Students will deepen their knowledge and understanding of the elements of drama and theatrical performance. The course will focus on the different aspects of acting and directing skills, working with scenarios, including Commedia dell’Arte masks, script interpretation, characterisation, movement, and reflective journal work. The course will also look at various genres and contexts of theatre.

More information: Drama: From Page to Stage

Students will work with real-life concepts of establishing a production company from concept proposals to theatre spaces and selection of production pieces. They will explore different jobs associated with theatre and production, which may include lighting and sound technicians; stage management, set, costume and makeup design and application; and marketing and front of house. They will consider different target audiences which may include their peers, the broader school community, including families, young people, older people or other mixed, broad audiences. Depending on timing, work in this course may coincide with the school production which will then become part of the course work. 

More information: Drama: Working in Theatre

Students will work with  contemporary dance styles to expand their knowledge and understanding of the elements of dance and safe dance practices. They will focus on choreographic techniques, creative dance performance, and dance appreciation. Students are expected to experiment with ideas and improvisation in a range of genres and styles, while developing skills in dance practice, control, accuracy, strength, balance, alignment, flexibility, endurance, coordination and articulation. 

More information: Dance: Dance in Society

Students will explore dance within popular culture, deepening their knowledge and understanding of the historical, social and cultural contexts of different uses of dance in our society, from music videos and marketing to the general use of dance for entertainment in popular culture. Within this context, there is a focus on identification and application of the elements of dance and specific dance techniques and styles, dance performance, choreography and dance appreciation. Students will evaluate their own work and the work of others to develop their understanding of dance as entertainment and promotion.

More information: Dance: Working in Dance

Beyond the Notes develops students’ understanding of how music expresses ideas across time and culture. Students explore how the elements of music are used to create meaning, how styles have evolved, and how traditions influence mainstream music. They apply their knowledge through research, performance, composition, and listening tasks, building skills on piano, guitar/ukulele, percussion, and voice.

In Baroque to Rock (Semester 1), students investigate the development of Western music from the Baroque period through to rock, examining how styles evolved and shaped each other over time

More information: Beyond the Notes 

Beyond the Notes develops students’ understanding of how music expresses ideas across time and culture. Students explore how the elements of music are used to create meaning, how styles have evolved, and how traditions influence mainstream music. They apply their knowledge through research, performance, composition, and listening tasks, building skills on piano, guitar/ukulele, percussion, and voice.

In Around the World (Semester 2), students explore music from diverse cultures, both traditional and popular, and analyse how global influences have contributed to mainstream Western music.

More information: Beyond the Notes

This course provides the opportunity to learn basic photography skills using digital SLR cameras and editing software like Photoshop. Students will produce their own images, experiment with depth of field, shutter speed, composition, camera angles to capture interesting and creative artistic photographs.

More information: Photography 

Students develop skills in front of and behind the camera, learning the processes involved in writing, producing, filming and editing mixed media. Creating short films, trailers, screencasts and more, students will learn to collaborate effectively and enjoy popcorn at the screenings! Learn skills to enhance your own social media presence, direct your own feature film or tell any story you want to! 

More information: Media: Script to Screen 

How will you remember high school?

Students will work together to compile the Year 10 yearbook, as well as creating screencasts, websites and planners. Working with text, photos, and compilation programs students will make professional quality publications, providing information to our student body and wider community, as well as developing a yearbook full of memories that the year 10’s will treasure forever.

More information: Publishing: Yearbook 

Sculpture introduces students to a range of three-dimensional art materials, both traditional and contemporary, to create their own artwork. With references to some of the world's most recognised sculptures, statues and monuments, from realism to pure abstraction; students experience working through various multi-stage processes in developing their art.  Modelling, chiseling, carving and casting are the featured practical skills students will develop in this course along with an aptitude for pushing the boundaries of a given material and problem-solving through various design stages. 

More information: Sculpture 

Students explore a range of techniques within the art mediums of Drawing and Printmaking.  Within drawing, students focus on developing specific drawing techniques while using graphite, charcoal and soft and oil pastel.  In printmaking students explore a range of techniques including printing in relief (lino printing) and intaglio (drypoint etching) to create personalised print editions of their work. Students refine their techniques for independent art-making while creating both minor and major works. Art appreciation and analysis are integral components to the students artmaking practice, with students being exposed to both historical and contemporary works, including First Nations artists.

More information: Drawing and Printmaking 

Students explore a range of techniques within the art mediums of Drawing and Painting.  Within drawing, students focus on developing specific drawing techniques while using graphite, charcoal and soft and oil pastel.  In painting students will learn the theory of colour and colour-mixing alongside exploring various painting techniques and styles.  Students will practice independent art-making while creating both minor and major works. Art appreciation and analysis are integral components to the students artmaking practice, with students being exposed to both historical and contemporary works, including First Nations artists.

More information: Drawing and Painting 

students explore the design and creation of wearable and decorative objects through the art of jewellery making. They will be introduced to a variety of traditional and contemporary techniques for working with different materials, including metal, wire, beads, resin, and felt. Throughout the unit, students will develop their design skills by being exposed to cultural and historical jewellery traditions, analysing contemporary small-object artists, and generating their own design concepts through modelling, and prototyping. They will learn to work safely and effectively with a variety of materials, applying problem-solving skills to refine functional and aesthetic qualities in their creations. Jewellery and small objects emphasises creativity, craftsmanship, and personal expression. Final projects may include rings, pendants, earrings, brooches, wearable art pieces, or sculptural miniatures.

More information: Jewellery and Small Objects 

In the Literature course, students have the opportunity to engage with some of the great texts of the English canon. This course is designed as an extension course to provide enrichment to students who have a passion for reading, writing and engaging with literary texts.

More information: Literature 

Anything is possible in our imaginations. Through the mode of role-playing games, students will create and document their own fantasy worlds and characters. These will be used by the students in both oral and written storytelling activities, as we work to produce our own written and illustrated works of fiction.

More information: Role Playing Games 

This unit will give students an introduction to philosophy. Students will begin to master the art of logical argument, learning how to think critically and defend their claims with confidence. The course will delve into the world of ethics by comparing utilitarianism, the idea that we should maximise happiness for the greatest number, with duty-based ethics, where following moral principles is key. We'll also challenge student assumptions through scepticism, pushing them to question what they truly know. By the end, students will not only think deeper but will make more thoughtful, informed choices when considering their future lives.

More information: Philosophy 

Outdoor Education gives students the opportunity to learn unique and specific skills facilitated by the outdoor environment. Through a variety of outdoor pursuits, students develop their social skills, gain self-confidence, use initiative, provide leadership, and collaborate with others. Understanding nature through direct experience, students develop an adventurous spirit and learn the value of lifelong outdoor recreation in a safe and enjoyable way.  Activities for this Semester unit may include:  Ocean Sports - Surfing, Stand Up Paddling, Sea Kayaking, advanced initiatives.

Approximate costs $300

More information: Outdoor Education 2 Summer

Outdoor Education gives students the opportunity to learn unique and specific skills facilitated by the outdoor environment. Through a variety of outdoor pursuits, students develop their social skills, gain self-confidence, use initiative, provide leadership, and collaborate with others. Understanding nature through direct experience, students develop an adventurous spirit and learn the value of lifelong outdoor recreation in a safe and enjoyable way.  Activities for this Semester unit may include:  First Aid certificate, navigation and orienteering.

Approximate costs $85

More information: Outdoor Education 2 Winter 

Sports Science is an elective year long subject where students study the following topics:

• Body Systems - students will look at the anatomy and physiology of the major systems of the human body and how these relate to sporting performance and exercise physiology.

• The Body at work - how the healthy human body works during exercise, and how to prevent sports injuries.

More information: Sport Science 

Enrolment in this subject is by application only. For more information, see the Application Only page.

Enrolment in this subject is by application only. For more information, see the Application Only page.

This subject is a year-long program and offered exclusively to boys.

Enrolment in this subject is by application only. For more information, see the Application Only page.

A continuation of Connecting to Country and learning more about our Ngunnawal and Ngambi Country crossing over into science. 

This subject is for students that want to learn more about Sustainability in our Country and for those who are passionate about looking after Country. Let’s learn about all of the great work of  local land carers who are building resilience in our local landscapes to changes in climate and extreme weather events. If you think the problem is too big for the individual or leaving it to someone else, let's find out about collective efforts, sustainable resources and knowledge here in Canberra.

More information: Caring for Country 

This course hopes to provide students with a growing awareness of the wider world, including the diversity of languages, cultures and forms of intercultural communication. By the end of each semester students should be able to use basic phrases in the language of their choice and reflect on intercultural perspectives and their experience of interactions, and make cross-curricular connections. They should also consider fundamental concepts such as the diversity of peoples, cultures, geographic locations and languages. They should also explore aspects of environment, lifestyle and practices across cultures and make comparisons with their own. They will also develop a metalanguage for discussing language and culture, and monitor and reflect on their language and culture learning through discussions, journalling or contributions to a shared digital space. Learners will also engage with online courses such as Education Perfect, DuoLinguo and Edx to provide them with material to study their chosen language.

More information: Languages 

Students will explore more challenging concepts in Mathematics including investigating linear functions, polynomials, parabolas, hyperbolas, circles and exponentials including sketching these and investigating their features. They will be using the unit circle to define functions, as well as define rational and irrational numbers and perform operations with surds and fractional indices.

More information: Mathematics Extension

This unit covers the principles of Forensic Science. Topics covered will include transference, fingerprinting, DNA analysis, blood typing, blood spatter, track analysis, fibre analysis, hair analysis, ballistics and crime scene analysis. The major task is to create your own crime scenario for others to solve.

More information: Forensic Science 

Marine Biology covers the study of a range of marine ecosystems, organisms and their adaptations for life in the ocean. The unit will also consider the impact of human activities on marine life and marine resources. Students will use the skills of scientific inquiry to conduct investigations and communicate their findings. They will develop an understanding of science as a human endeavour within the interdisciplinary field of Marine Biology and be offered opportunities to complete field work in coastal habitats as part of the unit work. This elective is for anyone who is interested in marine life and passionate about conservation.

Approximate costs $500

More information: Marine Biology 

This elective is designed for students interested in science, health and medicine, particularly those considering pathways such as nursing, paramedics, pharmacy, medical laboratory science, health science, dentistry, or medicine. It is a hands-on, thought-provoking course where students investigate how the body works. From molecules to the entire system, students will learn how diseases affect these systems, and how treatments, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices influence health and wellbeing. The course extends knowledge in specialised areas of science through the review of scientific and medical evidence, with a strong focus on the chemistry and biology underpinning medical sciences. The key areas of study will also include biochemistry, molecular biology (with microbiology and haematology), molecular genetics, physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, toxicology, neuroscience, and biotechnology.

More information: Medical Science

Students will learn and practise the skills of baking through a series of weekly challenges. These challenges include developing an understanding of the role of ingredients and equipment in different cooking processes and an opportunity for students to develop their own creative baked product. The course will include the element of product design to meet the needs of various scenarios, clients and occasions.

More information: Bakehouse 

Students will investigate food related issues associated with the production of food from farm to fork (or paddock to plate). Key topics covered will be setting up a kitchen garden, organic produce, ecological and environmental sustainability of food and presentation of food on a plate. Students will work in teams to design an ethical celebration hamper.

More information: Farm to Fork 

This subject is a year-long program. Students wishing to choose this subject should choose it as their first preference in both semesters.

This qualification reflects the role of individuals who participate in a range of routine and predictable hospitality work activities. They work under close supervision and are given clear directions to complete tasks.

This qualification provides a pathway to work in various hospitality settings, such as restaurants, hotels, motels, catering operations, clubs, pubs, cafés, and coffee shops.

More information: VET Hospitality

These subjects will introduce and develop both practical and design skills in the Metal Workshop. Students will safely complete a number of Metalwork projects utilising a range of tools.

This subject is repeatable. Students who have previously completed a semester of Metalwork will be enrolled in Metalwork 2 or 3 as appropriate, and should select Metalwork as their elective option in the semester(s) of their choice.

More information: Metalwork 

Learning to work with wood has taught humans to survive through the ages, create tools for hunting and eating, build structures that we can live in, and protect ourselves during the changing seasons. In woodwork, students will learn how to develop practical skills in using hand and machine tools to work with wood and other materials. With an emphasis on safety, students will work in a collaborative workshop environment to design, personalise and build a range of practical projects that they can use at home.

This subject is repeatable. Students who have previously completed a semester of Woodwork will be enrolled in Woodwork 2 or 3 as appropriate, and should select Woodwork as their elective option in the semester(s) of their choice.

More information: Woodwork

This subject is a year-long program. Students wishing to choose this subject should choose it as their first preference in both semesters.

Humans have been building structures for millenia. In Building & Construction, students will develop practical skills in using hand and machine tools to create projects with a construction focus. With an emphasis on safety, students will work in a collaborative workshop environment to design, personalise and build a range of projects that may include the use of timber, metal, brick or concrete.

More information: Building & Construction 

The Understanding Building and Construction Program (UBCP - Try-a-Trade) supports the participation of females and gender diverse students in construction-related vocational education and training to increase the number of women in the construction industry.

Students learn about a diverse range of careers in the construction industry in a supportive, inclusive environment to help remove barriers that prevent young women from entering the industry. Lots of industry connections are provided, training in white card, asbestos awareness and silica awareness and work experience is included.

This subject is only available to girls and gender-diverse students. Students in Year 10 will be given priority for this subject given there are opportunities for work experience placements offered throughout.

This course is an introduction to Computer Aided Design using more advanced programs from what students learned in years 7/8. Students will learn to resolve 3D design problems in creative ways using 3D modelling software. Blender and Fusion 360 will be used to make complex models, where students look in detail at creating and sculpting shapes and objects, and utilise 3D printing to realise the computer model as an actual product. The projects undertaken in the course will include Character Modelling and animation, 3D Printing, Video Game/Animated film assets and Design concepts.

More information: Computer Aided Design (Digital Art and Animation) 

This course is an introduction to Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture with a focus on Engineered Products. Students will learn to resolve Engineering design problems in creative ways using 3D modelling software. Projects will include product development, engineering challenges, reverse engineering and architectural design.

Sketchup and other, industry standard, software packages will be available for students to create complex models focussing on details and utilise 3D printing to realise the Computer model as a physical product.

More information: Computer Aided Design (Engineering) 

In Computer Technology Semester 1 students will further develop a wide range of computer based, problem solving projects in a collaborative class environment. They will extend their knowledge of programming structure and problem solving, extending on the skills developed from 7/8 Digital Technologies. They will learn to use and create spreadsheets, create websites using HTML and work with data to answer interesting questions about the world.

More information: Computer Technology: Web Design

In Computer Technology Semester 2, students will further develop a wide range of computer based, problem solving projects in a collaborative class environment. They will extend their knowledge of programming structure and problem solving, extending on the skills developed from 7/8 Digital Technologies and semester 1 Computer Technology. They will learn to use Python to create a text based RPG adventure, create 3D models and assets using Blender and develop games through the Unity Engine.

More information: Computer Technology: Game Design 

This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of robotics, focusing on the construction and programming of autonomous mobile robots. Students will build and test increasingly more complex robots using a variety of sensors and motors to overcome a series of robotic challenges. 

More information: Robotics 

In Extension Digital Technology, students will have the ability to collaboratively and independently work on student led projects and learning. They will identify needs and gaps in current technologies, software and resources and develop a plan to fill these gaps and needs. They will create a solution to these problems, document their processes and present/advertise their final products.

More information: Computer Technology (Extension)