Junior Curriculum

The junior curriculum operates in two modules:

1. Years 7 and 8 study core group of subjects and
2. an expanded curriculum incorporating three elective choices is offered in Years 9 and 10.

Year 7

Year 7 is basically the same in all schools throughout NSW, whether state or private.  At Killarney Heights High School students study: English Mathematics Science History Geography Art Music Personal Development/Health/Physical Education Design and Technology Introductory courses in Chinese, French, Italian and Japanese Accelerated French Integrated sport

Note:  The accelerated course in French is for students who have been undertaking the bilingual French/English program at Killarney Heights Public School or who come from bilingual, French speaking families.

Year 8

Year 8 repeats the Year 7 pattern. Students continue learning one of the four languages studied in Year 7: Chinese, French, French Accelerated, Italian, Japanese. French accelerated students complete the School Certificate in Year 8.

This module allows the students to acquire a sound general education which is a good basis from which to choose elective subjects in the later years.

Years 9 and 10

 Years 9 and 10 lead to the School Certificate. Students study their chosen subjects for two years to gain their Certificate.
The core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Australian History and Australian Geography and Civics, must be studied by all students.

In addition, students select three electives from:

Chinese Commerce Dance Drama English as a second language Physical Activity & Sports Studies Food Technology French French Accelerated (Preliminary course for the HSC) Italian Graphics Technology History-Elective Industrial Technology Timber Electronics Metal Information & Software Technology Japanese Music Photographic & Digital Media Textiles Technology Visual Arts

All students study Personal Development/ Health/Physical Education and must participate in sport. 

School Certificate

The School Certificate is a credential marking the end of junior secondary schooling. The School Certificate Portfolio of Results will comprise three parts:

1. The School Certificate
2. A Record of Achievement showing results in each subject studied for the School Certificate. Grades A-E will be awarded in all courses including English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography, based on school based assessment of students’ achievement with reference to performance descriptors issued by the Board of Studies
3. The students’ results in external statewide tests in the five curriculum –based areas- English-literacy; Mathematics; Science and Australian History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, Computing Skills.

In Years 7 and 8, compulsory subjects are set for students. In Years 9 and 10, students are able to choose several subjects they wish to study, as well as the compulsory English, Maths and Science courses. Years 11 and 12 students may elect all of their subjects with the exception of English, which is compulsory.