Subjects

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is responsible for the curriculum, Kindergarten to Year 12, for all NSW schools.

For the high school years, NESA develops syllabuses for all subjects in 8 key learning areas:

NSW schools also offer special religious education and special education in ethics via approved providers, where available.

Like all NSW schools, we have developed teaching and learning programs to suit our local context and the needs of our students.

To learn more about the curriculum in NSW, visit:

English

The study of English involves learning, thinking and writing critically and imaginatively. English thus provides the foundation for a dynamic and enriching engagement with the community.

LOTE

The study of a language other than English provides students with the opportunity to acquire an understanding of another culture.

Mathematics

Mathematics is mandatory across Years 7-10. Students study Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Within each of these strands they will cover a range of topics.

History

History is a process of inquiry into the past that allows students to think abut their place in human history and experience. It enables students to appreciate and enjoy human endeavours, achievements and, sometimes, mistakes. It also assists students to develop important skills for their future careers and private lives, skills such as thinking, problem-solving and communication.

Social Sciences

As the subjects in this faculty fall in the category of Social Sciences, our basic aim is to endeavour to cultivate social awareness and attitudes which will render the child to be able to participate effectively and acceptably in society. Our courses are designed to develop the students' individuality and self-reliance by leading them to undertake research and study by and through their own initiatives.

Personal development, health and physical education

The aim of PD/H/PE is to develop student’s capacity to enhance personal health and well being, enjoy an active lifestyle, maximise movement potential and advocate lifelong health and physical activity. This is achieved through a course of study involving both theory and practical classes. Students will be engaged in a range of sporting and health topics. This subject is compulsory in Years 7-10, while students can elect to undertake this subject in the senior years. We also offer an elective course in Years 9-10 called Physical Activity and Sports Studies.

Science

Science has developed as a field of intellectual activities as people have sought to discern and explain patterns of events and phenomena in the world around them. It has progressively developed into a learning discipline with its own customs, procedures and fields of investigation.

Technology and applied studies

Technology is the know-how and creative process that may assist people “to utilise tools, resources and systems to solve problems and to enhance control over the natural and made environment in an endeavour to improve the human condition.” (UNESCO, 1985)

Religion and ethics

At Sefton High School, SRE is delivered once a week on Monday during Period 3 for Years 7-10 whose parents have advised us in writing that they wish their child to participate.

Life ready

Life Ready is a mandatory 25 hour program for students in Years 11 and/or 12 in NSW public schools.

It aims to prepare and support senior students as they encounter situations related to health and safety as they become more independent and gain more responsibilities.

Life Ready focuses on offering opportunities for students to build the functional knowledge and skills for life after school.

Music

The aim of the music course is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for active engagement and enjoyment in performing, composing and listening to various music styles. This is achieved through course of study involving both theory and practical classes. Students will be engaged in a range of music topics from all musical eras and styles. Students studying music will have opportunities to listen, perform and compose music.

Visual arts

This foundation course is primarily about creating artworks in at least two of the 2D, 3D and 4D expressive forms. Students are also introduced to the practices of art criticism and art history and the concepts of practice, the conceptual framework and the frames.