St Brendan-Shaw College provides a safe, supportive learning environment centred on the dignity and growth of the whole person. Subjects are offered under the eight Key Learning Areas (KLAs) identified in the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians (2008) made by the Federal Education Minister and all State Education Ministers - the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA). This declaration set the direction for Australian schooling and is currently under review, though there is not expected to be any movement away from these KLAs. The Australian Curriculum is offered in years 7 to 10. The Tasmanian Curriculum, accredited by the Office of Tasmanian Assessment Standards and Certification (TASC) is offered in Years 11 and 12. Some TASC accredited courses are offered in Year 10 as an Option choice.
Religious Studies form part of the core subjects for students between years 7 - 11. Year 12 is optional, however they must still attend the Year 12 Retreat. The Religious Education program in a Catholic school does more than just provide knowledge about the Catholic Faith. It provides a forum for discussion of issues that are part of day-to-day living and in this way helps our students to be able to exercise judgement and responsibility in matters of morality, ethics and social justice. Formal religion lessons are complemented by Faith Development programs which provide opportunities for students and staff to participate in liturgy, prayer, Reflection Days and Retreats.
Literacy and numeracy are prioritised by a two-pronged approach: a greater proportion of dedicated teaching time is allocated to English and Mathematics in Years 7 and 8, while at the same time, these skills are further developed as part of the process of teaching and learning in all other subjects.
The Information Technology resources of the College are used in the whole range of subjects studied. The College has invested heavily in IT resources to meet the challenge of helping our students become "confident, creative and productive users of new technologies." (Melbourne Declaration, 2008).
The Work Studies course runs in Year 10. Based upon the Australian Curriculum course, it is designed to introduce skills for learning and work, and career and life skills. As part of this program, every Year 10 student has a one-to-one interview with the Careers Advisor. The Careers Advisor also supports students who wish to undertake work experiences.
The Curriculum in Year 7 is designed to provide a smooth transition into secondary education. Delivery of the Australian Curriculum is via a core teacher structure. As far as is practicable, each core class will have one teacher for Mathematics and Science, and another for English and History. The goal is to have these teachers, specialising in the Sciences or Humanities, also teaching more than one Year 7 core class, thus maintaining a team structure that provides good pastoral care and consistent delivery of the Curriculum. In addition to the six Core subjects (Religion Education, English, History, Maths, Science, and Health & Physical Education), the Year 7 students have a range of taster subjects including Materials Design and Technology, Food and Textiles Technology, Digital Technology, Art, French, Japanese, Music and Drama.
The Curriculum in these years involves the six core subjects (Religion, English, History, Maths, Science, and Health & Physical Education) plus four Subjects of their choice. In Year 8, we expect that students continue with a language (French or Japanese) and three other electives. In Years 9 and 10, three Option Subjects are chosen.
Before completing Year 10, students must have an Approved Learning Plan in place to comply with the Education Act (2016).
In Years 11 and 12, students select subjects from TASC-accredited courses or VET Courses (see below) with the goal of achieving the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE).
To achieve the TCE, students are required to complete the equivalent of full-time study. (Participation Points are used to measure this, with most TASC courses providing 15 participation points). In addition, students need to demonstrate that they have Everyday Adult skills in Literacy, Numeracy, and in the use of computers and the internet. The TCE Course Planner is a valuable tool that students and parents can use to check that they are on track. It is available online at http://www.tasc.tas.gov.au
Students must also have demonstrated Pathway Planning. The TCE Course Planner (above) and the subject selection processes are part of this.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) enables students to gain qualifications and specific skills to help them in the workplace. VET courses are more targeted to students in Years 11 and 12 and can be undertaken in conjunction with TASC-accredited senior school courses. It enables students to complete a nationally recognised vocational qualification (e.g., Certificate III in Fitness or Certificate II in Salon Assistant) as part of the Tasmanian Certificate of Education(TCE).
We offer a large range of activities, sports, clubs, performances, music groups, production and other opportunities to ensure that there is something for everyone. The key to enjoying one's time at St Brendan-Shaw College is involvement. The teachers are here to help you by providing a secure, friendly learning environment that will encourage you to become a confident and self-directed learner. You will be supported and nurtured to help you achieve the best results of which you are capable. You will be expected to be responsible for your actions and your study habits. Remember that your education is a collaborative team effort between the student, parents and staff at the College.
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