In 2025, Stuartholme began a bold and exciting new chapter with the opening of Maison Barat, our purpose-built Junior School precinct for Years 5 and 6.
Nestled within the leafy campus and thoughtfully designed to reflect the natural beauty of Mount Coot-tha, this contemporary learning environment, provides a strong foundation for girls beginning their Stuartholme journey.
The Junior School is grounded in the same Sacred Heart philosophy that defines the rest of our school. It honours the individual while cultivating a strong sense of community. At its heart lies a commitment to making learning real, anchored in relevance, driven by curiosity and built to support a confident transition into middle school.
The curriculum is rich and rigorous, with a strong emphasis on real-world learning. Across key learning areas, girls build foundational knowledge while developing the capacity to think critically, creatively and independently. They are not simply taught what to learn, but how to learn. Through guided inquiry, collaborative tasks and regular opportunities to reflect and give feedback, students begin to understand their own learning processes and take ownership of their growth.
Our approach is deeply intentional. It recognises that while many young girls may appear confident and capable, they can often be reluctant to take risks in their learning. The Junior School challenges this gently. By redefining failure as a stepping stone to growth, our students learn to see mistakes not as setbacks but as valuable opportunities to stretch and improve. In doing so, they build the courage, resilience and resourcefulness they will need in their secondary years and beyond.
In addition to core subjects, students engage in Religious Education, Music and Wise Wellness, a program designed to nurture emotional intelligence, ethical thinking and personal wellbeing. These elements enrich the academic experience and reflect our whole-school belief in educating the heart as well as the mind.
In 2024, Stuartholme became the first independent Catholic girls’ school in Australia to introduce a Junior School Learning Environment inspired by international best practice. This initiative, recognised as an Excellence Awardee in the Australian Education Awards, reimagines what a learning space can be. It features flexible classroom layouts, co-teaching models and a strong focus on real-world inquiry. Dedicated time for literacy, numeracy and wellbeing ensures that every student’s foundational skills are prioritised and personalised.
This environment reflects a shift in how we prepare young learners, not just for academic success but for a future that demands adaptability, collaboration and confidence.
Importantly, the Junior School has been designed to ensure a smooth transition into middle school. Students benefit from access to specialist facilities and programs across the broader school, gradually building familiarity with the wider Stuartholme campus and community. Whether working in the science labs, performing in the Theatre, joining co-curricular clubs or simply sharing lunchtime on the Lawn, Junior students begin to see themselves as part of something bigger.
The launch of Maison Barat represents a new vision for how girls begin their educational journey. At Stuartholme, we are making it real, giving our youngest students the tools, experiences and mindset to step boldly into their future.
Discover what makes Stuartholme exceedingly different
Explore Stuartholme School at our upcoming Twilight Tour on Tuesday 12 August from 4pm. Hear from Principal Mr Daniel Crump, enjoy a guided tour led by our students, explore our offerings, and meet our expert educators. To register, please visit School Tours – Stuartholme School.
