St Pius X High School
Curriculum
Our agenda for continuous improvement provides students with ample opportunity to achieve their academic potential. As such, classrooms are dynamic, and the way students are assessed is evolving to reflect current best practice and meeting student needs.
St Pius X delivers a diverse curriculum designed to give students the ability to tailor an educational pathway suited to their individual needs, interests and talents.
In additional to the set requirements of the NSW curriculum, students have the opportunity to undertake:
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A gifted education mentor and access to the Diocesan Virtual Academy
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Studies in partnerships to complement their education such as school based apprenticeships and courses offered through TAFE NSW
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Advanced Mathematics Preparatory Class
Program of Study
Year 7
- Religious Education
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- History/Geography
- PDHPE
- Music
- Technology Mandatory
- Language – French and Italian
Year 8
- Religious Education
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- History/Geography
- PDHPE
- Design Technology
- Visual Arts
Year 9
- Religious Education
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- History/Geography/Civics
- PDHPE
Two electives
Year 10
- English
- Mathematics
- Religious Education
- Science
- Geography/Civics/History
- PDHPE
Two electives
Co Curricular
St Pius X highly values pursuits of academic excellence. Our staff are committed to assisting all students to reach their academic potential through a range of academic endeavours outside of the classroom. These include the Science and Engineering Challenge, Mock Trial Competition, Public Speaking Competition, the Lions Youth of the Year Competition and Debating.
Students are also encouraged to participate in various national competitions for Mathematics, English, science, Chemistry, Geography, and Computers.
Learning Support
At St Pius X we provide additional support to students who experience difficulties when learning in a typical classroom environment. Learning support staff work closely with families, the school psychologist, the House Coordinators, classroom teachers and external specialists to determine student goals and appropriate support aimed at maximising individual learning potential.
Curriculum Support and the UPOD (Learning Space)
Curriculum support offers students from all years, especially those in Year 7 and 8, the opportunity of one lesson per week (52 minutes) to work in a small group to gain assistance with immediate issues such as:
- Completing classwork
- Homework
- Assessment task planning and preparation
- Developing more advanced study skills.
- Curriculum support
Classroom teachers can book students into the UPOD if they believe they require extra assistance.
Students can also use this location for ‘time-out’ based on their needs (anxiety, sensory, sensitivity etc.) which is planned and implemented by all stakeholders.
Life Skills Programs
Students have the opportunity to undertake partial or full Life Skills Programs during Year 7 to 10.
The four core subjects of Mathematics, English, Science and HSIE are taught by a specialist Learning Student Teacher in a discreet setting. At St Pius X High School, we advocate for inclusivity and hence offer Life Skills courses in PDHPE, Religious Education, Music, Visual Arts, Technology and Stage 5 electives in mainstream classes supervised by the classroom teacher. Composition of student courses are based on the needs of the student and are in consultation with all stakeholders.
In-Class Support
In-class support may be provided to students through one-on-one instruction and support from either a Learning Support Teacher (LST) or a Learning Support Assistant (LSA), dependant on the individual needs of the student. All additional supports are offered after consultation with parents/carers, teachers and the student.
MACQLIT
From 2017, the Learning Support Faculty will be offering the MacqLit Reading Program for selected students (Macquarie University Literacy Program). The aim of MacqLit is to identify and support those students, who after several years of schooling, have fallen substantially behind their cohort, specifically in the area of the mechanics of learning to read.
Disability Provisions
Special provisions are granted to students experiencing learning, medical, vision or hearing difficulties. These students are provided with additional practical support as they complete their ROSA and Higher School Certificate examinations.
Examples of provisions include braille or large print papers, use of reader and/or writer, use of an interpreter, extension of time, rest breaks, use of a computer and separate exam supervision. Eligible students may be provided with provisions for in-class assessment tasks, half-yearly and yearly exams.
Lunch Club
Lunch Club is an alternative lunch area supervised by a Learning Support Teacher who promotes positive social interaction and inclusion of all students. Students can spend the time talking, reading and playing games within the comfort of the UPOD (small area, contemporarily furnished and relaxed atmosphere). Lunch Club is open Monday to Thursday for all of lunch.
Transition
Year 6 to 7 transition is a collaborative process where we work closely with primary schools and other stakeholders to ensure student needs are addressed and their induction to high school is a positive experience.
Year 10 to Year 11 or post-school options students are given additional opportunities to participate in work experience guided by the Careers Advisor. This is combined with a work ready program/resume building and communication skills program.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
We value and accommodate student support provided by specialists who work with children as part of the child’s NDIS support package. In consultation with parents/carers, we timetable specialist intervention and provide a discrete location.
Contact our Learning Support Team now
School Contact: 02 4957 1032
Learning Support Coordinator: Ms Susan Price
Direct number: 02 4013 2636
F | 02 4957 5088
E | susan.price@mn.catholic.edu.au
NAPLAN
All students in Years 7 and 9 in Australia are required to sit the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). NAPLAN takes place over three days in the second week of May each year with testing in Literacy (Writing, Reading and Language Convention) and Numeracy (non-calculator and calculator). Parents and the school will receive a statement of performance. The school uses NAPLAN results to indicate future planning and teaching needs.
Aboriginal Education
Our Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students are offered wide variety of opportunities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and knowledge are embedded throughout the curriculum across all subjects.
St Pius X is committed to closing the gap and creating high expectations for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island students by working through the What Works Program to identify goals and strategies that ensure the best educational outcomes.
Cultural Enrichment Program
The Cultural enrichment program focuses on the relationship between culture, curriculum, and well-being. Students that require additional academic support can access small group lessons, where specific student literacy and numeracy goals are targeted.
Students can also access additional support in class for targeted literacy and numeracy goals as identified in the individual student Personal Learning Plan (PLP).
Scholarships and Academic Opportunities
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students are offered a range of scholarships and academic opportunities including the STEM ASSETS program and Wingara Mura – Bunga Barrabugu Summer School Program offered at the University of Sydney. St Pius X has a gifted program for all students with culturally appropriate means of gifted identification. There are a range of leadership opportunities for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students including Cultural leadership positions as part of the Student Representative Council.
Yula-Punaal Education and Healing Centre
Saint Pius X offers students a connection to country and cultural immersion through the Yula-Punaal Education and Healing Centre. Students are taken off-site to learn about traditional culture and caring for country, whilst gaining a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management (CaLM).
Our Landcare program enables students to gain traditional sustainable environmental practices through caring and regenerating the campus grounds. So far, Landcare has regenerated the Kitchen Garden and created a Bush Tucker Food Forest with over 40 different species of bush tucker plants.
