All schools including Sydney Catholic Schools follow the same Kindergarten to Year 12 curriculum, with our Catholic values underpinning everything that we do.
With a focus on the development of the whole person, courses offered at the school cover the NESA syllabus requirements – developing the core skills of literacy and numeracy – and our Archdiocesan Religious Education curriculum.
Our teachers extend and challenge students to be the best they can be, while recognising that every student is unique and learns differently.
The college follows the NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) designed curriculum in all subjects except Religious Education.
Please click one of the following for your Year Group:
Holy Spirit Catholic College’s Career Education assumes a dynamic role in the holistic development of our students. Click here to visit the Career Education wesbite.
The college encourages students to think flexibly and creatively about potential pathways post-school, and to make informed decisions about career and tertiary education opportunities.
With the leadership and guidance of our Careers and Pathway Co-ordinator, Mrs Royall, who is responsible for facilitating the school to workplace, tertiary education, and post-school experiences transition, Holy Spirit keeps our students informed about the changing work landscape and the variety of opportunities available and suitable for them, as a result.
We encourage all Year 9–12 students to seek support from our Careers and Pathway Co-ordinator in their post-school decision making process by making formal (or informal) appointments to discuss their personal career goals and how the college may help them plan their post-school future.
Students in Years 7 and 8 study Music and Visual Arts.
Through the Amadeus Music Education Program students in Years 7-8 will receive tuition in weekly small-group lessons on an orchestral instrument, as well as ensemble lessons. For more information, please visit the Amadeus Music Education Program page on the Sydney Catholic Schools website.
The Board Developed syllabus to be studied substantially throughout Years 7–10. Four hundred (400) hours to be completed by the end of Year 10.
Years 7–10
The study of English in Years 7–10 aims to develop students’ knowledge, understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the English language and to develop their skills as effective communicators, critical and imaginative thinkers.
Students develop their control of language by reading and viewing a range of texts and by writing imaginative, interpretive and critical texts with clarity and accuracy for a range of purposes and audiences. Students engage with and explore the literature of past and contemporary societies, as well as a range of spoken, visual, media and multimedia texts.
Years 11–12
The college offers three 2 Unit English courses for the HSC:
- English Advanced
- English Standard
- English Studies
The college also offers two Extension English courses for the HSC:
- English Extension 1
- English Extension 2
The Board Developed syllabuses are to be studied substantially throughout each of Years 7–10. Four hundred hours to be completed by the end of Year 10, including 100 hours each of History and Geography in each Stage.
Years 7–10
Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) is the study of how humans interact with the world, how society operates and how it is changing. Through the study of HSIE, students develop the skills to prepare them to actively and responsibly participate as informed citizens in the contemporary world.
Students study mandatory History and Geography from Years 7–10.
The college also offers three elective HSIE courses in Years 9–10:
- Commerce
- Geography Elective
- History Elective
Years 11–12
The college offers eight HSIE courses for the HSC:
- Ancient History
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- History Extension
- Legal Studies
- Modern History
- Work Studies
One hundred (100) hours to be completed in one Board Developed syllabus or Board Endorsed language course over one continuous 12-month period between Years 7–10 but preferably in Years 7–8.
Years 7–10
Learning languages opens minds to difference, where diversity is seen as a regular part of society. Proficiency in languages provides a resource that encourages more effective engagement with the global community. The study of Languages strengthens essential foundational skills for literacy. It also fosters intellectual and emotional development, and cultural understanding.
Through learning languages, students reflect on their own heritage, culture and identity. They also reflect on the culture, beliefs and values of others.
The rich linguistic and cultural diversity of New South Wales provides an educational environment where the study of languages and cultures is valued as a unique and integral part of the curriculum.
Students study their mandatory hours in Language in Year 8.
Students have the choice of three languages:
- French
- Italian
- Japanese
Years 11–12
The college offers 4 Language courses for the HSC:
- Italian Beginners
- Italian Continuers
- Japanese Beginners
- Japanese Continuers
NB: Our students also have access to study languages through external providers – NSW School of Languages and Saturday School of Community Languages.
Throughout Years 7 – 10 students study four hundred hours of Mathematics from the Board Developed Course.
Years 7–10
The Mathematics K-10 Syllabus provides students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in mathematics and working mathematically. Students have the opportunity to develop increasingly sophisticated and refined mathematical understanding, fluency, communication, reasoning, analytical thought and problem-solving skills. These capabilities enable students to respond to familiar and unfamiliar situations by employing strategies to make informed decisions and solve problems relevant to their present and future needs.
The college offers three pathways in Mathematics in Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10):
- Mathematics Pathway 5.3
- Mathematics Pathway 5.2
- Mathematics Pathway 5.1
Years 11–12
The college offers three 2 Unit courses for the HSC:
- Mathematics Standard 1
- Mathematics Standard 2
- Mathematics Advanced
The college also offers two Extension courses for the HSC:
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 2
The Board Developed mandatory 300-hour integrated syllabus in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education to be studied in each of Years 7–10.
Years 7–10
Through the study of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) courses, students develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes needed to take action to protect and enhance their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing in varied and changing contexts. Physical education is fundamental to the acquisition of movement skills and concepts to enable students to participate in a range of physical activities – confidently, competently and creatively.
Students study mandatory PDHPE from Years 7–10.
The college offers Physical Activity and Sports Studies as an Elective in Years 9–10.
Years 11–12
The college offers four PDHPE courses for the HSC:
- Community and Family Studies
- Exploring Early Childhood (1 unit and 2 unit)
- PDHPE
- Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies (1 unit and 2 unit)
Holy Spirit Catholic College Lakemba is a Catholic community founded on the Gospel values and the model of Jesus Christ. Guided by the Holy Spirit, our faith teaches us to ‘have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
The Religious Education Curriculum aims to help students develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the history, traditions, beliefs, and practices of our Catholic faith providing them in turn, with the skills and opportunities to express, contemplate, interpret, analyse, and deepen a personal commitment to that faith.
The classroom Religious Education Curriculum for Years 7–12 is based on the Sydney Archdiocese Secondary Curriculum and centres on an understanding and appreciation of:
- The Scriptures and the message of Jesus Christ
- The living tradition of the Catholic church
- God and creation, good and evil, meaning in life
- Prayer liturgy and the sacraments
- Catholic moral teaching and working for justice
Students will have the opportunity to express their faith in a variety of ways and in a range of contexts. Regular participation in prayer, reflection and liturgy will take place individually, within classes, at year group level, whole school level, at spirituality days and at voluntary prayer services in the college chapel.
The college enjoys the interest and support of the priests of the local parishes. Regular opportunities are provided for students to celebrate the sacraments including Mass every Friday in the college chapel.
Years 7–10
Religious Education is at the heart of Catholic education. It informs all aspects of school life and contributes to the mission of the Catholic Church in announcing the good news of Jesus Christ.
All students are expected to participate in the religious life of the school. This includes their participation in Religious Education classes, their study of the Archdiocesan curriculum and their use of the To Know, Worship and Love textbooks and resources.
Our Religious Education department ensures that religious pedagogy within the school remains of the utmost importance. Our staff are constantly modifying and writing programs, staff implement the revised Stage 4 and 5 curricula and Year 12 curriculum, which will be seen in the implementation of the new Stage 6 Syllabus “Studies in Catholic Thought” at the college.
Our dedicated Religious Education staff, who lead the Religious Education curriculum within the classroom, provide space within the curriculum to learn about the Christian faith and to have the opportunity to “Seek Wisdom in Christ”.
Years 11–12
The college offers three Religious Education courses for the HSC:
- Studies of Religion 1
- Studies of Religion 11
- Studies in Catholic Thought
The Board Developed syllabus to be studied substantially throughout Years 7–10. Four hundred (400) hours to be completed by the end of Year 10.
Years 7–10
Through the study of Science students learn about our biological, chemical, geological, physical and technological world. They actively develop skills in planning and conducting investigations, recording and analysing data and problem solving. Students explore real world phenomena and develop solutions to authentic problems.
Years 11–12
The college offers four Science courses for the HSC:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Investigating Science
STEM education is a cross-disciplinary approach to the learning and application of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics outcomes, to solve real-world problems. STEM education inspires hope and a positive vision for the future. We are called to respond and to adopt new ways of living.
The college offers a STEM elective course in Years 9–10.
The Board Developed Technology Mandatory syllabus to be studied for 200 hours in Years 7–8.
Through the study of technology courses, students engage in a diverse range of practical experiences and develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary and advancing technologies. They develop solutions to problems and situations, and explore the impact of technologies on the individual, society and the environment.
- Technologies
- Engineering Studies
- Food Technology
- Industrial Technology – Graphics
- Industrial Technology – Metal Technologies & Engineering
- Industrial Technology – Multimedia
- Industrial Technology – Timber & Furnishings
- Software Design & Development
The role Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses play in helping students prepare for further education, training, employment and lifelong learning is widely recognised by key stakeholders in education.
Students in NSW have the option of studying VET courses at school, through TAFE NSW or other training providers including Sydney Catholic Schools. VET courses provide students with practical learning that gives them a head start with their career, and many may be counted towards the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and are suitable for students on both academic and vocational pathways. All courses have dual accreditation with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).
The college offers four VET courses that enable students to achieve nationally-recognised VET qualifications at certificate levels I and II:
- Business Services
- Hospitality
- Construction
- Retail Services
The college also offers VET students access to School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs).
For students who are committed to a vocational pathway, they can also access other VET Frameworks through Saint Yon Trade Training Centre Bankstown and Southern Cross Catholic Vocational College Burwood and other Catholic Schools’ industry-standard trade training/skills centres where they have the opportunity to gain their HSC with a focus on vocational programs and School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs).