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.
St Mary’s Cathedral College offers a comprehensive range of courses for students of all academic abilities. In their first years at the College, students are required to follow a pattern of study as determined by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). As students move into Stages Five and Six they are given more choice in the subjects they study.
We conduct an exhaustive subject selection process where we endeavour to match each student with an individual pattern of study, which best suits his needs. As a systemic Catholic school, all students are required to complete the board endorsed Religious Education program from Years 5 to 10 and to complete one of the Religious Education Courses in Stage 6.
The Junior School at St Mary’s Cathedral College provides a nurturing and stimulating co-educational environment for students from Kindergarten to Year 4 (Early Stage 1 to Stage 2). Our approach fosters curiosity, creativity, and exploration, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
We prioritise essential literacy and numeracy skills alongside a broad curriculum aligned with the NESA syllabus across seven Key Learning Areas (KLAs): English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, History, Geography, Creative Arts and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), as well as the Sydney Catholic Schools Religious Education syllabus.
Junior School students in Years 1 & 2 may apply for a position in the St Mary’s Cathedral Training Choir. Students in Years 3 & 4 have the opportunity to audition for the prestigious St Mary’s Cathedral Choir, potentially leading to scholarship opportunities.
In the Junior Years, we cultivate a language-rich environment with explicit instruction and explorative learning. Play-based learning experiences promote social and emotional development, ensuring every child feels safe, connected, and inspired to explore their unique talents. Through collaboration and meaningful relationships, we empower our young learners to become confident individuals ready for future challenges.
The Middle Years are a time of change and transition as students navigate the emerging opportunities and challenges that derive from the transition into adolescence. At this stage in their learning, students are navigating social, intellectual and physical changes and are developing a greater sense of self.
At St Mary’s, we have adopted a targeted approach to learning in Years 5-8 to enhance engagement and curiosity, promote independence and develop the attitudes and dispositions that lead to lifelong learning. A challenging and engaging curriculum promotes excellence and an excitement for learning. Students are explicitly taught foundational knowledge, understanding and skills that allow them to think critically, communicate effectively and solve important problems. They increasingly begin to appreciate the world in which they live and develop an understanding of the contribution they can make to it.
We advocate for a rigorous approach to the core curriculum, and students are positioned to be able to begin to articulate their growth in Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science and the Humanities. We also prioritise an integrated approach to learning where students undertake learning experiences that cultivate curiosity and promote transfer and open hearts and minds to the wonders of our world. Cross-curricular projects that aim to solve real-world problems while enhancing thinking habits and learning dispositions form the basis of our integrated learning.
In Stage 3 (Years 5-6) we emphasise essential literacy and numeracy skills alongside a broad curriculum aligned with the NESA syllabus across seven Key Learning Areas (KLAs): English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, History, Geography, Languages, Creative Arts, and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), as well as the Sydney Catholic Schools Religious Education syllabus.
Similar to our Junior School, Stage 3 students have the opportunity to apply for the St Mary’s Cathedral Choir. Successful auditionees will be offered a full scholarship for the duration of their choir involvement.
Students follow a pattern of study in both Year 7 and Year 8, which covers all the mandatory hours as prescribed by NESA.
In Year 7 students study Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, History (HSIE), Technology, Music and PDHPE. In Year 8, the students complete their required hours in Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Geography (HSIE), Technology, PDHPE, Languages (Italian), and Visual Arts
In the Middle Years, we foster a language-rich environment with explicit instruction and explorative learning. Our programs promote social and emotional development, ensuring every student feels safe, connected, and inspired to explore their unique talents. Through collaboration and meaningful relationships, we empower our young learners to become confident individuals ready for future challenges.
The Senior School at St Mary’s Cathedral College provides a rigorous and enriching environment for students in Stage 5 and Stage 6 (Years 9 to 12). Our focus is on fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and preparation for future educational and career opportunities. With a broad range of subjects and electives, we support students in developing their unique talents and achieving their full potential.
In these two years (Year 9-10) of compulsory education, students build on their basic skills while developing their talents and interests in individual subjects.
In line with the requirements of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and Sydney Catholic Schools, all students at St. Mary’s Cathedral College study the following core subjects:
- Religious Education
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Physical Education, Health and
- Personal Development (PDHPE)
- Geography (studied in Year 9)
- History (studied in Year 10)
In Stage 5, students have the opportunity to choose electives based on their interests and future aspirations. These electives allow students to explore areas beyond the core curriculum, providing a chance to delve deeper into specific fields such as the arts, humanities, technology, languages, and sciences. Electives can be either 100 hours or 200 hours in duration, offering flexibility and depth in learning.
Students will study the mandatory curriculum and:
- One 200 hour NESA Developed Stage 5 Elective
- Two 100 hour School Developed Stage 5 Electives (one in Year 9 and one in Year 10)
For a detailed list of elective courses, please refer to our Subject Selection Handbook.
Subject Selection Handbook Year 9-10
Students in their Preliminary and HSC years are required to complete at least one Religious Education course (Studies of Religion 1, Studies of Religion 2, or Studies in Catholic Thought). They are also required to complete a pattern of study that fulfils the NESA requirements. This includes a compulsory English Course (English Studies, English Standard, or English Advanced). Students are then required to choose at least 10 more units of study from the following courses:
- CAPA: Drama, Music 1, Music 2, Music Extension, Visual Arts
- English: Extension 1, Extension
- HSIE: Ancient History, Business Studies, Economics, Geography, History Extension, Legal Studies, Modern History
- Languages: Italian Beginners, Italian Continuers. Students also have the option of studying other languages at the NSW School of Languages.
- Mathematics: Mathematics Standard, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2
- PDHPE: Health & Movement Science, Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (Board Endorsed Course)
- Science: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics, Investigating Science, Science Extension
- Technology: Construction (VET), Financial Services (VET) Engineering Studies, Industrial Technology; Timber and Furniture Industries, Graphics Technology, Multimedia technology, Enterprise Computing
Curriculum Subjects (Year 7-12)
Religious Education is at the heart of Catholic education. It informs all aspects of school life and supports the evangelising and catechising mission of the Catholic Church. Through Religious Education, young people come to know and love the person 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.
While recognising that parents are the first educators of their children in faith, the secondary Religious Education curriculum enables our students to see and respond to God in their lives.
Through a variety of experiences the Religious Education curriculum nurtures the natural capacity that young students have for curiosity, imagination and wonder. The students are invited to reflect on sacred Scripture, talk with God through prayer, discover the beauty of God’s creation and explore the meaning of symbols and rituals.
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
Through the study of English students learn about the power, value and art of the English language for communication, learning and enjoyment. Developing proficiency in English enables students to become confident communicators, critical and imaginative thinkers and lifelong learners. Students develop their language skills through activities involving speaking and listening, reading and writing, and viewing and representing. They learn about language and literature through working with a wide range of print, spoken, visual, media, multimedia and digital texts.
The Sydney Catholic Schools Statement on Literacy provides further elaboration on the principles of literacy and various roles within and across our schools.
NSW Education Standards Authority
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 Mathematics 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 Sydney Catholic Schools Statement on Numeracy provides further elaboration on the principles of numeracy and various roles within and across our schools.
NSW Education Standards Authority
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 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.
Years 11–12
The college offers two 2 Unit courses for the HSC:
- Mathematics Standard
- Mathematics Advanced
The college also offers two Extension courses for the HSC:
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 2
Through the study of Science, students gain comprehensive knowledge of the biological, chemical, geological, physical, and technological aspects of our world. They develop essential skills in planning and conducting investigations, recording and analysing data, and problem-solving. Students engage with real-world phenomena and devise solutions to authentic problems.
Years 7-10: The Board Developed syllabus mandates that Science be studied throughout Years 7–10, with a total of four hundred (400) hours to be completed by the end of Year 10. During this period, students continue to explore the biological, chemical, geological, physical, and technological dimensions of our world. They further develop their skills in planning and conducting investigations, recording and analysing data, and problem-solving. Students investigate real-world phenomena and create solutions to genuine problems.
Years 11-12: For the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the college offers the following Science courses:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Investigating Science
- Earth and Environmental Science
In these advanced years, students deepen their knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and ideas. They continue to engage in scientific inquiry, utilizing sophisticated processes of Working Scientifically to plan and conduct investigations. By identifying questions, making predictions based on scientific knowledge, and drawing evidence-based conclusions, students further develop their understanding of scientific ideas and concepts, and enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They gain valuable experience in making evidence-based decisions and effectively communicating their understanding and viewpoints.
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.
The Board Developed Technology syllabus to be studied for 200 hours in Years 7–8. This course aims to integrate the students’ learning with practical learning opportunities and project work. Students engage in design and production activities, exploring Agriculture and Food Technologies, Digital Technologies, Engineered Systems, and Material Technologies
In Stage 5, Year 9 and 10, the college offers a variety of elective courses for students to continue their study in the different disciplines. Stage 5 courses emphasise hands-on learning and project based activities that allow students to develop their practical skills and knowledge.
100Hr Game Design and Coding
200Hr
- Industrial technology Timber
- Graphics Technology
- Computing technology
- Food Technology
In Stage 6, Year 11 and 12, The college offers technology subject that allow students to continue their understanding and develop more advanced skills in project design and development. Students are exposed to industry standards and industry level technology, machines and techniques.
Subjects offered include:
Industrial Technology Timber and Furniture Industries
Industrial Technology: Graphics Technology
Industrial Technology: Multimedia
Enterprise Computing
Engineering Studies
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.
NSW Education Standards Authority
The NESA 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 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 offers a number of 100 and 200 hour elective HSIE courses in Years 9–10:
- Commerce (200 hr)
- Entrepreneurship & Investment (100 hr)
- History Elective (100/200 hr)
Years 11–12
The college offers seven HSIE courses for the HSC:
- Ancient History
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- History Extension
- Legal Studies
- Modern History
Study in the Creative Arts provides students with strong discipline based knowledge and the fundamental skills, creative expertise, learning mindset and critical capabilities for the future world of work. Creative Arts students experience and develop the complex skills required to create and test ideas, generate creative works with confidence, shape inquiry and critically evaluate and reflect on what they do. Study in the Creative Arts prepares students to be significant producers and informed consumers of culture.
NSW Education Standards Authority
Two hundred hours to be completed consisting of the Board Developed 100-hour mandatory courses in each of Visual Arts and Music. It is an expectation that the 100-hour mandatory courses in these subjects will be taught as coherent units of study and not split over a number of years.
Years 7–10
Studying Creative Arts fosters innovation, problem-solving, and self-expression, while also offering diverse career paths and transferable skills applicable across various fields. Arts courses encourage thinking outside the box and developing original ideas. Creative processes often involve finding unique solutions to complex challenges, skills highly valued in various industries. Students in Years 7 and 8 study mandatory Music and Visual Arts.
The college offers three 200hr Creative and Performing Arts elective courses in Years 9-10:
- Drama
- Music
- Visual Arts
Years 11–12
The college offers three 2-Unit and extension Creative Arts courses for the HSC:
- Drama
- Music 1
- Music 2
- Music Extension
- Visual Arts
Through the study of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education 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.
NSW Education Standards Authority
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
Students study mandatory PDHPE from Years 7–10.
The college offers Physical Activity and Sports Studies as an Elective in Years 9–10.
The College also offers a 100 hour School Developed course, Football Focus, which may be studied in either Year 9 or Year 10.
Years 11–12
The college offers two PDHPE courses for the HSC:
- Health and Movement Science (HMS)
- Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies (SLR)
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.
Learning languages opens minds to differences 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.
Students in Years 5 and 6 have an Italian lesson once a week. Students in Year 8 study Italian for the duration of the year and the college offers Italian as an elective course in Years 9–10.
In Years 11-12, the College offers both Italian Beginners and Italian Continuers as courses for the HSC.
Students also have an opportunity to study a language externally through the NSW School of Languages for the HSC.
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).
St Mary’s Cathedral College offers Construction and Financial Services as VET courses.
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).
Where circumstances necessitate, students can complete their HSC over several years. Students and parents should contact the Leader of Pathways and Partnerships and Leader of Curriculum and Assessment to discuss their individual situation.