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Senior School
Senior School Curriculum
Our Senior School students are provided with a diverse range of opportunities to experience real and authentic learning which will connect them with their future beyond Lourdes Hill College.
In Year 10 students are given the opportunity to explore a wide range of elective subjects. This provides students with insights into their learning strengths as well as providing experiences in new areas of study. We believe these opportunities will equip students to confidently choose subjects to pursue in Years 11 and 12 and beyond.
In Years 11 and 12, students may choose an ATAR pathway for direct entry to university or a VET pathway, which includes a traineeship.
The College offers:
We recognise that our senior students are at an important stage in their lives, as they begin their transition from childhood to adulthood. We understand that as adolescents, our students want to feel independent, inspired and empowered in a trusting and respect-filled environment. This is why we strive to provide a package of student-centred features to foster a great sense of connectedness as a College.
The English course is designed to develop student skills in analytical written responses. The purpose of the English Program is to give students an appreciation of the uses of language in all its forms, and an understanding of how language in literary and non-literary texts can be interpreted and used to further their experiences of life.
The History course provides a study of the history of the modern world and Australia from 1918 to the present, with an emphasis on Australia in its global context. The course provides opportunities to develop historical understanding through key concepts, including evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy, significance, and contestability.
Religion In the Religion course students learn about various ways in which humans have an understanding of the mystery of God or the ‘Other’, which is ultimately beyond human language, concepts and stories. These include the human experience of the created world; the valuable insights of the major world religions as reflected in their core beliefs and practices, social and cultural contexts; Christian spiritual writings that search for the mystery of God in the midst of world events and the course of human history; and participation in personal and communal prayer that can lead believers to contemplation.
Students learn about the functional, sensory and nutritional properties of macronutrients and how they react during processing and storage. Students have the opportunity to create and produce a variety of dishes that demonstrate the food science principles studied to inform their final practical and theory exams.
The Design subject focuses on the application of design thinking to envisage creative products, services and environments in response to human needs, wants and opportunities. Designing is a complex and sophisticated form of problem-solving that uses divergent and convergent thinking strategies that can be practised and improved.
Studying Health provides students with a contextualised strengths-based inquiry of the various determinants that create and promote lifelong health, learning and active citizenship. Drawing from the health, behavioural, social and physical sciences, the Health course offers students an action, advocacy and evaluation-oriented curriculum.
Physical Education offers students an experiential curriculum that is contemporary, relevant, challenging, enjoyable and physically active. Lessons focus explicitly on developing movement skills and concepts students require to participate in physical activities with competence and confidence.
The Year 10 course follows the Australian Curriculum: Science, using the following contexts: Genetics and evolution, Physics of motion and the periodic table and rates of reaction.
Learning in Drama is varied and dynamic, as students experience a range of styles of the dramatic art form, and explore Drama from every angle: performing, viewing, interpreting, analysing, evaluating, and devising. Students develop skills of the actor and the playwright.
Economics and Business allows students to realise the potential of aligning business processes with other key learning areas to gain a degree of understanding of the management practices, accounting, economic, operational and legal implications necessary to participate in strategic business decision-making. Students will be able to engage in “real-world” business practices by establishing and operating their own business venture at the College’s annual Makers Market.
Learning Digital Skills for Engineering provides students with opportunities to create, construct and repurpose solutions that are relevant in a world where data and digital realms are transforming entertainment, education, business, manufacturing and many other industries. In Digital Skills for Engineering, students learn about algorithms, computer languages and user interfaces through generating digital solutions to problems.
This course will focus on developing numeracy skills required for Life.
Students will develop skills in Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics and Graphing that will prepare them for the Year 11 and 12 General Mathematics course.
This course develops the more abstract areas of Mathematics by exploring Algebra, Trigonometry, Functions, Relations and their graphs, as well as Statistics. Students focus on developing effective models of the world and solving complex and abstract Mathematical problems.
In Japanese, students build on the skills and experiences of Middle School Japanese to deepen their communicative abilities and understanding of the Japanese language and culture. Topics covered include interpersonal exchanges, giving and receiving permission, expressing opinions and giving recommendations, and essential Japanese for daily life.
In Visual Art, students will engage with a range of concepts and ideas, visual language and art making media, technologies, processes and techniques to make and respond to artworks. In making artworks, students solve visual problems by using visual language and expression. Students use and manipulate materials, techniques, processes and technologies to communicate meanings and create images and objects.
Music aims to introduce students to the study of Music, which, like other arts, is an important part of our way of life. In the course, students encounter music in a variety of ways (performing, composing, responding to music). This course encourages students to become creative and adaptable thinkers and problem solvers who activate all areas of the brain to make informed decisions and develop their abilities to analyse and critically evaluate.
Additional Studies for Literacy and Numeracy needs may be offered to selected students after consultation with the Head of the Faculty of Differentiated Learning, the student and their Parents/Caregivers. This subject replaces History & Geography in consultation with the Head of Faculty Differentiated Learning.
The English course is designed to develop student skills in creative and persuasive responses. The purpose of the English Program is to give students an appreciation of the uses of language in all its forms, and an understanding of how language in literary and non-literary texts can be interpreted and used to further their experiences of life by the Units Literary Representations of Social Comments - Literary Texts and Representations of Social Comment - Science Fiction.
Students explore individual and collective experiences and perspectives of the world through engaging with a variety of texts. The focus will centre on an exploration of the concept of the American Dream and how this is represented in various times and places in American literature. They will examine how perspectives and representations of concepts, identities and/or groups are constructed through textual choices such as language, medium, style and text structures.
Students will read and view a variety of written and visual texts to explore a vocational topic. The written texts may include short articles or reports while the visual texts may include posters or advertisements.
The Ancient History electives are: Investigating the Ancient World, and People, Power and Authority. In Term 3, students will look at the lives of Hatshepsut and Cleopatra, two of the few female Pharaohs to rule Ancient Egypt. Using archaeological sources, particularly her building legacy, and other primary and secondary sources, students will evaluate the extent to which being a woman limited their ability to be considered a successful Pharaoh.
The Modern History electives are: Three Waves of Feminism, and Popular Culture. The elective unit, Three Waves of Feminism, is a unit that explores the impact of international feminism within Australia and the emergence of unique responses to gender discrimination. This includes the values, beliefs and ideas regarding the roles of women in society and how these have changed. Students will complete an independent source investigation. The elective unit, Popular Culture, will examine how different nations, generations, and cultures have influenced the development of Australian society and the emergence of a distinct Australian culture.
Environmental Change and Management, and Geographies of Human Wellbeing. Environmental Change and Management draws on the concepts of environment, change, interconnection and sustainability to investigate the nature and extent of human-induced environmental changes that challenge sustainability. Students will develop analysis, decision making and communication skills in the form of a written report on Coastal Management. Following the Environmental Change and Management unit, students will explore Human Wellbeing. This unit involves studying different cultures, comparing and contrasting global standards of living and exploring what makes some cities more liveable than others.
In the Religion course, students learn about various ways in which humans have an understanding of the mystery of God or the ‘Other,’ which is ultimately beyond human language, concepts and stories. These include the human experience of the created world; the valuable insights of the major world religions as reflected in their core beliefs and practices, social and cultural contexts; Christian spiritual writings that search for the mystery of God in the midst of world events and the course of human history; and participation in personal and communal prayer that can lead believers to contemplation.
Students develop an understanding of the chemical and functional properties of vitamins, minerals and protein-based food, as well as food safety, spoilage and preservation. Using a problem-based learning approach, students learn to apply their food science, nutrition and technologies knowledge to solve real-world food and nutrition problems.
A course of study in Hospitality will consist of theory and practical lessons and will include the study classic baking methods and common techniques. Skills taught will include cookery terms, measurement and kitchen equipment.
Students will learn about and experience designing in the context of human-centred design. They will use designing with empathy as an approach as they design for the needs and wants of an identified person or group. Students will learn about and experience designing in the context of sustainable design. They will use a redesigning approach to design for an opportunity.
Health introduces students to skills and understandings that form a strong foundation for the General Senior Subject of Health. Health is a subject in Year 11 and 12 suited to students who are interested in pathways beyond school that can establish a basis for further education and employment in the fields of health science, public health, health education, allied health, nursing and medical professions.
Students will study the physical activity of Touch Football while recognising and explaining energy and fitness concepts. Students will generate primary data and collect secondary data to develop an understanding of physiology to enhance their individual physical performance. Areas of study include energy systems, fitness and training concepts, training methods and principles.
Students will investigate cell transport systems and will determine how different chemicals influence this process. They will engage in a range of microscopy techniques and explore how cells interact with their environment. Students will also critically analyse the reliability of scientific evidence to evaluate an important environmental issue.
Students will investigate how the molecular structure of a range of substances influences their properties. They will also explore factors that influence chemical reactions. Students will also critically analyse the reliability of scientific evidence to evaluate an important environmental issue.
Students will investigate the quantity of energy transferred and the specific heat of a substance using calorimetry. They will also examine a range of energy transformations and how various factors influence the efficiency of these interactions. Students will also critically analyse the reliability of scientific evidence to evaluate an important environmental issue, related to nuclear physics.
Learning in Drama is varied and dynamic, as students experience a range of styles of the dramatic art form, and explore drama from every angle: performing, viewing, interpreting, analysing, evaluating, and devising. In this semester, students develop skills of both the actor and the playwright.
In Economics students develop an understanding of the essential role accounting plays in the successful performance of any organisation. Students learn fundamental accounting concepts in order to understand accrual accounting, managerial and accounting controls, preparing internal financial reports, ratio analysis and interpretation of internal and external financial reports.
Students investigate the business life cycle from the seed to the post-maturity stage and develop skills in examining business data and information. Students learn business concepts, theories, processes and strategies relevant to leadership, management and entrepreneurship. A range of business environments and situations is explored. Through this exploration, students investigate the influence on and implications for strategic development in the functional areas of finance, human resources, marketing and operations.
Learning in Digital Skills for Business provides students with opportunities to research, plan, design and create solutions that are relevant in a world where data and digital realms are transforming entertainment, education, business, manufacturing and many other industries.
The field of Economics is typically divided into two: microeconomics being the study of individuals, households and businesses; and macroeconomics, the study of economy-wide phenomena. Within this context, students study opportunity costs, economic models and the market forces of demand and supply. These concepts are applied to real-world issues of how and why markets may be modified, and the effects of government strategies and interventions.
The subject commences with the foundations of law and explores the criminal justice process through punishment and sentencing. Students then study the civil justice system, focusing on contract law and negligence. With increasing complexity, students critically examine issues of governance that are the foundation of the Australian and Queensland legal systems, before they explore contemporary issues of law reform and change.
This course will focus on developing numeracy skills required for Life.
Students will develop skills in Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics and Graphing.
This course develops the more abstract areas of Mathematics by exploring Algebra, Trigonometry, Functions, Relations and their graphs, as well as Statistics. Students focus on developing effective models of the world and solving complex and abstract Mathematical problems.
The introduction to Vectors and a deeper knowledge of Real and Complex Numbers and Trigonometry. Topics are developed systematically, with increasing levels of sophistication, complexity and connection.
Students engage in a variety of communicative language experiences in which they negotiate meaning and develop Japanese language skills and assessment literacies. In ‘Locations and Map Reading’, students learn vocabulary to discuss household life, location and time preposition words, and develop practical skills in comprehending and giving directions in both written and spoken Japanese including map directions and descriptions of places.
In Visual Art, students look at their world by examining and responding to a given concept, applying different viewpoints. They explore how artists work through processes to create new ways of thinking, meaning and representation. Students will be exposed to multiple viewpoints by examining the artist’s value systems, personal beliefs and/or experience that inform or influence the way subject matter is perceived and represented. Students apply personal and contemporary contexts to analyse, interpret and evaluate visual communication and meaning in artworks.
Students create a Contemporary song using either a music notation program or a digital audio workstation program. Students will further develop their confidence and fluency with the elements of music. A variety of music styles will be analysed and assessed in an Extended Response written examination.
Additional Studies for Literacy and Numeracy needs may be offered to selected students after consultation with the Head of the Faculty of Differentiated Learning, the students and their Parents/Caregivers. This subject replaces an elective in consultation with the Head of Faculty Differentiated Learning.
* Indicates non ATAR subjects
The subject English focuses on the study of both literary texts and non-literary texts, developing students as independent, innovative and creative learners and thinkers who appreciate the aesthetic use of language, analyse perspectives and evidence, and challenge ideas and interpretations through the analysis and creation of varied texts.
The subject Literature focuses on the study of literary texts, developing students as independent, innovative and creative learners and thinkers who appreciate the aesthetic use of language, analyse perspectives and evidence, and challenge ideas and interpretations through the analysis and creation of varied literary texts.
The subject Essential English develops and refines students’ understanding of language, literature and literacy to enable them to interact confidently and effectively with others in everyday, community and social contexts. The subject encourages students to recognise language and texts as relevant in their lives now and in the future and enables them to understand, accept or challenge the values and attitudes in these texts.
Ancient History is concerned with studying people, societies and civilisations of the Ancient World, from the development of the earliest human communities to the end of the Middle Ages. Students explore the interaction of societies and the impact of individuals and groups on ancient events and ways of life, enriching their appreciation of humanity and the relevance of the ancient past.
Modern History has two main aims. First, Modern History seeks to have students gain historical knowledge and understanding about some of the main forces that have contributed to the development of the Modern World. Second, Modern History aims to have students engage in historical thinking and form a historical consciousness in relation to these same forces.
In Geography, students engage in a range of learning experiences that develop their geographical skills and thinking through the exploration of geographical challenges and their effects on people, places and the environment. Students are exposed to a variety of contemporary problems and challenges affecting people and places across the globe, at a range of scales.
Social & Community Studies fosters personal and social knowledge and skills that lead to self-management and concern for others in the broader community. It empowers students to think critically, creatively and constructively about their future role in society.
Study of Religion is the investigation and study of religious traditions and how religion has influenced, and continues to influence, people’s lives. As Religions are living traditions, a variety of religious expressions exists within each tradition. Religious beliefs and practices also influence the social, cultural and political lives of people and nations. Students become aware of their own religious beliefs, the religious beliefs of others, and how people holding such beliefs are able to co-exist in modern society.
In this syllabus, Religion is understood as a faith tradition based on a common understanding of beliefs and practices. In a religious sense, beliefs are tenets, creeds or faiths; religious belief is belief in a power or powers that influence human behaviours. Ethics refers to a system of moral principles; the rules of conduct or approaches to making decisions for the good of the individual and society.
Food & Nutrition is the study of food in the context of food science, nutrition and food technologies. Students explore the chemical and functional properties of nutrients to create food solutions that maintain the beneficial nutritive values. This knowledge is fundamental for continued development of a safe and sustainable food system that can produce high quality, nutritious solutions with an extended shelf life. The food system includes the sectors of production, processing, distribution, consumption, research and development.
The Hospitality Practices syllabus emphasises the food and beverage sector, which includes food and beverage production and service. The subject includes the study of industry practices and production processes through real-world related application in the hospitality industry context. Production processes combine the production skills and procedures required to implement hospitality events. Students engage in applied learning to recognise, apply and demonstrate knowledge and skills in units that meet local needs, available resources and teacher expertise.
The Design subject focuses on the application of design thinking to envisage creative products, services and environments. Designing is a complex and sophisticated form of problem-solving that uses divergent and convergent thinking approaches that can be practised and improved. Designers are separated from the constraints of production processes to allow them to appreciate and exploit innovative ideas.
The Health syllabus provides students with a contextualised strengths-based inquiry of the various determinants that create and promote lifelong health, learning and active citizenship. Drawing from the health, behavioural, social and physical sciences, the Health syllabus offers students an action, advocacy and evaluation-oriented curriculum.
The Physical Education syllabus is developmental and becomes increasingly complex across the four units. In Unit 1, students develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles underpinning their learning of movement sequences and how they can enhance movement from a biomechanical perspective.
Early Childhood Studies focuses on students learning about children aged from birth to five years through early childhood education and care. While early childhood learning can involve many different approaches, this subject focuses on the significance of play to a child’s development.
Biology provides opportunities for students to engage with living systems. Students develop their understanding of cells and multicellular organisms. They engage with the concept of maintaining the internal environment. They study biodiversity and the interconnectedness of life. This knowledge is linked with the concepts of heredity and the continuity of life.
Chemistry is the study of materials and their properties and structure. Students study atomic theory, chemical bonding, and the structure and properties of elements and compounds. They explore intermolecular forces, gases, aqueous solutions, acidity and rates of reaction. They study equilibrium processes and redox reactions.
Physics provides opportunities for students to engage with classical and modern understandings of the universe. Students learn about the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, electricity and nuclear processes; and about the concepts and theories that predict and describe the linear motion of objects. Further, they explore how scientists explain some phenomena using an understanding of waves.
Students learn how to engage with dramatic works as both artists and audiences through the use of critical literacies. The study of drama develops students’ knowledge, skills and understanding in the making of and responding to dramatic works to help them realise their creative and expressive potential as individuals.
Accounting is a universal discipline, encompassing the successful management of financial resources of the public sector, businesses, and individuals. It is foundational to all organisations across all industries and assists in discharging accountability and financial control. Accounting is a way of systematically organising, critically analysing and communicating financial data and information for decision-making.
Business is multifaceted. It is a contemporary discipline with representation in every aspect of society including individuals, community and government. Business, as a dynamic and evolving discipline, is responsive to environmental changes such as emerging technologies, globalisation, sustainability, resources, economy and society.
In Digital Solutions, students learn about algorithms, computer languages and user interfaces through generating digital solutions to problems. They engage with data, information and applications to generate digital solutions that filter and present data in timely and efficient ways while understanding the need to encrypt and protect data. They understand computing’s personal, social and economic impact, and the issues associated with the ethical integration of technology into our daily lives.
The discipline of economics is integral to every aspect of our lives: our employment opportunities, business operations and living standards. The subject challenges us to use evidence and be innovative when solving problems in a world of complex global relationships and trends, where a knowledge of economic forces and flows leads to better decisions.
Legal Studies focuses on the interaction between society and the discipline of law. Students study the legal system and how it regulates activities and aims to protect the rights of individuals, while balancing these with obligations and responsibilities. An understanding of legal processes and concepts enables citizens to be better informed and able to constructively question and contribute to the improvement of laws and legal processes.
Offered in partnership with Binnacle Training (RTO: 31319), the Certificate III in Business equips students with essential business skills, including communication, teamwork, and administrative expertise. This nationally recognised qualification provides a strong foundation for students interested in entry-level business roles or further studies, offering practical experience and real-world applications.
In partnership with Get Set Education (RTO: 45252), the Diploma of Business develops advanced skills in leadership, project management, and strategic planning. This program prepares students for a range of career opportunities or further tertiary education, focusing on the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in dynamic business environments.
The major domains of mathematics in Essential Mathematics are Number, Data, Location and time, Measurement and Finance. Teaching and learning builds on the proficiency strands of the P–10 Australian Curriculum. Students develop their conceptual understanding when they undertake tasks that require them to connect mathematical concepts, operations and relations. They will learn to recognise definitions, rules and facts from everyday mathematics and data, and to calculate using appropriate mathematical processes.
The major domains of mathematics in General Mathematics are Number and algebra, Measurement and geometry, Statistics and Networks and matrices, building on the content of the P–10 Australian Curriculum. Learning reinforces prior knowledge and further develops key mathematical ideas, including rates and percentages, concepts from financial mathematics, linear and non-linear expressions, sequences, the use of matrices and networks to model and solve authentic problems, the use of trigonometry to find solutions to practical problems, and the exploration of real-world phenomena in statistics.
The major domains of mathematics in Mathematical Methods are Algebra, Functions, relations and their graphs, Calculus and Statistics. Topics are developed systematically, with increasing levels of sophistication, complexity and connection, and build on algebra, functions and their graphs, and probability from the P–10 Australian Curriculum. Calculus is essential for developing an understanding of the physical world. The domain Statistics is used to describe and analyse phenomena involving uncertainty and variation.
The major domains of mathematical knowledge in Specialist Mathematics are Vectors and matrices, Real and complex numbers, Trigonometry, Statistics and Calculus. Topics are developed systematically, with increasing levels of sophistication, complexity and connection, building on functions, calculus, statistics from Mathematical Methods, while vectors, complex numbers and matrices are introduced.
Japanese acquisition provides students with opportunities to reflect on their understanding of a language and the communities that use it, while also assisting in the effective negotiation of experiences and meaning across cultures and languages. Communicating with people from Japanese-speaking communities provides insight into the purpose and nature of language and promotes greater sensitivity to, and understanding of, linguistic structures, including the linguistic structures of English.
Students have opportunities to construct knowledge and communicate personal interpretations by working as both artist and audience. They use their imagination and creativity to innovatively solve problems and experiment with visual language and expression.
In Visual Arts in Practice, students respond to authentic, real-world stimulus, seeing or making new links between art-making purposes and contexts. They explore visual language in combination with media, technologies and skills to make artworks. Throughout the course, students are exposed to two or more art-making modes, as well as innovating new ways of working.
A study of music provides students with opportunities to develop their intellect and personal growth and to make a contribution to the culture of their community. Students develop the capacity for working independently and collaboratively, reflecting authentic practices of music performers, composers and audiences. Studying music provides the basis for rich, lifelong learning.
Music Extension (Composition) is an extension of the Music General senior syllabus. It provides an opportunity for students with specific abilities in music to extend their expertise. Students select one specialisation only, and follow an individual program of study designed to continue the development of refined musicianship skills. Music Extension encourages students to investigate music concepts and ideas relevant to their specialisation.
Music Extension (Performance) is an extension of the Music General senior syllabus. It provides an opportunity for students with specific abilities in music to extend their expertise. Students select one specialisation only, and follow an individual program of study designed to continue the development of refined musicianship skills. Music Extension encourages students to investigate music concepts and ideas relevant to their specialisation.
