Introduction to Curriculum at Kildare Catholic College
At Kildare Catholic College, we believe that all students deserve a personalised and challenging education that prepares them for success in modern life. We foster independent thinking, learning, and decision-making, so that our students can thrive in a rapidly changing world.
We offer a broad curriculum that enriches the lives of all students in our care. We believe that all students are capable of excellence, and we encourage them to do their best.
Kildare Catholic College fosters a cooperative environment of challenge and innovation, where learning is valued and students are taught to use efficient and effective tools for learning. We encourage both our staff and students to view learning as a continuous process, with excellence and improvement always our primary goals.
Our quest for quality education motivates everything that we do. We strive to assist all students to reach their full potential, and we offer a broad curriculum designed to cater for the needs of all learners.
In addition to our commitment to the traditional academic subjects, we also encourage the development of important life skills. We believe that a well-rounded education is essential for success in modern life, and we value the involvement of students in a wide range of cultural, social, sporting, and community activities.
We are proud to be a school that is committed to excellence. We believe that all students deserve the best possible education, and we are committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed.
Statement of Vision
At Kildare Catholic College, we believe that a shared vision is essential for staff to work together to improve student learning and the learning environment. We create a dynamic and innovative learning space that facilitates meaningful student learning. We have high expectations for students and staff, and we foster a strong culture of feedback. At Kildare Catholic College, learning comes first.
We believe that agreed-upon practices help all staff develop best practices for student learning. Agreed-upon practices encompass planning, programming, assessing, and reporting on student learning.
In a world that is constantly changing, our students are challenged to achieve their best by developing the values, attitudes, and skills they need to live, thrive, and contribute in the future.
Success Criteria
At Kildare Catholic College, we believe that clear and explicit success criteria are essential for student success. Our staff set clear success criteria in each Key Learning Area (KLA), which provide students with a clear understanding of what they are expected to learn and how they will demonstrate their learning. Success criteria are closely linked to formative and summative assessment, so that students can receive timely and targeted feedback to support their learning.
Kildare is committed to providing all students with the opportunity to reach their full potential. We believe that clear and explicit success criteria, coupled with timely and targeted feedback, are essential for student success.
Providing Feedback
Feedback is a powerful tool for student success in secondary education. We integrate clear, actionable feedback throughout the curriculum. This feedback helps students understand their strengths, pinpoint areas for improvement, and refine their learning strategies.
Feedback Fuels Growth:
- Deeper Understanding: Feedback helps students see their work from a new perspective, leading to a stronger grasp of concepts.
- Improved Performance: By identifying strengths and weaknesses, feedback equips students to excel in future work.
- Self-Directed Learning: Feedback empowers students to self-evaluate and set personal learning goals, fostering independence.
We invest in teacher development to enhance feedback skills and create a positive, collaborative feedback environment. Students are encouraged to actively seek and respond to feedback, becoming stronger communicators and learners.
Religious Education at Kildare Catholic College
Religious Education (RE) is an additional and compulsory Key Learning Area (KLA) for all students in Catholic schools. In RE, students from Years 7 to 12 are invited into a deeper and more personal relationship with God through their exploration of the sacred Scriptures, their participation in personal and communal prayer, and their living out of Catholic social and moral teaching through works of ministry.
The secondary RE curriculum provides opportunities for young people to act in response to Jesus’ great commandment to love God and love others, and thus, follow “the way, the truth, and the life.”
At Kildare, our aim is to educate our students in the faith, teachings, history, and traditions of the Catholic Church. Religious Education is an integral part of Kildare Catholic College and gives the school a richness of meaning and purpose. Kildare provides its students with an ongoing education in Christian faith, practice, witness, and service in the Catholic tradition.
Students in Stages 4 and 5 (Years 7-10) pursue Catholic Studies, based on the Sharing Our Story program. Senior students in Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12) are able to pursue Studies of Religion (I and II), a 2-unit HSC course, or Studies in Catholic Thought, a 1-unit Non ATAR course.
In Religious Education, students have many activities in which they can participate, such as:
- Retreat for Year 12
- Community Days for Years 7 to 11
- College masses and liturgies
- Leadership training programs
- Charity fundraising
- Visiting speakers on social justice issues
Kildare Catholic College is committed to providing its students with a high-quality Religious Education program that will help them grow in their faith and understanding of the Catholic Church. We believe that all students should have the opportunity to learn about their faith and to develop their own personal relationship with God.
Curriculum
Key Learning Areas
At Kildare Catholic College, we believe that all students deserve a teaching and learning experience that is tailored to their individual needs and prepares them for success in modern life. We foster independent thinking, learning, and decision-making, so that our students can thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Kildare Catholic College is committed to providing a challenging and values-laden curriculum that enriches the lives of all students in our care. We believe that all students are capable of excellence, and we encourage them to do their best. Kildare fosters a cooperative environment of challenge and innovation, where learning is valued and students are taught to use efficient and effective tools for learning. We encourage both our staff and students to view learning as a continuous process, with excellence and improvement always our primary goals. Our quest for quality education motivates everything that we do.
We strive to assist all students to reach their full potential, and we offer a broad curriculum designed to cater for the needs of all learners. In addition to our commitment to the traditional academic subjects, we also encourage the development of important life skills. We believe that a well-rounded education is essential for success in modern life, and we value the involvement of students in a wide range of cultural, social, sporting, and community activities.
We believe that agreed-upon practices help all staff develop best practices for student learning. Agreed-upon practices encompass planning, programming, assessing, and reporting on student learning.
In a world that is constantly changing, our students are challenged to achieve their best by developing the values, attitudes, and skills they need to live, thrive, and contribute in the future.
Religious Education
Religious Studies at Kildare Catholic College acknowledges religion as a unique and important way for people to find meaning in life. By studying religion, students gain a deeper understanding of the human view of reality and learn how to navigate the challenges and joys of daily living. Religious Studies also introduces students to the concept of a supernatural dimension, or belief in a power or divinity beyond the human.
In addition to learning about different religions and their beliefs, students in Religious Studies also develop essential critical thinking and communication skills. These skills empower students to become lifelong learners and active citizens in society.
English
English is a core subject at Kildare Catholic College essential for all students to succeed. As the national language and language of international communication, proficiency in English enables students to communicate confidently and articulately, think critically and creatively, and participate actively in society.
English involves the study and use of language in its various textual forms, including written, spoken, and visual texts. Students learn about the language systems of English, and they also learn how to interpret and reflect on texts of varying complexity.
At Kildare Catholic College, we are committed to providing all students with the opportunity to develop their English skills so that they can reach their full potential.
Mathematics
At Kildare Catholic College, we believe that mathematics is an essential part of a well-rounded education. We are committed to providing all students with the opportunity to develop their mathematical skills and knowledge.
Mathematics is the study of number and space. It is a search for patterns and relationships, which leads to the development of concepts and generalisations that can be used to solve problems, understand the world around us, and meet the needs of people. It is also a way of thinking, characterised by processes such as exploring, manipulating, discovering, ordering, classifying, generalising, abstracting, estimating, calculating, predicting, describing, deducing, drawing, and measuring.
Mathematics is a powerful, precise, and concise means of communication, used to represent, interpret, explain, and predict. It is also a creative activity, involving invention, intuition, and discovery.
We believe that all students can succeed in mathematics. We are committed to providing them with the support and resources they need to reach their full potential.
Science
At Kildare Catholic College, we believe that science is an essential part of a well-rounded education. Science helps students understand the world around them and develop the critical thinking skills they need to make informed decisions.Through the study of science, students at Kildare:
- Investigate phenomena at a range of scales, from the subatomic to the cosmological.
- Examine the historical and ongoing contributions of Australian scientists to international scientific research.
- Examine the impact of scientific knowledge on their lives and communities.
- Develop the skills of working scientifically, including thinking critically and creatively, planning and conducting investigations, analysing data and information, evaluating issues and problems, developing questions for inquiry and investigation, drawing evidence-based conclusions, and applying and communicating their findings, understanding, and viewpoints.
Students at Kildare are encouraged to be curious and to explore the world around them. They are taught to ask questions, to think critically, and to solve problems. They are also taught to communicate their findings in a clear and concise way. We believe that all students should have the opportunity to learn about science and to develop the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
At Kildare Catholic College, we are committed to providing students with a comprehensive health and physical education program that prepares them for success in life. Our program covers a wide range of topics, including personal health and well-being, movement skills and physical activity, and community health and well-being.
We believe that all students deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential, and our health and physical education program is designed to help them do just that. Students in our program learn about the importance of physical activity, nutrition, and mental health. They develop skills to make healthy choices and manage their stress levels. They also learn a variety of movement skills and participate in a range of physical activities to develop their physical fitness and learn to enjoy being active. Finally, students learn about the factors that influence the health of individuals and communities, and they develop skills to advocate for healthy lifestyles and promote positive social change.
Our health and physical education program is essential for helping students live healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives. We are proud to offer this program to all of our students.
Technology and Applied Studies
Technology and Applied Studies (TAS) is a learning area that focuses on the application of knowledge, skills, and resources to solve real-world problems. Students in TAS learn how to design, develop, and implement technological solutions to meet human needs and wants.
TAS encompasses a wide range of subjects, including agriculture, design and technology, engineering studies, food technology, industrial technology, information and software technology, and textiles and design. In these subjects, students learn the skills and knowledge necessary to collect, transport, and transform materials; store and process information and resources; and communicate and market the outcomes of their work.
TAS also helps students develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to succeed in the 21st century. Students learn to consider the social, economic, and environmental implications of technological development before making decisions.
At Kildare, we believe that TAS is an essential part of a well-rounded education. Our TAS program prepares students for success in further education, employment, and life.
Creative Arts
Creative Arts is an essential part of a well-rounded education at Kildare Catholic College. It helps students develop their intellectual autonomy, critical thinking skills, and creativity. Students in Creative Arts learn to express themselves through a variety of art forms, including music, drama, and visual arts. They also learn to appreciate and analyse the work of others.
Creative Arts is a rigorous and rewarding subject that prepares students for success in further education, employment, and life.
Human Society and its Environment
HSIE (Human Society and its Environment) is a vital subject that teaches students how to interact with each other and their environment in a sustainable and responsible way.
HSIE enables students to:
- Solve multidisciplinary problems
- See the connections and interactions between all parts of their social world and environment
- Undertake meaningful social inquiry
- Develop their self-realisation, civic responsibility, and human relationships
- Think critically and creatively
HSIE is essential for preparing students to be active and informed citizens in a complex and interconnected world.
Vocational Education and Training
Kildare Catholic College offers a variety of Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses to students in Years 11 and 12. VET courses are practical and industry-focused, and they can help students prepare for a career after high school or for further study at TAFE or university.
At Kildare, VET courses are offered in the following areas:
- Business Services
- Construction
- Early Childhood Education and Care
- Fitness
- Hospitality
- Information and Digital Technology
All of these courses contribute towards the Higher School Certificate (HSC), and they can be included in an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). VET courses also earn students industry accreditation and TAFE recognition.
Some VET courses offer an optional written examination in the HSC, but this is not required for all courses. If you wish to include a VET course in your ATAR, you must sit the HSC examination in that course.
Students who are not interested in attending university may find that VET courses are a better fit for their needs. VET courses can help students prepare for the workforce and develop the skills that employers are looking for.
VET courses at Kildare typically involve 240 hours of instruction, including 70 hours of work placement. Work placements can occur during school holidays or during the school year, and students who work in a course-related occupation can count their hours worked towards their work placement requirements.
VET courses offer a number of benefits to students, including:
- Practical and industry-focused instruction that prepares students for the workforce or further study
- Industry accreditation and TAFE recognition, which can give students an advantage in the job market
- The opportunity to develop the skills that employers are looking for, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and technical skills
- The chance to gain work experience through workplace
- The opportunity to earn higher marks and be more realistic about future prospects
Learning Support
Kildare Catholic College provides comprehensive learning support services to students who need assistance to reach their full potential. We support students with a range of learning needs, including learning disabilities, mild intellectual disabilities, language disorders, behaviour issues, English as a Second Language (ESL), and Language Backgrounds Other Than English (LBOTE).
Our Learning Support team is comprised of highly qualified and experienced professionals who are committed to helping students succeed. We offer a variety of services, including individualised learning plans, in-class support, and specialised resources and equipment.
We believe that all students can learn and succeed. We are here to provide the support and resources that students need to reach their full potential.
Courses Studied in Stages 4, 5 and 6
Kildare Catholic College is proud to be a school that is committed to excellence. We believe that all students deserve the best possible education, and we are committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed.
At Kildare, we offer a broad curriculum that caters to the needs of all students, including those who are gifted and talented, those who need additional support, and those who are interested in a variety of different subjects. We also encourage students to develop important and valued skills that will serve them well throughout their lives, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
We believe that a well-rounded education is essential, and we value the involvement of students in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and arts programs. We believe that these activities help students to develop their social and emotional skills, and they also provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and develop their talents.
We are committed to providing our students with the best possible education, and we are confident that our students will graduate from Kildare Catholic College prepared to succeed in college, in the workplace, and in life.
The curriculum focuses on Key Learning Areas:
- Religious Education
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Human Society and it’s Environment
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Creative Arts
- Technology and Applied Studies
- Vocational Education and Training
Within these key learning areas there are mandatory courses and elective subjects. Elective subjects are offered from Year 9. Mandatory Courses in Years 7-10 are studied by all students and are set by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).
Students choose from a wide range of elective courses that are offered. These are driven by teacher expertise and the number of students interested in that subject. Information on elective courses is available in the NESA syllabus course descriptions.
Students must meet the subject requirements in Years 7-10 in order to progress to Year 11 and subsequently, Year 12.
Stage 4
Year 7
Students in Year 7 study a common curriculum experiencing a wide range of subjects as follows:
- Religious Education
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Human Society & it’s Environment
- Personal Development Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
- Technology Mandatory
- Languages (Japanese and French)
- Music
- Visual Arts
Year 8
Students in Year 8 study a common curriculum experiencing a wide range of subjects as follows:
- Religious Education
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Technology Mandatory
- Geography
- History
- Music
- Visual Arts
- Personal Development Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
Stage 5
Year 9 and 10
All students study a core curriculum with a wide range of subjects as follows:
- Religious Education
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Australian Geography and History
- Personal Development Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
Electives in Stage 5
Students have the option to study 100 or 200 hour courses in Years 9 and 10
Electives include:
- Child Studies
- Commerce
- Dance
- Design & Technology
- Drama
- Food Technology
- Industrial Technology – Multimedia
- Industrial Technology – Timber
- International Studies
- Music
- Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS)
- Visual Arts
- Photography and Digital Media
Stage 6
All students must study at least 2 Units of English and a Religion course. Students choose the remainder of their subjects after a considerable period of consultation and discussion between students, teachers and parents from the beginning of Term 3, Year 10.
There are a wide range of available subjects. Subjects will be timetabled only if selected by a viable number of students and if staffing is available. Some subjects may be available on-line or through distance education. There is also the option for students to complete TAFE courses as part of their studies.
There are school based entry requirements for some subjects.
Stage 6 courses offered at Kildare Catholic College:
- Aboriginal Studies
- Ancient History
- Biology
- Business Services (VET)
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Community and Family Studies
- Construction (VET)
- Design and Technology
- Drama
- Early Childhood Education and Care (VET- Non ATAR)
- Economics
- English – Advanced
- English – Standard
- English – Extension 1
- English – Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
- English Studies
- Exploring Early Childhood (Year 11 only)
- Fitness (VET – Non ATAR)
- Geography
- Hospitality (VET)
- Industrial Technology – Timber
- Information and Digital Technology (VET)
- Investigating Science
- Legal Studies
- Mathematics Standard 1 (Year 12 only)
- Mathematics Standard
- Mathematics Advanced
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
- Modern History
- Music
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Photography and Digital Imaging (Year 11 only)
- Physics
- Studies of Religion 1
- Studies of Religion II
- Studies in Catholic Thought (Non ATAR)
- Society and Culture
- Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (1 Unit – Year 11 only)
- Visual Arts
Assessment
Kildare Catholic College: Working Together to Support Student Success
Kildare recognises the importance of the home and school partnership in improving educational outcomes for students. Parental support is essential for managing home learning routines and completing assessment tasks.
To help parents support their children with the challenging demands of secondary school, we provide Assessment Books and Assessment Calendars for each Year Group that detail the dates of assessment tasks for each subject.
Students need to be assessed on what they know using a variety of methods, not just formal, take-home assessment tasks. Some forms of assessment are undertaken during class time and may include timed, written responses or examination-style tasks (Years 10-12) For these tasks, prior study and preparation are vital to student achievement.
Parent access to information about upcoming assessments allows for more involvement in their child’s learning through:
- Informed conversations about upcoming assessments
- Encouraging and supporting students to establish effective time-management and organisation
- Open communication between parents, teachers and students.
- Kildare Catholic College is committed to working with parents and carers to support student success. We believe that by working together, we can create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.