Learning
At our school, we teach the NSW curriculum and offer many different subjects to support each student’s learning. We know that development of skills in literacy and numeracy are the building blocks for learning and for everyday life. Our teachers use effective teaching strategies to help students achieve their goals.
What students learn
Students learn a wide range of subjects in the NSW curriculum. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for life beyond school.
In Year 7, students at our school will study the following subjects:
- English
- Geography
- History
- Languages
- Mathematics
- Music
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Science
- Technology Mandatory
- Visual Arts
In Year 8, students will study the following mandatory subjects:
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English
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French, Japanese, or Latin
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Geography
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History
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Mathematics
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Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
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Science
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Technology Mandatory
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Music
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Visual Arts
In Year 9 and 10, students will study the following mandatory subjects:
- English
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Science
In addition to the above mandatory subjects, students will also study two of the following elective courses:
- Commerce
- Computing Technology
- Design & Technology
- Food Technology
- French, Japanese, Latin
- Music
- Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS)
- Textiles Technology
- Visual Arts
Z Line and 100 hour elective courses
- Investigating Science
- Art of Game Design
- Critical Thinking
- Engineering
- Geography Elective
- Graphics Technology
- Journalism
- Multimedia Sound & Lighting
- Photographic & Digital Media
- Theatre Studies
Further information about the above subjects can be found in the Stage 5 Subject Selection Booklet
In Year 11, students will undertake twelve units of study including English Advanced.
2-unit courses on offer at North Sydney Girls High School:
- Ancient History
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Drama
- Economics
- Food Technology
- French Continuers
- Geography
- Health and Movement Science
- Japanese Continuers
- Latin Continuers
- Legal Studies
- Modern History
- Music 2
- Physics
- Textiles and Design
- Visual Arts
1-unit courses on offer at North Sydney Girls High School:
- English Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Photography and Digital Media
Further information about the above subjects can be found in the Stage 6 Subject Selection Booklet
In Year 12, students continue the pattern of study from Year 11.
Students can, however, decrease their units of study to a minimum of ten units.
Students may also take up the study of one or more of the following 1-unit extension courses:
- English Extension 2
- French Extension
- History Extension
- Japanese Extension
- Latin Extension
- Mathematics Extension 2
At North Sydney Girls High School SRE (Special Religious Education) is delivered on Wednesday from 2.40-3.15pm.
On enrolment parents/carers will be given the SRE participation letter to complete and return. After the initial enrolment, notification of changes to a child's enrolment in SRE should be given in writing to the School Office.
The following SRE classes are offered at North Sydney Girls High School.
· Protestant SRE is provided by St Thomas Anglican Church, North Sydney. 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).
· Roman Catholic SRE is provided by the Parish of Our Lady of the Way, St Mary's, North Sydney, St Francis Xavier, Lavender Bay, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Kirribilli. For more information about Roman Catholic SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit Catholic Diocese of Sydney.
· Buddhist Studies SRE is provided by Dr Sixin Liao who is a lecturer in Linguistics at Macquarie University, she delivers traditions, values, views and practices of Buddhism.
During the time that SRE classes are held, students not attending will be located in a separate space and will participate in private study or reading.
Our learning approach
Our school uses explicit teaching. This means we clearly tell students what they are learning, why it is important and how to do it step by step. Explicit teaching helps students understand new ideas by breaking them into smaller parts.
Learning at our school is student-centred, inclusive and practical. We are committed to equity and access. We support all learning styles and needs. Our teachers use proven teaching strategies. They take part in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with best teaching practice.
Our learning approach includes:
- real-world learning: hands-on tasks, group work and exploring new ideas
- technology: to help students learn and build digital skills
- flexible teaching: the right support for each student, with a focus on wellbeing
- community connections: through excursions and local programs.
Helping students progress
We support every student’s academic progress by:
- checking their progress and giving clear and timely feedback
- setting learning goals with each student
- giving extra help with personalised plans and support from specialist staff
- reporting on each student’s learning progress so parents and carers know how their child is doing
- providing targeted literacy and numeracy support in small groups
- making wellbeing part of everyday learning
- working with families to support learning at home and school
- helping students through transitions, like starting school or moving to a new stage of learning.
Learn more about additional learning support at our school.
Student opportunities and activities
Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.
Our principal and staff
Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.