Senior School
The strength and quality of a Senior School education is evident in the confident, balanced young women who leave us, as much as the high academic results they achieve, whether they choose the IB or HSC pathway.
We integrate global perspectives, challenge their learning through extension, and provide wider educational exploration with outdoor camps, community participation, science and sustainability excursions.
Ultimately, we strive to instil in every girl a true sense of self and personal confidence, so she is well-equipped to engage with her wider world, embrace challenge, connect with heart and kindness, and thrive in her future endeavours.
SHAPING INDIVIDUAL LEARNING PROGRAMS: YEARS 7 TO 10
At Kambala, our Learning Programs encompass more than just the traditional curriculum; they represent a diverse array of subjects tailored to offer each student a unique educational pathway.
Recognising that every girl’s learning journey is distinct, we go beyond solely focusing on academic achievements: we value the extra curricular experiences and interests of our students, understanding that their development is paramount.
Our students are ambitious and driven, and the diversity in our Learning Programs aligns perfectly with their aspirations. We take pride in providing a wide range of subject options, ensuring that each girl can tailor her learning pathway to suit her individual interests and goals.
Kambala offers girls an extensive selection of subjects right from Year 7, well above many others in breadth and choice. We aim to promote the vast opportunities available within our curriculum, emphasising the significant impact that subject diversity has on enriching each girl’s educational journey.
Years 7 and 8
Students in Year 7 follow a compulsory curriculum largely determined by Board of Studies requirements. Their choices include English, History, Mathematics, Music, Science, Personal Development/Health/Physical Education, Religious Education, Mandatory Technology, Visual Arts.
Students study two languages from French, Latin, Mandarin and select one of these to continue with in Year 8, and then ideally through to Year 12.
Year 8 sees the addition of Geography and our unique program, Altius, which provides rich learning opportunities to ensure our students develop the capabilities and dispositions necessary to succeed in, and contribute to, a complex, rapidly changing world.
Altius provides a learning framework that explores and develops skills in four specific higher order thinking domains: Critical, Creative, Collaborative and Design.
Through a termly rotation, students will explore Critical thinking through Philosophy, Creative Thinking through Drama, Collaborative Thinking through Wellbeing and finally Design Thinking through an introduction to Entrepreneurship. Specialist teachers will lead each aspect of the curriculum. While these thinking skills are practised throughout all of these experiences, along with other curricula, the explicit focus each term is what differentiates this program from any other.
Years 9 and 10
Year 9 and Year 10 students study the same curriculum subjects, over a two-week timetable cycle. This unique approach aids in developing greater experience and competencies across subjects in preparation for the senior years.
An extensive array of elective subject options is introduced in Year 9 from which students choose three options, promoting exploration alongside core subjects.
Additionally, in Year 9, students have the opportunity to enrol in the NSW School of Languages to study a language not available at Kambala. This option allows students to explore diverse international languages, including their mother tongue, thereby catering to individual linguistic needs and preferences.
YEARS 11 AND 12 – JOINT PATHWAYS
Kambala inspires academic excellence through its choice of learning pathways where girls in Years 11 and 12 can study towards either the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme or the Higher School Certificate (HSC).
THE IB DIPLOMA
PROGRAMME
Kambala has been an authorised IB World School since 2010. The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year integrated course for students seeking a globally endorsed matriculation alternative to the NSW HSC. It develops independence and university-style learning skills and is internationally recognised at the world’s highest-ranking universities.
The study structure ensures a well-rounded knowledge base in a range of subject areas and encourages global thinking and community-mindedness.
Higher school certificate
The HSC is the traditional pre-tertiary credential for students in New South Wales. Every university accepts the credential throughout Australia.
Kambala offers an extensive range of subjects – currently 26 by Year 11 – and girls continue to achieve results beyond expectations, demonstrating a strong commitment to the pursuit of learning and personal self-development.
of our 2025 cohort are undertaking the IB Diploma Programme.
HSC subject choices are currently available in Year 11.
Creativity and critical thinking are key skills for the complex and globalised economies and societies of the 21st century.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
CO-CURRICULAR AND EXTRA CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
We provide an extensive range of co- and extra curricular activities that give girls every opportunity to develop their learning, find new interests and build connections.
Co-curricular
Sport
Sport at Kambala has experienced remarkable growth in participation rates and achieved notable success at national and international levels, with both individual students and teams excelling in various disciplines. The school offers onsite sports facilities, including an indoor heated pool, playing field, gymnasium, and tennis courts.
A wide range of sports is offered at Kambala, catering to diverse interests and abilities and includes Athletics, Cross Country, Gymnastics, Hockey, Netball, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Skiing, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Touch Football and Water Polo.
We strongly encourage participation in competitive sports, with a number of teams actively involved in competitions and carnivals. Kambala is a participant in the Independent Girls’ Schools Sporting Association (IGSA) competitions; some students earn selection for IGSA teams, progressing to State and National levels, showcasing the school’s commitment to athletic excellence.
Kambala actively participates in major carnivals for Athletics, Cross Country, Gymnastics, Swimming and Tennis. Our commitment to sports development is evident through our representation in IGSA, NSWCIS, NSW All Schools, Snowsports and Australian teams, highlighting our developing talent and promoting sportsmanship at every level.
Music
Kambala boasts a vibrant and progressive Music Department renowned for its innovative programs. Beginning in Year 3, every student learns an orchestral instrument provided by Kambala in small groups during class time, continuing until Year 8.
Our Music Ensemble Program comprises 18 ensembles, including choirs, concert bands, jazz bands, string orchestras, and chamber groups. Special events like the Festival of Music at the Sydney Opera House, Music Camp, School Musicals, and Gala Music Evening enrich our students’ musical experiences.
Collaborations with schools like Cranbrook School, The Scots College, and Sydney Grammar School broaden musical horizons. Solo performances are regular highlights, showcased in lunchtime concerts, assemblies, Music Soirées, and Year-level Recital Evenings.
All Kambala students, from Year 5 to Year 12 are involved in the Festival of Music which immerses our girls in a dynamic experience that cultivates curiosity, courage and leadership. The opportunity to join in music and song in Australia’s premier concert hall, the Sydney Opera House, is a privilege and a joy.
Supporting our Music Department is an enthusiastic Music Support Group, organising fundraising activities and assisting with major events. Together, they foster a thriving musical culture at Kambala.
Drama
Kambala’s Drama Department offers extensive opportunities for students to hone their expressive, problem-solving, creative, and public speaking skills through various extra curricular programs and performance platforms. Theatresports, musical productions, and Drama clubs are among the avenues through which girls can delve into their passion for Drama.
Debating and public speaking
Debating and public speaking hold significant roles in the Kambala community. Our girls excel in various debating competitions, including the Archdale Debating Competition, ISDA Competition, Rose Bay Rotary Shield, Inter-House Debating Competition, and engage in social debates with other independent schools.
Students also participate in renowned speaking competitions such as the Rostrum ‘Voice of Youth’ Competition, Legacy Junior Public Speaking Competition, Plain English-Speaking Award, Eastern Suburbs Public Speaking Competition, and the Joyce Gibbons Public Speaking Competition. Additionally, Kambala fields teams across all categories of the AHIGS annual Festival of Speech, showcasing our commitment to fostering confident and articulate communicators.
extra curricular
Ballet
Chess Club
Chess Club offers professional chess coaching in a stimulating atmosphere, implementing a variety of modern teaching methods. The program caters for students of all levels. Aside from weekly classes, girls will be exposed to external tournaments and competitions throughout the year.
Coding
Contemporary
Drama
Drama classes are a great way to improve confidence and expression, develop creativity and imaginative thinking, and engage in storytelling and teamwork.
Students of all levels have the chance to enhance their skills of improvisation, movement, mine, character work, voice, script analysis, and performance, with tailored lessons that teach different skills each week and term. Students from Year 5 onwards also can complete a graded Drama exam through the prestigious Trinity Guildhall Drama College in London, as well as performing at various soiree and performance evenings throughout the year.
Film & TV
Gymnastics
Hip Hop
Jazz
Musical Theatre
STEM
Swimming
Tennis
Yoga
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
Kambala is a long-standing and enthusiastic operator of The Duke of Edinburgh’s (Duke of Ed) International Award — a globally recognised youth development framework that empowers young people to discover their potential and find their purpose, passion, and place in the world.
Established in 1956 by Prince Philip, the Duke of Ed Award has inspired millions of young people across more than 130 countries to dream big, celebrate their achievements, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Open to participants aged 14 to 24, The Framework fosters personal growth, resilience, initiative, and social responsibility.
The Duke of Ed Award plays a significant role in the development of Kambala students, closely aligning with our School values of Humanity, Courage, Curiosity and Respect. Through a balanced program of service, skill development, physical recreation, and adventurous journeys, students take ownership of their learning, build resilience, strengthen interpersonal skills, and make a positive impact on others. At Kambala, the Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to flourish, with motivated students progressing through the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.
How the award works
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is structured into three progressive levels — Bronze, Silver, and Gold. At each level, Framework Users complete activities in four key areas:
- Voluntary Service: Contributing to the community and supporting others.
- Physical Recreation: Building health, fitness, and wellbeing through regular physical activity.
- Skill Development: Learning or refining a skill to extend personal interests and abilities.
- Adventurous Journey: Planning and completing an expedition in an unfamiliar environment, fostering initiative, teamwork, and determination.
Gold Framework Users also complete a Residential Project, involving an extended stay away from home while engaging in a shared activity with new people, expanding independence and global awareness.
Through these components, The Duke of Ed helps young people develop confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of accomplishment — preparing them for future challenges and opportunities beyond school.
