All schools in Western Australia are required to teach according to the outcomes set out in the mandated Curriculum Framework. The Curriculum Framework sets out a series of outcomes that describe the knowledge, understandings, skills, values and attitudes that students are expected to acquire through their schooling from K-12. These outcomes are divided into eight Learning Areas with 13 overarching statements.
In keeping with the aims of the College, Religious Education is an integral part of the curriculum and is studied by all students. Opportunities for Mass, Para-liturgies and Retreats are incorporated into the Religious Education program at times throughout the year. In WA Catholic schools, the Church as a 9th Learning Area has mandated Religious Education.
The Curriculum is balanced to develop the Spiritual, Academic, Cultural and Sporting potential of students. It also prepares them for living in an increasingly technological and changing society.
The fundamental role of Curriculum is to promote:
- A love of learning
- Lifelong learning
- Excellence in learning
Specific details regarding the Curriculum for Years 7 to Year 12, together with co-curricular opportunities, are provided in the individual Handbooks.
SUBJECT OFFERINGS
Sacred Heart prides itself on it's breadth of Curriculum, providing all students with an opportunity to find their niche and shine. The subjects offered include:
- Year 7
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• Religious Education • Humanities • Art • Japanese • Dance • Mathematics • Education Support • Music •Engineering Technology • Project Based Learning (Design and Materials Technology) • English • Project Based Learning (Media and Drama) • Exploring Food • Project Based Learning (Music and Wood Technology) • French • Science • Health and Physical Education • Wood Technology - Year 8
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• Religious Education • Health & Physical Education • Art & Design • Humanities • Dance • Japanese • Design • Materials Technology • Drama • Mathematics • Education Support • Media • Engineering Technology • Music • English Extension • Music Technology • English Focus • Religious Education • English Mainstream • Science • Fantastic Food • Tech of Tomorrow • French - Year 9
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• Religious Education • Food in the Fast Lane • Applied Information Technology • French • Art A - Observation • Health and Physical Education • Art B - Intention • Humanities • Astronomy • Japanese • Child Care • Mathematics Advanced • Custom Jewellery Design • Mathematics Extension • Dance A - Cheer Hearts • Mathematics Focus • Dance B - Let's Dance • Mathematics Functional (on a needs basis) • Design • Mathematics Mainstream • Drama A - Let the Play Begin • Media • Drama B - Drama at Play • Metals Technology • Education Support • Music • Engineering • Musical Theatre • English Extension • Science • English Focus • Sport Science and Fitness • English Mainstream • Textiles • Fashion and Design • Wood Technology - Year 10
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• Religious Education • History • Applied Information Technology • Japanese • Art • Marine Science • Biological Science • Mathematics Advanced • Café Culture • Mathematics Extension • Chemical Science • Mathematics Focus • Child Care • Mathematics Functional (on a needs basis) • Dance • Mathematics Intermediate • Design (Dimensional) • Media • Drama • Metals Technology • Earth and Space Sciences • Music • Economics • Outdoor Education • Education Support • Physical Education • Engineering • Physical Education Studies • English Extension • Physical Science • English Focus • Politics and Law • English Functional (on a needs basis) • Psychology • English Mainstream • Structured Workplace Learning (Vocational Education) • French • Wood Technology • Geography - Years 11 and 12
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• Religion & Life ATAR • Human Biology ATAR • Religion & Life General • Human Biology General • Applied Information Technology • Japanese: Second Language ATAR • Biology ATAR • Literature ATAR • Career and Enterprise General • Marine and Maritime Studies ATAR • CareerLink • Marine and Maritime Studies General • Certificate II in Digital Media • Materials Design and Technology (Metal) General • Certificate II or III in Music Industry • Materials Design and Technology (Wood) General • Chemistry ATAR • Mathematics Applications ATAR • Children, Family and the Community ATAR • Mathematics Essentials General • Children, Family and the Community General • Mathematics Methods ATAR • Dance ATAR • Mathematics Specialist ATAR • Dance General • Media Production and Analysis ATAR • Dimensional Design ATAR • Modern History ATAR • Dimensional Design General • Music ATAR • Drama ATAR • Outdoor Education ATAR • Drama General • Outdoor Education General • Economics ATAR • Politics and Law ATAR • Economics General • Physical Education Studies ATAR • Engineering Studies ATAR • Physical Education Studies General • English ATAR • Physics ATAR • English General • Psychology ATAR • Food Science and Technology General • Variety of Certificates (II, III, IV) • French: Second Language ATAR • Visual Arts ATAR • Geography ATAR • Visual Arts General
GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION PROGRAM
A Gifted and Talented Education program is offered to students in Years 7-9 who are identified as ‘academically gifted’. Testing takes place on entry and again at the end of Year 7. The top 10% of the cohort are withdrawn once a week for small group work with Mrs Tanya Atherton, our Head of Gifted and Talented. Mrs Atherton is a past recipient of the National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEITA). She was previously the Western Australian Director of Tournament of Minds and the Catholic Education Exemplary Educator who coordinates the Secondary Gifted and Talented Network.
Some of the programs and competitions students are offered include:
- Philosophy
- Architecture
- Social Inquiry Research
- Millennium Moments Study
- Rostrum Speaking Competition
- Science Teachers Association of WA Competitions
- Tournament Of Minds
- The da Vinci Decathlon
- Philosothon
- Have Sum Fun Maths
- Secondary Scitech Challenge Day
- ICAS
Further information about this program can be obtained by contacting Mrs Tanya Atherton on
MARY MACKILLOP CENTRE (MMC)
The Mary MacKillop Centre is an integral part of the Sacred Heart College community and provides special needs education within a mainstream environment. Students who access the Centre have a diverse and wide range of disabilities and are taught by experienced, qualified and dedicated educators.
The programs offered by the Centre are structured to support the College motto of Always Striving Upwards and they are focussed upon the student’s abilities rather than their disabilities.
Individualised Education Plans (IEP’s) recognise student’s existing knowledge and skills and build upon these to ensure that each student reaches their full potential.
The courses offered within the Centre include:
- Functional Numeracy
- Functional Literacy
- Integrated Studies
- Life Skills
- Social Skills
- Certificate I in Work Preparation
- Business and Enterprise Studies
- Cooking
- Community Access
- Work Experience
Students who access the MMC are also integrated into mainstream classes for Religious Education, Physical Education and their chosen elective classes. Depending upon their academic level, students may also be integrated into other subject areas.
The main aim of all the programs offered in the MMC is to provide each student with the skills necessary to minimise dependence and maximise independence so they can lead full and productive adult lives.
For more information, please contact Mrs Kate Day, Head of Inclusion, on
LEARNING SUPPORT
At Sacred Heart College we recognise that every child is unique and special, and we strive to meet the needs of all students within our school. All staff are aware of students that require additional support within the school and receive high quality information and training. We aim to quickly identify pupils who are making limited progress and provide targeted interventions and support to meet their needs. We ensure that parents are fully aware of the process and informed of their child’s learning at regular points throughout the year.
We are a fully inclusive school and work alongside the Catholic Education Association, health professionals and community organisations to find the most appropriate and effective support for pupils within our care.
- When do I need to contact the Head of Learning Support?
- If your child is commencing Year 7, the Head of Learning Support will be in contact with your family in Term 3. If the Head of Learning Support does not contact you by the beginning of Term 4, please email or ring the department to organise an appointment. If your child is entering the College in a different year, it is important to contact her via email or phone to organise a meeting.
- I am not sure if I should contact the Head of Learning Support as I am not sure if my child will require learning support?
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If your child has a diagnosis of a disability/learning difficulty, it is important to contact the Head of Learning Support. The Head of Learning Support will organise a meeting and guide you through the process that the College will provide for your child.
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If you child is currently going through the process of being investigated or struggled at their previous school, it is also important to contact the Head of Learning Support to get their advice.
- What is a Curriculum Adjustment Plan (CAP)?
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A Curriculum Adjustment Plan (CAP) is a document to support your child’s needs within the classroom. Students that have a diagnosis will automatically go on a CAP. For new students, adjustments will be created based on professional reports etc. After several weeks, the Head of Learning Support meets with the student and parents to discuss if any of the adjustments require any changes. The CAPs are then reviewed every year. The students are fully involved in this process, as well as the parents. The CAPs are seen by their teachers, providing them with information on adjustments that they should be implementing.
- What support is provided for my child at Sacred Heart College?
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If your child has been identified of requiring support, their Curriculum Adjustment Plan is put in place for teachers to follow. Additional support may look like an Educational Assistant in their class to assist all students. Tutoring may be offered (on availability) in the morning or after school. Special Considerations for assessments/exams are implemented based on the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA).
- What are Special Considerations for assessments/exams?
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The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) recognises that students that have a diagnosis of a disability/learning difficulty are entitled to special considerations. This may be ‘extra working time’, ‘rest breaks’, ‘laptop’ or ‘specified seating’ etc. The role of the Head of Learning Support is to ensure that the students receive the correct special consideration based on their diagnosis and is utilised correctly for each assessment/exam that is carried out. If your child chooses to do ATAR in Year 12, the Head of Learning Support is also responsible for completing the SCSA application for Special Considerations for their WACE Exams.
- Is there a social skills programme?
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While we do not run a social skills programme, the Learning Support Department (in some cases) does work with individuals either before or after school. Peer Mentors also support students that require help with their social skills by encouraging them to attend co-curricular activities at recess and lunch.
- If I have a concern about my child, who should I contact first?
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Please contact the relevant Assistant Deputy Principal.
For more information, please contact Mrs Rebecca Delaney, Head of Learning Support, on