Curriculum

Subjects offered:

• Year 7 - 10 Catholic Studies
• Year 11 and 12 Catholic Studies, Studies of Religion 1 Unit and Studies of Religion 2 Unit

Religious Education at Emmaus is taught by a team of dedicated, faith-filled and experienced educators, including those with many years of experience in the teaching of senior Studies of Religion.

In Years 7 - 10, students are engaged in the diocesan Religious Education program which focuses largely on the history, traditions, beliefs, practices and ethics of the Christian tradition. Through both study and experience, students develop a comprehensive understanding of Christianity and come to appreciate its relevance in their own lives and contemporary Australian society.

In the senior years, students have the choice to continue the diocesan Religious Education program by pursuing the non-ATAR, Catholic Studies course or to engage in one of the Studies of Religion programs of study (1 unit or 2 unit) which contribute to a student’s ATAR. Both of these programs aim to promote an understanding and critical awareness of the nature and significance of religion and the influence of belief systems and religious traditions on individuals and within society. These academically rigorous subjects engage students in the study of traditions beyond Christianity, and challenge students to analyse and think critically about the role of religion in both the Australian and global context.

Subjects offered in Stage 6 English:

• English (Standard) is designed for students to increase their expertise in English in order to enhance their personal, social and vocational lives.
  
  
• English (Advanced) is designed for students to undertake the challenge of higher-order thinking to enhance their personal, social and vocational lives.
  
  
• English (Extension) is designed for students undertaking English (Advanced) who choose to study at a more intensive level in diverse but specific areas. They enjoy engaging with complex levels of conceptualisation and seek the opportunity to work in increasingly independent ways.
  
  
• Fundamentals of English is designed for those students who need to develop skills in using the English language effectively. The course equips students to participate in more satisfying learning. It assists them to meet the requirements of the English (Standard) courses.

The study of English is central to the learning and development of all students at Emmaus Catholic College. The study of English helps to create confident communicators, imaginative thinkers and informed citizens. It is through the study of English that we learn to analyse, understand, communicate and build relationships with others and with the world in which we live.

Our English Faculty focuses on developing in students an appreciation that learning is important, and to help them understand that lifelong learning is vital, not just for their career advancement but for their success in all facets of their lives. Our programs are designed to develop enjoyment of English and an appreciation of its value and its role in learning.

English involves the study and use of language in its various textual forms, encompassing written, spoken and visual texts of varying complexity, including the language systems of English through which meaning is conveyed, interpreted and reflected.

Subjects offered:

• Stage 4 Mathematics
• Stage 5 Mathematics including 5.3, 5.2 and 5.1
• Stage 6 Mathematics General 1 and 2, Mathematics, Mathematics Extension 1 and Extension 2

The Mathematics team at Emmaus strives to enrich the learning of our students using a variety of resources and teaching strategies to cater for the diverse needs of students.

Mathematics is compulsory for all students from Years 7 through to 10. These courses have three areas of study: Number and Algebra, Data and Probability, Measurement and Geometry. In Stage 4 (Years 7 & 8), whilst all students complete the same program of work, additional topics are given to extend and challenge our more capable students alongside differentiating the work for those students who need additional support.

In Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10), there are three courses available for students: Stage 5.1, Stage 5.2 and Stage 5.3. Students may be selected in Years 9 and 10 to participate in the Accelerated Mathematics Program. This program allows the students to complete the Mathematics HSC course in Year 11. Students who are selected start the program whilst they are in Term 2 of Year 9.

Special programs and initiatives include:

• Maths HELP every Wednesday afternoon in the Library
• Australian Mathematics Competition
• Acceleration in Year 9 with a small group of diligent students who will sit their HSC early.

Subjects offered in Stage 6 Science:

• Biology is a discipline that explores the diversity of life from a molecular to a biological systems level. It examines the interactions between living things and the environments in which they live and focuses on personal and public health and sustainability issues, promotes an appreciation for the diversity of life on Earth.
  
  
• Chemistry is a discipline that addresses the discovery and synthesis of new compounds, the monitoring of elements and compounds in the environment and an understanding of industrial processes and their applications to life processes. 
  
  
• Earth and Environmental Science is essential in addressing current and future environmental issues and challenges as well as the use and management of geological resources which are essential to Australia’s sustainable future.
  
  
• The Investigating Science (replacing Senior Science) Stage 6 course is designed to engage students with scientific processes and to enable them to investigate relevant local and global scientific issues. The course draws upon and promotes interdisciplinary science and allows students to investigate a wide range of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related issues in depth.
  
  
• Physics involves the study of matter and its motion through space and time, along with related concepts such as energy and force. Physics deals with phenomena on scales of space and time from those of nuclear particles and their interactions up to the size and age of the universe, allowing us to better understand the physical world and how it works.

Science is the method we use to gain understanding of the physical world and our place in it. The nature of scientific inquiry ensures unbiased and provable evidence to support decision-making. To continue to advance our society it is important that our children develop a deep understanding of science.

Our Science Faculty consists of passionate, like-minded educators that integrate inquiry and creativity in the classroom. We are well resourced with seven wet laboratories spread across two buildings. With the aid of the laboratory technician, our science teachers deliver engaging, hands-on lessons where students have opportunities to link scientific theory with practical experiences. Our balance between technologically integrated teaching programs along with traditional teaching methods provides a wholesome learning experience in the sciences.

Subjects offered:

• Stage 4 - History and Geography
• Stage 5 - History, Geography and Commerce
• Stage 6 - Ancient History, Business Studies, Geography, Legal Studies, Modern History, Society and Culture and Work Studies

The HSIE faculty is an innovative faculty with hardworking, enthusiastic and experienced teachers who are always seeking ways to enrich the learning experiences of all our students. The HSIE teachers are passionate about their discipline. They relish the opportunities to engage the students in new and diverse teaching and learning practices which excite and challenge them to gain maximum benefit and enjoyment from these subjects.

The HSIE Key Learning Area (KLA) includes the History K–10 Syllabus and Geography K–10 Syllabus. 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.

Special programs and initiatives include:

• Mock Trial
• Business Studies Competition
• Geography Competition
• market day
• Canberra Excursion
• local RSL History projects
• History Competition

Subjects offered:

• 7-10 PDHPE: The aim of the 7-10 PDHPE course is to develop students’ capacity to enhance personal health and wellbeing, enjoy an active lifestyle, maximise movement potential and advocate lifelong health and physical activity. It provides opportunities for students to learn about, and practise ways of, adopting and maintaining a healthy, productive and active life.
  
  
• Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS): is an academically rigorous subject that appeals to students who have a keen interest in the scientific dimensions of sport and exercise. The units covered in this course consider historical, sociological, physiological and psychological aspects of human movement. Units of study include: Australian Sporting Identity, Nutrition, Issues in Sport & Physical Activity, Coaching and Body Systems.
  
  
• Child Studies explores the broad range of social, environmental, genetic and cultural factors that influence pre-natal development and a child’s sense of wellbeing and belonging between the ages of 0 and 8. Learning in Child Studies is broken into modules, including: Preparing for Parenthood, Newborn Care, Play and the Developing Child, and Food and Nutrition in Childhood. 

Stage 6 Courses include:

• Stage 6 PDHPE is an integrated area of study that provides for the intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual development of students. It involves students learning about and practising ways of maintaining active, healthy lifestyles and improving their health status. It is also concerned with social and scientific understandings about movement, which lead to enhanced movement potential and appreciation of movement in their lives.
  
  
• Community and Family Studies (CAFS): explores how contemporary society is characterised by rapid social and technological change, cultural diversity, conflicting values and competitive pressures. Developing an understanding about society and living in society requires a comprehensive knowledge of its complex nature. Consequently, CAFS is an interdisciplinary course drawing upon selected components of family studies, sociology, developmental psychology and students’ general life experiences. This course focuses on skills in resource management that enable people to function effectively in their everyday lives, in families and communities.
  
  
• Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR): is a non-ATAR course that enables students to build upon their learning experiences in Years 7-10 PDHPE. Specifically, it focuses on those aspects of learning that relate most closely to participation in sport and physical activity. Students develop knowledge and understanding of the value of activity, increased levels of movement skill, competence in a wide variety of sport and recreation contexts and skills in planning to be active. These and other aspects of the course enable students to adopt and maintain an active lifestyle.
  
  
• Exploring Early Childhood (EEC): is a non-ATAR course that aims to give students an overview of development and related issues within an early childhood context. It provides the opportunity to consider a range of issues in relation to the individual student, their family and the community. As well as reflecting on the personal relevance of childhood issues, students are encouraged to consider the implications for future interactions with children, be these as a parent, friend, carer or educator.

The PDHPE faculty at Emmaus Catholic College is staffed by highly skilled and experienced teachers who work collaboratively to provide students with learning experiences that cater for a wide variety of skills. PDHPE is a very dynamic area of study and as a faculty we are constantly aware of the need to resource, update and ensure that our teaching material is relevant to our students.

PDHPE at Emmaus Catholic College takes a holistic approach to learning and looks to provide students with the skills and knowledge to deal with the myriad of challenges faced by young people in a rapidly changing society. PDHPE aims to assist students to make informed decisions about their lifestyles, taking into account the values of the family, culture and religion to which they may belong. We place a strong focus on the development of self-confidence, resilience, physical wellbeing, as well as social, physical and decision-making skills.

Technology is an integral part of the modern world. Dramatic and rapid technological change is a basic fact of life for all students. For personal, social and economic reasons, young people must be well equipped to use and understand technology.

The Technology and Applied Studies Key Learning Area (TAS KLA) focuses on the acquisition of knowledge about technology and design processes, the acquisition of practical skills in design and making, and the development of a general capacity for problem solving and analysis.

Subjects offered include:

• Stage 4 Technology (Mandatory)
• Stage 5 Design and Technology
• Stage 5 Food Technology
• Stage 5 Industrial Technology Multimedia
• Stage 5 Industrial Technology Timber
• Stage 5 iSTEM

Stage 6 Electives:

• Design and Technology
• Food Technology
• Information Processes and Technology
• Industrial Technology Multimedia Industries
• Industrial Technology Timber and Furnishing Industries

The aim of the Technology and Applied Studies Faculty is to assist in the implementation of the College Mission Statement by:

• catering for a wide range of student abilities and interests
• providing students with positive experiences which give them the confidence and inspiration to learn to the best of their ability
• adopting teaching practices which will allow students to learn and live the Gospel values of acceptance and respect for all
• provide a range of experiences which equip members of our community with the necessary skills and confidence to meet future challenges
• ensure that all members of our community participate in a planned program designed to sustain a faith community

The TAS KLA uses a Project Based Learning (PBL) approach to educating students in our care. This is a focused move away from the ideal that the teacher is the focal point of learning in the classroom. While the teacher remains the expert in the safe use and training of the use of equipment in our learning environments, it is the students that drive the direction of the learning that occurs.

The future looks bright for learning within the TAS KLA at Emmaus. The embedding of STEM ideals into the junior syllabus, and new exciting educational programs in all teaching areas developed in response to student needs and best learning practice, means that the TAS KLA is a progressive learning environment that has the students as the heart of our practice in all that we do in delivering learning.

Subjects offered:

• Stage 4 and 5 Korean, HSC and preliminary Italian Beginners

The study of languages offers students a valuable and interesting experience where they can engage with and participate in the linguistic and cultural diversity of our interrelated world. Through the study of languages, our students continue on their paths toward becoming universal citizens. Emmaus students appreciate the opportunity to study Korean and Italian.

Italian is available as a beginners course in Years 11 and 12. Our students develop their knowledge and understanding of Italian through communicative tasks across a range of themes and topics carefully selected to cater for the interests of young Australians. Study trips to Italy are arranged regularly to further develop our student’s Italian language skills in all areas of communication.

The learning in the classroom for both Stage 4 and 5 Korean and Stage 6 Italian Beginners is supported by a range of cultural tours, exchanges and hosting opportunities.