One of the main reasons Kambala enjoys a fine reputation is the high academic achievements of its students. These can be measured by the results of formal examinations such as the Higher School Certificate (HSC), School Certificate and by the many academic competitions the girls are encouraged to enter.

Each year between 85 and 100 students from Kambala sit for the NSW Higher School Certificate. In 2011 more than 50% of Kambala’s students gained an ATAR for entry to university of 90 or over and this is consistent with the excellent results achieved by our girls at the end of their school years. Kambala’s HSC results consistently place it in the top group of schools in NSW when results are related to the size of the Year 12 candidature.

Kambala acknowledges the fine achievements of all HSC candidates in the Class of 2011, and in particular the 12 students on the All-Round Achievers List which recognises All-Round Excellence in the Higher School Certificate and is awarded to students who gained 90 or over in at least 10 units studied for the HSC. More details of their HSC achievements can be found under HSC results.

The strength and quality of education at Kambala is not limited to the public successes of our students. All girls at Kambala are important and all are encouraged to participate and do their best. While the pursuit of excellence is important, the School encourages students to believe in the principle that ‘you have succeeded if you have achieved your own personal best’. A variety of strategies is used to identify gifted students or students with other special needs.

Teachers work with students to ensure that learning is powerful and that students gain the best possible achievement. Learning is valued and specific strategies are employed to promote students’ use of efficient and effective tools for learning. Learning support, both for gifted and talented students and students needing remedial work, is provided as a flexible program that is designed for an individual. There is a culture of continued professional learning among all teachers.

All students in Years 7 study: English, History, Geography, Mathematics, Music, Science, Personal Development /Health /Physical Education, Religious Education, Technology and Visual Arts as well as two languages from French, Japanese or Latin. Students undertake the same subjects in Year 8 as well as an in-depth study of one language. In Years 9 and 10 students study a core curriculum of English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Personal Development /Health /Physical Education, Science and Religious Education and three elective subjects from: Commerce, Design and Technology, French, Geography, History, Information and Software Technology, Japanese, Latin, Music, Photographic and Digital Media and Visual Arts.

In Years 11 and 12 students have the choice of two pathways; the NSW Higher School, Certificate or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. For the HSC the following subjects are offered: English which is compulsory as a 2 unit course and can include Extension courses, then a range of courses from other disciplines including Ancient History, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Design and Technology, Drama, Economics, French, Geography, Information Processes and Technology, Japanese, Latin, Legal Studies, Mathematics at all levels, Modern History, Music Courses 1 and 2, PDHPE, Physics, Visual Arts, and VET Hospitality. All possible extension courses related to these subjects are offered and undertaken by a large number of students. Acceleration is possible in a number of subjects for appropriate students. Detailed information on all courses is available from the School.

Information Technology

Kambala continues to be at the forefront of developments in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

All students in the Senior School are part of a 1:1 laptop program. The Adobe suite of applications is available on all computers giving the opportunity for the girls to produce creative work using industry standard applications. The use of digital video has expanded into a number of curriculum areas and reflects the growing sophistication of the students.
The School’s Intranet provides the opportunity to extend the classroom beyond its four walls. Girls can access their work at school and at home to provide a seamless learning environment.

Kambala continues to provide students and staff with the latest educational resources in IT. Our aims in this area are that girls should leave Kambala with skills and knowledge in all major software programs and platforms, but, more importantly, be well prepared for a constantly changing and exciting new world.

Kambala - an IB World School

Kambala emphasises the importance of a well-rounded education and its girls are encouraged to lead active, busy lives that balance academic, sporting, cultural and spiritual pursuits. The IB programme is a natural complement to this philosophy. Kambala became an authorised International Baccalaureate World School in 2010. Students entering Year 11 now have the choice of two pathways to matriculation: the NSW Higher School Certificate or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme offers students a well-rounded, global education. Six subjects are studied, one from each of Groups 1-5 in the IB Diploma curriculum framework hexagon, and a sixth from one of Groups 2, 3, 4 or 6. Study of at least two languages is compulsory; however it is not necessary to have studied a foreign language before enrolling in the Diploma Programme. In 2012, Kambala students have selected subjects from a curriculum that includes English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Economics, History, Psychology, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Music and Visual Arts. In addition, students participate in the three course requirements that make up the core of the hexagon: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Action and Service (CAS). Reflection on these activities is a principle that lies at the heart of the thinking behind the Diploma Programme. Students are expected to make connections between their different subjects, the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge. The IB Diploma is a two-year programme: there is no division between work undertaken in Years 11 and 12. Students will be examined on the full two year’s work in November of Year 12. In addition, most subjects have oral or practical assessment activities prior to that time.

The Diploma Programme is a leading, internationally recognised pre-university qualification. Students who are independent learners, with an enquiring, open-minded approach to global diversity, a desire to create a better and more peaceful world, and who strive to achieve a balanced intellectual, physical and emotional well-being in their personal lives, are ideal candidates for this international course of study.