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.
We offer a range of subjects to match what students enjoy and want to learn about. Our skilled teachers support every student to find what they love, do their best and succeed.
Some students are ready for more challenges. We offer open-ended tasks, enrichment programs and support. We help all students to reach their full potential.
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 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 study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.
In English, students learn about the study and use of the English language in its various textual forms. These encompass spoken, written and visual texts through which meaning is shaped, conveyed, interpreted and reflected. Complexity increases as students progress through their schooling.
Developing proficiency in English enables students to take their place as confident communicators; critical and imaginative thinkers; lifelong learners; and informed, active participants in Australian society. Their understanding of English through knowledge and skills acquisition is essential to their 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 Extension 2
English Extension 1
English Advanced
English Standard
English Studies
English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)
English Life Skills
HSIE
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.
LANGUAGES
In NSW high schools, languages is a key learning area.
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.
MATHEMATICS
The study of mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
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.
Numeracy (CEC)
Mathematics
The study of Mathematics provides students with a foundation for lifelong learning, critical thinking and technical problem solving. Mathematics helps students prepare for successful roles in an ever-changing society. Far too many students develop the perception that success in Mathematics depends on some innate ability and that mathematics will never be useful in their lives. At Bega High School, we believe that all students can learn mathematics and that all students need to learn mathematics.
Bega High provides textbooks for student use throughout the year at school, and at home in electronic form. Students who receive a hardcopy of a text will be issued with protective book sleeve to minimise damage to these texts.
At the end of the year the texts, as well as the book sleeves, are to be returned to the classroom teacher. Failure to do so will incur the following fines:
Non Return or irreparable damage of text = $50.00
Non Return or damage of protective sleeve = $5.00
Homework is crucial for reinforcing content talk and all junior classes (Years 7 to 10) receive through Microsoft Teams a weekly online homework that revises current and previously taught work, failure to complete this work will require students to attend a homework club during lunch hours.
In Years 7 to 10, students develop essential mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding in Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability. Together with the processes of Working Mathematically: Communicating, Problem Solving, Reasoning, Understanding and Fluency; the study of mathematics provides students with the opportunities to enjoy and appreciate the value of mathematics and to develop the mathematical skills necessary to prepare them for the higher level course in Years 11 and 12 that in turn will develop the tools needed for future educational and career options.
Mathematics Years 7 and 8
Students are actively involved in learning, doing and using mathematics to solve problems. Opportunities are provided for students to explore, manipulate, estimate, calculate, draw, measure, abstract, describe and deduce in the search for patterns and relationships leading to the development of concepts and generalisations. Through a range of activities, students learn mathematical skills in problem-solving, geometry, measurement, data, number and algebra.
Assessment is carried out by class assignments, tests and formal examinations which may include common components across classes. The non-calculator component in the formal examination is common across all courses.
A scientific calculator is essential. (These are available from the Front office at a cost of $30.)
Mathematics Years 9 and 10
In Years 9 and 10, students are placed in one of three courses depending on their ability. The three courses are Stage 5.3 (Advanced), Stage 5.2 (Intermediate) and Stage 5.1 (Standard). In Stage 5 Mathematics students continue to build on their skills in each of the strands (Working Mathematically, Number, Patterns and Algebra, Data, Measurement, Space and Geometry).
The depth of study incorporating the process of questioning, reflecting, reasoning and proof depends on the course of Mathematics being studied. Students will be given the opportunity to solve meaningful and challenging problems in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts to develop their "mathematical thinking, understanding, competence and confidence in the application of mathematics."
Assessment is carried out by class or course assignments, tests and formal examinations. The non-calculator component in the formal examination is common across all courses.
It is important to note that:
a scientific calculator is essential (These are available from the front office at a cost of $30.)
the level of Mathematics studied in Years 9 and 10 may affect or limit a student's choice of Mathematics course for the HSC.
Mathematics Years 11 and 12
Numeracy
The numeracy couse builds on the knowledge, skills and understanding presented in the K-10 curriculum. It supports students to develop the functional numeracy skills required to become active and successful paricipants in society.
Year 11
Operations with number
Measurement
Data and Porbability
Year 12
Percentages
Finance
Measurement
Statistics and Probability
Mathematics Standard 1 and 2
There are six areas of study which integrate mathematical skills and knowledge across other subject areas studied in Stage 6. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of and competence in further aspects of mathematics through a large variety of real-world applications for concurrent HSC studies, such as in vocational education and training courses, other practically oriented courses, and some humanities courses, and for vocational pathways, in the workforce or in further training.
The 6 areas of study are:
Financial Mathematics
Data and Statistics
Measurement
Probability
Algebra and Modelling
Networks
Mathematics Advanced
This course is designed for those wanting to study mathematics, economics, commerce, science, medical, psychology, pharmacy, IT, vetenary science and engineering at University. Those students wishing to study significant levels of mathematics at University are advised to speak to the Careers Adviser and Head Teacher of Mathematics for further advice.
Course Requirements: A scientific calculator is essential for any student studying a Mathematics course.
Areas of Study in Year 11:
Functions
Trigonometic Functions
Calculus
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Statistical Analysis
Areas of Study in the HSC:
Functions
Trigonometric Functions
Calculus
Financial Mathematics
Statistical Analysis
Mathematics Extension 1
Students must understand the commitment needed to ensure success in this course, as lessons are often held before and after normal school hours.
Areas of Study in Year 11:
Further work with functions
Polynomials
Inverse Functions
Calculus - rates of change
Combinatorics
Areas of Study in the HSC Course:
Proof
Vectors
Trigonometric Equations
Further calculus
The Binomial Distribution
Mathematics Extension 2
This course is designed for students who have a special aptitude for mathematics and have excelled within the Extension 1 Mathematics course. Only students who have demonstrated a high level of success within the Extension 1 Mathematics course should consider attempting this course. Only students who have demonstrated a high level of success within the Extension 1 Mathematics course should consider attempting this course.
Areas of Study:
Proof
Vectors in 3D
Complex Numbers
Further Integration
Mechanics
PDHPE
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 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.
Years 7 to 10
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
PDHPE develops students' capacity to enhance personal health and well-being. It promotes their enjoyment of and commitment to an active lifestyle and to achieve confidence and competence in a wide range of activities as they maximise movement potential.
Through PDHPE students develop knowledge understandings, skills, values and attitudes that enable them to advocate lifelong health and physical activity.
Topics Covered:
All students study the following four modules:
Self and Relationships: Students learn about sense of self, adolescence and change, sources of personal support and the nature of positive, caring relationships
Movement Skill and Performance: Students explore the elements of composition as they develop and refine movement skills in a variety of contexts
Individual and Community Health: Students learn about the specific health issues of mental health, healthy food habits, sexual health, drug use and road safety. They examine risk, personal safety and how to access health information, products and services.
Lifelong Physical Activity: Students consider lifestyle balance and the importance of physical activity and its physical benefits. Students learn to participate successfully in a wide range of activities and to adopt roles that promote a more active community.
Year 9 & 10 Subjects
Physical Activity and Sports Studies
Physical Activity and Sports Studies represents a broad view of physical activity and the many possible contexts in which individuals can build activity into their lifestyle. It incorporates a wide range of lifelong physical activities, including recreational, leisure and adventure pursuits, competitive and non-competitive games, individual and group physical fitness activities, and the use of physical activity for therapy and remediation. Participation in regular physical activity is essential to improving health status and quality of life.
Areas of Study
Foundations of Physical Activity
Body systems and energy for physical activity
Physical activity for health
Physical fitness
Fundamentals of movement skill development
Nutrition and physical activity
Participating with safety
Physical Activity and Sport in Society
Australia's sporting identity
Lifestyle, leisure and recreation
Physical activity and sport for specific groups
Opportunities and pathways in physical activity and sport
Issues in physical activity and sport
Enhancing Participation and Performance
Promoting active lifestyles
Coaching
Enhancing performance – strategies and techniques
Technology, participation and performance
Event management
Year 11 Subjects - Physical Education
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
The Preliminary course examines a range of areas that underpin health and physical activity. This includes how people think about health and physical activity, the management of personal health and the basis for how the body moves. Students have the opportunity to select from a range of practical options in areas such as first aid, outdoor recreation, composing and performing and fitness choices.
Core Topics Covered (60%)
Better Health for Individuals
The Body in Motion
Optional Component (40%)
Composition and Performance
Fitness Choices
Year 11 Subjects - Physical Education
Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies
Students will learn about the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle and recognise the need to be responsible and informed decision makers.
This course enables students to further develop their understanding of and competence in a range of sport and recreational pursuits. They are encouraged to establish a lifelong commitment to being physically active and to achieving movement potential.
Through the course students will develop:
Knowledge and understanding of the factors that influence health and participation in physical activity
Knowledge and understanding of the principles that impact on quality of performance
An ability to analyse and implement strategies to promote health, activity and enhanced performance
A capacity to influence the participation and performance of self and others.
Topics Covered:
The course provides the opportunity to specialise in areas of expertise or interest through optional modules such as:
Aquatics
Athletics
First Aid
Fitness
Specific Sports
Gymnastics
Outdoor Recreation
Sports Administration
Coaching
Social Perspectives of Sport
Healthy Lifestyle
Year 12 Subjects - Physical Education
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Students focus on major issues related to Australia's health status. They also look at factors that affect physical performance. They undertake optional study from a range of choices. This includes investigating the health of young people or of groups experiencing health inequities.
In other options, students focus on improved performance and safe participation by learning about advanced approaches to training or sports medicine concepts. There is also an opportunity to think critically about the factors that impact on sport and physical activity in Australian society.
Topics Covered:
Core Topics (60%) Health Priorities in Australia Factors Affecting Performance Optional Component (40%) Sports Medicine Improving Performance
Year 12 Subjects - Physical Education
Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies
Students will learn about the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle and recognise the need to be responsible and informed decision makers.
This course enables students to further develop their understanding of and competence in a range of sport and recreational pursuits. They are encouraged to establish a lifelong commitment to being physically active and to achieving movement potential.
Through the course students will develop:
Knowledge and understanding of the factors that influence health and participation in physical activity
Knowledge and understanding of the principles that impact on quality of performance
An ability to analyse and implement strategies to promote health, activity and enhanced performance
A capacity to influence the participation and performance of self and others
Topics Covered:
The course provides the opportunity to specialise in areas of expertise or interest through optional modules such as:
Aquatics
Athletics
First Aid
Fitness
Specific Sports
Gymnastics
Outdoor Recreation
Sports Administration
Coaching
Social Perspectives of Sport
Healthy Lifestyle
Year 11 & 12 Subjects
Community and Family Studies
Community and Family Studies assists students to become effective members of their family and community by developing skills in decision-making, leadership, responsibility, parenting styles, management, and particularly communication. A highlight of this course is providing food service at the annual Senior Citizens' Golden Gig concert for over 500 people.
Exploring Early Childhood
Exploring Early Childhood is a very practical subject in which students interact with babies and young children during visits to local kindergartens & the maternity ward; produce toys or games, books and food; analyse children's TV programs and, of course, take care of Kye, our baby simulator, for a day or two. Kye will cry if he's ‘hungry' and can require nursing day or night.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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).
Combined Christian SRE is provided by the Anglican Diocese of Sydney. For more information about Combined Christian SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence please visit sre.org.au
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.
