Learning & Teaching News

Fresh Choices, New Opportunities: Subjects for 2026

Last year, staff were given the exciting opportunity to propose new subjects that they were passionate about teaching, provided there was clear alignment with the Victorian Curriculum. This sense of choice was motivating for many teachers, as it allowed us to pursue areas we cared deeply about and bring them to life in the classroom.

Personally, I was excited by a range of possibilities, but one idea stood out. I remembered an article that stated, “Taking a financial education class in high school does pay off. In fact, there is a lifetime benefit of roughly $100,000 per student from completing a one-semester course in personal finance.” While the article was American, it highlighted for me the importance of equipping students with financial skills. This inspired me to propose a subject, Smart Money, for 2026 that explores the basics of financial literacy, with clear links to the Victorian Curriculum.

Importantly, I was not the only teacher energised by this process. Many staff put forward subjects that reflected their own passions, and in turn, students were able to exercise choice by selecting from these options for 2026. The hope is that the combination of teacher enthusiasm and student choice will create an environment where motivation and authentic learning can flourish.

Although staff proposed the subjects, it was ultimately student voice that decided what would run. It was not up to us, but rather the students, whose choices shaped the offerings for 2026. I wanted to highlight a small selection of the many subjects chosen.

Forensic Science

One exciting example is Forensic Science. This innovative subject blends theory with hands-on investigation, giving students the chance to step into the role of forensic investigators. They will explore techniques such as fingerprint analysis, DNA extraction, and blood typing, while examining infamous Australian cases to see how science is applied in real-world contexts. Forensic Science offers students a fascinating opportunity to experience science in action while developing critical thinking skills that extend well beyond the classroom.

Japanese through Film

Japanese through Film is a dynamic new subject designed to make language learning engaging by drawing on popular culture. Students will explore aspects of Japanese lifestyle and culture through carefully selected films that are both relevant and meaningful to young people.

The subject aims to strengthen students’ Japanese language skills while also deepening their cultural understanding. By combining film analysis, cultural exploration, and guided language learning, the course provides a unique and enjoyable pathway into Japanese for the future.

Cosplay and Costume Design

Cosplay and costume design are a vibrant part of popular culture, and this new subject invites students to bring their favourite characters to life while developing valuable technical skills. Through sewing, pattern modification, and fabric work, students will learn the essentials of costume construction alongside creative design.

The course also provides cross-disciplinary links, where costume design plays a vital role in stagecraft. Blending creativity with practical skills, this subject offers students the chance to explore character-driven design, historical fashion, and sustainable materials, while engaging with both textiles and performing arts.

AI Explorers – A Subject for the Future

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we live, learn, and work. AI Explorers introduces students to this rapidly evolving field, focusing not only on how AI systems function but also on how to use them responsibly. Through hands-on challenges, ethical case studies, and real-world tools, students will investigate AI’s potential, its limitations, and its impact on industries such as health, finance, and education.

The course blends technical understanding with ethical reasoning, encouraging students to think critically about AI’s role in society while exploring creative and responsible applications. By sparking curiosity and building digital literacy, AI Explorers prepares students for future pathways in STEM, innovation, and beyond.

New Beginnings and New Opportunities

These are just some examples of the many new subjects on offer in 2026. The fantastic thing is that with more choice comes more opportunities, and the ability to tailor our offerings to the needs, interests, and aspirations of our student body. The hope is that with teacher passion and student choice working hand in hand, we can foster greater motivation, higher levels of success, and more authentic learning experiences for all our students. These new subjects represent more than just additions to the timetable they reflect our commitment to innovation, creativity, and preparing students for the future.

2026 VCE & VET Subjects

VCE and VET subjects offered for 2026 have been determined by student preferences submitted through the Web Preferences system. I am pleased to share that the College will offer the following subjects in 2026. As our college continues to grow, we remain committed to expanding the range of options available to our students.

Due to very low student interest, some subjects will not be offered or will be provided as a combined class (VCE only). 

 VCE Subject Allocation

 Not running in 2026  –, Art Making and Exhibiting, Dance, Economics, Environmental Science, Food Studies, Geography, Music- Contemporary Performance, Politics, Systems Engineering

 Not running in 2026  – Applied Computing, Art Making and Exhibiting, Dance, Economics, English Language, Environmental Science, Foundation Maths, Geography, Media, Music- Contemporary Performance, Politics, 

 Not running in 2026  – Art Making and Exhibiting, Dance, English Language, Environmental Science, Food Studies, Foundation Maths , Geography, Politics, Product Des & Tech – Res. Materials, Product Des & Tech – Textiles, Religion & Society Unit 3 & 4, Systems Engineering

 Not running in 2026  – Art Creative Practice , Software Development, Dance, English Language, English Literature, Foundation Maths, French, Geography, Media, Music- Contemporary Performance, Religion & Society Unit 3 & 4

 VET Subjects 

Year 9 & 10 Subjects 

After an extensive Curriculum Review, an emphasis was placed on Year 9 providing breadth of subjects and an opportunity for students to explore an extensive curriculum and extend in areas of interest. At Year 10 the emphasis was on beginning the specialisation of subjects that interested students to better align with and prepare them for VCE or VCE-VM subjects.

We are excited to present the subjects and some new electives that your children have chosen to undertake in 2026:

 Year 10 Subject Allocation

Not running in 2026  – App Development, Dance, Environmental Science, French, Hooked on Classics, Textile Design, The Language Lab, Work Replated Skills

Not running in 2026  – App Development, Dance, Environmental Science, Geography, Hooked on Classics, Photo, Media, Textile Design, Work Replated Skills

Year 9 Elective Subject Allocation

 Not running in 2026  – Page to Stage, Everyday French, Faith & Science

Not running in 2026  – Page to Stage, French in Focus, Faith & Science

David Fini                                                                        David Hansen

Middle Years Curriculum Leader                  Deputy Principal – Learning & Teaching