
Physical activity is an important part of school life. Students participate in regular Physical Education and whole-school traditions including the Swimming Carnival, Athletics Carnival and Cross Country Carnival, building confidence, perseverance and school spirit.
Lunchbox + School Canteen
Lunchbox - Families provide their child’s morning tea and lunch each day. To support the health and wellbeing of all children, families are encouraged to pack nutritious foods that consider allergies and dietary requirements within the class.
Canteen - A school canteen is available Tuesday to Friday.
