Learning and Curriculum

English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.

Students learn about the English language through written, spoken and visual texts of increasing complexity as they progress through their schooling.

An understanding of the English language is central to how we communicate and essential for intellectual, social and emotional development.

The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.

In Year 11 and 12, the study of English is mandatory. Courses offered include:

• English Extension 2
• English Extension 1
• English Advanced
• English Standard
• English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)
• English Studies (Optional HSC examination)

At GRC Oatley Senior Campus, the study of 2-units of Stage 6 English allows students to qualify for the award of the HSC. Our school offers all levels of English to cater for the specific needs and interests of students.

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.

In Year 11 and 12, the study of mathematics is optional. Courses offered include:

• Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
• Mathematics Extension 1
• Mathematics Advanced
• Mathematics Standard 2
• Mathematics Standard 1 (Optional HSC examination)

Mathematics at GRC Oatley Senior Campus equips students with the skills to analyse and understand real-world situations, fostering informed decision-making and active citizenship. It provides a foundation for problem-solving across all industries and serves as the language of many sciences, helping students recognise patterns and make sense of the world around them.

Students can select from a range of Mathematics courses based on their Stage 5 achievement, with pathways designed to challenge and extend their skills. Opportunities to participate in competitions such as the Australian Mathematics Competition and ICAS Mathematics allow students to showcase higher-order thinking and advanced problem-solving abilities.

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.

Oatley Senior Campus offers students the full complement of NESA Science courses. Students have the opportunity to study up to three of these courses in any combination. Experienced teachers support the learning of all students in modern laboratory settings.

In Years 11 and 12, students can choose from different science disciplines, including:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth and Environmental Science
• Investigating Science
• Physics.

In Year 12, students who are studying at least one other science subject may also choose to study Science Extension.

In human society and its environment (HSIE), both subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.

Students learn specific historical and geographical concepts and 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 elective subjects in Years 7 to 10 (Stages 4 to 5).

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 Year 11 and 12, students can choose from a range of HSIE courses. These include:

• Ancient History
• Business Studies
• Economics
• Geography
• Legal Studies
• Modern History
• Society and Culture

In Year 12, students who are studying Ancient or Modern History may also choose to study History Extension.

In Years 7–10, students study 100 hours each of Music and Visual Arts, where they learn to create, perform and appreciate a range of art forms. They may also choose elective subjects such as Drama, Dance, Photography, and Visual Design, developing creative and critical thinking skills through practical and expressive experiences.

At GRC Oatley Senior Campus, students in Years 11 and 12 can further refine their talents and deepen their artistic understanding by choosing from a range of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) subjects, including:

• Dance
• Drama
• Music 1
• Music 2
• Visual Arts
• Ceramics
• Photography, Video and Digital Imaging

The CAPA Faculty at Oatley Senior Campus is diverse and vibrant, offering opportunities for students to participate in performances, exhibitions, excursions and collaborative projects. Annual highlights include the HSC Showcase in Term 3, featuring major works from Dance, Drama and Music, followed by the Visual Arts, Photography and Ceramics Exhibition.

Students can also participate in extracurricular activities such as the GRC Stage Band, GRC Combined Concert Band, Schools Spectacular and State Drama Camp. The faculty has a strong tradition of HSC nominations and excellence, with many graduates successfully gaining entry into tertiary CAPA courses and pursuing creative careers.

In Years 7 and 8, Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) is a mandatory subject where students learn through a hands-on design and production process. They explore a variety of tools, materials, and technologies, developing practical skills and problem-solving abilities.

From Year 9 onwards, students can choose from a range of elective TAS subjects that allow them to specialise in areas of interest and apply their creativity to real-world challenges.

At GRC Oatley Senior Campus, TAS courses engage students in both practical and theoretical learning experiences designed to develop innovation, technical skills and an understanding of how technology shapes society and the environment.

Available Stage 6 TAS courses include:

• Design and Technology
• Engineering Studies
• Enterprise Computing
• Food Technology
• Industrial Technology
• Software Engineering
• Textiles and Design

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10 and provides for the intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual development of students. Through PDHPE, students learn about and practise ways to maintain active, healthy lifestyles, improve their health status and develop an understanding of movement and physical activity. The program integrates social and scientific perspectives on movement, covering areas such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and skill acquisition, while encouraging critical thinking about participation in physical activity and the sociocultural factors that influence it.

In Years 11 and 12, students can continue their learning through a range of senior courses, including:

• Health and Movement Science
• Community and Family Studies
• Exploring Early Childhood
• Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies

These courses build on the foundations developed in earlier years and provide pathways for further education, career opportunities and lifelong health and wellbeing.

In NSW high schools, languages are a key learning area that enable students to develop communication skills, understand languages as systems and explore the relationship between language and culture. Through language study, students engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of societies and reflect on how social interactions are shaped by language.

In an increasingly globalised world, the ability to communicate across cultural boundaries is more important than ever. Studying additional languages supports students to:

• Transfer literacy skills between languages, broadening vocabulary and understanding grammatical structures
• Improve listening, higher-order thinking, knowledge retention, and cognitive flexibility
• Develop open and curious attitudes toward other cultures

In Years 11 and 12, NSW schools offer a wide variety of languages catering to both beginners and background speakers. Courses available at GRC Oatley Senior Campus include:

• Modern Greek Beginners, Modern Greek Continuers
• Italian Beginners and Italian Continuers
• French Beginners, French Continuers
• Japanese Beginners, Japanese Continuers
• Chinese and Literature
• Chinese in Context

These courses provide pathways for continued language study, intercultural understanding and enhanced opportunities for further education and career options.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are designed to provide students with workplace-specific skills and knowledge across a wide range of careers and industries. Developed in line with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requirements and national training packages, VET courses enable students to gain practical experience while completing their secondary studies.

VET allows students to achieve both their Higher School Certificate (HSC) or Record of School Achievement (RoSA) and a nationally recognised qualification or Statement of Attainment within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). These credentials are widely acknowledged by industry, employers, tertiary training providers and universities, helping students to progress confidently into further education, training, or employment.

Courses offered include:

• Assistant Dance Teaching
• Business Services
• Construction
• Entertainment Industry
• Fitness
• Hospitality Food and Beverage
• Hospitality Cookery
• Information and Digital Technology
• Retail Services

VET provides students with a practical, hands-on learning experience, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed in their chosen career pathway.

The Special Education Unit at GRC Oatley Senior Campus is dedicated to supporting students as they transition from high school into adult life. Our programs are designed to provide pathways into the workforce, tertiary education, TAFE, day programs and/or other post-school options, depending on each student’s individual goals and needs. Students study six subjects over a seven-term program, with a strong emphasis on developing practical life skills, vocational competencies and personal independence.

The unit comprises four classes: three classes for students diagnosed with autism and one class for students with combined Autism/Intellectual Disability (IO/AD). This structure allows us to deliver tailored learning experiences that build on students’ existing strengths while addressing areas for growth. Our teaching approach integrates academic, social and practical learning, ensuring that students are equipped to function as active, contributing members of their communities.

We have created a caring, calm, and relaxed learning environment that prioritises the wellbeing of all students. Staff work closely with families, external agencies and support services to create personalised learning plans, facilitate goal setting and implement strategies that promote independence and confidence. Students are encouraged to participate actively in their learning, with opportunities to develop communication skills, social interactions, problem-solving abilities and vocational skills relevant to the workforce.

Our program aligns with NSW Department of Education guidance on planning for life after school for students with disability. This includes early transition planning, ongoing monitoring of student progress and fostering connections with post-school pathways to ensure students have the best possible opportunities for success in adulthood.