Learning in the Senior School
We reimagine learning through stretch, challenge and support to promote growth even if it means letting go of an established practice.
At 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÔÚÏß we aim to meet the urgent global challenge of providing all learners with opportunities to succeed, through our teaching and learning framework. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÔÚÏß’s evidenced-based approach ensures that enlightened academic rigour embodies all that we do. It is grounded in the principles of setting and striving for high expectations. We want our students to show courage and gain wisdom in their pursuit of academic mastery.
However, we believe the pursuit of excellence should not just be for individual gain.  Students are encouraged to give back to the community, reach beyond their comfort zone and aim to acquire an informed global perspective. The 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÔÚÏß graduate will make positive contributions to the world wherever they go.Â
To ensure the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÔÚÏß graduate is challenge ready, a critical thinker, creative and curious and a socially aware communicator and collaborator there needs to be purposeful and deliberate curriculum design, with an explicit focus on independent learning skills and dispositions.  To enable all 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÔÚÏß students to deepen and broaden their understanding and enhance their skillset we use evidence informed practice and student data.
Stage 4 Curriculum (Years 7 and 8)
The ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï graduate is creative and curious …
Students in Years 7 and 8 gain experience in a range of core subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, PDHPE, Technology, Music, and Visual Arts. For their language subject, students can study Japanese, French or Latin.
We know that students are more likely to be engaged in their learning when they can make choices that reflect their interests and leaning styles. Students are given the option to choose two electives in Year 8.
These may include:Â
- French
- Latin
- Japanese
- Outdoor Education
- Ceramics
- Musical Theatre
- Theatre Sports
- Gamechangers
- Sports Science.
Service Learning has been introduced into Year 8 to support our guiding principles of developing character, kindness empathy and service. The aim is for our students to give back to their community in meaningful and diverse ways including working with WIRES, The Tangara School and the Uniting Church Bowral.
Cornerstone, introduced in 2015, was devised and written entirely at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÔÚÏß. Studied by all students in Years 7-10, it teaches students how to think, inviting them to engage with the big-picture concepts and questions that humanity has pondered over the centuries.
The ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï graduate is a socially aware communicator and collaborator …
Stage 5 Curriculum (Years 9 and 10)
In Years 9 and 10 students continue to consolidate their learning and understanding in the key learning areas of the NESA Stage 5 Curriculum.
The elective opportunities are expanded from Stage 4 and include:Â
- Design and Technology
- Visual Arts
- Music
- Drama
- Film Studies
- Global Studies
- Philosophy
- Industrial Technology – Timber
- Commerce
- PASS
- Food Technology
- Elective History
- Elective Geography
- Enrichment English
- Visual Design
- Studies of Religion (Accelerated - Stage 6 Course)
- French
- Latin
- Japanese.
Students may also elect to undertake distance courses for language study not currently offered by the school.
Stage 6 Curriculum (Years 11 and 12)
The 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÔÚÏß graduate is challenge ready, a critical thinker …
At 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÔÚÏß we offer a diverse range of subjects that are fully accredited with NESA. Students must study at least 12 units in Year 11 (the preliminary HSC year) and at least 10 units in Year 12 (the HSC year). In addition to the compulsory two English units, students are encouraged to pursue courses relevant to their interests and career aspirations.
51³Ô¹ÏÍøÔÚÏß currently offers:Â
- English Advanced
- English Extension 1
- English Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
- English Standard
- Mathematics Advanced
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
- Mathematics Standard 2
- Modern History
- Ancient History
- History Extension (Year 12 only)
- Sport Lifestyle and Recreation
- Health and Movement Science
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Legal Studies
- Geography
- Engineering Studies
- Society and Culture
- Japanese continuers
- French continuers
- Studies of Religion 1 and 2
- Drama
- Visual Arts
- Music 1 and 2
- Music Extension (Year 12 only)
- Industrial Technology (Timber)
- VET Entertainment.
Our Approach to Wellbeing
Wellbeing is the foundation of quality of life and human flourishing. Personal achievement, emotional resilience and social competence are predicated on children feeling safe, challenged, supported and connected to others.
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