Curriculum

We strive to provide an exceptional lower school curriculum that ignites a lifelong love for learning in our students. From Year 7 to Year 10, we offer a comprehensive range of core subjects and exciting electives to engage and challenge your child, ensuring they receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for future success.

Our core subjects, including Mathematics, Science, English, Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS), Physical Education, and Health Studies, form the foundation of our academic program. Our passionate and experienced teachers utilise innovative teaching methods to make these subjects come alive, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication.

In addition to the core subjects, our extensive list of elective courses allows students to explore their interests and discover their talents. Whether your child has a passion for the arts, sports, or vocational pursuits, we offer a diverse range of electives such as Dance, Drama, Photography, Media, Specialist Sport – Basketball, Digital Design, Wood Work, Ecology, Visual Arts, Service Learning, Home Economics, Career Education, Metal Work, ADWPL (Workplace Learning), Psychology, Noongar Language, Elite Sports Program, and Performing Arts Academy Drama and Dance. These electives provide opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and personal growth, helping students develop well-rounded skills that extend beyond the traditional classroom.

At Girrawheen SHS, we believe in the holistic development of our students. We offer a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages them to explore their passions, build resilience, and develop leadership qualities. Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to providing individualised attention to each student, ensuring their unique needs are met.

NAPLAN and various onsite testing allows Year 7 students to be identified for targeted extension and support. Individual student performance is regularly reviewed by Care Teams, Teachers, Heads of Departments and Parent feedback to ensure students receive the required support to reach their potential.

In Year 7, students are timetabled into mixed classes, where learning is scaffolded to cater to all levels. This allows students to spend their first years of high school developing the skills required for university and further tertiary study, so that the opportunity is available as a pathway in Senior School for those who aspire to this.

Mentoring by staff and external partners allow each student to shine their brightest. Year 7 students who require additional support are provided a targeted approach to improving literacy and numeracy. This prevents any student from falling through the cracks and provides the learning tools necessary for students to achieve their best.

Core Subjects in Year 7 - 10

  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • English
  • HASS
  • Physical Education
  • Health Studies

Elective Subjects across Year 7 - 10

  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Photography
  • Media
  • Specialist Sport – Basketball
  • Digital Design
  • Computing
  • Wood Work
  • Ecology
  • Visual Arts
  • Service Learning
  • Home Economics
  • Career Education
  • Metal Work
  • ADWPL (Workplace Learning)
  • Psychology
  • Noongar Language
  • Elite Sports Program

Should you feel that your child needs additional support, please contact the school

We have designed our Senior School Curriculum with a commitment to equipping our students with the necessary tools to achieve their career aspirations. Our comprehensive approach to Course Counselling, coupled with continuous monitoring and review of student performance, ensures that each student is provided with a clear roadmap towards their desired future.

At Girrawheen SHS we understand the importance of personalised guidance and support when it comes to shaping students’ academic journeys. Through our functional Course Counselling process, our dedicated team of educators works closely with students and parents, helping them explore various study pathways and make informed decisions about their senior school subjects. This tailored approach ensures that students are matched with the appropriate courses that align with their interests, strengths, and career goals.

We recognise that every student is unique, with their own set of talents and aspirations. Therefore, we offer three identified pathways within our senior school curriculum. These pathways are designed to provide students with the flexibility to pursue their passions and develop the skills necessary for success in their chosen fields. Whether it’s the academic pathway, vocational pathway, or a mix of both, we provide a supportive environment that nurtures and challenges our students to excel:

ATAR Pathway

Leading to: University or TAFE
Core Curriculum selection: 4 or more ATAR subjects.
Supporting Curriculum: Usually in combination with some General subjects or Certificate Courses. In Year 12, students are offered the option of UniPrep course in partnership with ECU.

VET Pathway

Leading to: Full time employment direct from school including Apprenticeships
Core Curriculum selection: School-based Traineeships and Pre-Apprenticeships, Profile Courses and Certificate courses directly related to employment aspirations directly out of school.
Supporting Curriculum: Usually in combination with General or Foundation subjects.

General Pathway

Leading to: Skills that will support future aspirations more broadly than targeted courses in the ‘VET’ pathway. Appropriate for students’ who are still developing an understanding of their career pathway.
Core Curriculum selection: Predominantly General and Foundation subjects.
Supporting Curriculum: Usually in combination with some Certificate or ATAR courses.

We believe in empowering our students to thrive in their chosen pathways. Our staff remains dedicated to monitoring and reviewing student performance, ensuring that each student receives the necessary guidance and assistance along their journey. Through our strong partnerships with industry professionals and relevant organizations, we expose our students to real-world experiences and opportunities, enhancing their readiness for future careers.

Certificate Courses, Profile Courses and Traineeships offered through the VET Pathway allow students to compete courses in the following sectors;

Automotive

Building and Construction

Business and Finance

Creative Industries

Education and Community Services

Electrical and Electrotechnology

Engineering and Mining

Health, Beauty and Fitness

Horticulture and Conservation

Hospitality, Tourism and Events

Laboratory Operations

Library and Information Services

Networking and Security

Residential Building Drafting

In addition to this, the following courses are available to students in Year 11 and 12 in ATAR and General Pathways:

ATAR Courses

  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Human Biology
  • Politics & Law
  • History
  • Computer Science
  • Media Production & Analysis
  • Mathematics Specialist
  • Mathematics Methods
  • Mathematics Applications
  • English
  • ECU UniPrep

General Courses

  • Health, Physical, Outdoor Education
  • Health Studies
  • Psychology
  • Human Biology General
  • Media Production & Analysis General
  • Drama
  • Visual Arts
  • Woodwork
  • Metalwork
  • Career & Enterprise
  • Children, Family & Community
  • Community Service
  • Workplace Learning
  • Mathematics Essentials
  • Mathematics Foundation
  • Mathematics General
  • English General

Please note that courses offered may change and are subject to placement availability 

Lower School Curriculum

We strive to provide an exceptional lower school curriculum that ignites a lifelong love for learning in our students. From Year 7 to Year 10, we offer a comprehensive range of core subjects and exciting electives to engage and challenge your child, ensuring they receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for future success.

Our core subjects, including Mathematics, Science, English, Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS), Physical Education, and Health Studies, form the foundation of our academic program. Our passionate and experienced teachers utilise innovative teaching methods to make these subjects come alive, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication.

In addition to the core subjects, our extensive list of elective courses allows students to explore their interests and discover their talents. Whether your child has a passion for the arts, sports, or vocational pursuits, we offer a diverse range of electives such as Dance, Drama, Photography, Media, Specialist Sport – Basketball, Digital Design, Wood Work, Ecology, Visual Arts, Service Learning, Home Economics, Career Education, Metal Work, ADWPL (Workplace Learning), Psychology, Noongar Language, Elite Sports Program, and Performing Arts Academy Drama and Dance. These electives provide opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and personal growth, helping students develop well-rounded skills that extend beyond the traditional classroom.

At Girrawheen SHS, we believe in the holistic development of our students. We offer a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages them to explore their passions, build resilience, and develop leadership qualities. Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to providing individualised attention to each student, ensuring their unique needs are met.

NAPLAN and various onsite testing allows Year 7 students to be identified for targeted extension and support. Individual student performance is regularly reviewed by Care Teams, Teachers, Heads of Departments and Parent feedback to ensure students receive the required support to reach their potential.

In Year 7, students are timetabled into mixed classes, where learning is scaffolded to cater to all levels. This allows students to spend their first years of high school developing the skills required for university and further tertiary study, so that the opportunity is available as a pathway in Senior School for those who aspire to this.

Mentoring by staff and external partners allow each student to shine their brightest. Year 7 students who require additional support are provided a targeted approach to improving literacy and numeracy. This prevents any student from falling through the cracks and provides the learning tools necessary for students to achieve their best.

Core Subjects in Year 7 - 10

  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • English
  • HASS
  • Physical Education
  • Health Studies

Elective Subjects across Year 7 - 10

  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Photography
  • Media
  • Specialist Sport – Basketball
  • Digital Design
  • Computing
  • Wood Work
  • Ecology
  • Visual Arts
  • Service Learning
  • Home Economics
  • Career Education
  • Metal Work
  • ADWPL (Workplace Learning)
  • Psychology
  • Noongar Language
  • Elite Sports Program

Should you feel that your child needs additional support, please contact the school

Senior School Curriculum

We have designed our Senior School Curriculum with a commitment to equipping our students with the necessary tools to achieve their career aspirations. Our comprehensive approach to Course Counselling, coupled with continuous monitoring and review of student performance, ensures that each student is provided with a clear roadmap towards their desired future.

At Girrawheen SHS we understand the importance of personalised guidance and support when it comes to shaping students’ academic journeys. Through our functional Course Counselling process, our dedicated team of educators works closely with students and parents, helping them explore various study pathways and make informed decisions about their senior school subjects. This tailored approach ensures that students are matched with the appropriate courses that align with their interests, strengths, and career goals.

We recognise that every student is unique, with their own set of talents and aspirations. Therefore, we offer three identified pathways within our senior school curriculum. These pathways are designed to provide students with the flexibility to pursue their passions and develop the skills necessary for success in their chosen fields. Whether it’s the academic pathway, vocational pathway, or a mix of both, we provide a supportive environment that nurtures and challenges our students to excel:

ATAR Pathway

Leading to: University or TAFE
Core Curriculum selection: 4 or more ATAR subjects.
Supporting Curriculum: Usually in combination with some General subjects or Certificate Courses. In Year 12, students are offered the option of UniPrep course in partnership with ECU.

VET Pathway

Leading to: Full time employment direct from school including Apprenticeships
Core Curriculum selection: School-based Traineeships and Pre-Apprenticeships, Profile Courses and Certificate courses directly related to employment aspirations directly out of school.
Supporting Curriculum: Usually in combination with General or Foundation subjects.

General Pathway

Leading to: Skills that will support future aspirations more broadly than targeted courses in the ‘VET’ pathway. Appropriate for students’ who are still developing an understanding of their career pathway.
Core Curriculum selection: Predominantly General and Foundation subjects.
Supporting Curriculum: Usually in combination with some Certificate or ATAR courses.

We believe in empowering our students to thrive in their chosen pathways. Our staff remains dedicated to monitoring and reviewing student performance, ensuring that each student receives the necessary guidance and assistance along their journey. Through our strong partnerships with industry professionals and relevant organizations, we expose our students to real-world experiences and opportunities, enhancing their readiness for future careers.

Certificate Courses, Profile Courses and Traineeships offered through the VET Pathway allow students to compete courses in the following sectors;

Automotive

Building and Construction

Business and Finance

Creative Industries

Education and Community Services

Electrical and Electrotechnology

Engineering and Mining

Health, Beauty and Fitness

Horticulture and Conservation

Hospitality, Tourism and Events

Laboratory Operations

Library and Information Services

Networking and Security

Residential Building Drafting

In addition to this, the following courses are available to students in Year 11 and 12 in ATAR and General Pathways:

ATAR Courses

  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Human Biology
  • Politics & Law
  • History
  • Computer Science
  • Media Production & Analysis
  • Mathematics Specialist
  • Mathematics Methods
  • Mathematics Applications
  • English
  • ECU UniPrep

General Courses

  • Health, Physical, Outdoor Education
  • Health Studies
  • Psychology
  • Human Biology General
  • Media Production & Analysis General
  • Drama
  • Visual Arts
  • Woodwork
  • Metalwork
  • Career & Enterprise
  • Children, Family & Community
  • Community Service
  • Workplace Learning
  • Mathematics Essentials
  • Mathematics Foundation
  • Mathematics General
  • English General

Please note that courses offered may change and are subject to placement availability 

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