All schools including Sydney Catholic Schools follow the same Kindergarten to Year 12 curriculum, with our Catholic values underpinning everything that we do.

With a focus on the development of the whole person, courses offered at the school cover the NESA syllabus requirements – developing the core skills of literacy and numeracy – and our Archdiocesan Religious Education curriculum.

Our teachers extend and challenge students to be the best they can be, while recognising that every student is unique and learns differently.

Selective Program
At St Ursula’s our selective program is called the Newman selective after John Henry Newman who was  a theologian and scholar within the Catholic church during the 19th Century. 

Entry into  our selective program is very competitive and is determined  through a combination of the following :

  1. Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) conducted by ACER 
  2. Allwell Testing which is an academic placement test 

In both of these  externally administered assessments, students are assessed in a series of tasks: 

  • Abstract Reasoning and Problem Solving
  • Mathematics
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Written Expression
  • Spelling.

As well as these assessments student may present as part of their application

  • Previous psychometric assessments
  • Primary School performance including reports and teacher recommendations

Our Newman Classes are all staffed by  teachers who  have specific post graduate qualifications in Gifted Education. This ensures that each girl not only achieves her “potential” but that she surpasses it.  

Using   Robert Gagne’s Differentiated model of giftedness and talent theories, teachers craft learning opportunities for their classes. Some will be offered curriculum compaction, others acceleration , others passion projects, others extension. Each one designed to foster natural curiosity and stretch each girl’s capacities. 

Currently the school offers acceleration in Mathematics and Hospitality enabling successful students the opportunity to complete HSC units prior to their Year 12 studies. 

 

At St Ursula’s, we are committed to leading our students to the knowledge of Jesus Christ and assisting them in deepening their relationship with him. Religious education is through both curriculum-based subjects and the Ursuline philosophy that underpins all that we do. We encourage our students to explore their Catholic faith in the context of the big questions of life. Catholic studies is taught from Years 7 to 12, focusing on the Archdiocesan Religious Education Program, supported by the textbook, To Know Worship and Love.

In Years 11 and 12, students have the opportunity to choose either of the two Board of Studies courses Studies of Religion I or II for their HSC pattern of study, or to continue participating in the Religious Education program of the school through the non-ATAR course, Studies in Catholic Thought. All schools including Sydney Catholic schools follow the same Kindergarten to Year 12 curriculum, with our Catholic values underpinning everything that we do. With a focus on the development of the whole person, courses offered at the school cover the NESA syllabus requirements – developing the core skills of literacy and numeracy – and our Archdiocesan Religious Education curriculum.

Our teachers extend and challenge students to be the best they can be, while recognising that every student is unique and learns differently.

The Board Developed syllabus to be studied substantially throughout Years 7–10. Four hundred (400) hours to be completed by the end of Year 10.

Years 7–10

The study of English in Years 7–10 aims to develop students’ knowledge, understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the English language and to develop their skills as effective communicators, critical and imaginative thinkers.

Students develop their control of language by reading and viewing a range of texts and by writing imaginative, interpretive and critical texts with clarity and accuracy for a range of purposes and audiences. Students engage with and explore the literature of past and contemporary societies, as well as a range of spoken, visual, media and multimedia texts.

Years 11–12

The College offers three 2 Unit English courses for the HSC:

  • English Advanced
  • English Standard
  • English Studies

The College also offers two Extension English courses for the HSC:

  • English Extension 1
  • English Extension 2

The Board Developed syllabus to be studied substantially throughout Years 7–10. Four hundred (400) hours to be completed by the end of Year 10.

Years 7–10
The Mathematics K-10 Syllabus provides students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in mathematics and working mathematically. Students have the opportunity to develop increasingly sophisticated and refined mathematical understanding, fluency, communication, reasoning, analytical thought and problem-solving skills. These capabilities enable students to respond to familiar and unfamiliar situations by employing strategies to make informed decisions and solve problems relevant to their present and future needs.

The College offers three pathways in Mathematics in Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10):

  • 5.3
  • 5.2
  • 5.1

Years 11–12

The College offers two 2 Unit courses for the HSC:

  • Mathematics Standard
  • Mathematics Advanced

The College also offers two Extension courses for the HSC:

  • Mathematics Extension 1
  • Mathematics Extension 2

The Board Developed syllabus to be studied substantially throughout Years 7–10. Four hundred (400) hours to be completed by the end of Year 10.

Years 7–10

Through the study of Science students learn about our biological, chemical, geological, physical and technological world. They actively develop skills in planning and conducting investigations, recording and analysing data and problem solving. Students explore real world phenomena and develop solutions to authentic problems.

Years 11–12

The College offers four Science courses for the HSC:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Earth and Environmental Science

The Board Developed Technology Mandatory syllabus to be studied for 200 hours in Years 7–8.

Through the study of technology courses, students engage in a diverse range of practical experiences and develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary and advancing technologies. They develop solutions to problems and situations, and explore the impact of technologies on the individual, society and the environment.

  • Technologies
  • Food Technology
  • Industrial Technology – Graphics
  • Industrial Technology – Multimedia
  • Industrial Technology – Timber & Furnishings

The Board Developed syllabuses are to be studied substantially throughout each of Years 7–10. Four hundred hours to be completed by the end of Year 10, including 100 hours each of History and Geography in each Stage.

Years 7–10 

Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) is the study of how humans interact with the world, how society operates and how it is changing. Through the study of HSIE, students develop the skills to prepare them to actively and responsibly participate as informed citizens in the contemporary world.

Students study mandatory History and Geography from Years 7–10.

The College also offers three elective HSIE courses in Years 9–10:

  • Commerce
  • Geography Elective
  • History Elective

Years 11–12

The College offers eight HSIE courses for the HSC:

  • Ancient History
  • Business Studies
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • History Extension
  • Legal Studies
  • Modern History
  • Work Studies

Two hundred hours to be completed consisting of the Board Developed 100-hour mandatory courses in each of Visual Arts and Music. It is an expectation that the 100-hour mandatory courses in these subjects will be taught as coherent units of study and not split over a number of years.

Years 7–10

Study in the Creative Arts provides students with strong discipline based knowledge and the fundamental skills, creative expertise, learning mindset and critical capabilities for the future world of work. Creative Arts students experience and develop the complex skills required to create and test ideas, generate creative works with confidence, shape inquiry and critically evaluate and reflect on what they do. Study in the Creative Arts prepares students to be significant producers and informed consumers of culture.

Students in Years 7 and 8 study Music and Visual Arts.

The College offers three Creative and Performing Arts elective courses in Years 9-10:

  • Drama
  • Music
  • Visual Arts

Years 11–12

The College offers three 2-Unit Creative Arts courses for the HSC:

  • Drama
  • Music 1
  • Visual Arts

The Board Developed mandatory 300-hour integrated syllabus in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education to be studied in each of Years 7–10.

Years 7–10

Through the study of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) courses, students develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes needed to take action to protect and enhance their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing in varied and changing contexts. Physical education is fundamental to the acquisition of movement skills and concepts to enable students to participate in a range of physical activities – confidently, competently and creatively.

Students study mandatory PDHPE from Years 7–10.

The College offers Physical Activity and Sports Studies, as well as Child Studies, as Electives in Years 9–10.

Years 11–12

The College offers four PDHPE courses for the HSC:

  • Community and Family Studies
  • Exploring Early Childhood (1 unit and 2 unit)
  • PDHPE
  • Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies (1 unit and 2 unit)

Representative Sport

At St Ursula’s, students get the chance to trial to be considered for a range of sports teams that compete against other schools in the Sydney Catholic Schools network through Representative Inter-school Sport in competitions on Thursday afternoons and Gala Days. Selection trials for teams are held each term. Age groups for weekly and Gala Day Inter-school Sport are: Year 8 Open (students in Year 7 and 8), Year 10 Open (students in Year 9 and 10) and Senior Open (students in Year 11 and 12 – up to 19 years). Age groups for Inter-school Carnivals are: 12s, 13s, 14s, 15s, 16s and Senior Open.

Students who do not participate in Representative Sport take part in Sports classes on Thursday afternoons through which they participate in weekly recreational physical activities such as self defence, Zumba, theatre sports, basketball, gymnastics, cricket, bowling and volleyball.

One hundred (100) hours to be completed in one Board Developed syllabus or Board Endorsed language course over one continuous 12-month period between Years 7–10 but preferably in Years 7–8.

Years 7–10

Learning languages opens minds to difference, where diversity is seen as a regular part of society. Proficiency in languages provides a resource that encourages more effective engagement with the global community. The study of Languages strengthens essential foundational skills for literacy. It also fosters intellectual and emotional development, and cultural understanding.

Through learning languages, students reflect on their own heritage, culture and identity. They also reflect on the culture, beliefs and values of others.

The rich linguistic and cultural diversity of New South Wales provides an educational environment where the study of languages and cultures is valued as a unique and integral part of the curriculum.

Students study their mandatory hours in Language in Year 8 and have the choice of one language:

  • Japanese

Years 9-10

Students have the choice of two languages as an elective:

  • French
  • Japanese

Years 11–12

The College offers 2 Language courses for the HSC:

  • Japanese Beginners
  • Japanese Continuers

NB: Our students also have access to study languages through external providers: NSW School of Languages and Saturday School of Community Languages.

The role Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses play in helping students prepare for further education, training, employment and lifelong learning is widely recognised by key stakeholders in education.

Students in NSW have the option of studying VET courses at school, through TAFE NSW or other training providers including Sydney Catholic Schools. VET courses provide students with practical learning that gives them a head start with their career, and many may be counted towards the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and are suitable for students on both academic and vocational pathways. All courses have dual accreditation with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).

The College offers four VET courses that enable students to achieve nationally-recognised VET qualifications at certificate levels I and II:

  • Business Services
  • Hospitality
  • Retail Services

The College also offers VET students access to School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs).

For students who are committed to a vocational pathway, they can also access other VET Frameworks through Saint Yon Trade Training Centre, Bankstown and Southern Cross Catholic Vocational College, Burwood and other Catholic Schools’ industry-standard trade training/skills centres where they have the opportunity to gain their HSC with a focus on vocational programs and School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs).

STEM education is a cross-disciplinary approach to the learning and application of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics outcomes, to solve real-world problems. STEM education inspires hope and a positive vision for the future. We are called to respond and to adopt new ways of living.

The College offers a STEM elective course in Years 9–10.

St Ursula's College Kingsgrove - Angela Merici