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Girls have officially joined Elizabeth College in Year 7 and Year 12.
Monday 6 September marked the first day of co-education at Elizabeth College, as the school welcomed 18 girls into Year 7 and eight into Year 12.
Following the success of girls integrated into ECJS Acorn House and ECJS Beechwood in 2000 and 2008 respectively, the switch to co-education will bring the school in line with 21st century values and give female students an opportunity to enrol at the school.
It is anticipated that by 2025, there will be girls in every year group of the school.
Elizabeth College Principal, Jenny Palmer, told Express: “There has been a lot of positive reactions so far."
“There’s a little bit of relief with the change, it’s a distinct new chapter in the school’s history," she said.
Welcome to all our new Year 7 and Year 12 students. What a beautiful day to start the Michaelmas Term and begin a new chapter in the illustrious history of Elizabeth College.#CoEducation #Two2Eighteen pic.twitter.com/owi5D6OD7y
— Elizabeth College (@Eliz_Coll) September 6, 2021
Pictured: The school's Principal took to Twitter to announce the first day of co-education at Elizabeth College.
17 members of staff were involved in the creation of the co-ed action plan, to ensure all facilities catered successfully for girls as well as boys.
These preparations included adjustments to toilet facilities and changing rooms, changes to the curriculum, and a change in uniform.
It's hoped that the introduction of girls will create healthy competition in the Upper School and will add to the academic environment, encouraging greater achievement.
The size of classes will be carefully monitored, which vary by subject and year group. Mrs Palmer noted: “In the past we haven’t been at capacity [of students] and if the demand was there, we would increase [the capacity of the school].”
The curriculum will also be monitored and modified to offer new subjects and subject areas as they become more relevant, but there won't be subjects only open to girls or boys.
“We want to give the same opportunities to all our students,” said Mrs Palmer.
She added: “We are mindful of the sport curriculum, and we have looked at enough variety for most people to engage with."
“We are offering a variety of experiences; there will be some girls who want to play football for example," she said.
The focus of the Year 7 sport lessons this term will be football and netball, offered to girls and boys equally.
The aim of Elizabeth College has always been, and will continue to be, to enable pupils to achieve their academic potential, to secure places at their first choice of university and/or to be well prepared for the world of work.
Every individual, girls and boys alike, is valued and supported as a member of the Elizabeth College community.
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