CURRICULUM (Years 7-10)
Our College adheres to the national standards set out in the Australian Curriculum, The ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) and the Church’s guidance on Religious Education provided through Treasures New and Old.
Each of the subject areas we teach has the equivalent of three hour-long lessons in a week, comparable with other high schools and colleges. We cover the same curriculum content (the Australian Curriculum and the ACT BSSS) and do equivalent assessment. Two of the three hours are devoted to traditional classroom teaching. The third hour is intensive individual learning in Independent Learning Time.
Religious Education
As a Catholic College, we recognise religious education as critical to a student’s understanding of the world and their purpose within it. Our religious education program opens students to the richness of the Catholic tradition, and its role in shaping our society. We also welcome the sharing of the beliefs and experiences of members of our community from other faith backgrounds. Together, we explore the contemporary challenges people of conscience and faith are called upon to face.
As students move into Years 11 and 12, Religious Studies assumes even greater significance as it facilitates the exploration of key philosophical and ethical issues and enables students to synthesise complex ideas, develop informed views and present sophisticated points of view. These are skills essential for success in both further study and the workforce. Historically, ACT Catholic Colleges have found that, for the majority of their students, Religious Education, has been a strong contributor to their Year 12 results.
Year 7 and 8
Year 7 is a time of transition as well as an opportunity for students to explore a range of subject paths. Our program prepares students to take full advantage of their middle schooling years.
Central to the Year 7 program is the linking of related disciplines to help students approach learning holistically. Our integrated subjects reinforce the core competencies shared across fields, and encourage students to make the connections required for solving real-world problems.
Students also begin or continue language studies, with a choice of French or Chinese (Mandarin). Their chosen language becomes a core subject for the next two years.
The Year 8 program allows students to build on the skills and interests developed in their introductory year. Students undertake eight subjects, including the experience of further electives. The components of Year 7 integrated subjects are taught as discrete subjects from Year 8 onwards. Connections are still made across subject areas.
Arts and Technology subjects are offered, with students cycling through one experience each term. This ensures that students have the opportunity to experience a range of subjects in Years 7 and 8 before making elective choices in Years 9-12.
Year 7 Core Subjects |
Year 8 Core Subjects |
Religious Education | Religious Education |
Integrated Humanities (English and Humanities including History, Geography, Civics and Business) |
English |
Integrated Maths and Science (incorporating Digital Technologies) |
Studies of the Society and the Environment (History, Geography, Civics and Business) |
Physical Education and Health | Mathematics |
Languages (French or Chinese) | Science |
Physical Education and Health | |
Languages (French of Chinese) |
Year 7 & 8 Electives
Food Technology | Dance |
Drama | Arts/Ceramics |
Music | Textiles Technology |
Design and Technology | Information Technology (Yr 8) |
Year 9 and 10
As students approach their senior years, the College encourages reflection on study and career paths, seeking to open rather than exclude future choices. A broad array of electives allows students to test a range of possible futures, whether they seek a vocational or academic path.
Students are not required to study a foreign language but are encouraged to continue the study of their chosen language as an elective.
Year 9 Core Subjects |
Year 10 Core Subjects |
Religious Education OR Liturgy | Religious Education OR Youth Ministry |
English | English |
Studies of Society and the Environment (History and Geography) |
Studies of Society and the Environment (History and Geography) |
Mathematics (Core or Fast Pace) | Mathematics (Core or 10A) |
Science | Science |
Physical Education and Health | Physical Education and Health |
Year 9 & 10 Electives 2021
Technologies |
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Graphic Design |
You will have the opportunity to master the Adobe programs Illustrator, InDesign or Photoshop developing your creative thinking and responding skills within design contexts, through examining a range of cultures and your specific design styles. Graphic design is the visual communication that you see all around you, from posters to movie opening titles to logo creation. You learn how psychology links with what we see and how to manipulate visuals to engage specific audiences |
Design Technology |
Design and Technology is the exploration of design, making products that solve problems, and then evaluating how successful the results are. In all courses you will be taught industry standard programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Fusion 360. In year 9/10 we create one of the following:
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Digital Technologies |
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Food Technology |
Food technology is the application of food science to the selection, preservation, processing, packaging, distribution, and use of safe food. You make delicious foods such as: TimTams, lamingtons, burgers, cheesecakes, sushi, tacos.. Just to name a few. |
Robotics and Electronics |
You will be introduced to Robotics via Arduino, circuits and robots or lego mindstorm, circuits and raspberry pi's. You put your theory into practice by making robots that meet a brief. Students learn coding such as Python or C++ to support their knowledge in our modern world. |
Textiles |
In textiles you will investigate and select the most appropriate materials and technology to incorporate creative design solutions to make your projects. You learn about the textiles industry, fast fashion and slow fashion. Some of the projects we create include Hoodies, Pajamas, quilting and patchwork. |
Woodwork |
You will explore the fundamental skills required in woodworking, including using hand tools and timber machining. You learn about the forestry industry and how we use timber sustainably. In all courses you will be taught Orthigraphic and Isometric drawing skills that are universal in the design world. In year 9/10 we create the following:
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Studies of Society and the Environment (SOSE) |
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World in Conflict |
The course is designed to give you an understanding of current international relations issues. It cover two topics: Semester 1 Superpowers and Rogue States. This course examines the origins of their dominance and how they have shaped international organisations. Students also study a rogue state, such as North Korea, and how it interacts with the international community and the different approaches that governments and global organisations can take to deal with rouge states. Students will have an understanding of international disputes, alliances and cultures will be better placed to navigate the dynamic world in which they live, study and eventually work. Semester 2 Australian and Global Politics. This unit will look at Australia's State and Federal governments, political parties and elections. Different political systems and the threats facing Democracy. You will then learn how Australia influences and is influenced by global political events. |
Law |
Two Units: Year 2 – International and Human Rights Law Law helps students to understand not only how the Legal system works but how society and democracy work. It also teaches students to think like a lawyer and develop helpful communication, research and writing skills. Law is a interesting subject that considers relevant and current legal case studies and can help students prepare for Year 11 and 12. |
Business |
Students learn about how to choose a career that is best suited to them, achieve financial goals, active versus passive streams of income, being savvy shoppers, running a business and making investments. |
Behavioural Science |
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Making Sense of People |
In behavioural science, we examine different psychological and sociological theories that help to explain why people behave the way that they do. It helps to develop your critical thinking, ability to think outside the box and look at our world in a new and interesting way. We look at things like:
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Science |
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Forensic Science |
Have you ever wondered…
Students who take this course:
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Saying the Science - Science Communication |
Students who take this course:
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The Arts |
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Dance |
The Dance course allows you to create and perform dances while working on your performance technique.
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Drama |
The Drama course allows you to create and perform to audiences developing your collaboration and creative skills.
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Music |
The Music course allows you to write, transpose and perform music.
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Photography and Media |
The Photography and Media course helps you master the digital camera to capture images, still and moving, to create meaning.
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Visual Arts |
The Visual Art course allows you to create artworks in different mediums.
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PE and Health |
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Outdoor Education |
Year A – Outdoor Education – Bush Bashing
Year B - Outdoor Education – Water Safety and Land Activities
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Sports Studies |
Year 9: Semester 1 - Body Systems and energy for physical activity
Semester 2 Improving Performance and Nutrition
Year 10: Semester 1 - Physical Activity and Sport in Society
Semester 2 – Coaching and Event Management
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Languages
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Chinese (Year Long) |
Year 9:
Year 10:
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French (Year Long) |
Year 9:
Year 10:
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