Academics

Women Who Think

By digging deeper and living the intellectual virtues, a Laurels VI Former becomes a lifelong reflective and innovative learner.


High Expectations


There are very high expectations of students to realise their potential. Students are taught in small classes similar to seminars and tutorials at university, allowing students and teachers to form close, personal relationships. Students acquire a strong knowledge content, an intellectual frame of reference and disciplined thinking and communication skills. Each student is expected to aspire to the best they can be.


Study at The Laurels VI Form


The key words are pro-activity and independence. The Laurels teachers support each student to reach their personal best and they love it when you show a thirst for understanding and a desire to know more. Our expert teachers like to be challenged too! As well as directed learning in your chosen subjects, students will be expected to study Philosophy, Religious Studies and Character Education.

Intellectual Virtue (Habits of a good thinker, student, inquirer) Definition
Curiosity A disposition to wonder, ponder, and ask why. A thirst for understanding and a desire to explore.
Intellectual humility A willingness to own up to one’s intellectual limitations and mistakes. Unconcerned with intellectual status or prestige.
Intellectual automony A capacity for active, self-directed thinking. An ability to think and reason for oneself.
Attentiveness A readiness to stay focused and on task. Notices and attends to important details.
Intellectual carefulness A sensitivity to the requirements of good thinking. Quick to notice and avoid intellectual pitfalls and mistakes.
Intellectual thoroughness A willingness to probe for deeper meaning and understanding. Unsatisfied with mere appearances or easy answers.
Open-mindedness An ability to think outside the box. Gives a fair and honest hearing to competing perspectives.
Intellectual courage A readiness to persist in thinking or communicating in the face of fear, including fear of embarrassment or failure.
Intellectual tenacity A willingness to embrace intellectual challenge and struggle. Keeps its “eyes on the prize” and doesn’t give up.

*These categories were adapted from the Intellectual Virtues Academy (IVA), Long Beach, CA

Share by: