High School

High School Curriculum

The school's broad curriculum provides the opportunity to study well beyond NSW Board of Studies School Certificate requirements. Year 9 and 10 courses offer enriched critical thinking and learning, while the expanded Senior program features stimulating choices across all faculty areas.

All subjects are taught to the highest ability level for each student, including at Extension level. Acceleration is encouraged and supported for students who are advanced beyond their peer group in languages and other subjects. Our students' HSC results are outstanding.

Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8): Stage 4 curricula are largely mandated by the NSW Board of Studies, with compulsory study in English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Music, Visual Arts, PD/H/PE and Technology. All students study a second language - French, German, Japanese or Italian - to the end of Year 10. Beginner classes are available for students entering IGS in Year 7 or 8. Beginner languages will vary from year to year and are set by the school. All students study a third language (currently Chinese or Spanish) to the end of Year 8, after which it becomes an elective choice.

The curriculum is programmed to ensure a smooth transition from the primary years into high school, and reflects the special needs of students during the middle years 5 to 8. The program includes regular physical exercise, acceleration and enrichment for higher-level achievers, flexibility and student choice aimed at maximizing student engagement.

Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10): At Stage 5 students will continue with their study of English, Mathematics, Science and PD/H/PE. In addition they are required to study Australian History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship and a second language to the end of Year 10. Electives in Stage 5 are offered in the following disciplines: History, Geography, Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Design & Technology and third language. Every course is designed to meet the needs of each student through program flexibility, enabling both enrichment study and individual course modification where appropriate.

We also provide a rich and rewarding range of school-developed courses for all students. These courses include Thinking Mathematically, Craft of Writing, Practical Writing, Working Mathematically and Independent Learning Project.

Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12): Courses available for HSC study include:

English, both Standard and Advanced, including Extension 1 and 2;
Mathematics, both General and Advanced, including Extension 1 and 2;
Chemistry, Biology and Physics;
Ancient and Modern History, including Extension History;
Geography and Economics;
Visual Art and Drama;
Music, Unit Courses 1 and 2, including Extension Music;
French, German, Japanese, Italian and Spanish, including all Extension courses;
Beginner Chinese, Spanish and, where there is demand, Japanese;
Design and Technology;
PD/H/PE.

Parallel study may also be taken at local universities, TAFE Colleges or other institutions.