Curriculum
St Mary’s Cathedral College offers a comprehensive range of courses for students of all academic abilities. In their first years at the College students are required to follow a pattern of study as determined by the Board of Studies. As students move into Stages Five and Six they are given more choice in the subjects they study. We conduct an exhaustive subject selection process where we endeavour to match each student with an individual pattern of study which best suits his needs. As a systemic catholic school, all students are required to complete the board endorsed Religious Education program from Years 5 to 10 and to complete one of the Religious Education Courses in Stage 6.
Stage 3: Year 5 and Year 6
The College has one composite Year 5/6 class for students who have successfully auditioned for the Cathedral Choir. These students follow a full Primary curriculum in the seven Key Learning Areas (KLAs) including: Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Human Society in its Environment (HSIE), Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE).
Stage 4: Year 7 and Year 8
Students follow a pattern of study in both Year 7 and Year 8 which covers all the mandatory hours as prescribed by the Board of Studies.
In Year 7 students study: Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, World History (HSIE), Technology, Music and PDHPE.
In Year 8 the students complete their required hours in: Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, World Geography (HSIE), Technology, PDHPE, Italian and Visual Arts.
Stage 5: Year 9 and Year 10
As well as completing Religious Education and their compulsory School Certificate hours of study in English, Mathematics, Science, HSIE and PDHPE, students in Year 9 are given the opportunity to select two (2) electives courses which they study for two years. Students may choose from the following electives:
CAPA: Drama, Music, Visual Arts
HSIE: Commerce, Elective Geography, Elective History
Languages: Italian
PDHPE: Sports Studies
Technology: Industrial Technology, Information Software Technology, Graphics Technology
Stage 6: Year 11 and Year 12
Students accepted into St Mary’s Cathedral College for their Preliminary and HSC years are required to complete at least one Religious Education course (Studies of Religion 1, Studies of Religion 2 or Catholic Studies). They are also required to complete a pattern of study which fulfils the Board of Study requirements. This includes a compulsory English Course (Standard English or Advanced English). Students are then required to choose at least 10 more units of study from the following courses:
CAPA: Drama, Music 1, Music 2, Visual Arts
English: Extension 1, Extension 2
HSIE: Ancient History, Business Studies, Economics, Extension History, Geography, Legal Studies, Modern History, Society and Culture
Languages: Italian Beginners, Italian Continuers
Mathematics: General Mathematics, mathematics, Extension 1 Mathematics, Extension 2 Mathematics
PDHPE: PHDPE, SLR/Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (Board Endorsed Course)
Science: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics, Senior Science
Technology: Construction (VET), Engineering Studies, Graphics Technology, Industrial Technology, Information Processes and Technology, Software Design and Development
TAFE Vocational Education and Training Course (TVET)
Students may complete their pattern of study by applying for a TVET course at one of the local TAFE Colleges. VET Curriculum Frameworks include: Business Services, Construction (offered at the College), Entertainment, Hospitality, Information Technology, Metal and Engineering, Primary Industries and Retail. Students choosing this study option are required to attend the TAFE College where their course is conducted. Most courses typically take place on Tuesday afternoons. Positions in TAFE courses are subject to funding and availability.
HSC Pathways and Careers Advice
Today’s HSC offers students the flexibility to combine full time study with traineeships and part time work. Where circumstances necessitate, students can complete their HSC over several years. Students and parents should contact the Curriculum Coordinator to discuss individual situations.
The College Careers Advisor is also available to assist and advise students and parents in HSC pathways, careers and post-secondary school opportunities.
