St Andrew’s Cathedral School - Academic

Secondary Curriculum

The following broad curriculum outline highlights the main academic objectives for individual Secondary subjects.

Christian Ministry

Christian Development is an integral part of learning at St Andrew's. We aim to provide students with an understanding of the faith that motivates and inspires their School. The course provides knowledge, skills, values and attitudes which underpin the development of the 'whole person'.

Christian Development provides every student with a clear grasp of the Christian faith, its biblical basis and its implications for their lifestyle. In the Junior School and in Years 7 and 8 a strong foundation of biblical narrative, history and story is laid down. Year 9 focuses on what it means to become and be a Christian. Year 10 addresses some of the hard questions that Christians face as people seek meaning and purpose in life, and face the challenge of other belief systems. In Years 11 and 12 students explore lifestyle issues and ask how relevant and practical Christian perspectives are incorporated into everyday living.

The School's location next to St Andrew's Cathedral, a centre for proclamation in the City, contributes to our Christian character. Students and teachers are involved in numerous ways in the daily life of the Cathedral. Every student attends chapel in the Cathedral once a week and students take an active role in the services.

Voluntary Christian student groups add to the School's Christian character and provide opportunities to develop Christian leadership. These committed Christians positively impact on their peers which is vital in the life of a Christian School. Many students have come to a Christian faith through this student influence. Christian groups are supported by members of staff and the Catechist from Moore Theological College.

The staff complement the School's Christian character. Teachers who live out their faith inside and outside the classroom have great effect for the Kingdom of God.

Pastoral care for the whole School family is fundamental to the St Andrew's Christian character. Parents, students and staff are cared for in times of sickness, grief or need.

English

At St Andrew's, our approach to English is based on seven aims:

to instil a love of literature in our students
for students to be able to distinguish between literary and popular texts
for students to value, and be competent in, a wide range of written texts
to integrate more effectively the technology available within the school
to evaluate the resources available to English, particularly technology based ones
to be mentors to our peers in literacy
to explore and exploit our city environment and school's heritage as an integrated part of our studies

Mathematics

Mathematics involves the study of patterns and relationships in social and physical phenomena. As such, it requires a creative approach and demands observation, representation, investigation and comparison of all the many branches of human activity where mathematical knowledge and skills are applied.

At higher levels, it involves abstraction and generalisation of findings in an attempt to make meaning of the world around us. Because of the increasing complexity of the society in which we live, it is vital that all students be provided with a solid mathematical base which enables them to solve problems, communicate ideas on a range of levels and analyse data.

At St Andrew's the Mathematics Department seeks to provide students with this base in an environment that fosters learning, involves problem solving and promotes enjoyment.

Science

In general, Science is a study of the regularities that can be observed in the world about us, and the ways to make these observations. Additionally, the study of Science helps us to understand the ways in which we can use our natural resources wisely. As a mandatory course in the curriculum for all students in Stages 4 and 5, it provides students with exposure to different ways of approaching study. It encourages students to be analytical and exploratory in their study, and provides them with answers to everyday examples of how things work. They are taught to appreciate the need to conserve, protect and maintain the environment and to use technology wisely, for advancement and development purposes.

Economics

The study of Economics can assist students make choices that assist them to improve their quality of life. It is distinctive because of the range of problems and issues that it investigates and the skills that it develops. The Preliminary course focuses on the practical problems and issues that affect individuals, firms and governments.

Commerce

A study of Commerce should guide students towards an understanding of Australia's changing commercial environment and enhance their personal competence to participate responsibly in that environment. It should also provide a means whereby students are made aware of the forces of change, in particular, rapid changes in information technology and increasing global commercial interdependence.

Geography

The study of Geography is an essential part of the key learning area of Human Society and Its Environment. It provides a unique opportunity for an integrated study of the spatial and ecological dimensions of the world, and takes into account changes over time and space. Geography provides an explicit focus on civics and citizenship education, and the development of skills to explain the spatial interactions and interdependence between human and natural phenomena, so that St Andrew's students may be more informed, active and responsible members of society. Particular focus is placed upon fieldwork and the collection of research material from primary sources. A developmental approach in both the collection and analysis of this material is an integral part of the subject. Fieldwork and primary data collection culminates in student's Senior Geography Project in Year 11. Expectations are that collection, analysis and reporting skills have reached a sophisticated level by this stage.

History

'History is a necessity. Individuals, communities, societies could scarcely exist if all knowledge of the past was wiped out. As memory is to the individual, so history is to the community or society. Without memory, individuals find great difficulty in relating to others, in finding their bearings, in taking intelligent decisions. They have lost their identity.' (Marwick, 1989).

History in Years 7 to 10 at St Andrew's challenges students to consider their rights, responsibilities and the contribution they can make to society through an inquiry into human affairs in the context of their time and place. Through the teaching of historical skills and knowledge, students are encouraged to value critical thinking and careful evaluation over uninformed and hasty judgement. In allowing students to evaluate differing and competing versions and opinions of the past through a process of highly informed and rational analysis, they will develop informed opinions not only about the past, but also a frame of reference to think critically in order to make informed and just decisions about contemporary international and national issues.

In the Senior College, students are challenged to consider the great social, economic, technological, political and moral transformations that have created and continue to transform the world. Not only do the concerns of the present inform and illuminate study of the past, but an understanding of the past informs our understanding of the present. This will enable students to develop the powers of deduction and reasoning in order to make sense of an increasingly complex global society. We also endeavour to develop skills that are highly valued in the workforce - the skills of critical analysis, the communication of ideas and deductions, the testing of hypotheses, the posing of intelligent questions and the intelligent and critical use of information technologies. History provides students with the opportunity to develop their own perspectives on the origins and influence of ideas, values and behaviours that are still relevant in the modern world. The study of History at St Andrew's encourages all students to value the ingredients that create a harmonious, tolerant, progressive and democratic society.

Design and Technology

Design and Technology uses problem solving to develop skills, knowledge and attitudes. Learning occurs using a practical approach while planning, drawing or making projects. This course develops higher order thinking skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation. This subject has many and varied links to other subjects on offer at St Andrew's, given that it mixes practical and presentation skills in project development. In addition, wider studies of innovation and its impact on the environment are considered. The ethical issues of impact of innovation on society are considered in our unique schooling context.

Visual Arts

The aim of the Visual Arts courses is to enable students to understand, become accomplished in, and value the diverse nature of visual arts in society through experiences in art making, art criticism and art history. By being involved in a range of art making and studying activities including ceramics, sculpture, drawing, print making and multi media the students will develop their imagination and their creativity. Students will develop powers of critical thinking, evaluation, research skills and organisation. St. Andrews is ideally located for students to visit nearby galleries, art functions and exhibitions to gain first hand knowledge of both current and historical trends in Visual Arts.

Computing Studies

As technology is a stated part of the School's future strategic plan, Computing Studies plays a vital role in the development of curriculum understanding in this area. As a classroom subject, it strives to develop the skills and confidence necessary to become competent users of computer technology, whilst acknowledging that many students come to this environment with an impressive skill base already. Studies strive to instil confidence in the students to accept the challenges of change with enthusiasm whilst adopting a responsible role in the control of that change. Senior courses are broadened to include the skills necessary to manage information and refine it for others in meaningful and accessible ways. Some year-appropriate personal project work is required.

St Andrew's has over four hundred computers in three fully-equipped classrooms plus a network that links all faculties plus wireless connection of lap top computers. The Library is generously equipped with computers and printers. Students also have access to scanners, colour laser printers, digital cameras and lego dacta.

Students are able to bring their own laptops to School. Via nodes in the classroom or radio networking (with cards purchased by home) they can access the Internet and networked resources. For students who wish to work between home and school, and therefore need to use large multimedia files, 100 megabyte zip drives have been installed in some computers and space is provided on the network through AUC.

Music

Music is a significant and integral part of education offered at St Andrew's Cathedral School. Our aim is to provide students with high quality Music education in a fun environment. We promote and reward hard work - we continually strive to achieve the best results for each student.

An important ingredient in the School Music programme is participation that requires dedication, concentration and understanding in performance situations. These qualities lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and others based on the premise that music is for everyone. In keeping with the School's ethos, music courses are taught through practical experience.

Drama

Drama is an art form that explores the world through enactment. It is a collaborative art form that involves the creative interaction of individuals using a range of artistic skills. Students can investigate, shape and symbolically represent ideas, feelings, attitudes, beliefs and their consequences. As a subject, it can be employed as a technique for exploring personal and community issues and developing social skills. It encourages the development of self-esteem and self-confidence and plays an important role in the development of understanding, in adolescents, of appropriate risk taking and vulnerability. These issues will be explored in the context of this School's spiritual foundation.

Languages

French

French is a major language involving world trade, cultural, scientific and technological links with Australia. It is the medium of communication in those countries reflecting French influence, some of which lie close to Australia. Because of the presence of a significant number of French speakers in the Australian community, students are likely to come into contact with the language outside the classroom.

All LOTE courses are designed to provide students with the opportunity to acquire and develop practical skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing in the language. Students will be encouraged to become familiar with different customs, ways of thinking and develop an appreciation of the similarities and differences between cultures other than their own; in so doing have an increased awareness of their own society and promote a clearer understanding of the culture, traditions, beliefs, attitudes and values of speakers of French.

German

German is one of the most important languages both internationally and within Australia. It has long been recognised as a language of culture, music, theology and philosophy, as well as a key language in the fields of science, medicine, economics and technology. The study of German plays an important part in the general education of students. German, given its relationship to English, plays an important role in developing language skills across the total curriculum.

Japanese

Japanese is the language of Australia's largest trading partner, one of the major industrial nations in the world, and is spoken by a population of approximately 126 million people. The proximity of Japan to Australia and the close relations between the two countries which will inevitably continue to develop in the future, make the study of Japanese by Australian school students a highly practical choice.

Legal Studies

Legal Studies is designed to foster intellectual, social and moral development by empowering students to think critically on the role of law and legal institutions in society. The unique location of St. Andrew's enables students to observe and participate in the legal system on a regular basis, through court visits, guest speakers and participation in mock trials. Students of Legal Studies acquire skills in analysis, independent research and the development of coherent arguments, all of which will help to prepare students for further education, training and employment.

Business Studies

Business Studies is distinctive in that it encompasses the theoretical and practical aspects of business and management in contexts which students will encounter in life. St. Andrew's utilises its unique location to incorporate business case studies into the course. This provides a stimulating and relevant framework for students to apply theoretical concepts encountered in the local business environment.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Today's young people are brought up in a world that uses the energy produced by the machine rather than produced by the human body. They face an environment in which the natural challenges that demand physical effort are gradually disappearing. Physical Education can help counteract the effect of this situation by developing the habit of participation in physical activities by promoting an enjoyment in exercise.

Individuals must also assume increasing responsibility for managing their own lifestyles and achieving optimal health. This will involve students making choices about lifestyle behaviour and acting on these decisions. Lifestyle management, however, does not always involve acts of free choice. The physical, social, cultural, political and economic environments in which students live will influence and sometimes limit their choices. Nor can optimal health be achieved by individual action alone; it will require people to work together to promote health care practices and improve the quality of their environment.

The syllabus focuses strongly on the development of self-confidence, physical well being, self esteem and decision making. This includes evaluation of values and attitudes towards health issues. Students through their studies are able to make informed choices about their own personal health matters as well as health issues in the context of the community. The student subsequently learns how communities can develop healthier living conditions and enable them to take an active role in promoting a better quality of life. Physical Education is incorporated into the Year 11 and 12 programme to reinforce and support the syllabus work.