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The Somerville House spirit will be felt the moment your child walks through the front gates. As a Christian school operating under the governance of the Presbyterian and Uniting Churches, our students are supported in a safe, caring environment. Our students are supported on their journey through our Positive Wellbeing program, Christian Education programs and Chapel services.
Somerville House strives to develop in students an understanding and appreciation of Christian beliefs and practices based on the bible and Christian traditions. The culture of Somerville House encourages the School community to act as a community of care, modelled on the servant leadership of Jesus Christ, encouraging moral responsibility and personal involvement in service to the wider community. By being part of this community, students see the practical outworking of faith in Jesus Christ.
Christian Education is a core subject for all students with one to two lessons provided each week depending on the year level. Students explore five main areas of study:
The program covers biblical themes and contemporary issues, focussing primarily on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and their application to life in a complex and demanding world. Students also learn about other world religions and belief systems in a context of understanding and respect.
Worship is central to the life of the School and opportunities are provided for formal worship through school assemblies, year level Chapel services, annual sub-school Family Worship Services and weekly services for our boarders.
Day students meet for worship in year levels or house groups approximately twice each term, while boarders worship each week in the School Chapel.
Chapel services and assembly devotions include songs, scripture, prayer, teaching and reflection.
Chaplains, teachers, students and parents conduct ministry in the School, with the Chaplains assuming overall responsibility.
Students may further their understanding and commitment to the Christian faith through fellowship groups, SUPAClub in the Junior School and Somercircle in the Senior School. These groups meet for faith exploration, discussion and other activities during lunch times. Social functions, camps, community service activities and leadership training also occur outside school hours.
The Positive Wellbeing Framework is embedded throughout the School. It follows our Christian values and teachings, in our expectations of self, our communication and relationships with others, within our pastoral wellbeing programs, and within the nurturing culture and opportunities offered for engagement.
Positive wellbeing is evident within our culture at Somerville House, in our interactions, activities and celebrations. We focus on positively shaping the future of young women; the way they think and perceive themselves and others, and the world around them.
We strive to educate them to initiate ideas and meet and challenge the modern complexities of their future. Our approach is both proactive and reactive, strengthening character and strategically building skills to manage life’s challenges.
Our Positive Wellbeing Framework draws from our motto, Honour Before Honours and blends academic learning with character and wellbeing, preparing students with skills for a life of meaning and optimism.
The Framework guides the School’s Wellbeing programs across the School from Pre-Prep to Year 12. It focusses on the holistic development of each student, intellectually, emotionally, socially, culturally and spiritually. At its foundation is a commitment to Christian values, beliefs and teachings.
The positive wellbeing of our students and staff is a priority at Somerville House. The Positive Wellbeing Framework considers the needs of students in the Junior and Senior Schools, and staff from all areas of the School. It incorporates pastoral care programs managed by the Dean of Student Wellbeing, Chaplains, Head of Boarding, Assistant Head of Junior School, Heads of Year, Junior School Co-ordinators, the School Psychologist and Careers Counsellor, and the Health Centre Manager and Registered Nurses.