Established in 1890, Korowa Anglican Girls' School celebrated its 125th anniversary this year and is now one of the oldest schools in Australia.
Principal Christine Jenkins says: "We like to say that we are one of the schools that is the most contemporary in terms of forward thinking. It's not about the history; it's about the future. The girls respect and love the school's history, but we always encourage them to think about making a mark themselves on the world. We like them to think about being globally active citizens, and not just passive consumers, but making their mark."
The school offers a Prep to Year 12 language program, teaching French, German, Chinese and Japanese. About 20 per cent of students take at least one language subject through to Year 12. Korowa also has sister schools in each of these countries.
"Languages are the key to having a global mindset," says Mrs Jenkins. "Our students are encouraged to take Asian and European languages so they have broad horizons and intercultural sensitivity.
"Our students visit the sister schools at the end of the year and their host sisters come to us in the following year. The girls make lasting friendships and often visit each other later in life."
Studying languages at Korowa also encompasses the study of a particular culture. The Year 4 program, for example, might include understanding a culture through dance, music, costumes, food and celebrations. Different year groups may work together with children from another country using various technologies that also become part of their learning.
The school's international week reflects the diversity of culture within the school, something the students celebrate.
Mrs Jenkins believes that independent schools provide an environment that "is perfect for learning and has values that are consistent with the families' values".
Parents also appreciate a rich curriculum and co-curriculum. "We have introduced character education and emotional intelligence – developing the girls' mindfulness and their sense of ethics, that builds into our leadership program," says Mrs Jenkins.
"They look at issues of social justice and questions of religious ethics. With younger children particularly, it's important they understand concepts of right from wrong, responsibility and teamwork, and what that translates to in practice."
Years 9 and 10 is a time when students start to experiment and explore their interests, says Mrs Jenkins. "They like to have choice. We have great breadth in the arts, with subjects such as Visual Communication and Design, Behind the Scenes (an in-depth look at drama production) and Capture, Create, Produce: tell your story and publish it."
Music students will create a CD of original music and also study the industry. Photography is another popular subject with Years 9 and 10.
Parents choose to send their girls to Korowa as they appreciate the school's culture, where there's an expectation on the students to perform well. Mrs Jenkins says that discipline is not an issue at Korowa as "students know they're here to study. Their friends all have the same mindset and help each other. There's the attitude of being the best you can be."
