Key learning areas

English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.

Students learn about the English language through written, spoken and visual texts of increasing complexity as they progress through their schooling.

An understanding of the English language is central to how we communicate and essential for 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.

In Year 11 and 12, the study of English is mandatory. Courses offered include:

• English Advanced
• English Extension 1 (Year 11 and Year 12)
• English Extension 2 (Year 12 only)

Other English courses are offered based on indivdual needs.

The study of mathematics at Normanhurst Boys High School involves cohort-wide enrichment and acceleration, with a possibility of extra acceleration under exceptional circumstances.

Course Outlines

Course outlines and learning programs for each year can be found in the file repository.

Years 7-8

In Years 7-8, the Stage 4 Mathematics curriculum is supplemented by acceleration parts of Stage 5 (such as area and volume, advanced algebraic techniques and indices) as well as enrichment activities to engage the boys.

They are also encouraged to take part in Australian Mathematics Challenge Stage and also the Enrichment Stage, which is offered by the Australian Mathematics Trust (AMT).

Years 9-10

In Years 9-10, the Stage 5.1-5.3 course is the only course offered.

During these two years, all of the option topics in the Stage 5.3 syllabus are taught to equip our students for even more rigorous senior courses.

Years 11-12

The Year 11 and 12 courses offered are:

• Mathematics Advanced – Year 11 and 12
• Mathematics Extension 1 – Year 11 and 12
• Mathematics Extension 2 – Year 12 only

Under exceptional circumstances, Mathematics Standard (Year 11 Course) and Mathematics Standard 2 (Year 12 Course) may be arranged to be studied via distance education.

• Download course outlines and learning programs for mathematics courses from Years 7-12.

Help when it’s needed

The Mathematics Department also supports its students extensively online via Microsoft Teams, a 21st century e-learning, collaborative platform. Details on how to sign up are distributed at the commencement of each year.

A study of science is mandatory for all students from Kindergarten to Year 10.

In science, students explore the natural and made worlds. They learn how to apply scientific skills, knowledge and understanding across a broad range of contexts.

Science 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. The inquiry and skill-based nature of science opens doors to ideas and discoveries.

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

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Investigating Science
• Physics
• Science Extension (Year 12 only, not offered in 2019)

In human society and its environment (HSIE), both subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.

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.

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.

In Year 11 and 12, students can choose from a range of HSIE courses. These include:

• Ancient History
• Business Studies
• Economics
• Geography (accelerated – students study the Year 11 course in Year 10 and the Year 12 course in Year 11)
• History Extension (Year 12 only)
• Legal Studies
• Modern History
• Society and Culture (accelerated – students study the Year 11 course in Year 10 and the Year 12 course in Year 11)

Technological and applied studies (TAS) is mandatory for all students in Year 7 and 8. Students can also select from a range of elective TAS subjects.

In TAS, students use a range of tools, materials and techniques in the design process and technological experiences through theory and practical lessons. As well as the mandatory study of technology, students can select from a range of elective TAS subjects.

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 student specialisation in high school through a range of syllabuses addressing particular technologies and aspects of design.

Available courses include:

• Design and Technology 7-10
• Food Technology 7-10
• Graphics Technology 7-10
• Industrial Technology 7-10
• Information and Software Technology 7-10
• Design and Technology Stage 6
• Engineering Studies Stage 6
• Industrial Technology Stage 6
• Information Processes and Technology Stage 6 (accelerated – students study the Year 11 course in Year 9, and Year 12 course in Year 10)
• Software Design and Development Stage 6

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. Students can then select from a range of courses in Years 11 to 12.

Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.

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.

In Year 11 and 12, courses available include:

• Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

In NSW high schools, languages is a key learning area.

Language study allows students to develop communication skills, learn about languages as systems and explore the relationship between language and culture. Students engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of societies and reflect on their understanding of social interactions.

The study of a language is compulsory for 100 hours in one continuous school year from Year 7 to Year 10, but preferably in Years 7 or 8.

In Years 11 and 12, NSW schools offer a wide variety of languages, catering for beginning students to background speakers.

The A Team at Normanhurst Boys High School delivers quality teaching and learning to students with special needs. It consists of three Autism Support Classes with a maximum number of 7 students per class.

The unit strives to work in partnership with parents, carers, external organisations and fellow teaching colleagues to develop unique and relevant learning experiences. Students can engage with a fulltime Life Skills pattern of study or a tailored program to their unique needs in which differentiated curriculum drives the teaching and learning process.

Our programs focus on providing a least restrictive environment in which many of our students can venture out into mainstream classes across faculties, based on their individual strengths and interests. The inclusion of students into mainstream classes and activities provides social and academic opportunities essential for the students’ individual success at school and in the future. As Normanhurst Boys High School is fully selective, opportunities for integration is dependent on availability.

The school also collaborates with others schools in the area to plan and prepare students for transition to their local high schools.

Ultimately, our classrooms are fun, innovative and embrace learning and pedagogy for success of the learner. Importantly, all the full time teachers within the A Team are specialised education practitioners.

For more information on Support classes in regular schools (subject to placement panel procedures) please visit the following Disability, Learning and support page from the Department of Education.