Curriculum Overview

The fourth of six defining features of Catholic schools calls the Shalom College community specifically to "Offer a relevant and holistic curriculum of quality teaching and learning . . . designed to meet the identified needs of the students in terms of their present and future role in society as active, informed and critical contributors." (Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton, 2004)

Shalom College responds to the challenge of offering a relevant and holistic curriculum that prepares students to become successful learners, creative and confident individuals and active and informed citizens. To achieve this our curriculum aims to develop the capabilities of: Literacy; Numeracy; Information and communication technology (ICT) competence; Critical and creative thinking; Ethical behaviour; Personal and social competence; Intercultural understanding. Underpinning this response is an emphasis placed on the development of the cross-curricular priorities of: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures; Asia and Australia's engagement with Asia; Sustainability.

These capabilities and priorities are translated into teaching and learning roles and experiences that are integrated throughout our curriculum programs in both the Middle and Senior Schools.

ICT

The study and application of ICT is integrated across the curriculum to support teaching and learning. ICT skills are also taught within technology and multimedia subjects from Years 7 to 12.

The integration of ICTs across the curriculum is predicated on the notion that all teachers and students have a responsibility to develop capacity in the appropriation and application of new and dynamic technologies to facilitate learning. Fundamental to this notion is a belief that the needs of the curriculum drive the appropriation and application of technology rather than the converse and, further, that these curriculum needs are as personal and varied as the members of our learning community.

Core Studies

Core Studies as a curriculum organizer applies much of the research into the "Middle Years of Schooling" and seeks to improve the learning outcomes for all students between the ages of 10 and 15. Core Studies allows students to spend most of their time in a home class shared by a team of two teachers. Teachers in each team specialize in both Mathematics and Science or English and Humanities & Social Sciences. These teaching teams are encouraged to plan together to facilitate integration both across Core Studies and the curriculum generally where opportunities can be identified.

Years 7 & 8

Students are divided into multi-ability classes. All classes follow a common programme of core learning areas covering religious education, Core Studies A (Mathematics and Science), Core Studies B (English, and Humanities & Social Sciences) and Health & Physical education. Future elective learning areas sampled for one term each including Art, Business Education, Food Technology, ICT, Industrial Technology and Design, LOTE (Japanese), Performing Arts (Dance, Drama) and Music.

Year 9

In Year 9, students continue to study the core learning areas of Religious Education, Core Studies A and Core Studies B and PE. In Year 9, four elective subjects are chosen which each run for one semester.

Students requiring extra tuition in literacy and numeracy are supported by Student Services. Provision is also made for those students ascertained with special needs.

Year 10

Year 10 is part of the Senior school. It is a transitional year where students continue and complete core studies with a focus on "filling gaps" and "building bridges" toward future studies and work. In Year 10 all core subjects are treated as discrete subject areas. The Year 10 core subject areas are: Religious Education; Physical Education; English; Humanities & Social Sciences (currently History, Geography and Social Science); Mathematics and Science.

In the core learning areas of English, Humanities & Social Sciences, Mathematics and Science, various modules are offered in Semesters One and Two to allow students to continue to make the necessary transitions into relevant Senior subjects.

Year 11

Year 11 students select six subjects from a variety of General, Applied and vocational subjects. Study of a Mathematics subject; a Religious Education subject; and either English or English Literature course is compulsory. Some students may engage in vocational training or apprenticeships while completing school.

Year 12

Year 12 students select seven subjects from a variety of Authority, Authority-registered and vocational subjects. Some students may engage in vocational training or apprenticeships while completing school.

 

Prior to Year 11, both students and parents are given advice on the organization of the curriculum, requirements for tertiary study, pathway options and career opportunities.