Curriculum

Religious Education is a learning area that supports and enriches our lives now and for the rest of our lives – if we accept.

The Religious Education programme aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to grow in the appreciation of Christ’s message, in partnership with their family and the parish. They begin to explore increasingly complex religious and social issues and gain the necessary skills to help them find the meaning of what it means to be a Christian.

The Religious Education teaching and learning program for Years 7 to 10 students is based on the Perth Archdiocesan guidelines published by the Catholic Education Office. The students complete a number of units throughout the year, which provides a strong foundation for those, who have and who have not attended Catholic Primary Schools. The Religious Education Learning Area at St Brigid’s College offers Years 11 and 12 students a choice of either the Religion and Life General course or the Religion and Life ATAR course. Students study the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) approved course of study using the Catholic faith as the foundation of their studies.

Across all year groups, Students at St Brigid’s College are given opportunities to develop their faith and spirituality through participation in reflections, retreats, prayer and liturgies, which compliments the curriculum in the Religious Education Learning Area.

All English courses at the College are tailored towards the Western Australian curriculum which is built around the three interrelated strands of language, literature and literacy.

The study of English at St Brigid’s College goes far beyond the teaching and learning of reading, writing, listening and speaking. It encompasses an eclectic collection of skills and knowledge, ranging from explicit engagement with critical thinking, to an exploration of our world, socially, historically, politically and environmentally. Our focus is to aid the development of confident and articulate communicators who will be well fitted to take their place in the global community.

Together, the strands focus on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating. Junior and Middle School students focus their attention on communication with peers, teachers and community members in a range of face to face and online environments. Our Senior students connect to complex world issues to examine human experience across time and space. They are immersed in texts across modalities created by both local and international authors. There is a particular emphasis on texts created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Also included are classic and contemporary world literature, including texts from and about Asia. We hope that this exposure to texts will inspire a lasting love of literature in all its forms.

Our team of dedicated and generous English teachers run English Club and Book Club once a week. They also run weekly exam work shops for our Year Eleven and Twelve ATAR students to support their development. Also available are exciting excursions to the Curtin Conference and dramatic performances where possible; immersions featuring prose, poetry and drama, as well as interactive, multimodal experiences to bring English alive.

Numeracy and mathematical literacy are both fundamental life skill that require practice and patience. The study of mathematics is a vital component in the understanding of many other disciplines, and at St. Brigid’s College we aim to instil in our students an appreciation for the power of mathematics.

Mathematics at St. Brigid’s College aims to:

• Develop students capable of managing their own learning.
• Encourage students to look at mistakes made as an opportunity for making improvements, and whom develop a growth mindset when it comes to approaching problems that may appear challenging.
• “Encompass the knowledge, skills, behaviours and dispositions that students need to use mathematics in a wide range of situations”(ACARA: General Capabilities, Numeracy).
• Enhance student’s skill proficiencies in the core areas of Number and Algebra; Measurement and Geometry; and Statistics and Probability.

With Mathematics at St. Brigid’s, students have the opportunity to:

• Participate in Math’s Club on Monday for extra assistance, or extension work.
• Participate in a range of courses, in order to cater for a wide range of abilities, acknowledging the diversity of leaders.
• Participate in competitions such as the Australian Mathematics Competition and the Have Sum Fun Competition.

Students who study the Humanities develop a broad understanding of the world in which we live and how people can participate as active and informed citizens of the 21st century. Students develop their skills and knowledge through critical thinking, questioning, making decisions based on evidence and communicating effectively.

“The calling of the Humanities is to make us truly human in the best sense of the word.” J. Irwin Miller

Individuals and Societies encourages students to respect and understand the world around them, and provide a skills base to facilitate further learning. This is achieved through the study of individuals, societies and environments in a variety of contexts.

For students who study Humanities and Social Sciences, they develop a ‘toolbox’ to think seriously about ourselves and the world.

The key concepts taught in the Middle School centre around the strands of Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business, History and Geography.

In classes, all the concepts are linked to current issues and events from the study of political elections in Australia and overseas, the impact of pandemics in both the past and the present, economic forces that impact on society through to cultural and historical awareness of Australia’s past and the world. Thus, ensuring the study of H.A.S.S. is relevant to the student of today and the adult of the future.

A variety of assessment strategies is employed to meet the needs of students and develop their skills of critical thinking and inquiry. These include timelines, map and graph construction, using technology for graphics and data analysis, oral presentations, role plays and the study of documents and sources.

The middle school studies, knowledge and skills prepare students for the subjects offered in Years 11 and 12.

Aboriginal and Intercultural Studies, Geography ATAR and Modern History ATAR are the courses offered to senior students. Years 11 and 12 view the world though the perspective of young adults and relish engaging with the concepts and issues explored. Adding to the rigour of senior studies, students further develop their ability to question, solve complex problems and make informed decisions as well as propose actions in relation to real-world events and issues. Students participate in field trips, cultural excursions and university seminars. Discussions, research inquiries, media presentations, creating and enhancing communication skills only add to the depth and opportunities of an exciting area for study.

Science means knowledge. In reality this means that it is about observing the world that we live in, questioning the parts that you don’t understand and then searching to find the answer. At St Brigid’s, students of all ages are provided with a variety of opportunities to learn about science and therefore understand the world in which they live.

At St Brigid’s, we are privileged to have five fully equipped scientific laboratories for the students to work in. Each laboratory is set up to enable both practical and theoretical classes, with safety always the highest priority. Students from Year 7 up are timetabled into the laboratories for their classes. Students in the Junior School also visit the laboratories for special occasions such as Science Week as well as some individual lessons.

Technology is becoming increasingly important in everyday lives, and science is no exception. Each laboratory has a data projector and is set up to be utilised with laptops and interactive hardware and software available to the staff. Students also have access to their own laptops connected to the network via wireless connections. This enables students to access online resources, interactive programs and use data probes in experiments as well as general computer programs.

Students from Pre-primary to Year 10 study the Western Australian Curriculum. Through the strands of Science Understanding, Science as a Human Endeavour and Science Inquiry Skills students come to understand how scientists investigate and see how the knowledge is applied in the real world. With a large inquiry focus, students enjoy a balance of practical and theoretical learning opportunities. The Science Understanding strand is presented in four areas; Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Biological Sciences and Earth and Space Sciences. These are all assessed with equal weighting which promotes a well-rounded learner.

Once students enter Year 11 and 12, they are able to specialise in Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics and/or Psychology. They are provided with a variety of learning opportunities to cater to all learning styles and assist students in broadening their range of skills, knowledge and understanding. These include practicals, research tasks, investigations, modelling as well as theory lessons. Assessment types range from tests, examinations, assignments, investigations and other specific tasks. Field trips or excursions supplement class teaching and enable students to experience relevant aspects of the content. Teachers work intensively with the students to assist them with developing a good understanding of the concepts covered and assessment expectations so that each student has the opportunity to reach their potential.

Our Age of Anxiety is, in great part, the result of trying to do today’s jobs with yesterday’s tools. Marshall McLuhan – In Technology

It is somewhat ironic that schools and society have traditionally valued the “Three Rs” whilst technology has been regarded in a somewhat lesser light and yet cultures, societies and civilisations are defined by their technology: the Stone Age, the Iron Age, etc.

As McLuhan argues, technologies are not simply inventions which people employ but are the means by which people are re-invented. So often technology is portrayed as something better suited for those who are “good with their hands”. How old fashioned is this view!

At St Brigid’s College technology is still very much about the development of creative skills but also very much more about thinking. Students are trained from Pre-Kindergarten through to Year 12 to approach problems and challenges with an increasingly sophisticated mental skill set –

• Why are we doing this? (what is the problem) INQUIRING & ANALYSING
• How can we do this? (what are possible solutions) DESIGNING A SOLUTION
• What skills and resources do I need to this? (do I need to acquire or practise skills) CREATING THE SOLUTION
• How well did I do this? (If I do it again can I do it smarter) EVALUATION

St. Brigid’s College focuses on Food Production, Textile Production, Business Management and Information Technology. In modern, well-equipped rooms students apply technology processes to solve real-world problems and meet challenges associated with these disciplines.

A major focus of this learning area is students’ understanding and effective use of information technologies and associated communication technologies. At St Brigid’s College, information relating to a range of business needs is used, ranging from media to accounting data. Through continual use and adaptation of these technologies, in an up to date work environment, students are able to learn skills and use these to create solutions for a variety of real life problems and challenges. This enables them to participate effectively in a rapidly changing world.

The Middle Years Programme reinforces the importance and value of these outcomes. It is no coincidence that the personal project requires students to use each stage of the technology process.

At St Brigid’s College, students are given access to up to date technology both during class time and during recess, lunch and often after school when teachers make facilities such as computer labs available.

Students are also able to access curriculum specific software, online databases and the World Wide Web through the use of 30 networked computers and wireless laptops in the College Library, four computer rooms with 32 computers in each. In addition, Year 7 -10 students have wireless access through their own laptops and students in other Years can also get wireless connectivity using their own equipment providing it meets the required specifications.

St Brigid’s College Design department is committed to furthering students’ skill in these vital technological areas in order that the ever-increasing needs of the wider society may be met by innovative and practical thinkers.

Students will inquire, be challenged and inspired to achieve their personal best.

At St Brigid’s College, we strive to provide an enjoyable and rewarding program whilst complementing the aims of the College and Curriculum Framework. Our dedicated Health and Physical Education teachers will support your child’s learning and encourage them through their learning journey.

The Health & Physical Education Learning Area aims to provide students with opportunities to develop physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively. The curriculum offers a comprehensive range of learning experiences to meet the needs of individual students and encourage active involvement by all. The College is equipped with excellent resources to support student learning with a 25m Indoor Pool, two large ovals, multiple outdoor courts and a College Dam for open water activities. Our intention is to support the development of physical competence and to promote the skills necessary to effectively plan and reflect for a healthy lifestyle, movement and movement related activities, safely and with confidence. We also incorporate the teachings of fair play and sportsmanship as essential elements of the students learning experience.

Junior School Physical Education
St Brigid’s College has physical education embedded into the student’s weekly learning experiences. We work to support students through physical activity guided by the Early Years Learning Framework. In early childhood, we value the teachings of fair play, cooperation and teamwork skills. Practically, students develop their Fundamental Movement Skills in the areas of Swimming, Athletics, Gymnastics, Invasion Game and Striking Games.

Middle School Health and Physical Education
Health & Physical Education (H&PE) is compulsory for all students in Year 7 to 10 at St Brigid’s College. We value the importance of developing an active and healthy lifestyle and incorporate this into our teachings. The program has been developed to reflect students interests in an engaging environment while adhering to the mandated State Curriculum. Please refer to the College Handbook for further information: Curriculum Handbook Years 7 to 9.

Senior School Health and Physical Education
Students in Year 11 and Year 12 have the opportunity to choose Physical Education Studies which includes both a non-WACE pathway (Physical Education Studies General in both Year 11 and Year 12) and full WACE pathway (Physical Education Studies ATAR in both Year 11 and Year 12). Students are also given the opportunity to complete the Certificate III in Sport and Recreation to assist in future career opportunities in the sporting arena. Please refer to the College Handbook for further information: Curriculum Handbook Year 10, Curriculum Handbook Years 11 and 12.

Co-Curricular Sports
Sport is an integral part of College Life. Participation in a variety of sports helps to build confidence, physical skills whilst developing communication, cooperation and leadership skills. We encourage students to challenge themselves and we provide students with every opportunity to participate both competitively and socially. We ensure each student strives for personal excellence whilst reflecting the College values and recognise these students through our Merit, Colours & Honours Awards system.

St Brigid’s College participates in a wide range of sporting competitions. This diverse range allows students to excel and develop a passion in their chosen field of endeavour. We compete in the ACC, SSWA and CPSSA competitions including the following sports: Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics, Soccer, Equestrian, Badminton, Basketball, Hockey, Netball, Football, Volleyball and Triathlon.

St Brigid’s also has additional sporting clubs offered to the students:

• Tennis Club
• 100 km Running Club
• SBC Basketball Club
• SBC Cheerleading Team

Please refer to the College Calendar for specific dates for sport events.

At St Brigid’s College the students are given the opportunity to learn a second language. Aligned with the WA Curriculum, all Primary students engage in Italian classes. Secondary students study Italian in Years 7 and 8 and then have the opportunity to continue their exploration of the Italian language in more depth in Years 9 and 10. Currently Italian WACE courses are offered in Years 11 and 12.

Learning a second language assists in developing communication skills at a global level and improves cultural understandings.

Language in the Classroom
The learning of a language also entails immersion into cultural experiences. Students from Primary to Secondary participate in a variety of in-class and external activities all aimed at enhancing classroom learning and promoting cultural understandings. Activities range from culinary degustation, cooking demonstrations, opera, theatre and puppet shows, films and music in the target language, community guest speakers and volunteers, and participation in State and National Languages Competitions. Each element is carefully planned to challenge and motivate students to explore, create and achieve.

Beyond the Walls-Exchanges, Study Tours, Virtual Classrooms
At St Brigid’s College connections are forged with ‘sister’ Universities and Organisations in order to create real life scenarios for students to utilise their language skills. Our families in the past, have had the opportunity to host students from other countries and in return our girls have often had the opportunity of participating in reciprocal exchanges or Study Tours as a way of experiencing first-hand the culture and language of another country. These have not only enhanced the students’ language acquisition and provided insights into the heart and essence of the country and its people but, also nurtured personal development. We hope to continue these experiences in the near future.

St Brigid’s College also hosts University students from Italy who often choose to visit Australia in order to enhance their English. Through the WAATI Language Assistant Programme, students currently work in ‘virtual’ classrooms alongside our girls providing linguistic support and authentic language experiences.

Encompassing Dance, Drama, Media, Music and the Visual Arts; the St Brigid’s College Arts Faculty works to create an exciting range of learning pathways.

St Brigid’s College has a long tradition of providing creative challenges in a Christ centred environment. Our College is fortunate to have well-resourced experiences available allowing students creative opportunities many would envy. This includes subject specific venues for all of the Arts, enabling students’ access to up to date Arts technologies and equipment.

Whilst based on the Western Australian Curriculum our courses have been designed to provide a range of supported, yet challenging creative opportunities. By providing sequential learning pathways in the Arts we strive to give the breadth and depth needed to springboard into the substantial career and employment opportunities that exist for Arts based students.

Co-Curricular Arts
Arts students are also exposed to a broad range of co-curricular Arts based experiences including professional incursions, excursions and focussed activities. We boast a broad range of co-curricular groups to cater for students who wish to extend their experience in all areas of the Arts. This includes groups such as our Junior, Senior and Liturgical Dance Troupes, Choirs, Drama productions and groups, Visual Art and Photography Clubs; providing our students a wide range of extension opportunities. In terms of music, students are also able to access specialist tutors, instrumental and choral ensembles should this be their creative focus.

Instrumental Programme Guidelines 2024

Secondary Arts
Our secondary courses in Years Seven to Ten are based on the mandated State Curriculum and have been developed to also reflect student interests and provide stimulating creative experiences. Please refer also to the handbook for further information: Curriculum Handbook Years 7 to 9.

Arts students in Years Eleven and Twelve are able to access a range of ATAR and General WACE subjects. Depending on student need and demand, we provide specialist workshops to support their learning experience. Core to our senior programme is the opportunity to view, perform or exhibit work in public and community events or venues. Consequently, students are able to see first-hand the range of possibilities and standards that exist outside of the College. Please refer also to the handbook for further information: Curriculum Handbook Year 10, Curriculum Handbook Years 11 and 12.

Work Place Learning is a School Curriculum and Standards Authority Course that our Year Eleven students participate in when studying the Certificate III in Education Support.

What is Work Place Learning (WPL)?
WPL contributes to the students Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).

It is “on the job” training that prepares the student for the workforce. Students are expected to perform hands on tasks in a K-6 primary school that are related to the competencies they are learning in their VET course.

Students participate in WPL during designated days and during examination week/s. Days spent in the workplace are considered normal school day. If a student is sick or unable to attend for any reason, the student must notify the host school and St Brigid’s College. In this situation, students will need to supply a medical certificate or if in extenuating circumstances, parent/guardian will provide a letter for the purpose. Students complete a logbook detailing the competencies they learn and the hours they work. A S.C.S.A. requirement is that this must be kept up- to-date and handed in to the WPL Supervisor for marking. The WPL Supervisor will visit the workplace at least once during the practicum and will also keep in regular contact with the student and host school by phone.

What forms do I sign?
The students will be given a WPL Application form which they and their parent or guardian must sign and return to the school before placement can commence. Parents will be provided with a document outlining the requirements of the WPL Programme and will be asked to sign that they have read the conditions of this programme.

Staff in the VET/WPL Team:
VET Co-ordinator, Careers and Transitions Advisor – Mrs Margherita Almond.

How can I help my child prepare for the placement?

• Ensure your child contacts the host school prior to the placement. The purpose of this call is to discuss start and finish times, work location, dress requirements etc.
• Ensure your child has appropriate clothes to wear.
• Ensure they know where the placement is and how to get there prior to the first work day.

Careers and Transitions Centre
This Centre at the College includes the following areas:

• Career education and advice
• Work Place Learning
• Special Programmes
• VET Coordination

Career Education and Advice
Career education at St Brigid’s College is an integral part of learning from Junior through the Middle and Senior Schools. The introduction of Career competencies in the curriculum is minor in Junior and early Middle schooling years, however, career education becomes emphasised as students develop and consider career prospects as they approach their final years at school.

In Years 10, 11, and 12 the emphasis on subject/course selection and post school options becomes more evident. Students are provided with a vast array of resources assisting students to explore and prepare for the world beyond school.

In addition, one on one career advice is available to Students and Parents/Guardians are indeed welcome to meet with the Career and Transitions advisor to discuss any aspect of the school programme provided by the College and/or post school options.

Work Place Learning (WPL)
WPL is a School Curriculum and Standards Authority Course offered to students enrolled in a Certificate III in Education Support. This course (like any other) is used to gain the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), commonly known as secondary graduation.

Special Programmes
Depending on State Training Providers (TAFE) and Department of Education and Training offerings, students are able to consider choosing to enrol in selected VETis (Vocational Education and Training in Schools) and other RTO courses. Selecting one of these programmes may add to a student’s certification upon graduation. It is recommended that if students wish to undertake this additional training it is discussed with the VET Co-ordinator. This is to ensure that all the requirements are fully understood. We welcome Students and Parents/Guardians to contact us for more information on these special opportunities.

VET Coordination
As part of the VET programme, students have the choice of the following learning programmes delivered at school: Business, Sport and Recreation/Outdoor Recreation and Education Support. These programmes offer S.T.A. (State Training Authority) style certification and study in these areas is included in the regular College timetable. Classes are conducted by Teachers with work place qualifications and greatly enhance articulation in S.T.A. (State Training Authority) as a post school option.

The Certificate III in Business is delivered on behalf of Fremantle Education Centre Inc (FEC). RTO Provider Number: 50354 under a Partnership Service Agreement.

The Certificate III in Education Support is delivered on behalf of Fremantle Education Centre Inc (FEC). RTO Provider Number: 50354 under a Partnership Service Agreement.

The Certificate III in Sport and Recreation is delivered on behalf of The IVET Institute. RTO Provider Number: 40548 under a Partnership Service Agreement.

Mercy in Action
Mercy in Action, Making a Difference is a Service as Action programme that helps the Year 7 to 12 students identify and act on issues important to them and the world. It should be a journey of discovery and empowerment which focuses on common values and community issues. Students need to show their concerns and interests and work those into a community-based project. Through their participation in this programme, students have discovered that not only the people that they are assisting are benefiting, but so are they. When one gives, one also receives. The sense of appreciation and satisfaction received is a true and lasting reward.

Cambodia Outreach Immersion
The Cambodia Outreach Immersion is an in-country working programme where students are totally immersed in the culture, history, poverty and living conditions of an underdeveloped country. The purpose of the outreach programme is to bring awareness to our students of the needs of others, particularly those in a third-world country. We intend to educate the students about the social justice issues in Cambodia (such as poverty, homelessness, access to education, health, and employment) as well as encourage them to reach out their hands and hearts to the Cambodians in a practical and faith-filled manner. Our aim is also to build, encourage and sustain empathy and action for our students beyond school and to contribute to building a more just and equal world.