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.
For the high school years, NESA develops syllabuses for all subjects in 8 key learning areas:
- creative arts
- English
- human society and its environment (HSIE)
- languages
- mathematics
- personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE)
- science
- technological and applied studies (TAS).
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:
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NSW Department of Education – key learning areas
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NESA’s Parent Guide – Schooling in NSW which provides information about learning stages, key learning areas and syllabuses
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NSW Department of Education policy – Curriculum planning and programming, assessing and reporting to parents K–12.
Stages of learning
There are 6 stages of learning from Kindergarten to Year 12. High school covers Stages 4 to 6.
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Stage 4 includes Years 7 and 8.
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Stage 5 includes Years 9 and 10.
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Stage 6 includes Years 11 and 12.
Our Learning
The study of Mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
By studying Mathematics, students learn to work mathematically, developing fluency, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning and communication skills.
The following strands are central to Years 7-10 Mathematics:
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number and algebra
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measurement and geometry
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statistics and probability.
In Years 11 and 12, the study of Mathematics is optional. Courses offered at Sydney Girls High School include:
- Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Advanced
The study of English is mandatory in NSW schools from Kindergarten to Year 12. It is the only mandatory subject in Years 11 and 12.
In English, students learn about the study and use of the English language in its various textual forms. These encompass spoken, written and visual texts through which meaning is shaped, conveyed, interpreted and reflected. Complexity of analysis and understanding increases as students progress through their schooling.
Developing proficiency in English enables students to take their place as confident communicators; critical and imaginative thinkers; lifelong learners; and informed, active participants in Australian society. Their understanding of English through knowledge and skills acquisition is essential to their intellectual, social and emotional development.
The study of English fosters a love of literature and learning. It can be both challenging and enjoyable. Students develop skills to experiment with ideas and expression. It also enables them to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.
In Years 11 and 12, the study of English is mandatory. Students at Sydney Girls High study English Advanced with the option to study English Extension in Year 11. In Year 12 students have the option to study either Extension 1 or Extension 1 and 2 in addition to the English 2 unit Advanced course.
Science is mandatory for all students from Year 7 to Year 10.
Science 7-10 provides a way of inquiring about the world around us. It explores evidence and investigates ways to discover, develop and produce solutions to real-world problems. Science emphasises the skills for working scientifically, as well as critical and creative thinking to address scientific issues.
In Years 11 and 12, students can choose from different science disciplines, including Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
In Year 12, students who are studying at least one science course may also choose to study Science Extension.
In Human Society and its Environment (HSIE), the subjects of History and Geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
Students learn specific historical and geographical concepts as well as skills in History and Geography. They also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which they live through additional elective courses in Commerce, History and Geography Years 9 and 10.
A large number of individual subjects make up the key learning area of HSIE in which students:
- research, gather and analyse information
- question and make judgements
- write for a variety of purposes.
In Years 11 and 12, students can choose from a range of HSIE courses. These include: Ancient History, Economics, Geography, Legal Studies and Modern History.
History students have the option to extend their studies with the History Extension course in Year 12.
In NSW high schools, Languages is a key learning area, mandatory in Years 7 and 8.
Language study allows students to develop communication skills, learn about languages as systems and explore the relationship between language and culture. Students engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of societies and reflect on their understanding of social interactions.
At Sydney Girls High School, all students study two languages in Year 7, with the option of studying one or two languages in Year 8. The school offers four languages: Chinese, French, Japanese and Latin.
Students have the option to continue the study of languages in both Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) and as Continuers courses in Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12). Additional extension courses are offered in Year 12 for students studying Chinese, French, Japanese and Latin. Students' study of these languages is enriched by excursions, internal and external competitions and language-specific and whole school events such as the Chinese Eisteddfod, Classics Camp, Japanese and French Film Festivals and the school's biennial Languages Festival.
In the Creative Arts, students explore a variety of art forms through a study of dance, drama, music and visual arts.
Through the Creative Arts, students learn to appreciate, compose, listen, make and perform. Each art form has its own unique knowledge and skills, elements or concepts. Arts subjects have the capacity to inspire and enrich lives.
Music and Visual Arts are mandatory in Years 7 and 8 while all students undertake the study of Drama in Year 8.
Drama, Music and Visual Arts are offered as elective courses in Years 9 and 10.
In Years 11 and 12 students may study Visual Arts, Drama and either Music 1 or Music 2. Those students who undertake Music 2 have the option to also study Music Extension as an additional Year 12 course.
The study of Technologies is mandatory for all students in Years 7 and 8.
Students can also select from a range of elective Technologies courses in Years 9 and 10 including Computing Technology, Design and Technology, Food Technology and Textiles Technology.
In Technologies, students develop knowledge, understanding and skills through a design and production process using a range of tools, materials and techniques in theory and practical lessons including textiles, food, digital, electronics and engineering.
The continuum of technology learning is based on students becoming increasingly sophisticated in their ability to apply knowledge, skills and understanding to design and produce solutions.
Stage 6 courses offered in Years 11 and 12 include Textiles and Design and Engineering Studies. In Year 11 students may complete a Visual Design course as 1 unit.
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
According to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), students are expected to participate in PDHPE for 300 hours per year in Years 7 to 10.
PDHPE provides students with opportunities to explore issues that are likely to impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others, now and in the future. Students also participate in challenging and enjoyable physical activity, improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence.
NSW public schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics, delivered by approved providers wherever available.
During enrolment, you can choose a special religious education option for your child from the school’s available approved providers. You can withdraw your child from special religious education by selecting alternative meaningful activities, or special education in ethics if it’s available.
Visit the department’s website for more information about religion and ethics.
Authorised providers and links to each scope and sequence
Special Religious Education (SRE)
Combined Protestant SRE (eg Anglican, Uniting, Baptist etc) is provided by Campus Bible Study UNSW. https://www.youthworks.net/sre/curricula
Roman Catholic SRE is provided by Creston College UNSW. http://www.sydneycatholic.org.education/#scripture
Buddhism SRE is provided by Buddhist Council of Australia. http://www.buddhistcouncil.org/sre-program/
Islamic SRE is provided by Islamic Council (ISRE). https://www.isre.org.au/scope-year-7-year-12/
Hindu SRE is provided by Hindu Council of Australia. http://hinducouncil.com.au/new/sre-special-religious-education-in-nsw-schools/
Jewish SRE is provided by The Board of Jewish Education BJE. https://bje.org.au/high-school/framework/
Special Education in Ethics (SEE)
SEE is provided by Primary Ethics. https://primaryethics.com.au/
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.
At our school, students can take part in special religious education (SRE) or special education in ethics (SEE) classes, depending on what’s available. These classes are delivered by approved providers.
When enrolling your child, you’ll be able to choose an option from the approved providers offered at our school. Students not attending SRE or SEE are given supervised alternative meaningful activities.
You’re welcome to change your choice at any time. Just let us know in writing or use the online form (if available at our school).
[There are no special religious education and special education in ethics approved providers available at this school.]
For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.
At our school, we give the right support to help advanced or talented learners grow and do their best.
We notice these students early. They may learn quickly or show strong skills in creativity, leadership, problem solving or sport. We help them stay challenged with lessons and activities that match their strengths.
Contact us to learn more about how we support high potential and gifted learners.
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:
- real-world learning: hands-on tasks, group work and exploring new ideas
- technology: to help students learn and build digital skills
- flexible teaching: the right support for each student, with a focus on wellbeing
- community connections: through excursions and local 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.
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Student opportunities and activities
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Our principal and staff
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