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

[There are no special religious education and special education in ethics approved providers available at this school.]

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

At Strathfield Girls High School, SRE is delivered on Wednesdays, between 8:45am to 9:15am, for Years 7 to 12.

On enrolment, parents/carers will be given the SRE Note to complete and return. After the initial enrolment, notification of changes to a student's enrolment in SRE should be given in writing to the principal, either in a letter or using the above SRE participation letter template.

The following SRE classes are offered at Strathfield Girls High School:

• Catholic SRE  For more information about Catholic SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Sydney Archdiocese Catholic SRE Curriculum Resources page
• Islamic Scripture – is provided by the Australian Islamic Education Services. For more information about AIES (Australian Islamic Education Services), including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit  Australian Islamic Education Services
• Protestant SRE  is provided by a combination of providers including Anglican Diocese of Sydney, Baptist Union of NSW, Australian Christin Churches, Presbyterian Church of Australia in NSW, The Salvation Army, Uniting Church in Australia (NSW&ACT Synod). For more information about Protestant SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit:  Anglican Diocese of Sydney,  Australian Christian Churches,  Baptist Union of NSW,  Presbyterian Church of Australia (NSW).

During the time that SRE classes are held, students not attending will be in a separate space (roll call room) and will participate in private study (with their roll call teacher).

High potential and gifted education

At our school, we give the right support to help advanced or talented learners 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.

Contact us to learn more about how we support high potential and gifted learners.

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.

English

English is a mandatory subject for all students in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12. At Strathfield Girls High School, students develop essential skills in reading, visual literacy, critical thinking, and interpretation through engaging with increasingly complex and diverse texts. They also have many opportunities to enhance their interpersonal, communication, and public speaking abilities through activities like debating, impromptu speeches, and tutorial-style presentations.

Our English faculty is dedicated to fostering a love of literature and encouraging independent, lifelong learning. Students are exposed to the Arts and Literature through theatre productions, workshops, masterclasses, and guest talks. We create positive learning environments where students build confidence and feel empowered to share their voice. By guiding students through structured reading and writing processes, providing detailed feedback, and teaching ICT skills with ethical awareness, we prepare them to navigate the challenges of a dynamic, digital world beyond school.

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

The Elective Courses offered include:

• Drama

Human Society and Its Environment

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.

Languages

Learning languages broadens students' understanding by embracing diversity as a natural part of society. Language proficiency enhances engagement with the global community, strengthens literacy skills, and promotes intellectual, emotional, and cultural development. Through language learning, students gain insight into their own heritage while appreciating the beliefs and values of others.

In New South Wales, the rich linguistic and cultural diversity enriches the curriculum, making language study a valued part of education. As Department employees, we are committed to providing the best public education in languages, modelling collaborative learning, and inspiring students to respect and understand different cultures. We support school policies and strive to find solutions when personal beliefs conflict with professional responsibilities.

Languages offered

These are the following languages we offer in Languages Faculty and our language teachers:

• Chinese
• Korean
• Japanese
• Italian

Chinese:

Chinese is an important language for young learners in Australia, as Australia progresses towards a future of increased trade, investment, educational exchange, research and development in science and technology, and engagement with Asia. Students develop an appreciation for the place of Australia within the Asia region, including the interconnections of languages and cultures, peoples and communities, histories and economies.

The study of Chinese enables students to communicate with others in Chinese, and to reflect on and understand the nature and role of language and culture in their own lives and the lives of others.

Korean:

The ability to communicate in Korean provides incentives for travel and for more meaningful interactions with speakers of Korean, encouraging socio-cultural understanding between Australia and Korea, and cohesion within the Australian community. It also provides opportunities for students to gain insights into the contributions that have been made by Korean-speaking communities to Australian society and to the global community For background speakers, this valuable learning experience is further enhanced by the opportunity to maintain and develop their Korean language skills and understanding of their cultural heritage.

French:

French is an Indo-European language and belongs to the family of Romance languages derived from Latin. French and English share a common linguistic link with Latin. Through the study of French, students experience and engage with elements of modern France and francophone countries, including art, cuisine, literature, film and music of French-speaking communities. Students develop an appreciation of the interconnections of languages and cultures, peoples and communities, histories and economies.

Japanese:

The study of Japanese provides access to the language and culture of one of the global community’s most technologically advanced societies and economies. Students engage with elements of modern Japan, including popular culture such as anime, manga, music and fashion, as well as with the rich cultural tradition of this part of Asia. Students develop an appreciation for the place of Australia within the Asia region, including the interconnections of languages and cultures, peoples and communities, histories and economies.

Italian:

Italian belongs to the Romance family of languages, which includes Catalan, French, Portuguese, Romanian and Spanish. Italian and English have a common linguistic link with Latin, sharing many Latin-derived words and using the same Roman alphabet. The Italian language is widely spoken in Australia and there are opportunities to hear and use the language in authentic situations. Through the study of Italian, students develop an appreciation of the interconnections of languages and cultures, peoples and communities, histories and economies.

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.

PDHPE

PDHPE 7-10

PDHPE covers a broad range of movement and game-based understanding, which progressively develops each students’ skills over Years 7-10. Topics are highly relevant to all young people and give students the latest health information and skills, with the central goal that they continue to make informed health decisions throughout their lives.

PDHPE teachers are highly skilled and motivated and encourage within all students the positive outlook to health and physical activity that can maintain long and active lives. Our vision is that all students benefit physically, socially and emotionally through consistent participation in physical activity. Moreover, physical, emotional and academic health converge in PDHPE and are all mutually beneficial!

9-10 Electives

• Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS)

For students who want to know how to improve sports and physical performance as well as improve the quality of physical activity at a community level. Here students gain the opportunity to lead others in physical activity.

• Child Studies

For students who want to understand early childhood development as well pre and post-natal care. Here students create initiatives to help develop healthy children in our communities.

• Dance

For students who want to learn how to appreciate dance as an art form and develop their skills in expression through movement. Here students perform and analyse performance as well as gain the opportunity to lead their peers in choreographing movement.

11 – 12 Electives

• PDHPE (Category A)

For students who want to learn about the science behind human movement as well as understand what goes into effective health promotion in our communities.

• Dance (Category A)

For students who want to learn about dance as an art form and how to express themselves in a performance discipline.

• TVET Entertainment (Category A)

For students looking to gain industry experience and learn about what is required behind the scenes of entertainment productions.

• TVET Sports Coaching (Category B)

For students with a particular interest in sport and leading sport in their community.

• Exploring Early Childhood (Category B)

For students who want to learn about pre and post-natal development including early childhood. Here students develop educational tolls for young children that will shape critical development.

Science

A study of Science is mandatory for all students from Kindergarten to Year 10. In Science, students explore the natural and made worlds. They learn how to apply scientific skills, knowledge and understanding across a broad range of contexts.

Science 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. The inquiry and skill-based nature of Science opens doors to ideas and discoveries.

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

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

The most popular courses taught at Strathfield Girls High School are Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

In 2018, the new NESA syllabus was introduced for all senior Science courses. In 2019, this new syllabus was examined across NSW, with all students completing their NESA HSC Examinations.

Students considering Science courses as part of their HSC pattern of study should be aware that the content of the new syllabus courses is much more rigorous. Many concepts that were usually introduced in university level courses are now taught as part of the new senior syllabi. Additionally, the Chemistry and Physics courses, in particular, have a substantial mathematical component, which requires students to have already mastered some fundamental skills in Mathematics during Stages 4 & 5 (Years 7-10).

Information about senior Science courses is provided below:

• Biology (PDF)
• Chemistry (PDF)
• Physics (PDF)

The NESA website provides additional information about these courses:

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/stage-6-learning-areas/stage-6-science

TAS

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 use a range of tools, materials and techniques in the design process and technological experiences through theory and practical lessons. As well as the mandatory study of technology, students can select from a range of elective TAS subjects.

The continuum of technology learning is:

• Based on students becoming increasingly sophisticated in their ability to design and produce solutions for authentic needs and opportunities
• An option for student specialisation in high school through a range of syllabuses addressing particular technologies and aspects of design.

Courses:

• Stage 4 - Technology (Mandatory in Years 7–8)
• Stage 5 - Food Technology:
• Stage 5 - Textiles Technology
• Stage 5 - Computing Technology
• Stage 6 - Community and Family Studies
• Stage 6 - Food Technology
• Stage 6 - Enterprise Computing
• Stage 6 - Textiles and Dxesign
• iSTEM
• VET Hospitality – Food and Beverage

List of Subjects Offered

table
Years 7-8	Years 9-10	Preliminary HSC	HSC
Chinese English French Geography History Italian Japanese Living Skills Mathematics Music PD/Health/PE Science Sport Technology Visual Arts	Australian History & Geography Including Civics & Citizenship Chinese Commerce Dance Drama English Food Technology French History Italian Information & Software Technology Japanese Mathematics Music PD/Health/PE Physical Activity and Sport Studies Science Textiles Technology Visual Arts Visual Design Work Studies	Ancient History Biology Business Services (VET) Business Studies Chemistry Chinese Background Speakers Community & Family Studies Drama Economics English Standard English Advanced English Extension 1 English ESL English Fundamentals Food Technology French Beginners French Continuers Hospitality (VET) Information Processes & Technology Information Technology (VET) Italian Beginners Italian Continuers Japanese Beginners Japanese Continuers German Beginners Legal Studies Mathematics General Mathematics Mathematics Extension 1 Music Course I Music  Course II PD/Health/PE Physics Retail Operations (VET) Society and Culture Sport Studies of Religion I & II Textiles & Design Visual Arts 1 Unit Approved Content Endorsed Courses Lifestyle & Recreation Photography Visual Design Elements	Ancient History Biology Food Technology Business Services (VET) Business Studies Chemistry Chinese Background Speakers Community & Family Studies Drama Economics English ESL English Standard English Advanced English Extension 1 English Extension 2 English Fundamentals French Beginners French Continuers History Extension Hospitality Information Processes & Technology Information Technology (VET) Italian Beginners Italian Continuers Japanese Beginners Japanese Continuers Legal Studies Mathematics General Mathematics Mathematics Extension 1 Mathematics Extension 2 Modern History Music Course 1 Music Course 2 Music Extension Physics Society and Culture PD/Health/PE Studies of Religion I & II Textiles & Design Visual Arts

Life Ready

Life Ready is a mandatory 25 hour program for students in Years 11 and/or 12 in NSW public schools.

It aims to prepare and support senior students as they encounter situations related to health and safety as they become more independent and gain more responsibilities.

Life Ready focuses on offering opportunities for students to build the functional knowledge and skills for life after school.

Learning across the curriculum

In NSW students study a range of learning across the curriculum content.

Cross curriculum priorities

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
• Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia
• sustainability

General capabilities

• critical and creative thinking
• ethical understanding
• information and communication technology capability
• intercultural understanding
• literacy
• numeracy
• personal and social capability

Other learning across the curriculum areas

• civics and citizenship
• difference and diversity
• work and enterprise.

© NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2012