Secondary School

Sirius College has a flexible and balanced curriculum aligned with the Australian Curriculum and College’s mission and vision.

It is designed to:

Empowering students

empowering students to become critical thinkers,

Nurturing resilient individuals

nurturing resilient individuals with a wide range of skills and interests,

Equipping students

equipping students with digital technology skills to prepare them for the 21st-century workforce

Encouraging self-discipline

encouraging self-discipline as a way of achieving one’s ambitions

Developing skills

developing academic, artistic, musical and sport skills,

Teaching universal moral values

teaching universal moral values and a belief in tolerance, diversity and harmony

At Sirius College, we understand that every student has different interests and learning needs. With a flexible curriculum structure and the appropriate use of differentiation, each student’s particular needs are met by individualised pathways.

STEM

The Sirius College STEM program immerses students in the application and integration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Students deepen and apply their understanding of the different disciplines and develop creative and critical thinking skills within an authentic context.

Our STEM program generates a high level of interest and motivation, which sustains our students' long-term learning.

The program also provides students with specific experimental design challenges and ongoing feedback from peers, teachers and self-evaluation of their solutions.

Almost every year, at least one of our students is awarded a perfect score in VCE Further Mathematics. Mathematics is one of the strongest subjects at Sirius, particularly at the VCE level.

All four science subjects, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Physics, are offered at the VCE level. Girls are particularly encouraged to choose STEM-based pathways.

Robotics is one of the most favoured electives as it involves students representing the College in various competitions. Other STEM-based subjects include Research Science, Multimedia, Programming, Recreational Maths, Extended Maths and Advanced Maths.

Sirius College students have received various awards in the CSIRO’s CREST program as well as other state and international STEM-related competitions.

VCE

Sirius College cultivates a culture of academic excellence. Since our first graduates, our ATAR results
place us among the highest achieving schools each and every year.

We are proud of our reputation as having one of the highest university offers in Victoria.

How do we manage to get those excellent results?

highly motivated and dedicated staff
a healthy competitive environment to excel
one to one attention to individual student needs
challenging and systematic curriculum
‘leave no student behind’ approach
extra classes and study camps mentoring services
generous scholarship programs

Curriculum Overview

Sirius College is committed to providing a flexible and balanced curriculum that is tailored to meet the needs of every student. Our curriculum framework is designed to develop successful learners, empower students to become critical thinkers, and nurture them with a wide range of skills, interests, and attributes. We strive to equip our students with the skills they need to succeed in today's world while also instilling core school values: respect, empathy, inquiry, resilience and responsibility.

We recognise that each student is unique, with different interests and learning needs. That's why we've developed a flexible curriculum structure that uses differentiation to ensure that each student's particular needs are met by individualised pathways. Our curriculum is aligned with the Australian Curriculum and the College's mission and vision, providing students with a solid foundation for success.

In order to provide a balanced approach to learning, the school week is divided into 24 periods, with five periods per day, except on Wednesdays when there are four periods. Our curriculum covers a wide range of subjects across the eight learning areas, including English, Mathematics, Sciences (including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), Humanities and Social Sciences (including History, Geography, Economics and Business, Civics and Citizenship), The Arts (including Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music, Visual Arts), Languages, Health and Physical Education, and Technologies (including Design and Technologies, and Digital Technologies).

Curriculum Scope and Sequence

The curriculum scope and sequence outlines how the curriculum is organised at each year level and how the learning areas will be substantially addressed. It provides a comprehensive overview of the weekly duration and allocation of subjects throughout the educational journey, from Year F to Year 12.

It is important to note that elective subjects, including languages and VCE studies, may vary in availability across campuses, and enrolment is subject to both availability and academic requirements as applicable.

Year 7 is a significant milestone for students as they transition from primary school to secondary school. The Year 7 curriculum aims to provide a well-rounded and comprehensive education, establishing a strong foundation for future learning. Each key learning area plays a crucial role in shaping students' intellectual, social, and emotional development.

In Year 7, all students are required to study English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Health and Physical Education, Technologies, Arts, and Languages. The curriculum includes different subjects of Technologies and Arts, which are taught on a semester basis. For students who choose not to study Religion and Values, there will be an increased focus on Languages as a substitute.

English	4 periods per week
Mathematics	4 periods per week
Science	3 periods per week
Humanities	3 periods per week
Health and Physical Education	2 periods per week
Technologies	2 periods per week One semester of Digital Technologies One semester of Design and Technologies
Arts	2 periods per week One semester of Visual Arts One semester of Music OR Drama
Languages	2 periods per week (Turkish or Arabic)
Religion and Values	2 periods per week

Year 8 curriculum builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills established in key learning areas. Students will have the chance to specialise in areas of their interests through elective subjects.

In Year 8, all students are required to study English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Health and Physical Education and Languages. Additionally, they have the option to choose two electives from the areas of Technologies and Arts, with each elective being taught on a semester basis. For students who choose not to study Religion and Values, there will be an increased focus on Languages as a substitute.

English	4 periods per week
Mathematics	4 periods per week
Science	3 periods per week
Humanities	3 periods per week
Health and Physical Education	2 periods per week
Electives	4 periods per week Students must study one different subject from the list each semester: Drama Food Technology Media Music Programming Robotics Textiles Visual Arts
Languages	2 periods per week (Turkish or Arabic)
Religion and Values	2 periods per week

Year 9 offers a diverse range of elective options across all learning areas, allowing students to tailor their educational experience to their individual interests and strengths. The core curriculum has been streamlined, allowing for greater flexibility in subject selection that aligns with their aspirations and paves the way for future study pathways, including the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).

In Year 9, all students are required to study English, Mathematics, Science, History, Health and Physical Education and Languages. They can select between two pathways in both Mathematics and Science. Additionally, they have the option to choose two electives from any learning area, with each elective being taught on a semester basis. For students who choose not to study Religion and Values, there will be an increased focus on Languages as a substitute.

English	4 periods per week
Mathematics	4 periods per week Intermediate Mathematics OR Advanced Mathematics
Science	4 periods per week Science OR Research Science
History	2 periods per week
Health and Physical Education	2 periods per week
Electives	4 periods per week Students must study one different subject from the list each semester: Architecture and Design Civics and Citizenship Debating and Public Speaking Drama Drawing and Painting Duke of Edinburgh Economics and Business Farming and Gardening Fashion and Textile Trends Fitness and Performance Food and the Food Industry Geography Graphic Design Innovation Music Photography Sculpture and Printmaking Recreational Mathematics Recreational Sport Robotics Screen and Media Social Values in Film Web Design and Cyber Security
Languages	2 periods per week (Turkish or Arabic)
Religion and Values	2 periods per week

Year 10 provides the opportunity for students to shape their educational path and establish a solid foundation for success in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and beyond. It offers increased flexibility for students, allowing them to start their VCE studies early and choose from different workload levels. Building on the elective options in Year 9, students can customise their education based on their interests and strengths. They can select subjects with varying workloads and customise their study plan. This empowers students to manage their academic responsibilities effectively and gain a head start in their VCE studies.

In Year 10, all students are required to study English, Mathematics, Science, History, Health and Physical Education. Within English, Mathematics and Science, students can choose between two pathways and also have the option to reduce their mathematics and science workload to one semester only if they prefer. In addition to the core subjects, students have the opportunity to choose up to six electives from any learning area, with each elective taught on a semester basis. Furthermore, students who meet the academic requirements have the possibility of studying up to two VCE subjects as a substitute for some of their elective choices.

English	4 periods per week (English OR Advanced English)
Mathematics	4 periods per week Intermediate Mathematics (one OR two semesters) OR Advanced Mathematics (two semesters)
Science	4 periods per week Science (one semester) AND/OR Research Science (one semester)
History	2 periods per week
Health and Physical Education	2 periods per week
Electives	4 periods per week Students must study three different subjects each semester, with the condition that the subjects chosen must not have been studied in Year 9: Architecture and Design Certificate II in Workplace Skills* Civics and Citizenship Debating and Public Speaking Drama Drawing and Painting Duke of Edinburgh Economics and Business Extended Mathematics Farming and Gardening Fashion and Textile Trends Fitness and Performance Food and the Food Industry Geography Graphic Design Innovation Literature Music Photography Sculpture and Printmaking Recreational Sports Recreational Mathematics Religion Studies Robotics Screen and Media Social Values in Film Web Design and Cyber Security VCE Applied Computing (Unit 1-2)* VCE Biology (Unit 1-2)* VCE Business Management (Unit 1-2)* VCE Health & Human Development (Unit 1-2)* VCE Psychology (Unit 1-2)* VCE Turkish (Unit 1-2)* *Subjects with will be studied for two semesters*

Year 11 holds a pivotal role in the academic journey, preceding Year 12. It lays the foundation for the final year and profoundly influences future options. This stage emphasises the development of a robust academic base, essential skills, and refined study habits. Year 11 offers valuable prospects for personal growth, self-discovery, and exploration of interests. Embracing its significance, seeking guidance, and maximising available opportunities are essential for unleashing potential.

In Year 11, students are required to select six subjects. This includes a combination of up to six Unit 1-2 studies and up to two Unit 3-4 studies as a continuation of the 'Early Entry to VCE' program started in Year 10. Among these subjects, it is mandatory to choose one from the English group. Additionally, eligible students have the option to take one subject externally instead of the ones offered on campus.

Note: The delivery of Unit 2 will be completed by the end of Week 3 in Term 4. The delivery of Unit 3 will then commence in Week 6 of the previous year, during Term 4.

English	English English Language Literature
Mathematics	General Mathematics Mathematical Methods Specialist Mathematics
Science	Biology Chemistry Physics Psychology
Humanities	Accounting Business Management Economics History Legal Studies
Health and Physical Education	Health and Human Development Physical Education
The Arts	Art Creative Practice Visual Communication Design
Technologies	Applied Computing
Languages	Turkish

Year 12, the final year of secondary education and the culmination of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), follows the pivotal Year 11, setting the stage for future opportunities and pathways. With a focus on consolidating knowledge and skills, Year 12 holds a profound influence on university admissions and career prospects. This year carries the weight of academic expectations and calls for a disciplined approach to study, time management, and effective exam preparation. By embracing the significance of Year 12, seeking guidance from educators and mentors, and engaging in focused and purposeful learning, students can maximise their potential, achieve outstanding results, and open doors to a bright and successful future beyond secondary school.

In Year 12, students have the flexibility to choose the number of subjects they wish to undertake based on their previous studies in Year 11 and their external studies in Year 12. The goal is to ensure that by the end of Year 12, students have successfully completed a total of six Unit 3-4 studies. Among these subjects, it is mandatory to choose one from the English group.

Note: The delivery of Unit 3 will commence in Week 6 of the previous year, during Term 4.

English	English English Language Literature
Mathematics	General Mathematics Mathematical Methods Specialist Mathematics
Science	Biology Chemistry Physics Psychology
Humanities	Accounting Business Management Economics History Legal Studies
Health and Physical Education	Health and Human Development Physical Education
The Arts	Art Creative Practice Visual Communication Design