Find out more about what your child will learn at our school.
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is responsible for the curriculum, Kindergarten to Year 12, for all NSW schools.
For the high school years, NESA develops syllabuses for all subjects in 8 key learning areas:
- creative arts
- English
- human society and its environment (HSIE)
- languages
- mathematics
- personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE)
- science
- technological and applied studies (TAS).
NSW schools also offer special religious education and special education in ethics via approved providers, where available.
Like all NSW schools, we have developed teaching and learning programs to suit our local context and the needs of our students.
To learn more about the curriculum in NSW, visit:
- NSW Department of Education – key learning areas
- NESA’s Parent Guide – Schooling in NSW which provides information about learning stages, key learning areas and syllabuses
- NSW Department of Education policy – Curriculum planning and programming, assessing and reporting to parents K–12.
Stages of learning
There are 6 stages of learning from Kindergarten to Year 12. High school covers Stages 4 to 6.
- Stage 4 includes Years 7 and 8.
- Stage 5 includes Years 9 and 10.
- Stage 6 includes Years 11 and 12.
Text Books
Students must take responsibility for books on loan to them and will be required to pay for lost or damaged books. A one off payment of $10 on enrolment contributes to buying textbooks for the school. This way you are not charged for textbooks for every subject each year.
All students study the following subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Technology Mandatory (including Woodwork, Metalwork, Textiles & Design, Food Technology and Information Technology)
- General & Australian History
- General & Australian Geography
- Indonesian
- Visual Arts
- Music
- Personal Development, Health & Physical Education
Subject Selections
Year 8 students choose the subjects that they wish to study in Years 9 & 10 during Term 3. An information evening is held before these selections and it is important that parents /carers come along to this with their students.
Subject Information Booklets
These are given out to students in Years 8 & 10 during Term 3. These have all the information about the choices of subjects and any contributions attached to the course. There may be additions to these booklets handed out for the following year . These booklets are also used for reference when selecting subjects at the end of Year 9. When choosing subjects the cost of the course needs to be considered.
Compulsory Core Subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- History and Geography
Students choose a pattern of study according to the Board of Studies guidelines for the School Certificate. They must choose to major in one or more subjects which means they do four units of the subject over two years. If they choose subjects with only two electives they will get a minor in that subject on their School Certificate.
Subject Specific Contributions
Contributions apply for some particular subjects. Students should only choose these subjects from Year 9 onwards if they are able to meet these costs. Special assistance may be available and should be applied for, in advance, through the School Office.
The following subjects may be offered though many have minimum numbers to run.
Aboriginal Studies
The aim of this course is to explore the cultures, languages and lifestyles of Aboriginal peoples. It emphasises the understanding of issues central to Aboriginal societies and the relevance of the issues to the entire Australian community.
Agriculture
This course aims to provide experiences in the practices of growing, caring, observing and measuring plants and animals.
Commerce
The course provides practical experiences that prepare students for life as consumers, producers, workers, owners, managers, unionists, voters and taxpayers. Students will be guided towards an understanding of Australia's changing commercial and economic environment in preparation for their responsible participation in that environment.
Drama
The units prepared offer a wide variety of drama and theatre studies.
Food Technology
Students will be actively engaged in learning about food in a variety of settings, enabling them to evaluate the relationship between food, technology, nutritional status and quality of life.
Indonesian
The aim of Indonesian is to help students acquire a sound knowledge of the Indonesian culture and language. The study of a different language and culture introduces students to cultural diversity and Australian neighbours.
Geography
This course brings together the human and biophysical parts of the environment. It studies society as part of a global, national, regional and local environment.
History
History helps students to understand the present through the past. Students will be involved in a wide range of oral, drama and written activities as well as model making and excursions.
Industrial Technology
Each course must be based on the study of one focus area only. These areas are timber, automotive, electronics and metal. Units include design, planning and construction.
Information & Software Technology
Units include Database Design, Digital Media, Internet and Website Development and Software Development and Programming.
Music
Students study a wide range of musical styles and have the opportunity to participate in varied performance activities.
Personal Development, Health & Physical Education
This subject is concerned with the development of the whole person and the improvement of the quality of life. It will give students the opportunity to become skilled in a variety of activities such as games, dance, gymnastics, athletics and swimming.
Technical Drawing
This course includes Drawing Methods, Drawing Standards, Research and Problem Solving.
Textiles & Design
This is a practical based subject which teaches knowledge and skills in design, planning and construction using textiles as the medium.
Visual Arts
Students develop skills in a range of 2 and 3 Dimensional media and gain an understanding of how an artist's world influences the art they create.
Work Education
Students will learn about a range of work place issues and will develop workplace communication skills, employability skills, team work, problem solving, self awareness and information technology skills.
For more detailed information on these subjects (including specific units) please see the VSO Booklet.
Practical Lessons
Practical lessons are a very good way for students to use different skills that they have learnt at school as well as those already learnt.
In Visual Arts, Science, Agriculture and Technical & Applied Studies subjects there is also a focus on doing practical lessons to learn the skills involved with the subject. There is a great emphasis placed on safety issues with these subjects and it is important that students are always aware of the safety of themselves and others, especially with tools, implements and chemicals.
Safety regulations require that feet must be safely covered in all practical and science classes. This means that sandals, thongs and similar footwear are not allowed. Shoes must have firm leather uppers and be fully enclosed. Hair must be fastened back from the face for all practical lessons.
Students are not able to wear sandals, thongs or any shoe that is not enclosed when doing practical work in any subject.
Library
A warm welcome is given to all students at the library. It is hoped you will find the library a friendly, helpful and exciting place to come to and make use of. The library is open before school, and all of lunchtime.
All Year 7 students spend a short time at the beginning of the year with the Librarian and their English teachers learning to find their way around our library and use the resources that we have. After this 'orientation' they will either come to the library with their teacher to work on a particular subject or, if they are responsible they may be allowed to come in a small group and work independently.
They will also have plenty of their own time when they can come and read, play games or have a look at the displays in the library. It is also a relaxing place to come if they are feeling a bit lost in their new school and need some friendly faces and a quiet escape.
Students may borrow four books at a time and the borrowing period is two weeks with extensions if necessary. We have an excellent collection of books and other resources. The Library has computer facilities for student use. Research through the Internet is available and the school has access to a variety of information databases and collection services.
School Farm
Agriculture is an important field of study and for the purpose of practical work in this subject the School has a school farm. The Science Department and the Agriculture teachers, with the help of the Farm Assistant administer the farm.
In Agriculture subjects students learn about the many types of farming that are important in our district as well as further afield. The classes also have an opportunity to prepare and show animals for local shows. The school has had many successes at Beef Week and the Lismore National as well as at the Kyogle Show.
Many local farmers give tremendous support to our farm. We would be happy to hear from you if you too could make a contribution in time, advice, labour, livestock or surplus equipment.
Concert Band
The Concert Band instruments that we have available at Kyogle high School are: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet & trombone. (Please note: not allinstruments are available each year.)
There are classes for both Advanced and Beginner students, and the repertoire of music is both challenging, varied and fun !!!
Students are required to be committed to both rehearsal and performances. There is no fee charged for the hiring of an instrument.
Religious Education
In addition all students have access to Religious Education on a rotating basis from Year 7 through the year to Year 10. This is given in the denominations of Presbyterian, Uniting, Anglican and Roman Catholic. If parents do not wish their students to have this spiritual development education they need to send a note to that effect to school.