Learning

Strong Student Performance

Our Year 12 cohorts consistently deliver outstanding results. In 2024, for instance, nearly half of our students achieved in the top two bands, and 85% in the top three bands. We have multiple All-Rounders and Distinguished Achievers, and one student ranked 1st in the state in Community and Family Studies.

High Potential, Gifted Education Programs

We believe every student has the right to be challenged. Our HPGE framework supports high-potential, gifted, and highly gifted students through extension classes (Years 7-10) and rigorous pathways in Years 11-12. From student selection (based on NAPLAN, ACER transition assessments, etc.) to ongoing support and expert staff, we ensure capable learners are stretched and inspired.

Literacy and Numeracy Growth

We have deliberately invested in reading and numeracy initiatives — including explicit strategies across faculties, professional learning, small-group tuition, and “numeracy across curriculum” programs. These have contributed to above-average NAPLAN reading scores (for example, Reading in Year 7-9 that are ahead of our Similar School Group) and value-added growth between Years 7 and 9.

Whole School Performing Arts

Our performing arts programs ignite students’ creativity and self-discovery where they explore their passion for the arts and produce inspiring performances. Our talented students are regularly invited to perform at local community and showcase events and are supported in their development by highly skilled teachers and tutors. These programs also safeguard Year 6 students in their transition to high school through their sustained involvement in Band, Dance and Drama. By engaging in performing arts programs, your child will develop their socio-emotional intelligence and become confident and capable performers.

Studying the creative arts, students learn to appreciate, compose, listen, make and perform. Each art form has its own unique knowledge and skills, elements or concepts as well as a capacity to inspire and enrich lives.

Students must study 100 hours of both music and visual arts during Years 7 to 10. They also have an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills in other art forms through elective subjects including Drama, Dance, Photography and Visual Design. Students can then select from a range of courses in Years 11 to 12.

Dance

Dance

There are numerous opportunities for students to become involved in Dance. Our facilities are of an excellent standard and are well utilised by our various dance groups. Sylvania High School is renowned for its achievements in performing arts and our students get chosen to participate in a range of representative dance programs.

Dance Company

Dance Companies are comprised of students from years 7 to year 12 who are interested in broadening their skillset as a dancer. It allows students to build confidence, have performance experiences, and make new friends and valuable technique/performance quality skills and mainly to have fun.

Sylvania High School co-curricular dance program aims to:

– Extend students skill set in dance

– Engage students learning in a fun and encouraging way

– Provide opportunities for performance in dance both within the school and wider community

– Apply the syllabus in the development of dance works that reflect the outcomes of the NSW 7-12 Dance Syllabus

– Develop a willingness to aim for excellence in dance performance and choreography

To be a part of a Dance Company you need to attend the SHS audition held during Term 1. If you are unable to make it please come to the dance studio to express your interest in joining.

Cost – $100 per year this fee contributes to costumes, props, festival fees, external tutors etc.

Extra-curricular opportunities -

• Junior Dance Company for students in Years 7-9.

• Intermediate Dance Company for students in Years 8-10

• Senior Dance Company Years 10-12.

• Senior dance tutors

• QLD Dance Tour

• Performance opportunities with school assemblies and special occasions

• Performances for Education week

• Schools Spectacular participation

• In The Spotlight Dance Festival

• Sutherland Shire Dance Festival

• Excursions to shows such as Sydney Dance Company / Bangarra Dance Theatre

• Exemplary HSC Dancers chosen for Callback

• Sylvania High School end of year CAPA Showcase

• HSC Dance Showcase night

Drama

Drama fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking by engaging students in the study and practice of drama. Through improvised performance, scripted theatre, and exploration of various dramatic forms and traditions, students develop communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. The curriculum covers practical and theory aspects, including improvisation, acting, and production techniques, while encouraging students to reflect on cultural, social, and historical contexts. Drama nurtures self-expression and confidence, helping students build resilience and adaptability in both personal and academic pursuits.

Music

The Music program at Sylvania High School provides a comprehensive musical education that encompasses performance, composition, and appreciation. Our goal is to nurture students' creativity, develop their technical skills, and foster a lifelong love for music. Through our diverse offerings, from ensemble performances to individual instruction, we prepare students for further education in music and cultivate well-rounded musicians.

Visual Arts

Visual Arts invites students to explore and develop their personal artistic expressions. By delving into the critical and historical aspects of the art world, students examine a wide range of artists, artworks, settings, and audiences from various perspectives. This rich exploration not only informs but also enhances their own creative practices. Visual Arts, in this context, becomes a transformative tool for students to express their ideas and emotions in profoundly impactful ways.

English

English is the study of how we communicate across many forms and texts. The study of all forms of literature from poetry to novels allows students to develop their critical and creative thinking skills. Through the study of English students also explore the world around them, how texts represent the world and how they can make connections between texts and their lives.

Language shapes our understanding of ourselves and our world, and is the primary means by which we relate to others. Skills, knowledge and understanding acquired in English are central to the learning and development of students. At Sylvania High School, all students are given the opportunity to achieve to their potential, preparing them well for their lives as successful global citizens.

HSIE

Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)  delivers 14 courses across the curriculum in Years 7 to 12.

The HSIE (Human Society and Its Environment) faculty plays a vital role in shaping students' understanding of the world around them. This interdisciplinary department encompasses subjects such as History, Geography, Legal Studies, Business Studies and Society and Culture, helping students develop critical thinking and analytical skills. By exploring past events, societal structures, and global issues, the HSIE faculty encourages students to engage with contemporary challenges, fostering informed citizenship and cultural awareness.

French

French is an international language. It is significant to Australian trade, commerce and tourist initiatives that exist between Australia and France. The ability to communicate in French is relevant for students interested in travel to Europe, Africa or Asia. With over 300 million speakers worldwide, French is an official language in 29 countries including France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and many African nations. France is a gateway to rich culture. From French cinema and literature to cuisine and fashion, knowing the language allows deeper appreciation and participation in global cultural events like the Cannes Film Festival or the Tour de France.

Modern Greek

Modern Greek is a community language and learning Modern Greek in Australia carries deep cultural, educational, and personal significance—especially in a country with one of the largest Greek diasporas outside of Greece. There are many Greeks living in Sydney and in Melbourne and is particularly relevant within the Sylvania High School community with many of our students having a proud Greek heritage. Greek fluency is valuable in fields like international relations, tourism, education, cultural diplomacy and being able to converse with family members.

Japanese

Japanese is increasingly becoming more popular at Sylvania High School. Japan and Australia share deep diplomatic, economic, and educational relationships. Learning Japanese helps Australians engage more meaningfully with Japanese visitors, students, and communities. Sydney has vibrant Japanese communities, offering chances for informal language exchange and cultural immersion. Additionally, pop culture appeal with anime, manga, J-pop and Japanese fashion are major motivators for learners in Australia. These cultural interests often spark long-term engagement with the language.

Mathematics

The Mathematics Faculty at Sylvania High School is a dynamic faculty which aims to foster the intellectual mathematical development of all students. It strives to do so by developing students’ mathematical thinking, competence, understanding, problem solving ability and application of the subject in everyday situations.

Teachers cater to individual’s strengths and interests and designates students into classes best suited to their needs. Parental feedback is always welcomed and valued to achieve the best possible learning and social experience for their child.

New technologies are embraced within the mathematical courses and this strengthens curriculum perspectives such as Literacy, Creative Thinking, Environmental Education and Vocational Education.

Talented students are actively encouraged to undertake the harder curriculum options and to participate in competitions such as the Australian Mathematics Competition. They are extended with enrichment material, group work, class discussions and explore mathematical concepts in the real world with research work.

In Mathematics, homework is given to reinforce the mathematical concepts covered in class. Students are also encouraged to attempt challenging mathematical problems from a variety of sources where their skills across a number of subjects may be involved. Teachers in the Mathematics Faculty are enthusiastic about working with students on these challenges.

In Year 7-10, it is compulsory for all students to study Mathematics. In Years 11 and 12, Mathematics is optional, but the majority of senior students undertake a mathematics course for the HSC.

Personal Development, Health & Physical Education (PDHPE) contributes to the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of students by providing an experiential curriculum that is contemporary, relevant, challenging and physically active.

Through the study of PDHPE, our programs are contextualised to reflect the diverse needs of students within the school and the learning experiences provide students with the foundations to lead and promote healthy, safe and active lives.

Human Movement Science examines the complex interplay between health, wellbeing, and physical movement at individual, community, national, and global levels. Students explore how body systems, biomechanics, physiological adaptations, and psychological factors influence movement, performance, and injury prevention. The course also covers personalised training programs, nutrition, and the impact of emerging technologies on health and exercise. Alongside investigating health determinants, chronic conditions, and healthcare challenges in Australia, students analyse the roles of government and non-government organisations in health promotion. Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework, students engage in collaborative investigations to develop critical research, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, preparing them to enhance health and physical activity within their communities and beyond.

PASS is an elective subject for students in Years 9 and 10. In PASS, students deepen their understanding of physical activity, develop movement skills, analyse movement performance, leadership opportunities and marketable skills in organisation.

The Child Studies elective offers students an insightful exploration into the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of children from infancy through adolescence. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experiences, students will examine key factors influencing child growth, learning, and wellbeing. The course fosters an understanding of family dynamics, parenting practices, and community roles, while encouraging skills in observation, communication, and ethical considerations. Child Studies equips students with a strong foundation to support and advocate for children’s needs in diverse settings.

CAFS  provides students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of the diverse nature and interdependence of families and communities within Australian society. It helps students to plan and manage resources effectively in order to address contemporary issues facing families and communities.

SLR  enables students to further develop their understanding of and competence in a range of sport and recreational pursuits. They are encouraged to establish a lifelong commitment to being physically active and to achieving movement potential.

Science

Science offers a practical approach to exploring key questions about the biological, physical, and technological world. It is a collaborative and evolving field where knowledge is continuously updated and refined through new evidence.

This dynamic body of knowledge, including models, theories, and laws, helps explain various phenomena and makes sense of the natural world. Science helps students to organise their thoughts and ideas systematically and encourages peer collaboration to tackle complex problems. Science promotes objectivity, urging students to base their conclusions on evidence rather than on opinions or misinformation. By equipping students with methods to gather and analyse evidence, science fosters independent thinking and supports finding effective solutions to intricate global challenges.

In Science from grades 7 to 10, students explore and question the world around them. This curriculum emphasises evidence-based investigation and problem-solving, developing skills for scientific inquiry along with critical and creative thinking to address scientific issues.

Advanced Technologies

At Sylvania High School, students have access to specialist spaces that allow them to extend their learning beyond the classroom. These facilities support creativity, innovation and problem-solving while preparing students with practical skills for the future.

Design and Prototyping - Tech Hub and Fabrication Lab

Students have access to laser cutters and a range of 3D printers that support design, prototyping and product testing. In our Fabrication Lab, students use these tools alongside traditional workshop equipment to bring their ideas to life. These spaces are used across courses such as Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Engineering Studies.

Multimedia and Digital Creativity - Multimedia Lab

Our Multimedia Lab provides students with the tools to develop skills in film, video production, graphic design and digital storytelling. Facilities include a green screen, audiovisual equipment and industry-standard editing software, allowing students to create professional-quality projects across a range of subjects.

Robotics and Coding - Technologies Lab

Students interested in programming and digital systems can explore robotics and coding using Lego Mindstorms and Arduino microcontrollers. These hands-on learning experiences encourage problem-solving, experimentation and design thinking, while also building skills that connect to pathways in computing, software engineering and engineering studies.

Construction VET

Construction VET is focusing on safe work practices, the use of tools and materials, and skills relevant to the building and construction industry.

Hospitality Kitchen Operations VET

With a focus on back-of-house cookery, students learn food preparation, hygiene and safe work practices in our commercial kitchens, gaining skills for pathways into the cookery and hospitality industries.

Facilities

Both courses utilise our purpose-built Trade Training Centre facilities, providing students with access to industry-standard equipment and authentic, hands-on learning experiences.

Inclusive Integrated Model

The Support Unit at Sylvania High School runs according to an Inclusive Integrated Model. We aim to include Support Unit students as much as possible in all aspects of the school community, from integrating them into mainstream classes, to including them in school activities such as camps, carnivals, and all whole school experiences.

Teaching and learning are targeted to individual students' needs, as they complete the same curriculum as their peers, in a smaller class setting. We offer a mainstream curriculum a life skills curriculum or a combination of both.

Senior Support students attend mainstream electives and subjects as we ensure they transition to post school pathways match to their post school goals. This allows students to have the opportunity to learn new skills whilst connecting with mainstream peers.

Special and Inclusive Classes

The Support Unit has 4 classes named after iconic Shire beaches:

• Wanda
• Jibbon
• Gunyah
• Elouera

Anglican Curriculum

Anglican SRE  is provided by name of approved provider Sylvania Anglican Church.

Anglican Curriculum

Roman Catholic Curriculum

Roman Catholic is provided by name of approved provider Our Lady of the Way, Sylvania.

Roman Catholic Curriculum

Greek Orthodox Curriculum

Greek Orthodox is provided by name of approved provider St Stylianos Gymea Bay.

Greek Orthodox Curriculum

SEE

SEE is provided by Primary Ethics. For more information about SEE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the  Primary Ethics website.