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Learning

Our teaching and learning programs at Waratah aim to foster a passion for learning that will stay with students throughout their lifetime.

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The curriculum at our campus is organised according to the guidelines of the NSW Education Authority (NESA).

Mandatory subjects - stage 4 (Years 7 & 8)

Mandatory subjects - stage 5 (Years 9 & 10)

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Teacher standing between three students in a science classroom, demonstrating a car sliding down a ramp as part of a lesson on gravitational force.

Electives

In addition to mandatory subjects, we offer a comprehensive range of elective courses.

Our students choose 2 semester-long electives in Year 8, three electives in Year 9 and one additional elective in Year 10.

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Year 8 electives

Students in Year 8 will spend 4 periods a fortnight as part of their regular timetable on their elective.

Year 8 electives
  • Aboriginal Studies
  • Accelerated Maths
  • Art In Action
  • Build It
  • Drama
  • Executive Chef
  • Exploring Future Technologies
  • Fashion and Food
  • Let's Dance
  • Lift
  • Making Music
  • Maths in the Real World
  • Photo Journalism
  • Sports Academy
  • The Writers' Guild
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Year 9 electives

In Year 9 students are required to study three elective courses:

200-hour elective courses go for two years so students will study them in Year 9 and continue them in Year 10.

Z elective courses are for one year duration only. Students will study one Z elective course in Year 9 and choose a different Z elective course next year to study in Year 10.

Year 9 - 200 hour electives
  • Aboriginal Studies
  • AUSLAN
  • Child Studies
  • Commerce
  • Dance
  • Design & Technology - Food Design
  • Design & Technology - Timber & Metal
  • Drama
  • Food Technology
  • German
  • Graphics Technology
  • Industrial Technology - Timber
  • Marine & Aquaculture Technology
  • Music
  • Photographic & Digital Media
  • PASS - General
  • PASS - LIFT
  • Textiles Technology
  • Visual Arts
Year 9 - Z electives
  • Big Histories
  • Creative Arts Enrichment
  • Dance Academy
  • Digital Media
  • Engineering in Minecraft
  • Fashion Design
  • Filmmaking
  • Forensic Science
  • International Studies
  • Languages and Cultures of the World
  • Life in Translation
  • Master Chef Food Technology
  • Music Enrichment
  • Psychology
  • Social Influencers: Pop Culture Then and Now
  • Sport & Recreation For Life
  • STEM
  • Strong Squad
  • Studies of Religion
  • Targeted Rugby League Program
  • The Law and You
  • Towards Independence
  • Visual Design
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Year 10 electives

In Year 10, you are required to continue the two 200-hour electives you commenced in Year 9, as well as study a new 100-hour elective.

Your new 100-hour elective will replace the 100-hour elective you completed in Year 9.

Year 10 electives
  • Aboriginal Studies
  • Creative Arts Enrichment
  • Dance Academy
  • Digital Media
  • Engineering in Minecraft
  • Fashion Design
  • Filmmaking
  • Forensics
  • History Elective
  • Hospitality - VET
  • Languages
  • LIFT
  • Manufacturing and Engineering - VET
  • Master Chef Food Technology
  • Music Production Psychology
  • Sport and Recreation
  • Targeted Rugby League Program
  • Timber - Inspire and Create
  • Visual Design

* Please note: All courses are 100 hour courses with the exception of Manufacturing & Engineering and Hospitality. These are 120 hour VET courses.

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Frequently asked questions

What if my elective isn't for me?
If you don't think your elective is for you, you can request to change by notifying our Head Teacher of Administration by the end of Week 4 Term 1. You will need to complete a change of elective form which can be found in the forms and downloads section of the website.
How will my learning be assessed in my elective?
Assessment strategies are no different from in your core subjects. Teachers will use a variety of assessment methods to monitor your learning progression. There’s also a focus on assessing your progression in the future learning skills of communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
Who can I talk to if I need help to choose?
Talk to your class teachers and parents/carers in the first instance. We also recommend you talk to Head Teachers also. If you still need help, please see our Head Teacher of Administration or your Deputy Principal.
Are there additional costs associated with electives?
Some elective subjects involve extra subject contributions and some have compulsory excursions as part of their course. Subject contributions are outlined on each individual course outline sheet. It’s important to talk to your parents and carers before selecting an elective that involves additional contributions.
Is there such a thing as a "soft" elective?
No. All subjects involve theory and assignment work.
Are there any Stage 5 (Year 9 and 10) electives pre-requisites for Year 11 and 12 subjects?
Subjects studied as electives in Year 9 and Year 10, are not necessarily pre-requisites for study in Year 11 and Year 12. In most cases you can study a subject in Year 11 and Year 12 without having studied it in Year 7 – Year 10. On the other hand, some background is always an advantage.
Can I change my 200-hour elective in Year 10?
No, you can’t change your 200-hour elective in Year 10 as you won’t fulfil the required course hours and requirements to achieve your RoSA.
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Assessment schedules

To support our students' learning and progress, we provide assessment schedules for each year group. These schedules outline important dates and assessment tasks across all subjects, helping students and families to plan and prepare throughout the school year. Please refer to the relevant Year group's schedule to stay informed and manage assessment commitments.

Year 7 schedule
Download the 2026 Year 7 Assessment Schedule
Year 8 schedule
Download the 2026 Year 8 Assessment Schedule
Year 9 schedule
Download the 2026 Year 9 Assessment Schedule
Year 10 schedule
Download the 2026 Year 10 RoSA Assessment Schedule

Year 10 students are required to complete an Illness and Misadventure Form if they are unexpectedly and genuinely absent in the lead up to or on the due date of an assessment task

In the case of a genuine absence, the completed and signed form must be submitted within 5 school days (or on return to school).

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Religion and ethics

At Callaghan College Waratah, we offer Special Religious Education (SRE) in the beliefs and practices of the Christian faith. This is an optional program of study that runs for an hour each fortnight. It is facilitated by the SRE Waratah High Board run by combined churches in the Callaghan Education Pathways local area. The approved curriculum is called "Think Faith (Stage 4-5)"

The approved providers in the combined arrangement are:

There is a Special Religious Education permission note to return if you would like your child to participate in the program.

For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.

Learning and supports

Key Learning Areas

Find out more about NSW Department of Education's Key Learning Areas.

NESA's Parent Guide

Read NESA's Parent Guide which provides information about learning stages, key learning areas and syllabuses.

High Potential & Gifted Education

Learn more about High Potential & Gifted Education (HPGE), including our ASPIRE program.

Learning Support

Support for students with additional learning needs.

Ready to Enrol?

Read more about enrolment eligibility and requirements.

Enrol Now

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Why choose us?

Find out what makes our college special and why families choose us.

ASPIRE

Learn more about our High Potential & Gifted Education program, ASPIRE.