Curriculum Policy
Girraween High School is a selective high school with a strong emphasis on providing a diverse and challenging curriculum for our students. As the vast majority of our students pursue tertiary studies our curriculum is of necessity academic. All students have a right to a broad, balanced and relevant education which provides continuity and progression and acknowledges individual student differences. Our curriculum must reflect the Board of Studies syllabuses and Department of Education mandatory policies as well as school developed courses and programs.
The curriculum at Girraween High School relates to the processes by which learners acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes. Therefore teaching and learning programs reflect the identification of our students' needs, the prescription and range of learning outcomes, teaching processes and strategies, as well as assessment and evaluation. Academic achievement is stressed.
At Girraween High School we focus on developing life-long learners by fostering each student's talent and potential. Only when students are happy and secure can meaningful learning take place. Thus we recognise the importance of student welfare and ensure its integration into all aspects of the curriculum.
The general aims of our curriculum policy are to:
- develop interested learners;
- ensure that the curriculum is linked to the needs of students allow students to reach their academic potential foster active learners who can work both independently and collaboratively;
- encourage critical thinking skills;
- develop perseverance and creativity in problem solving;
- offer equitable access to all curriculum areas;
- instil respect and tolerance for others enhance students self esteem;
- and develop self discipline
The specific aims of our curriculum policy are to:
- enable students to acquire knowledge and skills relevant to continuing education in adult life and in employment in a fast changing world;
- help students to develop lively and inquiring minds, the ability to question and argue rationally, communicate effectively and apply themselves to tasks both physical and cognitive;
- provide an inclusive curriculum which allows for different learning styles and prior learning experiences;
- promote advanced levels in literacy and numeracy;
- develop effective citizenship and help students understand the world in which they live
- offer wide ranging experiences in the creative and performing arts
- develop attitudes that lead to a healthy lifestyle;
- encourage students to have and fulfil the highest possible expectations of themselves;
- develop
skills in technology and its application.
Some general features of our curriculum include:
- In all English courses students read at least one work of Australian literature each year.
- The study of Shakespeare is compulsory in Years 7 to 11.
Years 7 & 8
In Years 7 & 8 students follow a common curriculum. Subjects are:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Creative Arts (Visual Arts, Music)
- Human Society and its Environment (History, Geography)
- Languages Other Than English (French, Japanese)
- Technological & Applied Studies (Design & Technology including Agriculture, Computers)
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Years 9 & 10
Students are given a choice of elective subjects in Years 9 and 10. Elective subjects currently being taught are:
- Agriculture, Drama, Japanese
- Technical Drawing , Asian Social Studies
- French, Music, Visual Arts
- Commerce, Computing Studies, Food Technology,
- Visual Design, Wood Technics
- Human Movement
All students study English, Science, Mathematics, History, Geography, and PD/Health/PE. All of our students take Advanced Mathematics.
Years 11 & 12
Formation of an elective class in any year is dependent on the number of students interested in that subject.
The curriculum of the senior school (Years 11 and 12) at the present time includes:
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Extension courses have formed in English, Mathematics, History, Japanese, French and Music.
Other Activities
Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities include:
Drama Streamwatch Debating Tournament of Minds Mock Trial Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians Australian Mathematics Competition Australian Schools Science Competition Australian Schools English Competition
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AMP Economics Competition Australian National Chemistry Quiz CSIRO Student Research Accelerated Physics/Chemistry Program Australian Language Certificates Chemistry Titration Competition Sydney University Science Gifted & Talented Program Concert Band Stage Band String groups Chess Club |