The Careers Adviser, Deans, Assistant Principal, Deputy Principal and Principal all make themselves available to help students and parents make informed decisions about subject choices appropriate for vocational goals, interests and strengths.

A Course and Curriculum Handbook is produced each year in Term III and provides detailed information about courses to be offered in the following year. It is issued to every student in the secondary school and is followed up with an opportunity for girls and parents to meet with appropriate staff to discuss proposed course selections.

Life Skills is an important and developing part of the senior curriculum for all girls in Years 11 to 13.

In addition to the Religious Studies and Physical Education units undertaken by the girls at each senior form level, each student participates in a co-ordinated Life Skills programme in her three senior years.

Topics include young people and safety issues, women’s health, C.P.R., alcohol and drug education, and the interface between school and university.

Photography is now available in Year 12 as well as Year 13.

Design is taught in Years 12 and 13.

Art History is available in Year 13.

Computing is available in both Years 12 and 13. Students are able to achieve:

Physical Education was introduced as an option subject at Year 12 level in 2006, and in 2007 it will also be offered to Year 13.

Mandarin will be taught in Years 7, 8 and 9 in 2007, in 2008 at Year 10 level as well and so on up the Year levels. Columba College will be the first Dunedin school to introduce Mandarin.