Curriculum

The teaching staff at Illawarra Christian School are dedicated, caring, innovative professionals who are committed to providing stimulating and challenging learning experiences for each student from Kindergarten to Year 12.

All teaching and learning is informed by a biblical understanding of life and education. The curriculum encourages curious and courageous learners to know God and explore his world, and it prepares them for informed and active Christian living in a changing world. Biblical Studies is a compulsory subject for students from Kindergarten to Year 12. It assists students to acquire the knowledge and understanding essential for the development of a Christian worldview.

The Educational Framework outlines foundational elements of teaching and learning experiences in all courses. These include:

Biblical worldview
Differentiated learning
Critical and creative thinking
Integrated learning technologies
Cooperative and collaborative learning
Formative assessment
Growth mindset
Personal development and welfare

K – Year 6 (Stages 1–3)

Illawarra Christian School provides a secure, stimulating and friendly learning environment for our infants and primary children. We value the unique qualities of each child and prioritise catering for their individual needs.

The K–6 curriculum covers the mandatory requirements of the NSW Education Standards Authority. It includes study in Creative Arts, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education) and Science. We focus on building strong foundations in the vitally important areas of literacy and numeracy.

A biblical worldview is applied to each area of study in a way that is natural and helpful to the children’s holistic understanding of the curriculum through a Christian perspective. Each day begins with devotions, and all children participate in weekly Biblical Studies lessons.

Students enjoy a diverse range of learning opportunities, including lessons with specialist Japanese, Music and Visual Arts teachers. K–6 students participate in STEM-related activities through integrated units of study, and they develop skills in coding. Over their seven years of study, K–6 students are exposed to a well-rounded variety of units that educate them about the world around them and encourage them to be life-long learners.

Years 7 and 8 (Stage 4)

Students study all courses mandated by the NSW Education Standards Authority:

English
Geography
History
Languages (French or Japanese)
Mathematics
Music
Personal Development Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
Science
Technology Mandatory
Visual Arts

Years 9 and 10 (Stage 5)

Students study the compulsory subjects determined by the NSW Education Standards Authority:

English
Geography
History
Mathematics
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
Science

In addition to this, students elect to study three subjects of their own choice. The subjects offered are dependent on the selections of each individual cohort, and they may be studied as either 100- or 200-hour courses. Elective subjects offered include:

Commerce
Design and Technology
Drama
Food Technology
French
History Elective
iSTEM
Industrial Technology - Multimedia
Industrial Technology - Timber
Japanese
Music
Physical Activity and Sports Science (PASS)
Textiles Technology
Visual Arts

Years 11 and 12 (Stage 6)

The subjects offered in Years 11 and 12 are determined by the interests and strengths of each cohort.

All students are required to study Mathematics in Year 11 and English through to Year 12. Extension 1 and Extension 2 in English and Mathematics are available for study each year.

Other subjects that may be offered include: