Holy Spirit College Bellambi

A Catholic Coeducational Secondary College

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Curriculum

At Holy Spirit College, Bellambi, our curriculum represents a well rounded education in keeping with our Catholic Values.

Religious Education

As a Catholic school, Religious Education is a required course of study at Holy Spirit College. The Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong Years 7 -10 curriculum has been prepared in collaboration with Sydney Catholic Schools.

In Years 11 and 12, the College offers a choice of study between Studies in Catholic Thought I or Studies of Religion I. Studies of Catholic Thought I is a NESA Board Endorsed Course, whilst Studies of Religion I is a NESA Developed Course. Studies of Religion I may therefore be a relevant course of study for those students following an ATAR pathway.

For further information regarding the Catholic Life and Mission of the College please visit the Catholic Life page on this website.

English

The English Department at Holy Spirit College offers a range of experiences and opportunities for our students. We are continually heartened and inspired by the efforts of our students. In recent years, we have enjoyed success in the ICAS English competition, the Whitlam Institute What Matters? writing competition, the Lions Youth of the Year contest, the Woonona Bowling Club Yr 10 writing scholarship and our annual South Coast Public Speaking competition.

We also endeavour to extend English beyond the classroom with excursions to drama performances such as Shakespeare productions and HSC text symposiums as well as inviting production companies to the school. The curriculum is rigorous and caters for the diverse learning needs of our students.

Mathematics

Our classes aim to create confidence and enjoyment in doing mathematical activities. Students acquire an awareness and appreciation of how mathematics can be used to solve problems in everyday life. They also learn of its contribution to the development of society.

The syllabus consists of the following strands
• numbers and algebra
• measurement and geometry
• statistics and probability

In Year 11 and 12, the study of mathematics is optional. Courses offered include:
• Mathematics Standard 1
• Mathematics Standard 2
• Mathematics Advanced
• Mathematics Extension 1
• Mathematics Extension 2

We also run an elective course in year 10 “Investigating Mathematics” which has been designed to further develop the problem solving skills of our future Extension students.

Maths morning tutorials run every Thursday morning from 8am. Open to all students who need a study space or extra assistance.

Science

The focus for Science at Holy Spirit College is to create engaging learning environments in every classroom, ensuring that opportunities are presented where each student can be extended to their potential within the science curriculum.  Faculty members employ a growth mindset approach, effectively embedding STEM learning opportunities in teaching and learning programs, engaging students in new technologies.

Students also have access to a range of extracurricular opportunities including, but not limited to:

The Big Science Competition.
University of Wollongong Science Fair.
National Youth Science Forum.
Australian National Maritime Museum Women in Science Symposium.
Senior field trips to Museum of Human Disease at the University of New South Wales and Rock Platforms.
Science Week activities.

Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)

In Years 7 to 10 students at Holy Spirit College are required to complete mandatory studies of the Australian Curriculum course in History and Geography.

In Stage 5 elective subjects include: Aboriginal Studies to Studies of First Nations, History Elective to Studies of the Ancient and Modern Worlds and also Geography Elective to Studies of the Geographical World.

In Stage 6 all subjects offered are electives. These subjects include: Ancient History, Business Studies, Economics, Geography, History Extension (Year 12), Legal Studies, Modern History, Society and Culture and Work Studies.

Languages

At Holy Spirit College the languages that are taught in Year 7 are Spanish, Italian, Japanese and French.

Students can then improve on their Language proficiency in Stage 5 and Stage 6, or select to return to Language learning for their senior studies as Beginners in Stage 6.

Either way, an experience in learning Languages will improve ability across all academic pursuits, increase creativity and enhance social literacy.

Technical and Applied Studies (TAS)

The Technology and Applied Studies (TAS) faculty at Holy Spirit College offers both mandatory and elective courses for students in Years 7 to 12. The main subjects fall under the umbrellas of Technology, Industrial Technology and Design Courses.

In Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8), Technology is a compulsory subject. Class groups gain experience in areas of technology such as Timber, Graphics, Model Making, Textiles, Electronics, Food, Media, Information and STEM related activities.

Creative Arts

At Holy Spirit College students are encouraged to explore a diverse range of musical interests, which hopefully will result in a new found talent.

Music, Drama and Dance are not only learnt for fun, but also promote a healthy regard for the arts and opens up the students’ cultural world.

Physical Heath, Development and Physical Education

The physical and personal development of our students is paramount in creating a worthwhile learning environment. The PDHPE curriculum studies a range of aspects to do with both physical health and personal development appropriate to each stage.

In Stage 4 only the mandatory subject of PDHPE is studied. In Stage 5, students study the mandatory course of PDHPE but also have the opportunity to study the elective courses, Physical Activity and Sports Studies and Child Studies.

Vocation Education and Training (VET)

Vocation Education and Training (VET) in schools allows students in Years 11 and 12 to study vocational courses as part of their Higher School Certificate. These courses allow students to develop work related skills as well as continuing to further education at TAFE or university, with clear links to post school destinations. In combination with other parts of the Higher School Certificate curriculum, students can achieve a Higher School Certificate which enhances their post secondary opportunities.

At Holy Spirit College the following Industry Curriculum Frameworks are offered in Stage 6:  

  • Hospitality  
  • Electrotechnology

Teaching and Learning

Holy Spirit College is a Catholic, coeducational and comprehensive high school committed to the development of the whole person. We are committed to guiding each student to understand and learn at their particular point of challenge, and to celebrate the growth they achieve. Our Teaching and Learning strategies place at its heart the learner attributes of resilience, integrity, spirit and excellence. With an intention to foster students who can celebrate their successes and learn from their mistakes to support life long learning.

At Holy Spirit College our approach to learning supports teachers to design experiences that are responsive to the needs and interests of individual students. Aimed to provide a learning environment that fosters and promotes students’ spiritual, academic and emotional growth so that each student can reach their potential.

The College staff are committed to continuous development as they pursue excellence in teaching and learning within a Catholic setting. They work collaboratively to embed their understanding and application of evidence-based teaching for 21st-century learning. It is our belief that this style of learning supports each student to reach their full potential and inspire meaningful engagement within an ever-changing world.

Our Higher School Certificate and NAPLAN results are evidence that good quality teaching and learning are at the centre of our work. While we take pride in the fact that approximately 70% of graduating students go on to University, we are equally proud of the many other students who go on to TAFE and similar institutions and those that go straight into the workforce.

Additionally, all teaching departments are extremely well resourced. Facilities include science laboratories, computer rooms, art and music rooms, multi-media, industrial technology workshops and an industry-standard hospitality kitchen. The College also has a very well equipped Resource Centre and Support Department.

 

Enrichment Class

In keeping with the mission of the College, we aim to provide a Catholic learning community that provides opportunities to empower all students to achieve their greatest potential. 

The Enrichment Class aims to provide a high quality, authentically rigorous program for highly able students within a nurturing Catholic environment with a genuine focus on the whole person.                                                                                                                           

This program utilises best practice gifted and talented educational strategies, through specialist qualified staff, delivering a differentiated enrichment program to challenge and engage highly able students.