All schools including Sydney Catholic Schools follow the same Kindergarten to Year 12 curriculum, with our Catholic values underpinning everything that we do.
With a focus on the development of the whole person, courses offered at the school cover the NESA syllabus requirements – developing the core skills of literacy and numeracy – and our Archdiocesan Religious Education curriculum.
Our teachers extend and challenge students to be the best they can be, while recognising that every student is unique and learns differently.
Students in Years 7 and 8 study Music and Visual Arts.
From 2024, through the Amadeus Music Education Program students in Years 7-8 will receive tuition in weekly small-group lessons on an orchestral instrument, as well as ensemble lessons. For more information, please visit the Amadeus Music Education Program page on the Sydney Catholic Schools website.
Two hundred hours to be completed consisting of the Board Developed 100-hour mandatory courses in each of Visual Arts and Music. It is an expectation that the 100-hour mandatory courses in these subjects will be taught as coherent units of study and not split over a number of years.
Years 7–10
Study in the Creative Arts provides students with strong discipline based knowledge and the fundamental skills, creative expertise, learning mindset and critical capabilities for the future world of work. Creative Arts students experience and develop the complex skills required to create and test ideas, generate creative works with confidence, shape inquiry and critically evaluate and reflect on what they do. Study in the Creative Arts prepares students to be significant producers and informed consumers of culture.
Students in Years 7 and 8 study Music and Visual Arts.
The college offers three Creative and Performing Arts elective courses in Years 9-10:
- Dance
- Drama
- Music
- Visual Arts
Years 11–12
The college offers three 2-Unit Creative Arts courses for the HSC:
- Dance
- Drama
- Music 1
- Visual Arts
Religious Education is integral to the life and curriculum of Bethany College. Regular opportunities are provided to nurture the religious understanding, faith life and spirituality of students, staff and parents. The college implements the Religious Education program of the Archdiocese of Sydney which aims to build upon and extend students’ knowledge of our Catholic Church and tradition and to enable opportunities for them to respond in action within the college, the church and the wider community.
It provides opportunities for each student to:
- Develop an understanding of Scripture and its portrayal of the story of the people of God with particular emphasis on the significance of the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Develop an understanding of the nature and mission of the church, both local and universal, and its history and teachings from its beginning to the present.
- Develop an understanding of the action of God in creation, the reality of good and evil and the human search for meaning in Christianity and other traditions.
- Develop an understanding of the celebrating community and the individual in the sacraments, liturgy and expression of prayer in the Catholic tradition.
- Develop an understanding of Catholic moral teaching, its relationship to moral issues and place in personal decision making, including its call to work for justice in the world.
Through the curriculum and wider community life of the college, there is integration of the Catholic faith, the traditions of the Sisters of Charity and the Sisters of St Joseph and the lived faith experience of the community members. Through the provision of opportunities for prayer, liturgy, reflection days and retreats, emphasis is given to the need for the human spirit to experience celebration and periods of quiet and reflection.
Reflection Days and Retreats
The Years 7 to 10 reflection days and Year 11 and 12 retreats are designed to heighten what is learned in the curriculum and extend it beyond the classroom especially in areas of the Bethany College story and the traditions of the Sisters of Charity and the Sisters of St Joseph.
The Reflection Days and Retreats undertaken by the students and staff give expression to and are an integral part of the overall Religious dimension of the college.
Years 7–10
Religious Education is at the heart of Catholic education. It informs all aspects of school life and contributes to the mission of the Catholic Church in announcing the good news of Jesus Christ.
All students are expected to participate in the religious life of the school. This includes their participation in Religious Education classes, their study of the Archdiocesan curriculum and their use of the To Know, Worship and Love textbooks and resources.
Our Religious Education department ensures that religious pedagogy within the school remains of the utmost importance. Our staff are constantly modifying and writing programs, staff implement the revised Stage 4 and 5 curricula and Year 12 curriculum, which will be seen in the implementation of the new Stage 6 Syllabus “Studies in Catholic Thought” at the college.
Our dedicated Religious Education staff, who lead the Religious Education curriculum within the classroom, provide space within the curriculum to learn about the Christian faith and to have the opportunity to “Seek Wisdom in Christ”.
Years 11–12
The college offers three Religious Education courses for the HSC:
- Studies of Religion 1
- Studies of Religion 11
- Studies in Catholic Thought
The Board Developed syllabus to be studied substantially throughout Years 7–10. Four hundred (400) hours to be completed by the end of Year 10.
Years 7–10
The study of English in Years 7–10 aims to develop students’ knowledge, understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the English language and to develop their skills as effective communicators, critical and imaginative thinkers.
Students develop their control of language by reading and viewing a range of texts and by writing imaginative, interpretive and critical texts with clarity and accuracy for a range of purposes and audiences. Students engage with and explore the literature of past and contemporary societies, as well as a range of spoken, visual, media and multimedia texts.
Years 11–12
The college offers three 2 Unit English courses for the HSC:
- English Advanced
- English Standard
- English Studies
The college also offers two Extension English courses for the HSC:
- English Extension 1
- English Extension 2
The Board Developed syllabus to be studied substantially throughout Years 7–10. Four hundred (400) hours to be completed by the end of Year 10.
Years 7–10
The Mathematics K-10 Syllabus provides students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in mathematics and working mathematically. Students have the opportunity to develop increasingly sophisticated and refined mathematical understanding, fluency, communication, reasoning, analytical thought and problem-solving skills. These capabilities enable students to respond to familiar and unfamiliar situations by employing strategies to make informed decisions and solve problems relevant to their present and future needs.
The college offers three pathways in Mathematics in Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10):
- 5.3
- 5.2
- 5.1
Years 11–12
The college offers two 2 Unit courses for the HSC:
- Mathematics Standard
- Mathematics Advanced
The college also offers two Extension courses for the HSC:
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 2
The Board Developed syllabus to be studied substantially throughout Years 7–10. Four hundred (400) hours to be completed by the end of Year 10.
Years 7–10
Through the study of Science students learn about our biological, chemical, geological, physical and technological world. They actively develop skills in planning and conducting investigations, recording and analysing data and problem solving. Students explore real world phenomena and develop solutions to authentic problems.
Years 11–12
The college offers four Science courses for the HSC:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Investigating Science
The Board Developed Technology Mandatory syllabus to be studied for 200 hours in Years 7–8.
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 problems and situations, and explore the impact of technologies on the individual, society and the environment.
Years 9–10
- Design and Technology
- Food Technology
- Industrial Technology – Multimedia
- Information and Software Technology
- Textiles Technology
Years 11–12
- Information and Processes Technology
- Design and Technology
- Textiles and Design
- Food Technology
- Industrial Technology Multimedia
The Board Developed syllabuses are to be studied substantially throughout each of Years 7–10. Four hundred hours to be completed by the end of Year 10, including 100 hours each of History and Geography in each Stage.
Years 7–10
Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) is the study of how humans interact with the world, how society operates and how it is changing. Through the study of HSIE, students develop the skills to prepare them to actively and responsibly participate as informed citizens in the contemporary world.
Students study mandatory History and Geography from Years 7–10.
The college also offers three elective HSIE courses in Years 9–10:
- Commerce
- Geography Elective
- History Elective
Years 11–12
The college offers eight HSIE courses for the HSC:
- Ancient History
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- History Extension
- Legal Studies
- Modern History
- Work Studies
The Board Developed mandatory 300-hour integrated syllabus in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education to be studied in each of Years 7–10.
Years 7–10
Through the study of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) courses, students develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes needed to take action to protect and enhance their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing in varied and changing contexts. Physical education is fundamental to the acquisition of movement skills and concepts to enable students to participate in a range of physical activities – confidently, competently and creatively.
Students study mandatory PDHPE from Years 7–10.
The college offers Physical Activity and Sports Studies as an Elective in Years 9–10.
Years 11–12
The college offers four PDHPE courses for the HSC:
- Community and Family Studies
- Exploring Early Childhood (1 unit and 2 unit)
- PDHPE
- Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies (1 unit and 2 unit)
One hundred (100) hours to be completed in one Board Developed syllabus or Board Endorsed language course over one continuous 12-month period between Years 7–10 but preferably in Years 7–8.
Years 7–10
Learning languages opens minds to difference, where diversity is seen as a regular part of society. Proficiency in languages provides a resource that encourages more effective engagement with the global community. The study of Languages strengthens essential foundational skills for literacy. It also fosters intellectual and emotional development, and cultural understanding.
Through learning languages, students reflect on their own heritage, culture and identity. They also reflect on the culture, beliefs and values of others.
The rich linguistic and cultural diversity of New South Wales provides an educational environment where the study of languages and cultures is valued as a unique and integral part of the curriculum.
Students study their mandatory hours in Language in Year 8.
Students have the choice of three languages:
- French
- Italian
- Japanese
Years 11–12
The college offers 4 Language courses for the HSC:
- Italian Beginners
- Italian Continuers
- Japanese Beginners
- Japanese Continuers
NB: Our students also have access to study languages through external providers – NSW School of Languages and Saturday School of Community Languages.
The role Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses play in helping students prepare for further education, training, employment and lifelong learning is widely recognised by key stakeholders in education.
Students in NSW have the option of studying VET courses at school, through TAFE NSW or other training providers including Sydney Catholic Schools. VET courses provide students with practical learning that gives them a head start with their career, and many may be counted towards the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and are suitable for students on both academic and vocational pathways. All courses have dual accreditation with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).
The college offers four VET courses that enable students to achieve nationally-recognised VET qualifications at certificate levels I and II:
- Business Services
- Hospitality
- Early Childhood Education and Care
- Entertainment
The college also offers VET students access to School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs).
For students who are committed to a vocational pathway, they can also access other VET Frameworks through Saint Yon Trade Training Centre, Bankstown and Southern Cross Catholic Vocational College, Burwood and other Catholic Schools’ industry-standard trade training/skills centres where they have the opportunity to gain their HSC with a focus on vocational programs and School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs).
STEM education is a cross-disciplinary approach to the learning and application of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics outcomes, to solve real-world problems. STEM education inspires hope and a positive vision for the future. We are called to respond and to adopt new ways of living.
The college offers a STEM elective course in Years 9–10.