Curriculum Structure

Students in Years 9 and 10 study a combination of compulsory and elective subjects. English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Health and Physical Education are compulsory in Years 9 and 10.

All other subjects are optional and students can select from a range to build courses that suit individual capabilities and interests. Although a student may decide to specialise in The Arts, Languages, or Technology, we normally advise students to choose a balanced program covering a range of learning areas.

Semesters, Units and Lines

The academic year consists of two semesters with timetables prepared for each semester. Maths, English, Science and Humanities are year-long subjects. Health and Physical Education and elective subjects are divided into semester-long units. Time allocation for the four core subjects is four hours a week, whilst three hours a week is allowed for Health and Physical Education and elective subjects. A total of seven subjects complete a timetable in any given semester. 

Subjects may be of 1-4 units in length and therefore may be studied from one semester to two years. Some units are year-specific, whilst others are single units, which can be taken in either Year 9 or Year 10.

Building a Timetable

Students decide, after consultation with parents and teachers, which subjects they intend to take in their following year of study. All courses are reviewed at the end of each semester. In most cases the current choices remain, although, occasionally alterations are made as interests and needs change. Parents are kept fully informed and are involved in the process.

An individual student timetable consisting seven subjects for Semester 1 is generated from submitted student selections. Every effort is made to accommodate student choices but some subjects can only be offered when there is sufficient demand. Also, there may be particular combinations that cannot fit into the timetable. When making elective course choices, students will be asked to list subjects in order of preference so that those subjects given the highest priority are included.

At the start of Semester 2, students are issued with a new timetable that includes the continuation of the year-long compulsory subjects and any new or continuing electives, maintaining a total of seven subjects.

Opportunity Blocks

All students in Years 9 and 10 will also have timetabled Opportunity Blocks. 

In Year 9 the Opportunity Blocks form a key part of the Year 9 Program, revolving around three key areas of focus:

• Identity
• Belonging / Connection to Country
• Outdoor Education (Challenge/Collaboration/Nature)

Year 10 Opportunity Blocks provide students with an extended program to complement core and elective subjects, and support the development of key skills for future study including: 

• Time management and organisation
• Study skills
• Goal setting 

The Year 10 program also allows an extended focus on careers and pathways preparation. 

Pathways

It is important when selecting electives to consider pathways through Years 9 - 12 and beyond. Many Year 10 courses build on corresponding Year 9 courses. Students may choose some subjects at the end of Year 8 with the intention of studying them for two years through Years 9 and 10.

Most Year 9 elective courses can be taken without previous experience of the subject in Year 8. It is more challenging to pick up a Language in Year 9 without previous exposure and a decision to do this would be taken in consultation with appropriate staff.

It is sometimes appropriate for students to take individual units of two-unit or four-unit subjects rather than completing the whole course. It is recommended that students complete all units offered for most subjects.

Beyond Year 10

In Years 11 and 12 the following pathways of study are offered:

• International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP).
• Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE)
• Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Whichever program is being considered, it is important to check requirements carefully before choosing subjects. There are subjects in Years 11 and 12 that require specific background knowledge gained through Years 9 and 10 – in particular some Mathematics, Science and Language subjects. The Year 11–12 Course Book gives further information. It is important to be aware that although the School will offer a wide range of courses each year, not all will run. Students are encouraged to explore a range of options when considering their future studies. 

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP)

All students who undertake the IBDP must do a Literature subject, a second language, and a Mathematics subject, as well as selections from the Humanities, Science and if desired, Art subjects.

The program is presented as a package with three common elements that incorporate Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) and an Extended Essay. Most subjects in the IBDP are run as two-year courses. 

Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE)

There are no compulsory subjects and students may choose to specialise in a particular learning area or to keep options broad. A wide range of TCE subjects is offered. Currently, TCE courses run for one year. 

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

The TCE can be taken alone or in conjunction with one or more Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses.