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Curriculum and Learning

Farewell to the Class of 2026

As Term 3 draws to a close, our prayers and best wishes go with the young men of Year 12 as they graduate next week after thirteen years of schooling - a proud and significant milestone for them and their families.

 

While we acknowledge and celebrate the gift of these young men to the College through farewells and graduation ceremonies, we are also mindful of the challenge that lies ahead for them in the coming weeks with the HSC written examinations, commencing Tuesday 13 October.

 

We are also reminded of the very busy and eventful term it has been for Year 12. Having recently completed the Trial HSC examinations in August, many of the boys have also undertaken significant practical components of their externally assessed HSC examinations, including oral examinations in Languages, major works in Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Visual Arts, as well as performances for Drama and Music. 

 

Their time at St Patrick’s has included setbacks, joys and successes, and families can rightly feel a strong sense of pride as their sons reach this important milestone at the College.

 

I wish every young man of the Class of 2026 every blessing for the future as he begins the next chapter of his life. Farewell Year 12, good luck and God bless.

Year 11 Changes to Program of Study for the 2027 HSC

Over the next fortnight, I will speak with Year 11 students about possible changes to their senior program of study before they commence the HSC course next term. Students and their parents/carers are reminded of the following points:

 

  • All HSC students at St Patrick’s College must undertake a minimum of 10 units.

 

  • These units must include the mandatory courses in Religion and English. As most students undertake Studies of Religion I, most will complete 11 units of study for the 2027 HSC.

 

  • Depending on their program of study, students may discontinue a 2-unit subject, except English, and/or change a course or level within a subject. For example, students may discontinue Mathematics Extension 1 or English Extension 1; move from English Advanced to English Standard; move from Mathematics Advanced to Mathematics Standard 2; or change from Studies of Religion II (2 units) to Studies of Religion I (1 unit).

 

  • Some students may apply to undertake HSC extension courses in English, History, Italian, Mathematics, Music or Science. Enrolment in these courses is based on demonstrated academic excellence in related courses, and there is no guarantee that an HSC extension course will run.

 

Many students already know the changes they would like to make to their program of study, while others are understandably waiting for examination results before making an informed decision. It is important, however, that students finalise their HSC program of study as soon as possible, as delaying this decision may affect their focus and momentum.

Year 11 into Year 12 2027 HSC Assessment Student and Parent/Carer Information Evening

Current Year 11 students, together with at least one parent/carer, are warmly expected to attend the HSC Assessment Information Evening in the College Gymnasium on Wednesday 14 October, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Students are asked to wear Senior College summer uniform.

 

The evening will provide an overview of the 2026–27 HSC Assessment Handbook, which includes the College’s HSC Assessment Policy and subject assessment schedules. Students will also receive the HSC assessment tasks calendar for Term 4. These documents will be available on the CANVAS Year 11 page and through TASS Parent Lounge/Parent Orbit App in the first week of Term 4.

 

Students are expected to familiarise themselves thoroughly with this assessment information so they can plan and prepare effectively for the rigorous demands of the HSC year ahead. Parents/carers are also encouraged to read this information with their sons.

 

James Martin

Director of Curriculum