Years 7 and 8: The academic program in Years 7 and 8 is determined by the Board of Studies. Subjects include: Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Australian History, Australian Geography, Design & Technology (this includes components of Computer Studies, Agriculture, Food Technology, Woodwork, Metalwork), Music, Visual Arts, Japanese (Yr 8 only), Personal Development, Health, Physical Education
Elective Subjects:
Years 9 and 10: Agricultural Technology, Commerce, Drama, Food Technology, Geography, Graphics Technology, History, Information and Software Technology, Industrial Technology – Metal or Wood, Japanese, Music, Physical and Sports Studies, Textiles and Design, Visual Arts, Visual Design.
Years 11 and 12: Board Developed Courses include:
Agriculture, Ancient History, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Dance, Drama, Earth and Environmental Science, Economics, Engineering Studies, English Extension, Food Technology, Geography, Information Processes & Technology, Industrial Technology, Japanese Continuers, Japanese Beginners, Legal Studies, Different Mathematics and English levels, Modern History, Music 1 & 2, PDHPE, Physics, Senior Science, Society & Culture, Software Design & Development, Visual Arts, Studies of Religion
Board Endorsed Courses include: Exploring Early Childhood, Photography, Religion: Catholic Studies, Visual Design.
Vocational Education and Training Courses (VET) include: Construction, Hospitality Operations, Entertainment, Primary Industries.
Sports:
Rugby, Cricket, Volleyball, Soccer, Tennis, Swimming, Basketball, Netball, Handball, Softball, Hockey, Gymnastics, Athletics, Touch Football, Cross-Country, Squash, Aerobics, Golf, Karate, Rock Climbing, Table Tennis, Austag, Ice Skating, Indoor Sports, Dance, Aqua Golf, Weights.
Co-curricular activities:
Tournament of Minds, Music, Debating, Voice of Youth, School Spectacular, Choir, Band, Dancing, Duke of Edinburgh, Exchange student program, Social Justice program, work placement.
Technology:
Students have access to a wide range of technological tools to support learning, including Interactive Whiteboards, data projectors, laptops and computers. The school is wireless. |
Delma Horan has been working with the St Columba school community for the past six years. “St Columba’s High School is a wonderful school. Its students are known for their friendliness, the staff is both talented and dedicated and our parents are generous in their support of the school. The school is set in the stunning Blue Mountains National Park,” said Delma. “We want all members of the school community to engage fully In learning and achieve beyond their expectations.”
The strong academic focus of the school is reflected in the results achieved in both external examinations and engaging learning programmes offered at the school. In the 2010 HSC, the results were outstanding. At St Columba’s, students are offered a rich co-curricular programme: sport, cultural pursuits, debating, public speaking, Tournament of the Minds, Lions’ Club Youth of the Year, social justice activities, Duke Of Edinburgh, drama and musical performances. Forty students are preparing for the Gold award Duke of Edinburgh awards in 2011 and looks forward to further awards later in the year. The outstanding performances of the students at the school have been recognised at regional, State and National levels. From sporting teams winning state competitions to student selection for Art Express, St Columba’s offers opportunities for all gifts and talents to be recognized. The school has established a concert band, a school choir and offers music tuition during the school day. St Columba’s enjoys a Sister School relationship with Hokusetsu Senior High in Sanda, Japan. Students also have the opportunity to visit Japan on a cultural tour or through application for a six- month exchange.
St Columba’s values the parent- school partnership and this is further supported by the Parent Community Support Group (PCSG). Staff and parents enjoy social occasions like the annual Music in the Quad evening. In 2009 a highly successful school reunion was held and a strong network of former students has been established.
St Columba’s cares for its students holisitcally. Delma added, “This year, students will be asked how they can support the less fortunate in the community and globally. The question is ‘Who are our neighbours?’ This focus will help us to find ways for us to serve others. I also want our students to take pride in personal presentation, respect others, be committed to learning and to achieve personal best in all that they do. I know St Columba’s will continue to offer high quality Catholic education in the Blue Mountains.” |
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