Educating for the future

The learning journey at St Columba’s honours the developmental stages in a student’s life. Based on leading educational research and the best of today’s technologies, we prepare students for the future by teaching them how to think critically and creatively, how to communicate effectively and how to lead and work both independently and collaboratively.

Educating for the future

Student writing in the classroom at St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood

Religious Education

As a Catholic school we also have a strong religious dimension that runs through all the KLAs and is also formally recognised as the KLA of Religious Education.

St Columba's students take part in formal Religious Education every day, based on the new Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese curriculum, Encountering Jesus. This curriculum invites all students to consider how the teachings of Jesus Christ can apply to their lives.

In their senior years, students further their understanding through Studies of Religion and other subjects in Catholic Thought.

Learn more

Religious Education

Students lighting a candle during mass at St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood

St Columba’s follows the curriculum approved by the Education Standards Authority (NESA) covering all key learning areas. We also have a range of elective courses to suit students at all ability levels.

Students preparing food in the school kitchen at St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood
Student varnishing his wood work project at St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood
Students caring for the school cows at St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood

Subject Selections

  • Years 7-8
  • Years 9-10
  • Years 11-12
During their first two years at high school, our school provides a solid foundation across broad range of subjects.

In Year 7 and 8, students study subjects in the following Key Learning Areas:

  • Religious Education
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Human Society and Its Environment
  • Creative and Performing Arts
  • Technology
  • Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Students in Year 8 study Japanese as part of Languages Other Than English.

Years 9 and 10 students study a core range of subjects:
  • Religious Education
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Australian Geography/History, Civics and Citizenship
  • Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Students choose electives from the subject list below:
  • Commerce
  • Japanese
  • Visual Arts
  • Music
  • Dance
  • Visual Design
  • Drama
  • Industrial Technology (Metal or Wood)
  • Information and Software Technology
  • Physical Activity and Sports Studies

St Columba's offers a variety of educational experiences to a diverse range of students. The School recognises the importance of offering different pathways of study and a broad range of subjects catering for the academic and vocational needs of our students.

During Years 11 and 12, students are able to select a pathway of study that leads to the awarding of the Higher School Certificate by the NSW Education Standards Authority.

Senior school students can study a broad range of subjects:
  • Studies of Religion
  • English (Advanced, Standard, Extension, Studies)
  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • History Extension (HSC Course Only)
  • Biology
  • Business Studies
  • Chemistry
  • Community and Family Studies
  • Dance
  • Design and Technology
  • Drama
  • Earth and Environmental Science
  • Economics
  • Food Technology
  • Geography
  • Health and Movement Science
  • Industrial Technology - Timber Products and Furniture Technologies
  • Investigating Science
  • Japanese Continuers
  • Legal Studies
  • Mathematics (Advanced, Extension 1, Extension 2, Standard)
  • Numeracy (Stage 6)
  • Modern History
  • Music (1 and 2)
  • Physics
  • Science Extension (HSC Only)
  • Society and Culture
  • Textiles and Design
  • Visual Arts
Vocational education and training courses:
  • Business Services
  • Construction
  • Early Childhood Education and Care
  • Engineering
  • Entertainment Industry
  • Fitness Hospitality
  • Information and Digital Technology
  • Primary Industries
  • Retail Services

 

Students can also complete Board Content Endorsed Courses:
  • Studies in Catholic Thought
  • Exploring Early Childhood
  • Photography, Video and Digital Imaging
  • Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies
  • Visual Design
  • Work Studies
School of Now

The innovative Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese School of Now program offers a unique learning experience for Year 11 and 12 students in a contemporary hybrid setting. This modern-day approach provides senior students with access to a greater range of extension courses and specialised electives that may not be offered at our school, helping them to achieve their personal career and study goals. The blended learning format using both virtual and face-to-face teaching methods optimises students’ learning experience with support from expert HSC teachers with specialist knowledge.

Vocational Education (VET)

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese is a leading provider of Vocational Education and Training (VET) opportunities. Our school offers this pathway to students to develop their hands-on skills, industry knowledge and real-world experience by learning from professionals in the field. VET allows students to pursue their own interests and passions, providing them with the tools to take charge of their learning and their future. Theoretical knowledge is translated to practical ability in VET, building a sense of identity and purpose through relevant, engaging education.

We offer a varied curriculum that is engaging and relevant

Contact St Columba’s TODAY to learn more about our innovative learning community.

Our learning

Discover how we help every student achieve their best.

Pursuing passions

Extracurricular opportunities for students.

How to enrol

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