Our
Key Learning Areas
Religious Education (RE) is an additional and compulsory KLA for all students in Catholic schools. Students in Years 7–12 are invited into a deeper and more personal relationship with God through their exploration of the sacred Scriptures, their participation in personal and communal prayer, and their living out of Catholic social and moral teaching through works of ministry.
The secondary RE curriculum provides opportunities for young people to act in response to Jesus’ great commandment to love God, love others and thus, follow ‘The Way, The Truth and The Life.’
At Marian Catholic College, our aim is to educate our students in the faith, teachings, history and traditions of the Catholic Church. RE is an integral part of Marian Catholic College and gives the school a richness of meaning and purpose. Marian Catholic College provides its students with an ongoing education in Christian faith, practice, witness and service in the Catholic tradition.
Students in Stages 4 and 5 (Years 7–10) pursue Catholic Studies, based on the Sharing our Story programme. Senior students in Stage 6 (Year 11 & 12) are able to pursue Studies of Religion, a 2-unit HSC course, or Sharing our Story.
All students at Marian Catholic College study RE. Students have many activities in which they can participate such as:
- Retreats for Year 11 & 12
- Bonding days for Years 7 to 10
- College masses and liturgies lead by the students
- Leadership training programmes
- Charity fundraising
- Visiting speakers on social justice issues.
In English we aim to develop student competence in language use and encourage positive attitudes towards learning language. The students will cover units of work that include a variety of experiences in the areas of reading, literature, functional language, writing, speaking and listening, media and drama.
In Stage 6 (Year 11 & 12) English is offered as Standard English, Advanced English and Extension English. There are many staff members working in this faculty with the help of the special needs teachers and assistants.
There are a number of activities that the students can be involved in:
- Lions Youth of the Year students at Marian College
- Rostrum Voice of Youth
- Apex public speaking
- Tri School debate
- Commonwealth Bank Open Debating Competition
- English study days
- English International Competitions
- Poetry and Writing Competitions.
The English department encourages public speaking by providing many opportunities to improve public speaking skills through various competitions throughout the year for novice and experienced orators.
The Leeton Eisteddfod is a great introduction for the novice allowing opportunities for students to participate in prepared readings and bible recitals to the more rigorous sections of impromptu speaking and recitals.
Rostrum Public Speaking also allows junior and senior students to test their public speaking skills at regional, state and even national levels.
Students can enter the Apex Australian competition which is another speaking competition across NSW and ACT which leads to state and national finals. Public speaking is an excellent skill and all students are encouraged to have a go.
Mathematics is studied in the junior years: Stage 4 ( Year 7 & 8) and Stage 5 (Year 9 & 10).
In Stage 6 (Year 11 &12) the following Preliminary and HSC courses are offered: General Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics and Extension Mathematics.
The Mathematics department provides many and varied activities which the students can be involved in which include:
- Mathematics Australasian Assessment (7–12)
- Westpac Mathematics Competition (7–12)
- Mathematics Challenge for gifted and talented students (7–10)
- Investigating Mathematics (7–12)
- Maths week
- Numeracy and Literacy week
- Pi Day
- Have Sum Fun Online competition.
The Mathematics Department encourages all students to participate in the many and varied activities provided throughout the year.
Each child is expected to have either a scientific or graphic calculator. Students are supplied with a textbook CD which makes it easy to access homework without having to carry large textbooks. The material on the CD is extremely useful and encourges self direction and self responsibility for success.
In science students are introduced to a range of learning experiences. Students develop an understanding of science through ‘hands-on’ practical work whenever possible, and this provides them with a concrete basis upon which to develop scientific concepts and knowledge. The course also incorporates problem-solving, communication, interpretation, observation and development of scientific research skills.
Students are required to work in practical situations for many of the topics, developing skills in safety, making models, handling apparatus and completing projects. Learning activities include laboratory work, practical reports, class discussions, textbook work, audiovisual worksheets and investigative reports.
The science courses offered at Marian Catholic College help students to become critical thinkers by encouraging them to use evidence to evaluate the use of science in society and its application in their daily lives.
Science at Marian Catholic College is studied in Stage 4 (Year 7 & 8) and Stage 5 (Year 9 & 10).
In Stage 6 (Year 11 & 12) courses that are offered include:
- Senior Science
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
The science area has well-designed and well-equipped laboratories, with a team of dedicated staff working in the Science department. Students have the opportunity to participate in many activities which include:
- Siemens Science School
- BHP Billiton Science Awards
- Engineering for Girls Summer School
- National Youth Science Forum
- Australian Science Competition
- Australian National Chemistry Quiz
- CSIRO workshops
- Questacon shows
- Australian Reptile Park workshops
- Celebrating Science Week
- Field trips for Biology, Physics and Chemistry.
At Marian Catholic College, the Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) faculty endeavours to cater to a wide range of students whose needs, learning styles and abilities differ. We are committed to making our subject area relevant to our ever changing world. Our focus is not only on developing a commitment to lifelong learning in relation to our field but also to enhance students’ literacy, numeracy and technological developments.
Students have the opportunity be be involved in activities such as:
- Model United Nations Assembly
- NSW Law Society Mock Trial
- Law Week
- National Geographic Geography Competition
- History Teachers Association History Competition
- Planet Ark National Tree Day
- Youth Parliament
- Australian Stock Exchange Sharemarket Competition
- Mastermind Challenge
- United Nations Youth Association Conference
- Young Achievers
- ABW Business Program Prospects.
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) contributes significantly to the cognitive, social, emotional, physical and spiritual development of students. It provides opportunities for students to learn about, and practise ways of adapting and maintaining a healthy, productive and active life. It also involves students learning through movement experiences that are both challenging and enjoyable, and improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence in a variety of contexts. This promotes the value of physical activity in their lives.
At Marian Catholic College, sport is organised within the constraints of other College activities to involve as many students as possible. All students are encouraged to participate in the College’s Athletics, Swimming and Cross-Country carnival, and sport and PDHPE lessons are used to prepare for them. Representative sport and extra-curricular sport, as well as other activities outside of school time, offer students the chance to further their own interests and talents, and for elite athletes to progress to state or national level.
The College is involved in the following sports at Diocesan, NSW Combined Catholic Colleges and NSW All Schools levels:
- Swimming
- Athletics
- Cross-Country
- Rugby League
- Rugby Union
- Touch Football
- Soccer
- Australian Rules Football
- Netball
- Tennis
- Cricket
The Technology and Applied Studies department is concerned with providing opportunities for students to work with various technologies such as Food, Textiles, Timber, Metal and Computing, which includes creating various projects using the design process.
Students are required to complete the mandatory Technology course in Stage 4 (Year 7 & 8).
Students in Stage 5 (Year 9 & 10) are able to choose an area of specialisation which include:
- Information and Software Technology
- Food Technology
- Industrial Technology – Timber
- Industrial Technology – Metal
- Textiles Technology
Students in Stage 6 (Year 11 & 12) are able to choose an area of specialisation which include:
- Design and Technology
- Information Processes and Technology
Students can also participate in many activities which include:
- Design project exhibitions
- Local excursions
- Design and technology HSC Major Works exhibitions.
The Creative Arts area is dynamic and robust, offering courses in Music, Drama, Dance and Visual Arts.
Our curriculum program is devised to nurture a student’s understanding, knowledge, awareness and appreciation for the Creative Arts. We encourage students to explore, understand and effectively communicate ideas, feelings, spirituality and values through drama, dance, music and the visual arts.
The College is fortunate in having its own multi-purpose performance and workshop space. The Drama Studio seats approximately 100 people, has an extensive lighting rig and sound system, and is used for a variety of stage configurations from classic proscenium arch to outdoor open air theatre. This is a terrific space for watching live performances from student contemporary rock bands and hip-hop dancers to Shakespearian sword fights and insults!
Creative Arts at Marian Catholic College is a highly valuable and intrinsic part of a student’s development. Our teachers are highly trained and a number of them are practicing artists within the community.
We seek to contribute to the understanding and enjoyment of the Creative Arts by providing students with a range of extra curriculum activities such as:
- Community work
- Exhibitions
- Excursions
- Creative Arts and Performance Competitions
- Performance nights
- Spectacular College Musicals
- Eisteddfods
- Guest lecturers
- Instrumental tutors
- Student workshops
- Attendance at professional performances
- Involvement in choir, drama and art for College Liturgies and College functions.
The study of Italian at Marian Catholic College reflects the large percentage of background speakers in our community. It provides a rich learning experience and enables students to embrace the opportunities and challenges of a global community
The Italian language is widely spoken in Australia and many opportunities exist to hear and use the language in real life situations, the Italian community in Griffith is well-established and continues to make major contributions to contemporary Australian society in the areas of culture, industry, trade and agriculture.
For students with an Italian background, the study of Italian consolidates and reinforces language skills needed to maintain links with the Italian-speaking community. It provides them with opportunities to experience and deepen their understanding of the traditions and culture of their heritage.
The study of Italian provides students with opportunities for employment in the areas of commerce, tourism, hospitality and international relations.
The Italian curriculum includes:
- Mandatory study in Year 8
- Elective subject Year 9 and Year 10
- Italian Beginners and Italian Continuers in Year 11 and Year 12.
Students studying Italian have the opportunity to participate in activities such as:
- National Language Certificates (Beginners, Certificate II and Certificate III
- Excursions to Italian businesses and places of cultural significance
- Overnight excursions Italian film festival (Sydney)
- Overseas study trip to Italy and visits to Italian Schools.
There are a number of courses that can be delivered by school or TAFE that are known as “Industry Curriculum Framework” courses.
As well as counting towards students’ HSC, they can count towards ATAR scores (if you choose to sit for the optional HSC exam) and also give students an industry recognised qualification (usually at Certificate I or Certificate II level).
The VET courses offered by Marian Catholic College are Certificate II in Business, Certificate II in Hospitality and Certificate III in Information & Digital Technology. Students can consult their VET coordinator for further information.
There are framework courses available in:
- Automotive
- Business Services
- Construction
- Electrotechnology
- Entertainment Industry
- Financial Services (through TAFE)
- Hospitality
- Human Services
- Information and Digital Technology
- Metal and Engineering
- Primary Industries
- Retail Services
- Tourism, Travel and Events
These courses involve undertaking a compulsory work placement (35 hours per year) in the relevant industry to your course and are delivered either at school or TAFE.
Externally Delivered VET Courses (EVET):
There are also a large range of Endorsed VET Courses that count towards a HSC, but not ATAR scores and still give an industry qualification when completed. These are normally delivered by TAFE and in some cases, Private Training Providers and schools.
The fantastic thing about all these courses is that not only do they contribute towards a HSC (and some will count towards ATAR scores depending upon a given pattern of study), but students can also gain a nationally recognised industry qualification. This means that if you choose to go to TAFE when you leave school, and continue your study in that same area, you will be deemed to have completed part of that TAFE course already (you did it while still at school!)
Not only that, but employers see that qualification as being very valuable and it can really help with getting a job.
School Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships:
The VET courses can also form part of a School-Based Traineeship or Apprenticeship. School-Based Apprenticeships allow senior high school students to commence an apprenticeship while at school. While studying for their HSC, school-based apprentices work part-time and undertake the first stage of their formal or off-the-job apprenticeship training. Both the on-the-job apprenticeship training undertaken by school-based apprentices can contribute to their HSC.