Curriculum and Learning
Welcome Back to the Final Term of 2026!
Welcome back to all students and families for the final term of the 2026 academic year. From a teaching, learning and curriculum perspective, the term ahead promises to be both busy and rewarding, with many important learning opportunities and milestones across the College.
Classes will continue through to the final day of school, Wednesday 2 December 2026, when we will come together to celebrate the achievements of our students and conclude the academic year with the 2026 Annual College Speech Night and Prize Giving at the Quaycentre, Sydney Olympic Park.
Outlined below are several immediate curriculum updates and reminders.
Year 12 Commence their HSC Examinations
Our Year 12 students commence their Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations this week, marking an important milestone in their educational journey.
We extend our very best wishes to all Year 12 students as they undertake their examinations. We encourage them to approach each examination with confidence and determination, drawing upon the knowledge, skills and understanding they have developed throughout their studies. We are very proud of all they have achieved and wish them every success as they take this significant step towards their future pathways.
Year 11 Reports and HSC Assessments
Our Year 11 students begin their HSC journey this term, completing the first of their formal assessment tasks towards the HSC credential.
Students undertaking Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses will also participate in industry work placements, providing valuable opportunities to gain practical, real-world experience while continuing to develop and demonstrate their VET competencies.
Teachers are currently finalising Year 11 academic reports, which will be available through the TASS Parent Lounge/Parent Orbit App on Thursday 22 October 2026. Students and families are strongly encouraged to reflect upon the feedback provided and use it to inform learning goals and areas for continued growth throughout the term. Where relevant, this feedback should also support students in making considered decisions about their pattern of study for the HSC year.
Reminder: Year 10 Examinations
As previously outlined in the Term 3 Week 9 Especean and in email correspondence to Year 10 students and families, the Year 10 Examinations will commence on Monday 19 October and conclude on Friday 23 October.
For ease of reference, students and families are encouraged to review the following important information:
Year 10 Examination Block Timetable
Year 10 Examination Block - Rules and Expectations
This examination period represents an important milestone as our Year 10 students prepare for their transition into Stage 6. It provides an opportunity for our boys to consolidate and demonstrate their Stage 5 learning, while also gaining valuable experience in developing and refining effective examination skills.
Importantly, the Examination Block is not simply an assessment of what students know, but an important learning experience in itself. We encourage all Year 10 students to approach their examinations with maturity, determination and a growth mindset, viewing both their successes and challenges as opportunities for continued improvement.
James Martin
Director of Curriculum
Engineering Solutions to Plastic Pollution
Our engineering project was a fun and exciting opportunity to work together to solve a real-world environmental problem. We especially enjoyed the hands-on nature of the task, as it allowed us to move beyond traditional classroom learning and use our creativity to design, build, and test our own solutions.
Each group developed a unique prototype to collect plastic and microplastics from waterways. Ideas ranged from filtration cubes and river-mouth net systems to handheld filtering devices made from recycled materials. Throughout the project, students collaborated, shared ideas, and adapted their designs when challenges arose.
Testing our prototypes was one of the most enjoyable parts of the process. By placing our designs in simulated water currents, we were able to see what worked, identify problems, and make improvements. Groups reinforced structures, added filters, and modified collection systems to make their designs more effective at capturing plastic waste.
Overall, we found the project engaging, rewarding, and challenging in a positive way. It was exciting to see our ideas come to life and improve through testing and redesign. The experience helped us develop teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills while learning how engineering can help protect our environment.
Year 9 | Gleeson Class
Italy Study Tour 2027 – Expression of Interest
We are delighted to offer our current Year 9, 10 and 11 Italian students the exciting opportunity to participate in an unforgettable 21-day Italy Study Tour, departing on Saturday 10 April 2027.
This immersive educational experience will bring the Italian language, culture and history to life, allowing students to explore firsthand many of the places they study in the classroom while developing their language skills in authentic contexts.
Our itinerary includes some of Italy’s most iconic destinations, including Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome and Pompeii, as well as the spectacular Amalfi Coast, with visits to Sorrento and Capri. Throughout the tour, students will participate in language and cultural classes, providing the perfect opportunity to practise their Italian while gaining a deeper understanding of Italian life and traditions.
The approximate cost of the tour is $11,000 per student, which includes:
international airfares
accommodation
all breakfasts and dinners
airport and local transfers
entrance fees and guided tours
local city taxes
comprehensive travel insurance.
Please note that the final cost may vary depending on participant numbers, exchange rates and supplier availability at the time of booking.
To register your interest in the Italy Study Tour, please complete the Expression of Interest Form by Friday 16 October.
We will also be hosting an Information Evening on Monday 19 October at 6:30 PM in the College Gymnasium, where further details about the tour will be provided.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at stephanie.darcangeli@spc.nsw.edu.au.
We look forward to sharing this incredible learning experience with our students.
Stephanie D’Arcangeli
Head of Languages