The aim of the Child Studies course is to develop in students the knowledge, understanding and skills to positively influence the wellbeing and development of children in the critical early years in a range of settings and contexts
Commerce enables young people to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and values that form the foundation on which they can make sound decisions about consumer, financial, legal, business and employment issues. It develops in students the ability to research information, apply problem-solving strategies and evaluate options in order to make informed and responsible decisions as individuals and as part of the community.
Design and Technology offers students the chance to explore and build on their creativity, experimenting with a variety of materials and techniques. We hope to inspire students to become our new designers, and discover what they are capable of when allowed to learn through exploration and experimentation.
Drama tries to develop self-confidence and self-awareness in students, along with enhanced communication skills. It enables students to develop the understanding and skills needed to make, perform and appreciate dramatic works. Students role-play as a means of exploring familiar and unfamiliar aspects of their world, including the ways people react and respond to different situations and ideas. Hopefully, students develop an interest in reading plays and an enjoyment of theatre and sometimes film.
Elective Geography allows students to explore areas of physical and human geography in a more practical and hands-on approach. Students will spend significant time outside conducting fieldwork and working on inquiry-based learning tasks.
History is less about the study of the past and more about why and how the past has meaning in the present. The Elective History course is an opportunity for students to gain knowledge and understanding of a range of History periods; to develop the skills required to be successful at both Modern and Ancient History in the HSC and further their enthusiasm for History.
The study of Fashion and Textile Design provides students with a broad knowledge of fashion properties, performance and uses of textiles in which fabrics, colouration, yarns and fibre are explored. Students will examine the historical, cultural and contemporary perspectives on fashion and textile design and develop an appreciation of the factors affecting textile consumers. Students will investigate the work of fashion and textile designers and study the appropriateness of design ideas, the selection of materials, the tools and quality of fashion and textile items.
Food Technology is a mixture of practical experience and theory. The major emphasis is on students exploring food related issues through a range of ‘hands on’ activities. While engaging in these activities students will learn the importance of hygiene, safe working practices and the importance of legislation within the food industry.
iSTEM demonstrates real world applications of science and mathematics, through the development of technical skills and mechanical engineering knowledge. Inquiry-based learning activities will be used to cover a number of modules in the fields of technology and engineering. These include:
Industrial Technology develops students’ knowledge and understanding of materials and processes in a range of technologies. They develop knowledge and skills relating to the selection, use and application of materials, tools, machines and processes through the planning and production of quality practical projects. Students may study the areas based on a range of technologies of industrial and domestic significance. These technologies include studies in: Industrial Technology (Wood/ Metal) and Industrial Technology (Wood Art/ Metal)
People require highly developed skills of computing and technology for their future lives. Students therefore need to be aware of the scope, limitations and implications of information and software technologies. Individual and group tasks in this practical-based course deliver the relevant knowledge and skills needed by students. Development of technology skills and information about career opportunities are important aspects of the course.
These courses are for students who are interested in learning to understand, read, write and speak another language to School Certificate level and who wish to develop an understanding of another culture. Learning another language can help you to understand your own.
All students learn about marine and aquatic environments. They study water safety, general first aid and the maintenance of equipment. The economical sustainability of aquaculture and marine environments is emphasised together with the preservation of wild seafood stocks. Students learn about the ethical and sustainable use, management and protection of the marine environment. The responsible selection and safe use of equipment in aquaculture and marine and maritime activities is emphasised. They also study a range of industries and organisations that use, manage and regulate the marine environment.
Music is a mixture of theory and practical activities. Students learn about a variety of musical styles including Rock Music, Film Music and the Music of a Culture. Students are given the opportunity to showcase and develop their talent through performing at school assemblies, concerts, musicals, cultural evenings and Diocesan events. Technology has become a very important aspect of our department as we offer recording facilities and musical software to compose songs and instrumental music.
Photographic and Digital Media provides opportunities for students to enjoy making and studying a range of photographic and digital media works. It enables students to represent their ideas and interests about the world, to engage in contemporary forms of communication and understand and write about their contemporary world. Photographic and Digital Media enables students to investigate new technologies, cultural identity and the evolution of photography and digital media into the 21st Century. Students are provided with opportunities to make and study photographic and digital media works in greater depth and breadth than through the Visual Arts elective course.
Physical Activity and Sports Studies Syllabus is an extension of the Year 7 to Year 10 PD/H/PE syllabus. It provides students with different physical activity and sports options, which they do not experience in PD/H/PE syllabus. These have included: Biathlon, Tennis, Squash, Boot Camp Fitness, Diving, Self-Defence, Golf and others. Students are required to organise and run a tabloid sports competition for primary school students.
Students will be given the opportunity to produce a wide range of two-dimensional and three dimensional artworks in the forms of mixed media, canvas paintings, traditional landscape paintings, drawings, design, printmaking and sculptures. Students will investigate, interpret and explain how artists throughout history have represented ideas about their world through their art.
Visual Design offers students the opportunity to be the designers and directors in their own learning. Each term students will be given a design brief and will work both individually and collaboratively using skills like problem solving and abstract thinking to design and complete a project.
