Learning
At our school, we teach the NSW curriculum and offer many different subjects to support each student’s learning. We know that development of skills in literacy and numeracy are the building blocks for learning and for everyday life. Our teachers use effective teaching strategies to help students achieve their goals.
Why choose us for your child’s learning?
Strong foundations
We focus on the skills your child needs to succeed in school and beyond. This helps them feel confident and prepared for the future.
High-quality education
We offer a range of subjects to match what students enjoy and want to learn about. Our skilled teachers support every student to find what they love, do their best and succeed.
Inclusive and personalised learning
Our teachers adjust how they teach to suit your child’s needs, interests and learning pace. We make sure every student feels confident and supported.
Extension opportunities
Some students are ready for more challenges. We offer open-ended tasks, enrichment programs and support. We help all students to reach their full potential.
What students learn
Students learn a wide range of subjects in the NSW curriculum. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for life beyond school.
Our subjects
The courses below are listed as available and can be formed ONLY when sufficient students select the particular course.
- English Advanced
- English as an Additional Language or Dialect
- English Extension 1
- English Extension 2
- English Standard 1
- English Standard 2
- English Studies
- Mathematics Standard 1
- Mathematics Standard 2
- Mathematics Advanced
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 2
- Aboriginal Studies
- Ancient History
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- Legal Studies
- Modern History
- Society and Culture
- Studies of Religion 2
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth and Environmental Science
- Investigating Science
- Physics
- Science Extension
- Design and Technology
- Engineering Studies
- Enterprise Computing
- Food Technology
- Industrial Technology - Multi-Media
- Industrial Technology - Timber Products and Furniture Technologies
- Software Engineering
- Textiles and Design
- Visual Design
- Drama
- Music 1
- Music 2
- Visual Arts
- Photography, Video and Digital Imaging
- Community and Family Studies
- Health and Movement Science
- Sports, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies
- Chinese Beginners
- Chinese and Literature
- Chinese Continuers
- Chinese in Context
- French Beginners
- French Continuers
- Italian Beginners
- Japanese Beginners
- Japanese Continuers
- Business Services
- Entertainment Industry
- Hospitality - Food and Beverage
- Hospitality - Cookery
- Retail Services
Religion and ethics
A feature of the public education system in NSW is the opportunity to provide time in class for education in ethics, faith, and morality from a religious perspective at the choice of parents.
A parent/carer may at any time notify the school in writing that they wish to change their decision.
For more information about Special Religious Education (SRE), including the list of approved providers, please visit:
https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/religion-and-ethics
If your preferred SRE is not available, please contact the approved provider. Students not attending SRE remain in class and partake in revision activities.
The following option is available:
Combined Christian (Interdenominational)
Our learning approach
Our school uses explicit teaching. This means we clearly tell students what they are learning, why it is important and how to do it step by step. Explicit teaching helps students understand new ideas by breaking them into smaller parts.
Learning at our school is student-centred, inclusive and practical. We are committed to equity and access. We support all learning styles and needs. Our teachers use proven teaching strategies. They take part in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with best teaching practice.
Our learning approach includes:
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real-world learning: hands-on tasks, group work and exploring new ideas
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technology: to help students learn and build digital skills
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flexible teaching: the right support for each student, with a focus on wellbeing
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community connections: through excursions and local programs.
Learning Structures in our school
Sydney Secondary College implemented the College Learning Plan in 2021. These plans support all students to reflect on their academic progress, and set goals in response to their academic reports. All students will be involved in the process which involves a guided reflection of their report and interview with a teacher.
The goals set by students and the strategies formulated through this process will be recorded in the student's individual College Learning Plan. This process will occur concurrently with the distribution of academic reports at two points per year.
Building on existing CLP platform, CLP+ is a program introduced at Blackwattle Bay Campus in 2023 to help students make even more informed decisions about current and future study plans.
CLP+ is based on the quantitative analysis of our school reporting and ATAR results over the past 5 years, used to generate data to give students a better understanding of their current study trajectory.
Variously called Academic Counselling or Indicative Reporting, similar programs have been implemented in other successful senior high school programs.
Helping students progress
We support every student’s academic progress by:
- checking their progress and giving clear and timely feedback
- setting learning goals with each student
- giving extra help with personalised plans and support from specialist staff
- reporting on each student’s learning progress so parents and carers know how their child is doing
- providing targeted literacy and numeracy support in small groups
- making wellbeing part of everyday learning
- working with families to support learning at home and school
- helping students through transitions, like starting school or moving to a new stage of learning.
Learn more about additional learning support at our school.
Want to know more about our subjects?
We can connect you with the right teacher or staff member.
Student opportunities and activities
Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.
Our principal and staff
Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.