In Catholic Schools such as Marist College North Shore there are generally nine Key Learning Areas:
Religious Education (RE)
This is a compulsory area of study and all students take courses in Religious Education from Years 7 to 12. In Years 7 to 12 the courses follow the Archdiocesan curriculum, "Faithful to God, Faithful to People". In Years 11 and 12 boys can choose either the Board endorsed course, "Catholic Studies", or the Board Course, "Studies of Religion" - either one or two units. More information about this KLA will be found in the 'Our Mission' section of the website.
Mrs Marian McKinley, the Director of Faith Formation, is responsible for this area
English
This is the only other fully compulsory subject - every student must take English from Years 7 through to the end of his schooling. The English courses cover a wide area: grammar, language construction, literature, literary analysis, genres, speech, visual media.
Mr Jon Watts is the Coordinator of English
Mathematics
Mathematics is a compulsory core subject from Years 7 to 10. However, nearly every boy also studies Mathematics in Years 11 and 12, even though it is not necessary for the HSC or UAI eligibility. From Year Nine there are options within the Mathematics syllabus: Mathematics 5.3 or Mathmetics 5.2 can be studied in Years 9 and 10. General Mathematics, Mathematics, Mathematics Extension 1 or Mathematics Extension 2 are available in Years 11 and 12.
Mr Paul Redfern is the Coordinator of Mathematics
Science
Like Mathematics, Science is a core compulsory area of study from Years 7 to 10, during which boys study a general course in Science. In the Years 11 and 12 specialisation is available, with separate courses being offered in Biology, Chemistry, Physics. There is also a general Science Course available for HSC study - Senior Science.
Mr Tim Lee is the Coordinator of Science
Creative Arts
The New South Wales Board of Studies mandates compulsory studies in Music and Art for all students in Years 7 and 8. In Years 9 and 10 boys may continue study in this area through elective subjects in Visual Arts, Music and Drama. These three subjects are also available for study in Years 11 and 12.
Ms Carolyn O'Brien is the Coordinator of Creative Arts
Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)
This area covers History and Geography, subjects which all students must take through to the end of Year 10. In Year 10, the School Certificate assessments include an exam in Australian Citizenship, Civics, History and Geography. At Marist, History is administered through a separate Department. Commerce, a Years 9 and 10 elective subject, comes under the HSIE Department. A range of subjects in these areas are available for HSC study. Through the History Department there is Modern History, Ancient History and History Extension. Through the HSIE Department there is: Business Studies, Economics, Geography and Legal Studies.
Mrs Susan Turner is the Coordinator of History
Mr Zack Pedicini is the Coordinator of HSIE
Languages Other than English (LOTE)
It is compulsory for all students in NSW secondary schools to study at least one language in either Years 7 or 8. French is the language taught at Marist, and is studied in Year 8. A course in French can also be offered in Years 9 and 10 as an elective if student interest warrants it. While there are no languages currently taught at Marist in Years 11 and 12 a number of boys choose to study a language for their HSC through the Open High School or the Saturday School of Community Languages. French will be taught if there is enough student interest. In effect this allows boys to study a very wide range of languages at the senior level.
Ms Ann McGovern coordinates the study of languages
Physical Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
This is, again, another core, compulsory area of learning from Years 7 to 10, and involves both theoretical and practical components. For the HSC boys can choose the Physical Education course (2 Units) or the Sports, Lifestyle and Recreation approved course (1 Unit).
Mr Luke Hill is the Coordinator of PDHPE
Technology
This area covers a wide range of subjects and is again a compulsory part of the Years 7 and 8 curriculum. In Years 7 and 8 boys take Technology which comprises computer and materials studies. In Years 9 and 10 boys can select subjects in Food Technology, Graphics Technology, Industrial Technology and Information Software and Technology. In Years 11 and 12 boys may choose from Construction (TVET), Design and Technology, Hospitality (TVET), Industrial Technology, Information Processes and Technology. Students may also undertake a number of courses at TAFE as part of their pattern of study for the Higher School Certificate.
Mr Peter Sherringham is the Coordinator of Technology and VET
Mrs Nicola Brown is the Coordinator of TVET