Curriculum
Academic program
The curriculum at Xavier College has been structured to create an inclusive environment that will foster and cater for the needs of all students. Students will be provided with opportunities to think logically, critically, creatively, independently and reflectively.
Classes in Year 7 have been structured so that they have core teachers and specialist teachers.
Core teachers are those of Religious Education, English, History and Geography, Mathematics, Science and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Specialist teachers are those of Design and Technology, Visual Arts and Music.
Xavier College delivers 21st century learning and teaching which enables students to learn at different rates and in different ways. Students will use their current knowledge to discover, construct, and incorporate new knowledge, skills and understanding and use a range of strategies to actively monitor and evaluate their learning.
Classroom practices at Xavier College have the student as their focus. The teaching staff at Xavier College will endeavour to ensure that every classroom experience is conducted in a safe, caring and challenging environment.
We ask our students to be positive about learning and to strive to achieve their full potential.
Years 7 & 8
In Years 7 & 8 the academic curriculum is divided between ‘integrated learning time’ and ‘subject specific’ time. Integrated learning time provides a forum for the development of lifelong learning skills across subject areas and the opportunity for students to negotiate their learning in close connection with their teachers.
In addition, students will have subject specific classes where they acquire knowledge and develop skills specific to each of the academic disciplines and interact with specialist teachers.
The curriculum pattern at Xavier College has been specifically designed to make the transition into high school as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Students in Year 7 will be required to complete courses in the following key learning areas.
- Design & Technology
- English
- History/Geography
- Mathematics
- Music
- Personal Development, Health & Physical Education
- Religious Education
- Science
- Visual Arts
Years 9 & 10
During Year 9, each student undertakes a range of core and elective subjects to further develop knowledge and skills in the Key Learning Areas. In Year 10, students continue this pattern of study, leading to the award of the School Certificate credentialed by the Board of Studies.
Electives
- English
- History/Geography
- Mathematics
- Personal Development, Health & Physical Education
- Religious Education
- Science
Electives
- Agriculture
- Commerce
- Dance
- Drama
- Food Technology
- Industrial Technology—Electronics
- Industrial Technology—Graphics
- Industrial Technology—Metal
- Industrial Technology—Wood
- Languages
- Music
- Physical Activity and Sports Study
- Studies in Society
- Textiles Technology
- Visual Arts
- World History (History Elective)
Years 11 & 12
Xavier College students follow a program of study that qualifies them for the NSW Higher School Certificate. We offer students a broad curriculum that caters for their individual needs and interests.
We are committed to providing our students with the academic, vocational and personal skills to prepare and equip them for life, and to also allow them career flexibility. In each of the subjects selected by students, we strive to foster the intellectual, social and moral development of each student.
Xavier College encourages a balanced, comprehensive senior academic program that takes into consideration local and global issues. This program is student centred, accepting and respecting the individual worth and dignity of each. Creativity and freedom of expression are encouraged in all. The program is outcomes based and devoted to excellence in classroom instruction, student motivation, the acquiring of life skills, broad based learning and creative thinking.
Our graduates have gained outstanding results in the Higher School Certificate, achieving a myriad of awards in the vocational, academic and leadership areas.
Structures & Subjects
Preliminary Higher School Certificate students are required to study subjects that will lead them to the award of a Higher School Certificate. All students will study English as required by the Board of Studies. As a Catholic High School within the Parramatta Diocese, students must also study at least one unit of Religious Studies. Different courses are offered within the subjects of English and Religious Education.
A wide variety of other subjects are available to complete the student’s program of study. Students will be guided through the process of subject selection, informed by individual interests, abilities and projected career paths. Students also have the option of combining both vocational and academic programs of study.
The Senior Subject Handbook provides further information pertaining to the HSC.
Senior Subject Handbook