Lower School Curriculum Year 7-10

Year 7-10 Curriculum Overview

At Girrawheen SHS, we are committed to fostering a love of learning and setting students up for future success. Our Years 7–10 curriculum provides a strong academic foundation while offering a wide range of exciting electives to inspire and challenge every student.

Core Subjects

All students in Year 7-10 will study the essential subjects, which include Mathematics, Science, English, Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS), Physical Education, and Health Studies. These courses are designed to make learning engaging and help students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that they will require in their Senior School studies and throughout life.

Electives

Beyond core subjects, students can choose from a diverse selection of electives that cater to different interests and talents. Whether your child enjoys the arts, sports, or hands-on learning, we offer subjects that encourage creativity, self-expression, and personal growth, including:

  • STEM
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Photography
  • Media
  • Elite Sports Program
  • Specialist Basketball
  • Specialist Badminton
  • Specialist Soccer
  • Digital Design
  • Visual Arts
  • Home Economics
  • Career Education
  • Metal Work
  • Wood Work
  • Noongar Language
  • Workplace Learning

Tailored Support & Extension Opportunities

We recognise that every student learns differently. Our NAPLAN and class assessments help identify students who would benefit from extra support, as well as those suitable for academic extension programs. Teachers, Care Teams, and Heads of Departments regularly review student progress, ensuring every child receives the attention they need to thrive. Extension learning can be run in normal timetabled classes or through extra-curricular activities.

A Supportive Start in Year 7

In Year 7, students are placed in mixed classes where learning is tailored to different levels. This ensures that all students are given the opportunity to build strong academic skills, to prepare them for university or further education pathways in Senior School.

Targeted literacy and numeracy support and Mentoring programs are available to help students gain confidence and reach their full potential.

Girrawheen SHS provides a nurturing environment where students can discover their strengths, develop leadership skills, and grow into well-rounded individuals. Our dedicated teachers and external mentors are here to guide and inspire every student on their journey.

Senior School Curriculum Year 11 & 12

Senior School Pathways at Girrawheen SHS

At Girrawheen SHS, we are committed to helping students achieve their career goals through personalised guidance and flexible study pathways. Our Course Counselling process ensures students and parents receive expert advice when choosing subjects that match their interests, strengths, and aspirations.

Students are able to select from ATAR courses, General courses, Foundation courses, Certificate qualifications, and School-based Traineeships.

ATAR Pathway – University Entry

Students aiming for university can choose:

  • Direct Entry – 4 or more ATAR courses
  • Alternative Entry – 3 ATAR courses, a Certificate III or higher and/or UniPrep (in partnership with Edith Cowan University)
  • Supporting Courses – General or Certificate II subjects

ATAR Courses

We offer ATAR courses in English, Mathematics (Applications, Methods, Specialist), Physics, Chemistry, Human Biology, Social Sciences, The Arts, and UniPrep.

General & VET Pathway – TAFE, Apprenticeships & Employment

For students pursuing vocational careers, we offer:

  • Core Subjects – General or Foundation courses
  • Supporting Programs – School-based traineeships, pre-apprenticeships, or Certificate courses through TAFE

General Courses

  • Health Studies
  • Psychology
  • Human Biology General
  • Drama
  • Visual Arts
  • Wood Work
  • Media Production & Analysis
  • Metal Work
  • Career & Enterprise
  • Mathematics Essentials
  • Mathematics General
  • Workplace Learning
  • Community Service
  • English General
  • Children, Family & Communities
  • Psychology

VET Courses

VET courses are available in a variety of industries, with applications open at different times throughout the year:

  • 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.
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