By connecting to the real world of students’ lives, authentic learning enables students to become lifelong learners who contribute to society and the wider world as active and discerning citizens. Authentic learning is central to our work as Catholic educators because it promotes the continual growth and wellbeing of the whole person — spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically.
St Clare’s College Waverley offers a holistic approach to learning that truly prepares students for the challenges and opportunities that await them beyond the school gates. Students have the ability to develop their skills through a rich curriculum that allows them to be independent and collaborative learners. Integrated learning characterises our approach to the Stage 4 Curriculum. Students have the opportunity to engage with industry, community, and tertiary institutions in the development of projects that solve real-world problems.
Successful learning at our college recognises the importance of academic rigour in an environment that promotes critical thinking and creativity balanced with core skills of literacy and numeracy. This is reflected in our flexible learning spaces, our cross-curricular initiatives, and our relationships with external agencies and providers.
Learning and teaching at the college is underpinned by the following:
- is based on student-centred learning and caters for the academic and social development of students;
- values integrity and inspires excellence through the cornerstones of our Vision for Learning: Faith in Action, Learning for Life, Fostering Growth and Inclusive Community;
- encourages student decision making and responsibility;
- includes the opportunity for students to study a wide range of subjects, including study at the highest levels in English, Mathematics, Science, and History;
- is supported by a Diverse Learning Support Team who cater for students with specific learning needs, including gifted students and those with special learning needs;
- offers opportunities to study externally at TAFE;
- involves the use of innovative pedagogy in collaborative settings to enhance key learning outcomes; and
- offers the opportunity for students to express their creativity and talents as part of the curriculum and the college co-curricular program.
Our academic program offers a broad, differentiated curriculum that addresses the learning needs of all of our students. This differentiation is at the heart of our learning vision and our staff is well-trained in accommodating all types of learners. Our shared goal is to help young people prosper in our community and the future world beyond school.
YEARS 7-10
Religious Education is a compulsory subject for all students. In Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 students follow the program To Know, Worship, and Love which builds students’ knowledge and understanding of the Catholic Church, its beliefs, and practices.
Students in Years 7-8 all undertake the following courses:
Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Personal Development Health and Physical Education, Technology [Mandatory], French or Italian, Music and Visual Arts.
In Years 9-10 students study Religious Education, the NESA Mandatory Courses, and two Elective Courses.
Board of Studies Mandatory Courses:
English, Mathematics, Science, Australian History, Australian Geography, Civics and Citizenship, and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education.
The following Elective courses are offered based on student demand: Commerce, Elective Geography, Elective History, French, Italian, Drama, Music, Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Food Technology, Information, and Software Technology, iSTEM, Textiles Technology, and Physical Activity, Sports Studies, Photography, and Digital Media.
YEARS 11-12
Mandatory Courses: Studies of Religion [either 1 or 2 Unit] or Studies in Catholic Thought, and English.
Elective Courses: The following courses are offered based on student demand:
Ancient History, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Design and Technology, Drama, Economics, Food Technology, French [Beginners and Continuers] and Italian [Beginners and Continuers], Geography, Hospitality, Industrial Technology, Legal Studies, Modern History, Music, Personal Development Health and Physical Education, Physics, Textiles and Design, Visual Arts, Mathematics [All Levels].
Extension courses are offered in English, Science, Mathematics, History, Languages, and Music.
The College also offers other accredited Vocational Education courses with TAFE and outside providers.
The Director of Learning and Teaching and the academic staff are available to discuss any of the course choices that your daughter will make at various stages in her secondary schooling.