General Information

This website aims to provide parents and students with information that will assist in the selection of elective courses for Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10).

The pattern of courses to be studied in Years 9 and 10 falls into two categories:
Compulsory courses: Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, PDHPE, History and Geography
Elective courses: Elective courses in a variety of key learning areas in the Stage 5 Elective Pathways.

The College will determine the pattern of study for compulsory courses. 

Students have the opportunity to select four electives for study. These elective courses will be studied over Years 9, and they will reselect for Year 10. Students are encouraged to be mindful of this when making their elective choices, as there is only limited scope for subject changes after courses have begun. 

We advise students to select a subject in which they are interested. Subject choice is not linked to career or university choices at this level. In some subjects, however, success in a Stage 5 course is of great assistance in studying the subject in Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12).

In presenting the range of courses provided in this booklet, we have attempted to meet the needs of all students. However, please note that courses have class size limits. Every effort will be made to accommodate student choices.

Students are advised to carefully consider the various elective subjects in each key learning area before making a final decision.

Points to Consider When Selecting Courses:

• Choose electives on the basis of interest and ability

• Do not choose subjects on:

• The basis of your friends’ choices

• Particular teachers who may teach the course

• Whether the subject is considered ‘easy’

• Be realistic in your choices — for instance, if you find writing challenging, choose some practical subjects as well

• Future career choice is not a major criterion at this level

• You may elect to do particular courses in Years 11 and 12, even though you have not completed associated courses in junior school. Although junior school courses may provide helpful background knowledge, they are not essential to senior studies (with the exception of French Continuers at Xavier Catholic College).

Please be aware that the demands of timetabling mean that some advertised courses will not run in 2026.

The courses provided each year vary, and there is no guarantee that all of the courses listed will be available to study. The final courses provided for each cohort are determined by the level of student interest and teacher availability.