Curriculum Structure
Curriculum Statement - Years 7 to 10
Trinity Catholic College has, as an essential part of its curriculum philosophy, a commitment to a sense of community, to Gospel values, and to the education of the whole person. This philosophy is reflected in the provision of a curriculum which will provide a sound grounding in education for life ‑ spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically.
The curriculum in the junior school (Years 7 - 10) not only meets the requirements of the Board of Studies for the provision of the School Certificate, but also aims to provide our students with an education that is essential for a worthwhile, meaningful and well balanced lifestyle in today's ever‑changing society.
All students are provided with a quality, contemporary curriculum which takes into account the needs of students of differing abilities and backgrounds and seeks to provide for all students an enriching school experience which develops their potential.
In accordance with the dictates of the Board of Studies, the curriculum for School Certificate candidates provides courses of study in each of the eight Learning Areas of:
English
Mathematics
Science
Human Society and Its Environment
Languages
Creative Arts
Technology
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
In addition to study in the eight Learning Areas, all students study Religious Education each year.
The structure and programming of all courses are aimed at providing students with the widest possible choice of educational experiences and the opportunity to develop their skills and capabilities to the optimum level within the guidelines of the various syllabi.
Mandatory Subjects In Years 7 - 10
In Years 7 and 8 students study a core course comprising of Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Technology (Mandatory), Italian (1 year only), and PD/H/PE for the whole year. Additionally, they study the following subjects for half of the year: Visual Arts, Music, Geography and History.
Religious Education
The study of Religion is compulsory for all students at Trinity. In Years 7 - 10 students will study the Religious Education Course, which includes the personal development component of the PD/H/PE Learning Area. The Religious Education course examines eight key areas - Sacred Scripture, World Religions, Church History, Catholic Customs and Traditions, Catholic Worship and Sacraments, Morality, Spirituality and Personal Development.
Creative Arts
According to the Board's requirements, all students must study a minimum of 100 hours in each of Music and Visual Arts. At Trinity, a semester is devoted to both Visual Arts and Music in Year 7 and in Year 8. In Year 9 students can elect to study courses in Music, Dance, Drama and Visual Arts for the School Certificate course.
English
English in Years 7 - 10 involves students in experiences in speaking, listening, reading, writing and viewing. English programmes reflect the variety of language experiences that students encounter. A wide range of literature including novels, plays, non-fiction and poetry is studied. The study of Mass Media includes film, television, video, radio and print.
Human Society and Its Environment
The mandatory study of both History and Geography in Years 7 and 8 incorporates aspects of Civics and Citizenship. In Years 9 and 10 Australian History and Australian Geography (including Civics and Citizenship) are mandated.
Languages
The study of a language is compulsory in Year 7and this fulfils the Board's minimum requirement for 100 hours of a language other than English. All students will study Italian in Year 7 and may elect to study a different language in Years 8 (Interest Elective), 9 and 10 or continue their study of Italian. Languages offered at Trinity include French, Italian and Japanese. Other languages can be studied for the School Certificate through Distance Education Schools.
Mathematics
Mathematics is compulsory for all students from Years 7 - 10. Students in Years 7 and 8 study a common course and in Years 9 and 10, three distinct pathways/levels of Mathematics are pursued.
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
This course is studied by all students in Years 7 - 10. It focuses on developing the knowledge and skills and fostering the attitudes that will empower students to adopt healthy lifestyles. Participation in regular and varied physical activity is regarded as an inherent component of the syllabus.
Science
Year 7 Science involves introducing students to the basic theory and practical skills required throughout the junior Science course. The course is designed so that students learn theory work as they work through sequenced practical activities. The course which follows in Years 8 to 10 builds on the basics developed in Year 7.
Technology (Mandatory)
Additional hours can be studied in related subjects like Textiles Technology, Food Technology, Information and Software Technology, Industrial Technology and Graphic Technology as electives in Years 9 and 10.
All Year 7 and 8 students study Technology (Mandatory) as a compulsory subject at Trinity. The course is concerned with learning about design through the use of technology. Students are required to complete projects using design processes. During Term 1 all Year 7 students study an intensive ICT Course to develop their computer skills.
Curriculum - Years 11 and 12
Matriculation Programme
Students intending to proceed to university after the completion of Year 12 will need to study subjects which qualify them for a Universities Admissions Index (UAI) and for the award of a Higher School Certificate. Students who select a programme of study aimed at matriculating into university should be aware that the essential aim during their senior schooling is to develop their academic skills and knowledge to a level which will enable them to proceed to a university and to cope with tertiary education.
Students selecting a matriculation programme of study can choose between Board-Developed Courses, VET Curriculum Framework Courses, TAFE Delivered VET Courses and Board Endorsed Courses.
Non Matriculation Programme
Some students have no intention of proceeding to university after school, and hence do not need to pursue subjects which qualify them for a UAI. However, for these students the award of the HSC is important. These students need to select subjects in their programme which lead to the award of the Higher School Certificate.
Students selecting a non-matriculation programme of study can choose between Board-Developed Courses, VET Curriculum Framework Courses, TAFE Delivered VET Courses and Board Endorsed Courses.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) Industry Framework Courses offered at Trinity
- Hospitality
TAFE Delivered VET Courses
These are delivered at either Lismore or Wollongbar TAFE each Monday afternoon from 2.00pm to 6.00pm. The approximate cost of each course varies between $300 and $850 per year.
Students have access to the full range of TAFE VET courses that Lismore TAFE and Wollongbar TAFE offer. The courses that run each year are determined by TAFE and are subject to their staffing and student interest.
HSC School Based Apprenticeship Courses
School based apprenticeships MAY be available through the College. Requests will need to be negotiated individually to fit a pattern of study, and will depend on the availability of employers to take on apprentices.
School based apprenticeships and traineeships provide students with the opportunity to attain a nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification as well as their Higher School Certificate (HSC) and gain valuable work skills and experience through paid employment. Students will get recognition for all the work they complete. For example, a school-based apprentice or trainee who undertakes part-time training in Years 11 and 12 will get their qualification a year earlier.
School Based Apprenticeships are being undertaken across many schools in NSW in the following industry areas: Automotive*, Beauty Therapy, Carpentry & Joinery*, Hairdressing, Horticulture, Hospitality*, Electrotechnology*, Metal & Engineering*, and Plumbing.
* Denotes an Industry Curriculum Framework Course (ICF). An optional HSC exam in these courses is available to contribute to the University Admissions Index (UAI).
Availability of industry areas will vary due to different needs in different locations across the State.
Board Endorsed Course Offered at Trinity (1 or 2 year/1 Unit Courses)
- Computing Applications
- Exploring Early Childhood
- Marine Studies
- Photography and Digital Imaging (Wet or Digital Photography)
- Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation.
