Subjects

English

• English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.

  Students learn about the English language through written, spoken and visual texts of increasing complexity as they progress through their schooling.

  An understanding of the English language is central to how we communicate and essential for intellectual, social and emotional development.

  The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.

  In Year 11 and 12, the study of English is mandatory. Courses offered include:

  • English Advanced
  • English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)
  • English Extension 1
  • English Extension 2
  • English Standard
  • English Studies.

Mathematics

By studying mathematics, students learn to work mathematically – developing fluency, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning and communication skills.

The syllabus consists of the following strands:

• number and algebra
• measurement and geometry
• statistics and probability.

In Year 11 and 12, the study of mathematics is optional. Courses offered include:

• Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
• Mathematics Extension 1
• Mathematics Advanced
• Mathematics Standard 2
• Mathematics Standard 1 (Optional HSC examination)
• Mathematics Life Skills.

Science

• Science is mandatory for all students from Year 7 to Year 10.

  Science 7-10 provides a way of inquiring about the world around us. It explores evidence and investigates ways to discover, develop and produce solutions to real-world problems. Science emphasises the skills for working scientifically, as well as critical and creative thinking to address scientific issues.

  In Years 11 and 12, students can choose from different science disciplines, including:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth and Environmental Science
  • Investigating Science
  • Physics.

  In Year 12, students who are studying at least one other science subject may also choose to study Science Extension.

Human society and it's environment

In human society and its environment (HSIE), both subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.

Students learn specific historical and geographical concepts and skills in history and geography. They also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which they live through elective subjects in Years 7 to 10 (Stages 4 to 5).

A large number of individual subjects make up the key learning area of HSIE in which students:

• research, gather and analyse information
• question and make judgements
• write for a variety of purposes.

In Year 11 and 12, students can choose from a range of HSIE courses. These include:

• Aboriginal Studies
• Ancient History
• Business Studies
• Economics
• Geography
• History Extension
• Legal Studies
• Modern History
• Society and Culture
• Studies of Religion.

Personal development, health, and physical education

Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.

According to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), students are expected to participate in PDHPE for 300 hours per year in Years 7 to 10.

PDHPE provides students with opportunities to explore issues that are likely to impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others – now and in the future. Students also participate in challenging and enjoyable physical activity, improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence.

In Years 9 and 10, the elective course of Physical Activity and Sport Studies (PASS) is offered. In physical activity and sport studies (PASS), students enhance their capacity to participate effectively in physical activity and sport, leading to improved quality of life for themselves and others.

In Year 11 and 12, courses available include:

• Community and Family Studies
• Exploring Early Childhood
• Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
• Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies.

Languages

Language study allows students to develop communication skills, learn about languages as systems and explore the relationship between language and culture. Students engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of societies and reflect on their understanding of social interactions.

The study of a language is compulsory for 100 hours in one continuous school year from Year 7 to Year 10, but preferably in Years 7 or 8.

In Years 11 and 12, NSW schools offer a wide variety of languages, catering for beginning students to background speakers.

Creative arts

In creative arts, students discover a variety of art forms through a study of dance, drama, music and visual arts.

Studying the creative arts, students learn to appreciate, compose, listen, make and perform. Each art form has its own unique knowledge and skills, elements or concepts as well as a capacity to inspire and enrich lives.

Students must study 100 hours of both music and visual arts during Years 7 to 10. They also have an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills in other art forms through elective subjects including drama, dance, photography and visual design. Students can then select from a range of courses in Years 11 to 12.

Technological and applied studies

Technological and applied studies (TAS) is mandatory for all students in Year 7 and 8. Students can also select from a range of elective TAS subjects.

In TAS, students develop knowledge, understanding and skills through a design and production process using a range of tools, materials and techniques in theory and practical lessons.

The continuum of technology learning is:

• mandated from Kindergarten to Year 8 through Science and Technology K-6 and Technology Mandatory Years 7-8 syllabuses
• based on students becoming increasingly sophisticated in their ability to apply knowledge, skills and understanding to design and produce solutions
• optional for student specialisation in high school through a range of syllabuses addressing particular technologies and aspects of design.

Available courses include:

• Technology Mandatory Years 7-8
• Agricultural Technology Years 7-10
• Design and Technology Years 7-10
• Food Technology Years 7-10
• Graphics Technology Years 7-10
• Industrial Technology Years 7-10
• Information and Software Technology Years 7-10
• Textiles Technology Years 7-10
• Agriculture Stage 6
• Design and Technology Stage 6
• Engineering Studies Stage 6
• Food Technology Stage 6
• Industrial Technology Stage 6
• Information Processes and Technology Stage 6
• Software Design and Development Stage 6
• Textiles and Design Stage 6.

Additional Subjects include:

• STEM Years 7-8
• Child Studies Years 9-10
• STEM Years 9-10
• Community and Family Studies Years 11-12
• Exploring Early Childhood Years 11-12

Vocational Education and Training opportunities include:

• Certificate I in Engineering
• Certificate II in Construction Pathways
• Certificate III in Information and Digital Technology

Life ready

Life Ready is a mandatory 25-hour course designed to prepare and support senior students as they encounter situations related to health and safety as they become more independent and gain more responsibilities. It focuses on offering opportunities for students to build the functional knowledge and skills for life post school.

Life Ready is divided into six relevant and contemporary learning contexts of independence, safe travel, mental health &wellbeing, drugs & alcohol, sexual health and relationships.

We utilise both outside providers as well as school resources to deliver this program.

Library

Within the Corrimal High School Library we pride ourselves on nurturing the educational, social and emotional wellbeing of our entire school community, ensuring they are well equipped for the essential skills required to become lifelong learners.

CHS Library is a welcoming, comfortable and stimulating place. It is a creative and intellectual hub with a variety of spaces for different purposes and learning styles. The library is attractive and well organised both physically and virtually. It provides quality, relevant information in many forms including print and digital and is a safe working and study environment.

The CHS library promotes and encourages reading as a lifetime pursuit and aims to provide all students with access to creative and engaging learning opportunities. To find out more about the library visit the library website or to find out more about our book slection visit Oliver - our helpful online guide.

Events

Similar to Primary School we celebrate important library events throughout the year, these include:

• Premiers Reading Challenge: Years 7-9
• Book Week
• Living Books
• Year 4 Enrichment Community of Schools Challenge
• Peer Reading Groups With Preschool Students

Programs

We host a variety of programs and tutoring services in the library hub including:

• Renaissance Reading Program
• Quick Smart Mathematics Tutoring
• Literacy Tutoring - MULTILIT

Resources

In the Corrimal High School Library we are very fortunate to have a variety of resources for student and staff use, some of these resources include:

• Print and Digital Collections: Fiction and Non Fiction – Picture Books, Graphic Novels and Study Guides
• Online Library Access to Wheelers Books
• Online access to Clickview Videos and Research Journals
• Newspapers & Magazines
• Interactive Whiteboard Access
• Relaxed Reading Areas
• Study Pods
• Laptop Hire
• Charging Stations
• 2 fully equipped Tech Labs with Print/Copy/Scan Services
• Board games and Cards
• Designated Senior Study
• Careers Room
• Fully Equipped STEM Makerspace

Religion and ethics

At our school, students can take part in special religious education (SRE) or special education in ethics (SEE) classes, depending on what’s available. These classes are delivered by approved providers.

When enrolling your child, you’ll be able to choose an option from the approved providers offered at our school. Students not attending SRE or SEE are given supervised alternative meaningful activities.

You’re welcome to change your choice at any time. Just let us know in writing or use the online form (if available at our school).

For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.

High potential and gifted education

At our school, we give the right support to help gifted learners to grow and do their best.

We notice these students early. They may learn quickly or show strong skills in creativity, leadership, problem solving or sport. We help them stay challenged with lessons and activities that match their strengths.

Learn more about how we support high potential and gifted learners.