Learning

Creative Arts

In creative arts, students discover a variety of art forms through a study of dance, drama, music and visual arts.

Studying the creative arts, students learn to appreciate, compose, listen, make and perform. Each art form has its own unique knowledge and skills, elements or concepts as well as a capacity to inspire and enrich lives.

Students must study 100 hours of both music and visual arts during Years 7 to 10. They also have an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills in other art forms through elective subjects including drama, dance, photography and visual design. Students can then select from a range of courses in Years 11 to 12.

Our aim at Hunter Sports High School is to:

• Help develop the potential of every student in Creative and Performing Arts and Languages.
• Provide all students with a comprehensive education through enjoyment of the arts.
• Foster a culture of engagement through arts education and to equip students with skills in art-making, photography, Japanese culture and language, and music-making.
• Encourage lifelong learning.

English

In English, students learn about the study and use of the English language in its various textual forms. These encompass spoken, written and visual texts through which meaning is shaped, conveyed, interpreted and reflected. Complexity increases as students progress through their schooling.

Developing proficiency in English enables students to take their place as confident communicators; critical and imaginative thinkers; lifelong learners; and informed, active participants in Australian society. Their understanding of English through knowledge and skills acquisition is essential to their intellectual, social and emotional development.

The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.

The focus of the English faculty at Hunter Sports High is to encourage our students to be actively engaged in learning and:

• to develop skills that allow them to personally engage with a range of texts
• to develop and apply their knowledge of their broader world
• to develop their analytical skills so that they can explain how authors shape their understanding

We value the role of Asian and Aboriginal perspectives to develop our students' understanding of their relationship with others and the world. We explore sustainability in a range of texts to develop our students' awareness of their global responsibilities. We pride ourselves on adapting our syllabus to be inclusive of the learning needs of all students. We design programs that support individual learning styles and adjust content to cater for the various needs, interests and abilities to enhance the achievements of individual students.

Our talented and professional team of English teachers engage 21st century learners through content rich lessons that utilise a variety of online resources to capture the essence of our contemporary world. Additionally, our online resources support the learning of students during extended absence as a result of personal, vocational and sporting commitments.

Human society and its environment

Students learn specific historical and geographical concepts and skills in history and geography. They also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which they live through elective subjects in Years 7 to 10 (Stages 4 to 5).

A large number of individual subjects make up the key learning area of HSIE in which students:

• research, gather and analyse information
• question and make judgements
• write for a variety of purposes.

The Hunter Sports High HSIE faculty boasts a large subject range. The following is an outline of the curriculum taught and offered:

Geography (Years 7-10):   Geography is the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. It is a rich and complex discipline that integrates knowledge from natural sciences, social sciences and humanities to build a holistic understanding of the world. Students learn to question why the world is the way it is, reflect on their relationships with and responsibilities for the world and propose actions designed to shape a socially just and sustainable future.

Geography (Years 11-12):   Geography is an investigation of the world which provides and accurate description and interpretation of the varied character of the earth and its people. It is a key discipline through which students develop the ability to recognise and understand environmental change and the interactions which take place in our world. Geographers investigate the opportunities for human activities, the constraints placed upon them and the impacts of these activities. The study of Geography allows students to perceive the world in a variety of ways and helps them make sense of a complex and changing world.

History (Years 7-10):   History is a disciplined process of inquiry into the past that helps to explain how people, events and forces from the past have shaped our world. It allows students to locate and understand themselves and others in the continuum of human experience up to the present. History provides opportunities for students to explore human actions and achievements in a range of historical contexts. Students become aware that history is all around us and that historical information may be drawn from the physical remains of the past as well as written, visual and oral sources of evidence.

Modern History:   The study of Modern History engages students in an investigation of the forces that have shaped the world, based on the analysis and interpretation of sources. It offers students the opportunity to investigate the possible motivations and actions of individuals and groups, and how they have shaped the world politically, culturally, economically and socially. Modern History stimulates students' curiosity and imagination, and enriches their appreciation of humanity by introducing them to a range of historical developments and experiences that have defined the modern world.

Ancient History:   The study of Ancient History engages students in an investigation of life in early societies based on the analysis and interpretation of physical and written remains. It offers students the opportunity to investigate the possible motivations and actions of individuals and groups, and how they shaped the political, social, economic and cultural landscapes of the ancient world. Ancient History stimulates students' curiosity and imagination and enriches their appreciation of humanity by introducing them to a range of cultures and beliefs as well as to the origins and influences of ideas, values and behaviours that are still relevant in the modern world. The investigation of the ancient past develops students' appreciation of the diversity of ancient societies and the longevity of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Aboriginal Studies:   Aboriginal Studies is designed to foster intellectual, social and moral development by enabling students to think critically about the historical and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal peoples. Through this study students will develop a heightened understanding and appreciation of the concepts of social justice and shared histories, and will critically examine their role as active and informed citizens. Aboriginal Studies is a unique experience for both Aboriginal students and non-Aboriginal students. Aboriginal students are provided with an opportunity for cultural affirmation and positive educational experiences while non-Aboriginal students are able to 'learn together' with Aboriginal peoples and communities. All students are encouraged to take an active role in the process of reconciliation.

Commerce:   Commerce is offered as an elective in Years 9 & 10. The aim of the course is to enable young people to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to research and develop solutions to consumer, financial, legal, business and employment issues. The course develops students' ability to make informed and responsible decisions as individuals and as part of the community. A range of elective topics are studied including law and society, consumer choice and personal finance.

Business Studies:   Business Studies in Years 11-12 investigates the role, operation and management of businesses within our society. Factors in the establishment, operation and management of a small business are integral to this course. Students investigate the role of global business and its impact on Australian business. Students develop research and independent learning skills in addition to analytical and problem-solving competencies through their studies. The four key areas of a business are studied in Year 12 - operations, financial, marketing and human resources.

Retail Studies:   VET Retail is based on units of competency which have been drawn up by the retail industry to describe the competencies, skills and knowledge needed by workers in the industry. The course is aimed at students who wish to work in the retail industry, either as a long-term career or in part-time or temporary retail jobs.

Legal Studies:   Legal Studies in Years 11-12 develops students' knowledge and understanding of the nature and functions of law and law-making, the development of Australian and international legal systems, the Australian constitution, and the role of the individual. This is achieved by investigating, analysing and synthesising legal information and investigating legal issues from a variety of perspectives. Crime, human rights, family and consumer law is a focus of interest in Year 12.

Society & Culture:   Society & Culture in Years 11-12 develops knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes essential to an appreciation of the social world. How the interaction of persons, society, culture, environment and time shape human behaviour is a central theme of study. Students develop an understanding of research methodologies and undertake research in an area of particular interest to them.

Work Studies:   Work Studies can give you a better knowledge and understanding of work, the work environment and skills for employment, knowledge and understanding of employment options, career management, life planning and further education and training skills for success in the workplace, skills in critically assessing personal and social influences on individuals and groups.

Languages

In today's changing world, knowing a second language is becoming increasingly important. Studying a second language can enhance linguistic skills, problem-solving skills and creativity. People with knowledge in a second language can have greater employment opportunities both in Australia and overseas in the areas of trade, tourism, hospitality, banking, finance, technology, education, research, the arts, diplomacy, government, law, media, advertising, translating, interpreting and cuisine.

The study of Japanese language is of particular importance to Australians, both culturally and economically. Japan is one of Australia's leading trading partners and there are significant cultural ties between Australia and Japan. Japanese has been identified as one of the priority languages in the Asia-Pacific region to be taught in Australian schools.

Japanese is taught at Hunter Sports High School by experienced and passionate staff in a supportive learning environment where all students can learn.

Students complete the mandatory hours in Year 7. In this introductory course, students are introduced to the four skills of language; reading, writing, listening and speaking through a series of interesting topics. Students are also introduced to the Japanese culture and enjoy activities such as calligraphy, cooking, sports, games, arts and crafts.

Students then have the opportunity to continue with their Japanese education through electives which are offered in both Years 9 & 10, and Years 11 & 12.

Other fun and educational activities enjoyed by our students are excursions to places such as Japanese restaurants, the movies and Japanese gardens. Students are encouraged and supported to participate in competitions such as the Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest and Video Matsuri.

Hunter Sports High School also plays host to visiting Japanese schools. Our students have the opportunity to host Japanese students and/or be involved in fun activities at school. It is always fantastic to hear the students of both countries using their language skills and sharing their cultures.

Hunter Sports High language students took their first trip to Japan in  April 2017, providing students with the opportunity to view many places of cultural significance, experience Japanese lifestyle firsthand as well as be able to use their language skills in authentic situations.

Mathematics

The Mathematics Faculty at Hunter Sports High School aims to develop students' mathematical thinking, understanding, competence and confidence in the application of mathematics; their creativity, enjoyment and appreciation of the subject; and their engagement in lifelong learning.

Staffed by experienced and enthusiastic teachers, the faculty also has a whole school responsibility for promoting numeracy. This involves preparing students for their NAPLAN numeracy tests in Years 7 & 9, and working collaboratively with partner primary schools in the Waiyarang Community on numeracy initiatives and transition activities.

All Hunter Sports High students have access to the  Education Perfect online learning platform and the program is available for students to use both at school and at home. Students should consult with their class teachers about login and password information.

Homework is assigned by class teachers and may include a variety of Education Perfect tasks, textbook tasks, worksheets or project-based learning tasks.

By studying mathematics, students learn to work mathematically – developing fluency, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning and communication skills.

The syllabus consists of the following strands:

• number and algebra

• measurement and geometry

• statistics and probability.

Year 9 students will have the option of studying the Maths in Trades Pathway (MITP). MITP is an initiative of the Apprenticeship Engegement Forum and it aims to:

• Ensure students can achieve workplace numeracy requirements as required in the Australian Core Skills Framework.
• Ensure students achieve all Stage 5.1 outcomes and some Stage 5.2 outcomes in the current NSW K-10 mathematics syllabus.
• Ensure students achieve all necessary Stage 6 Mathematics Standard preliminary outcomes through the Mathematics in Trades Pathway.
• Support students to ensure they are confident, capable and successful apprentices with proficient and practical numeracy skills.

In Year 11 and 12, the study of mathematics is optional. Courses offered include:

• Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
• Mathematics Extension 1
• Mathematics Advanced
• Mathematics Standard 2
• Mathematics Standard 1 (Optional HSC examination)
• Mathematics Life Skills.

Personal development, health and physical education

PDHPE provides students with opportunities to explore issues that are likely to impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others – now and in the future. Students also participate in challenging and enjoyable physical activity, improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence.

Hunter Sports High School's Personal Development, Health and Physical Education faculty is staffed by enthusiastic teachers who are committed to helping all students achieve to their potential.

Our programs focus on giving students the knowledge and skills required to develop lifelong health habits, promote active lifestyles, enhance personal development and wellbeing as well as maximise movement potential through a range of fun, engaging and challenging practical activities.

In addition to the mandatory PDHPE curriculum for Years 7-10, we also offer a range of electives in Stages 5 & 6 that allow students to pursue interests in sport, coaching, health and recreation which can support future study or career pathways.

Stage 5 Electives:

• Physical Activity & Sport Studies (PASS)
• VET Certificate II Sports Coaching
• Child Studies
• VET Certificate II in Sports Coaching (Year 10 only)

Stage 6 Electives:

• PDHPE
• Sport Lifestyle and Recreation
• VET Certificate II Sports Coaching (This is a Board endorsed course. Completion will see students achieve a qualification - Certificate II - in sports coaching)
• Community and Family Studies (CAFS)
• VET Certificate III in Fitness

The PDHPE faculty also delivers the mandatory Stage 6 'Crossroads' program in Year 11. This program is a compulsory course aimed at education around the issues of drug use and relationships. At Hunter Sports High School, we provide our students the opportunity to explore these issues and build relationships through our annual Year 11 snow trip. This has proven to be a successful and rewarding school experience that the PDHPE faculty at Hunter Sports High will endeavour to sustain.

Science

Science 7-10 provides a way of inquiring about the world around us. It explores evidence and investigates ways to discover, develop and produce solutions to real-world problems. Science emphasises the skills for working scientifically, as well as critical and creative thinking to address scientific issues.

In Years 11 and 12, students can choose from different science disciplines, including:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth and Environmental Science
• Investigating Science
• Physics.

In Year 12, students who are studying at least one other science subject may also choose to study Science Extension.

Many of the key issues of modern society are in areas involving science and technology. The media is filled with content and discussion regarding scientific issues that have become political, social and economic issues. These include climate change, stem cell research and the development of life-saving drugs.

Hunter Sports High's Science faculty actively engages students in the process of working scientifically to gain an increased understanding of the importance of science in their own lives and society, locally and globally. Through questioning and seeking solutions to problems, students develop an understanding of the relationships between science and technology and its importance in current and future practices.

Our science faculty has developed differentiated, engaging science teaching and learning programs based on the National NSW Science curriculum. We are encouraging students to develop a positive self-concept as learners and gain confidence in and enjoyment from their learning at Hunter Sports High School. In our science classes, students are engaged in practical activities and research tasks for half of all lesson time.

As well as comprehensive general science classes for Year 7-10 students, the science faculty offers students a range of senior subjects including Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Senior Science. These subjects are taught by caring and highly qualified teachers who are proud of all their students' achievements.

Technological and applied studies

TAS is mandatory for all students in Stage 4 (Year 7 & 8) through the Technology Mandatory Year 7 & 8 Syllabus. Students then have the opportunity to select from a range of elective TAS subjects in Stages 5 & 6.

The continuum of technology learning is:

• based on students becoming increasingly sophisticated in their ability to design and produce solutions for authentic needs and opportunities

• An option for students in secondary school through a range of syllabuses addressing particular technologies and aspects of design

The TAS staff at Hunter Sports High School are multi-skilled professionals providing students with a diverse selection of technology courses from Year 7 to Year 12. Subjects on offer in the TAS Faculty are:

• Technology (Mandatory) - Students in NSW public schools complete a mandatory technology course in Years 7 & 8.
• Industrial Technology Metal (Stage 5)
• Industrial Technology Engineering (Stage 5)
• Industrial Technology Timber (Stage 5 & 6)
• Food Technology (Stage 5 & 6)

Stage 4 (Years 7 & 8)

Technology Mandatory engages students in design and production activities as they develop solutions to identified needs and opportunities. Through the practical application of knowledge and understanding, they learn about Agriculture and Food Technologies, Digital Technologies, Engineered Systems and Material Technologies.

At Hunter Sports High School, students study the following courses:

Year 7:

• Digital Technologies (semester course)
• Material Technologies (semester course)

Year 8:

• Agriculture and Food Technologies (semester course)
• The Engineered Systems - CO2 car (semester course)

Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10)

Through the study of technology courses, students engage in a diverse range of practical experiences and develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary and advancing technologies. They develop solutions to identified problems and situations and explore the impact of technologies on the individual, society and the environment. Students can choose electives in Stage 5. The TAS Faculty offers the following electives:

• Design and Technology
• Food Technology
• Industrial Technology  Metal
• Industrial Technology  Timber
• Industrial Technology  Engineering

Stage 6 (Years 11 & 12)

The TAS Faculty offers both Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Board Developed Courses. It is most important that Stage 6 students be well informed and aware of various learning pathways available to them in this stage.

Board Developed Courses include:

• Design & Technology
• Food Technology
• Timber Products and Furniture Technologies

Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses include:

• Construction (Cert II in Construction Pathways)
• Furniture Making (Cert II in Furniture Making Pathways)
• Hospitality Food & Beverage (Cert II in Hospitality
• Manufacturing and Engineering (Cert II in Engineering & Cert II in Engineering Pathways)

The inclusion of these courses in the HSC, based on industry-recognised AQF VET qualifications, will allow students to access both long-term and short-term employment opportunities. The courses also provide an optional HSC examination, which allows results from the 240 indicative hours courses to contribute to the calculation of the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).

It is a mandatory requirement for students to complete 70 hours of work placement, across Year 11 and Year 12, for these VET courses.

Please be aware that all elective subjects are practical-based and require a course fee to be paid by students for materials used in practical experiences. To comply with DEC work health and safety policies and regulations, the wearing of solid leather footwear is mandatory in practical work areas.

Other subjects

Explore how we teach the NSW curriculum through key learning areas.

High potential and gifted education

Enrichment Academy

Hunter Sports High School offers an enrichment program for students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Students in the Enrichment Academy are typically highly motivated and keen to extend themselves in their learning. Within the Enrichment Academy students work through outcomes in each of the subject areas at a faster rate and are extended beyond the level of students in their year group. During academy periods students are given a variety of activities aimed at developing skills such as learner agency, quality thinking and collaboration. Places in the class are limited.

Acceleration in Stage 6 courses

Students may accelerate in all courses (grade advancement), in one course or in a number of courses.

Acceleration must be based on the principle of compression of work, not omission of work. Students who accelerate in one or more courses must achieve the required outcomes of the courses, but in a shorter time frame (ie one or more years in advance of their cohort).

Decisions about the acceleration of students will be made by principals.

For more information regarding Stage 6 Acceleration visit the NESA website.

Hunter Sports High School will be offering Year 9 students the option of accelerating in a course for the HSC.

Applications for Accelerated courses will be open early in Term 3.

Click on the link below for more information regarding acceleration at Hunter Sports High

Stage 6 Acceleration at Hunter Sports High

Our Academies

The Academy structure at Hunter Sports High school places students at the centre of their own learning where they have agency and connection to a community of learners. This structure aligns with the school motto of Personalising Pathways for all students. An Academy has its own purpose and is supported by a teacher advisor. The advisor facilitates, guides, mentors and supports the learning of students in their advisory group.

Each Academy has a real-world focus and authenticity, connected to external adult mentors and/or community projects. Real world skills and general capabilities are developed to ensure these students are given the best opportunities to thrive in a diverse and complex world.

The Academy structure is aimed at supporting students to:

• identify their passions to promote depth and breadth of learning
• develop a strong sense of self and have agency in their learning
• have purpose, relevance and authenticity in their learning

Academies will have up to 20 students per advisor. This is to ensure that all students are truly seen, feel valued and cared for. A key focus is on developing their humanity and ensuring students can counter the rise of a world dominated by artificial intelligence. As artificial intelligence advances upon the more manual and repetitive jobs of the future, it’ll be the jobs requiring the navigation of humanness that remain. Academies are focused on instilling the skills, knowledge and character traits that give our students the best chance of successfully navigating this changing world. In the Academy, students' strengths are identified, acknowledged and enhanced and their areas for growth are integrated into the curriculum and are supported and developed. This approach fosters an environment that values individuality, nurtures well-rounded development and the ability to assess personal growth and resilience over time.

Academies allow more opportunities to encourage students to reflect on their academic experiences, challenges faced, and lessons learned. By evaluating personal growth, Academy assessment framework structures inspire a growth mindset and a love for learning, moving beyond the sole focus on grades or test scores.

• Big Picture Academy
• Enrichment Academy
• GEM Academy
• Hunter Academy
• Sports Academy
• Transition 1 Academy
• Transition 2 Academy