Our Curriculum

Technology

Digital Device Guide

Core Curriculum

YEARS 7 and 8

Students study the following subjects:

English	Mathematics	Skillup
Geography	Music	STEMspire (HPGE Stream)
History	PD/Health/PE	Technology
Languages	Science	Visual Arts

YEARS 9 and 10

Students study nine subjects in Years 9 and 10. The following subjects are core curriculum in both years:

English
Mathematics
Science
History
Geography
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

and

students may study up to six electives selected from the list below:

Child Studies	Food Technology	Physical Activity & Sports Studies
Commerce	Forensic Archaeology	Visual Arts
Creative Writing	French
Dance	Industrial Technology – Multimedia
Design and Technology	Information & Software Technology
Drama	Music
Engineering in Technology	Photographic & Digital Media

YEAR 11 and 12

The following courses are offered:

Board Developed Courses
Aboriginal Studies	English Extension 1	Mathematics Extension 1
Ancient History	English Extension 2	Mathematics Extension 2
Business Studies	Enterprise Computing	Modern History
Chemistry	Food Technology	Music 1
Community & Family Studies	French Beginners	Health and Movement Science
Dance	Geography	Physics
Design & Technology	History Extension	Society & Culture
Drama	Industrial Technology – Multimedia	Science Extension
Economics	Information & Digital Technology	Software Engineering
English Advanced	Investigating Science	Visual Arts
English Standard	Legal Studies	Hospitality – Kitchen Operations
English Studies	Mathematics Standard
	Mathematics Advanced

Subject Selection

In Term 2 each year, students in Years 8, 9 and 10 make choices about the subjects they would like to study. In Years 8 & 9, students choose 3 elective courses for study in the following year. In Year 10, students choose a pattern of study to attain a Higher School Certificate. Further information about subject choices is available for download in the publications below.

Formative Homework Tasks

Our weekly formative tasks and accompanying progress summaries is our unique learning program here at Gymea that provides a regular snapshot of each student’s individual progress with their learning. Junior students receive a weekly homework task across all four core subjects (English, Maths, Science, History/Geography) and a fortnightly homework task for all remaining subjects. Senior formative tasks are delivered each week across all senior courses and are based on HSC content and exam preparation.

You can see further information and a series of quick videos on how your child can access and submit their homework tasks in our Information Post.

High Potential and Gifted Education Stream

From Years 7 to 10, classes are banded into two streams. Grouping students into these streams allows for necessary curriculum adjustments to support advanced learning and provide targeted support. These groupings are primarily based on student ability, demonstrated mastery, and individual learning needs, while ensuring that no student is locked into a fixed pathway. Systematic processes are in place to enable fluid movement between streams, based on ongoing student progress.

Classes are structured around two main streams – GY and MEA. Students will remain in the same core classes throughout Years 7 to 10, except for elective subjects in Stage 5, as well as Technology and Art classes.

The GY stream has a strong STEM focus with accelerated options for Students at the end of Year 8. The stream is designed to support students who demonstrate higher academic ability and mastery, alongside strong engagement and commitment to learning. Initial placement in these classes is determined through an application and assessment process prior to enrolment. Students in the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) classes are grouped to meet their advanced learning needs and to support the development of their high potential.

Tenure in these classes is not fixed; placement is reviewed regularly based on multiple performance measures to support flexibility and student growth. Movement into or out of the HPGE stream may occur based on the following criteria:

Student performance and assessments in English, Mathematics, Science, and HSIE
Ongoing engagement in learning, as reflected in regular progress summaries
Consistent application to learning tasks, including weekly formative homework
Adherence to school expectations, including uniform compliance and behaviour
Consideration of student well-being and overall development

Dance

Dance is a thriving and popular art form that is studied and enjoyed by students at Gymea Technology High School. Dance provides students a platform on which they can be creative, fit and healthy as well as build confidence to perform for audiences. Opportunities to explore and excel in dance are available for all students through our ensembles and troupe.

Dance as part of the curriculum

Dance is offered as an elective subject in Years 9-12. Students who study Dance in Years 11/12 work towards completing the Board endorsed 2 Unit Dance course for their Higher School Certificate. Past high achievers in HSC Dance have received Band 6 marks and have been nominated for Callback, a showcase of the most exemplary works from the HSC candidature.

Extra-curricular Dance programs

All students have the opportunity to audition for a place in one of Gymea’s extra-curricular Dance Companies. Being part of a Dance Group gives students the opportunity to express their talent and love of dance. These programs cater for students of various experiences, from all year levels. Rehearsals are held weekly during sport time or after school. Our dance companies have many opportunities to perform and in numerous events both inside in and outside of school. These include:

Sutherland Dance Festival
Sydney Dance Festival
State Dance Festival
Schools’ Spectacular
Formal Assemblies
GTHS Dance Performance Night

Drama

Drama is a vital and robust aspect of the NSW Curriculum. At Gymea Technology High participation in Drama plays an important role in the confidence and self-esteem building of our students. We aim to help our students develop and extend their creativity, group skills, leadership qualities, historical knowledge and focus in a fun and safe environment.

In Years 7-9 students engage with Drama through the English syllabus; we build a Drama classroom based on trust and safety, combined with respect and an appreciation for all participation. Anyone can be a successful learner in Drama, regardless of academic interest.

Students engaged with elective Drama from Years 9-12 are exposed to live performances from established theatre companies; group work; devising their own work; explorations into stage craft; and performing for audiences. Students will also explore drama as an art form through improvisation, scripted drama, rehearsal and performances.

Special Religious Education (SRE)

At Gymea Technology High School, Special Religious Education (SRE) is delivered each Tuesday for one period to Year 7 and Year 8 students who choose to participate.

Christian SRE is provided by the Anglican Diocese of Sydney. For more information about SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the website: CEP Curriculum Overview .

During the time that SRE classes are being held, students not attending will attend regular timetabled lessons and will participate in learning activities such as reading, revision and completing homework that does not introduce new content.

On enrolment, parents/caregivers can indicate their preference for their child’s participation in SRE using the department’s online form. The link below will take you to this online form.

SRE online form

Alternatively, parents/caregivers can complete the paper based SRE participation letter and return it to the school. A copy of this letter can be downloaded here.

SRE paper based letter

After a student’s initial enrolment, notification of changes to a child’s enrolment in SRE should be given to the school in writing.