Learning

The Technology and Applied Studies (TAS) Faculty empowers students with hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity, problem-solving, and technical expertise. Through a diverse curriculum that integrates traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, TAS inspires students to think critically, design solutions, and develop the confidence to shape the technological world around them.

From Stage 4 to Stage 6 students build practical skills, explore emerging technologies, and develop an appreciation for the relationship between materials, tools, and processes. The faculty emphasises Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) risk management, ensuring students gain real-world competencies that prepare them for future studies and careers.

With no prerequisites or restrictions, TAS electives provide every student with an opportunity to pursue their interests in design, engineering, food science, or technology, regardless of their prior experience. Through engaging projects and interactive learning, the TAS Faculty equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

At St Paul’s Catholic College, TAS isn’t just about learning – it’s about creating, innovating, and preparing for the future.

We offer a range of Stage 4, 5, and 6 courses including:

• Technology Mandatory (Years 7–8)
• Computing Technology
• Food Technology
• Industrial Technology
• Textiles Technology
• Design and Technology
• Textiles and Design
• Engineering Studies
• Enterprise Computing

VET studied in schools gives students the opportunity to study a Vocational course while completing the Higher School Certificate (HSC). This allows school students to gain credentials from both NESA in terms of the HSC and from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), in terms of a nationally recognised qualification. This means that you can receive dual accreditation for your course.

VET is different from other HSC courses as they

• are based on national training packages designed to meet industry training needs
• provide opportunities for practical work-based learning that will assist you in developing the knowledge and skills you need for work and further study
• are written and assessed in competency based terms

VET consists of COMPETENCY based learning relating to Industry standards.

VET courses allow students to gain valuable and transferable skills & experiences at Industry Standards.

VET SUBJECTS offered at St Paul’s Catholic College Booragul

• Construction
• Hospitality
• Entertainment Industry
• Sport Coaching

Visit the Catholic Schools website for detailed information about our VET courses.

Catholic Schools Course Information

Human Society & Its Environment at St Paul’s Catholic College is staffed by a dynamic and progressive team of devoted professionals who maintain at the core of all they do, the development of the individual and the provision of those opportunities that will enable each student to be their very best.

OUR VISION:

Our faith is witnessed in our relationships with each other and the students to develop members of the community that value stewardship and promote the dignity of the human person.

The HSIE Faculty commits to broaden the perspectives of both staff and students through the development of skills and the provision of quality academic teaching and learning experiences.

WHO?

The staff that mobilise HSIE at the College have a wealth of skill and experience, a variety of interests outside the classroom and all are engaged in extra-curricular activities as well as special responsibilities at the college. This enables the student body to connect with their teachers through avenues other than the classroom.

WHAT?

At St Paul’s we are proud to be able to offer the full range of HSIE courses on offer through the NESA mandated syllabus as well as school-developed/NESA endorsed opportunities.

Stage 4 – History and Geography

Stage 5 – History, Geography, Commerce, Aboriginal Studies, Elective History and Elective Geography

Stage 6 – Geography, Modern History, Ancient History, Extension History, Legal Studies, Society and Culture, Business Studies, Work Studies, Aboriginal Studies and Economics

HOW?

The HSIE team have a strong reputation and tradition in providing students with experiences outside of the classroom that support and enhance our programs. These include excursions, incursions, field experiences and the use of outsourced providers and professional associations. We also undertake the training and guidance of new teachers through practicums and internships; not only do our students benefit but the faculty stays connected to current and best practice and benefits from self-reflection as well as the vibrance a newly starting teacher can often bring to the college.

Innovation in classroom practice, the explicit goal of developing literacy and inquiry-based learning, acknowledging and providing for individual needs, being accessible and a passion for what we do underpins all that we do in HSIE at St Pauls’ Catholic College.

Mathematics is a fundamental skill that shapes the way we understand and navigate the world. Teaching mathematics equips students with essential problem-solving, critical thinking, and reasoning abilities – key tools for success in academics, careers, and everyday life. It also provides of fields like science, technology, and economics, opening doors to a wide range of opportunities and innovations.

The Mathematics Faculty at St Paul’s is dedicated to improving the mathematical skills of all students. We provide opportunities for extension and enrichment activities as well as providing support for students with special learning needs.

Our aims are:

1. To develop the student’s ability to think logically – to analyse a complex situation, recognise the logical relations among interdependent factors, and be able to discover and state a generalisation that describes the relationship among objects under study.

1. To teach appreciation of the beauty in the geometrical forms found in nature, art and industry.

1. To teach appreciation of ordered structure, precision of statement and thought and logical reasoning.

1. To teach appreciation of the importance of mathematics, the part it has played in the development of civilisation and in particular, that of science.

Our classroom practice is characterised by:

1. Placing high value on :

• recognising differences within and between individuals.
• learning and the attainment of skills and knowledge.
• inquiry as a learning strategy.
• logical reasoning.
• reflection and the pursuit of excellence.

1. Encouraging achievement and enjoyment in learning.
2. Rewarding achievement, encouraging positive self-esteem and ensuring that all students are treated in a manner which reflects their equal worth.
3. Ensuring that opportunities exist for all students to participate in acquiring knowledge and skills.
4. Encouraging critical thinking and collaborative learning.
5. Establishing a non-prejudicial learning environment through gender inclusive language and learning materials, and avoiding gender and/or racial stereotyping.
6. Providing varied and constructive activities which engage the variety of backgrounds existing within the student group.

The Careers Education program aims to help students:

1. Gain an awareness of their abilities, interests and values, and the ways in which these attributes can assist them with career planning.
2. Acquire a thorough knowledge of the world of work, training and further education.
3. Prepare them to make career decisions based on self-knowledge and the range of options available to them.
4. Equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to reach their career goals.
5. Recognise the importance of life-long learning.

Careers lessons are delivered through a combination of teaching & learning activities delivered via engagement with the school’s Careers website, work experience programs, guest speakers, mentoring programs and excursions.

St Paul’s Catholic College Careers Website

This is an important resource for all students when considering their future pathways:

www.stpaulscareers.com

The careers website contains the following online resources that may be useful to students and parents:

HSC Support

A range of online resources is available to help students and parents understand the HSC and prepare for assessments and exams:

• HSC how it works
• NSW students online
• Past HSC exam papers

Post school

The following sites can help students to research careers that align with their interests and abilities:

• myfuture
• jobguide
• Job Jump
• My Career Match
• Careers Advisory Service

Future Study and Training Options

The following sites can help students make informed decisions about future study options:

• Leaving school
• Year 12 – what next?
• TAFE NSW
• Training and industry
• Apprenticeships and traineeships
• UAC

Job Searching and Investigation

These websites list job vacancies, apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities:

• CareerOne
• Indeed
• NSW government jobs
• Australian Job Search
• SEEK

The Learning Support Faculty at St Paul’s is comprised of a Learning Support Coordinator, Learning Support Teachers, an English as Additional Language/Dialect teacher, and several Learning Support Assistants. This team is dedicated to overseeing the academic, physical, and emotional needs of students identified as requiring additional support.

Learning Support at St Paul’s is inclusive, ensuring that all students, including those with diagnosed disabilities, are supported within mainstream classrooms. There is provision for withdrawal sessions for students who require specific assistance with literacy, numeracy, and curriculum support. Additionally, emotional support and social development strategies are provided to students on a need’s basis, in collaboration with our Leaders of Wellbeing.

The Learning Support Unit is accessible to students during lunch, offering teacher supervision and support to complete homework and assessment tasks in a safe and supportive environment. Current programs running for withdrawal groups at the Learning Centre include MacqLit, Corrective Reading, Cars and Stars, and for numeracy, Cams and Stams. Social skills programs are also conducted at varying times. Several assistive technologies, such as iPads, laptops, and C-Pen readers, are utilised to support students with additional learning needs and disabilities in accessing the curriculum.

The Learning Support Team collaborates with the Leaders of Learning to provide Disability Provisions for students during examinations. These provisions include readers, writers, extra time, rest breaks, and separate supervision.

Support for English as Additional Language/Dialect students is available from our specialist teacher, both in-class and through withdrawal sessions, focusing on written, spoken, and aural language development.

Additionally, First Nations students are currently supported by two Aboriginal Education Officers, who play a crucial role in both academic and cultural support. These officers assist students in their academic pursuits, ensuring they have the necessary resources and guidance to succeed. They also provide cultural support, helping students connect with their heritage and traditions, fostering a sense of identity and belonging within the school community. Furthermore, external visitors regularly assist First Nations students with cultural affairs and specific events, enriching their educational experience and promoting cultural awareness.

English at St Paul’s

Through the study, composition and creation of a wide variety of texts, the English Faculty aims to enable students to take their place as confident communicators, critical and imaginative thinkers, lifelong learners and informed, active participants in Australian society. Our team of committed teachers, who are passionate about teaching English, supports the development and expression of a system of personal values, based on students’ understanding of moral and ethical matters, and gives expression to their aspirations and ideals.

Our English classrooms provide environments where students are encouraged, nurtured and challenged to strive for personal excellence.

While students who have difficulties with literacy are supported through differentiated remediation, teaching and assessment, we also offer numerous opportunities to extend the gifts and talents of others in activities such as:

• Public Speaking
• Debating
• Reading Challenge
• Writing Competitions such as the “50-Word Story” Challenge
• Extension 1 and Extension 2 courses in Stage 6

Creative Arts and Languages Faculty – St Paul’s Catholic College, Booragul 2025

At St Paul’s Catholic College, Booragul, the Creative Arts and Languages Faculty is a vibrant, inclusive and future-focused team where every student is encouraged to explore, create and thrive. Our team of dedicated educators consistently delivers dynamic, high-quality learning experiences across the Modern Languages of French and Japanese and the Creative Arts areas of Drama, Music, Visual Arts, Visual Design, Photography, and Creative Industries.

Inspired by the teachings of St Paul, our faculty celebrates creativity as a vital part of student growth and identity. We embrace a pedagogy that is collaborative, innovative, and reflective, with a focus on nurturing each student’s unique talents and voice. Through purposeful teaching, hands-on industry experiences, and rich co-curricular programs—including Musical Productions, Showcase Performances and Exhibitions, excursions and competitions—we help students connect their learning to the real world and to their own stories.

Our vision is to foster confident, critical and creative thinkers. In line with our faculty’s three core objectives—inspiring passion, strengthening student writing, and building effective feedback practices—we embed clear learning intentions, student reflection, and formative assessment in every unit of work. This approach, grounded in the CLARITY Framework and Assessment Waterfall Model, ensures that every student feels seen, supported and challenged.

In 2025, with the addition of purpose-built outdoor spaces for Drama and Visual Arts, a revitalised Music collaboration area, and ongoing partnerships with local artists and organisations, we are proud to offer a learning environment that is both contemporary and culturally rich. Our programs are designed to equip students not only with artistic skills but with the confidence, resilience and curiosity to pursue creative and academic excellence.

At St Paul’s, the Creative Arts are more than subjects—they are pathways to purpose, expression and lifelong engagement.

Drama

Drama is where creativity meets courage. Our Drama students are immersed in a collaborative, performance-based program that develops their confidence, voice, and empathy. Through script work, improvisation, directing, and devised theatre, students are challenged to think critically, take creative risks, and connect with real-world issues and audiences.

Our inclusive classroom environment fosters trust and expression, allowing all students to flourish on stage and in life. Co-curricular opportunities such as School Musical Productions, TheatreSports, Diocesan Drama Festivals, DioDrama, and excursions to live performances offer students rich artistic experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Drama empowers students to become articulate, reflective, and socially aware storytellers.

Music

Music is a dynamic and evolving space where students explore sound, performance, and composition through both traditional and contemporary styles. Our Music program supports all learners—whether they’re picking up an instrument for the first time or preparing for HSC-level performance—through engaging, hands-on lessons and expert guidance.

With dedicated rehearsal spaces, class and band programs, and access to industry-standard equipment, students develop their technical skills and musical literacy while collaborating in ensembles and creative projects. Co-curricular highlights such as DioSounds, ASPIRE, Musical Theatre productions, and HSC showcases provide opportunities for students to shine, build confidence, and connect with the broader community. Music nurtures not only musicianship but also creativity, resilience, and a lifelong appreciation of the arts.

Visual Arts

Visual Arts is a space of innovation, self-expression, and exploration. Our students engage with a wide range of media—from drawing and painting to digital design, sculpture, and photography—developing both their creative and analytical skills in a supportive studio environment.

Our program emphasises conceptual thinking and technical development, underpinned by critical reflection and an understanding of artistic traditions and contemporary practices. Students showcase their work in school exhibitions, Art Express-inspired projects, and public displays, with senior students preparing curated Bodies of Work for HSC submission. With access to outdoor art spaces, digital resources, and expert teaching, Visual Arts at St Paul’s inspires students to see the world differently—and to express what they see with passion and purpose.

Modern Languages

Modern Languages at St Paul’s Catholic College is a cornerstone of our commitment to cultural understanding, global citizenship, and academic excellence. With a proud tradition of achieving some of the state’s strongest results, our languages program continues to empower students to become confident communicators, critical thinkers, and respectful participants in a diverse and interconnected world.

Students explore French and Japanese engaging in real-world learning experiences that builds fluency and deepen intercultural understanding. Whether beginners or advanced learners, all students are supported through inclusive, differentiated teaching that honours their unique linguistic and cultural identities.

Our philosophy is grounded in the belief that every student is a capable language learner, and that language education is essential for building empathy, adaptability, and global competence. Through immersive activities, cultural excursions, film festivals, and co-curricular opportunities, students not only learn to read, write, speak, and listen in another language—they learn to see the world differently.

At St Paul’s, Languages are more than a subject—they are a gateway to lifelong learning, meaningful global engagement, and contributing positively to the broader community.

Experience the Arts in Action – Extracurricular Highlights!

Our Creative Arts and Languages Faculty offers a rich calendar of exciting, hands-on extracurricular experiences that bring creativity, culture, and performance to life!

Students have the opportunity to shine on stage, perform for live audiences, exhibit original works, and explore cultural worlds through a diverse range of events, including:

DioDrama and DramaFest – Collaborate with peers from across the Diocese in exhilarating drama festivals and performances
DioSounds – Join our talented music ensembles for one of the year’s most anticipated music showcases, including tech rehearsals, filming days, and the main event
ArtExpress and Visual Arts Excursions – Be inspired by the state’s top HSC artworks and explore industry-leading galleries and exhibitions
Harmony Day & French Film Festival – Celebrate global perspectives through language, film, and cultural immersion.
ASPIRE & School Musical – Be part of large-scale, collaborative performance experiences that highlight the depth of talent in our community
Senior Drama Trial and HSC Project Nights – Present your major works and performances in professional-style forums

Discover Languages at St Paul’s
At St Paul’s, we’re passionate about helping students explore new languages and cultures. Our Languages Program gives students the tools they need to become confident global citizens, with a strong sense of cultural understanding. Students have the opportunity to study the language continuously from Stage 4 to Stage 6.

Lively, Interactive Learning
Our classrooms are lively and welcoming places where students are encouraged to get involved, practise their language skills, and experience the culture firsthand.

We offer French and Japanese, with plenty of fun, hands-on experiences along the way — from food tasting and music-making to film festivals, pen-pal exchanges, and workshops with local speakers.

Religious Education as a particular curriculum area is essential to education in Catholic schools in the diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

Religious Education develops students’ knowledge and understandings of Christianity in the light of Jesus and the Gospel, and its unfolding story and diversity within contemporary Australian and global society. It expands students’ spiritual awareness and religious identity, fostering their capacities and skills of discerning, interpreting, thinking critically, seeking truth and making meaning. It challenges and inspires their service to others and engagement in the Church and the world. (NCEC Framing Paper for Religious Education 2018)

The diocesan Religious Education Curriculum provides for the needs and interests of students as learners of Religion, taking into account the various faith backgrounds and experiences of students. At St Paul’s Catholic College, Religious Education integrates faith with life, connecting Gospel values to formation, prayer, learning, and action. Our faculty aims to cultivate thoughtful, compassionate students grounded in the Catholic tradition and engaged with the world around them.

Science provides a distinctive view and way of thinking about the world around us. An ever-evolving area of study, Science allows students to better understand and explain a variety of phenomena, and enable sense to be made of the biological, physical and technological world.

Here at St Paul’s we have a faculty of committed teachers who are passionate about  Science and have a wealth of skill and expertise.

Students in Years 7-10 will study the major strands of Science including Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Earth and Environmental Science. It is a practical subject and consequently has a strong emphasis on scientific inquiry and on planning and conducting experiments. This course lays the foundations for the options that are available to students in years 11 and 12.

St Paul’s is also well equipped to cater for Science students in Years 11 and 12 and offer a wide range of Stage 6 subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics, Science Extension and Investigating Science.

The Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) staff at St. Paul’s contribute significantly to the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of the students. We provide opportunities for students to learn about, and practice methods of adopting and maintaining a healthy, productive and active life. We utilise our varied facilities at St. Paul’s to provide for unique learning experiences that are both challenging and enjoyable, while at all times being mindful of improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence in a variety of contexts.

The PDHPE staff aims to develop in students the knowledge and skills needed to understand and enhance their interactions and interpersonal relationships in ways that promote positive health and movement outcomes for themselves and others. This is delivered through the mandatory Stage 4 and Stage 5 PDHPE curriculum. All students have the opportunity to extend their studies in PDHPE by electing to do

• Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS) in Year 9 and 10,
• 2 Unit Health and Movement Science in Years 11 and 12,
• 1 Unit Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR) in Years 11 and 12.
•  VET Sport Coaching Certificate 3

These exciting courses provide students with unequalled opportunities to develop their understanding of sports, training, coaching and the physiological and psychological workings of the human body in response to exercise.

Also provided by the PDHPE faculty is the opportunity to study

• 2 Unit Community and Family Studies (CAFS) in Years 11 and 12, which covers life management skills, community contributions and the ability to identify groups in society

• 1 Unit Exploring Early Childhood (EEC) in Years 11 and 12, which covers child growth and development from conception to starting school and current early childhood issues

The PDHPE staff at St. Paul’s recognise the value of physical fitness and healthy lifestyles. This is our departmental base from which our philosophy, and program develops. We provide opportunities for students to develop, adapt and improvise their movement skills in a wide variety of challenging contexts and environments that appeal to their needs and interests thus enhancing their enjoyment and excitement in sport and activity, ultimately increasing the likelihood of lifelong physical activity.