Years 8 to 10

Our Years 8, 9 and 10 students are supported to make more significant choices about their study options. Elective subjects such as Young People and the Law, Environmental Sciences and our flagship Marine Science program help students to identify and pursue their passions.

Students continue to study Humanities and Social Science, Mathematics, English, Science, Physical Education, Health Education and Religious Education up until the end of Year 10. They are also required to study a language other than English until the end of Year 8, and are encouraged to continue languages as an elective in Year 9 and beyond.

In addition to their core subjects, our Years 8, 9 and 10 students can study the following elective subjects:

Arts and Sport

Our students are also encouraged to pursue their interests and develop their talents by participating in our vibrant arts and sports programs.

MUSIC

Our classroom music courses cover music literature, the history of music, music theory, music perception, music performance and techniques of composition, including melody writing and arranging for ensembles and harmony.

Music is an optional subject in Years 8, 9 and 10 for students who are undertaking vocal or instrumental lessons. Students explore music theory, culture and history, and extend their aural skills. Optional Music classes in Years 8 to 10 adequately prepare students aspiring to study Music in Years 11 and 12.

Instrument and voice lessons are given privately by specialist music teachers who visit the School each week. Lessons are 40 minutes in duration and are scheduled throughout the school day.

DANCE AND DRAMA

All students in Year 8 participate in Dance and Drama classes. In Year 8, students build on the foundations learned the previous year in semester-based courses. Our focus in Year 8 is exploration, experimentation, key skills development and building self-confidence.

From Year 9, Dance and Drama classes are offered as electives. In Dance, students explore contemporary and modern, jazz and street styles. They are also afforded opportunities to choreograph and present original pieces. In Drama, students learn a variety of acting techniques and explore different styles of theatre. They work with scripts, devise their own original works and try their hand at design and directing roles. 

An extension course is available to Year 10 students who are considering studying ATAR Dance or Drama courses in Years 11 and 12.

SPORT

In the Senior School, all students participate in a variety of individual and team sports, including:

Interhouse sporting events are also an important part of school life and all students participate in our Interhouse Swimming and Athletics carnivals. Fun, enthusiastic participation and team spirit are the hallmarks of these events. Students are also encouraged to compete in our Interhouse diving, cross country and gymnastics events.

St Mary’s is a member of the Independent Girls Schools Sports Association (IGSSA) interschool sport competition. Students are selected on merit at the start of each season from interhouse carnival results and/or trials.

Additional physical education subjects:

Our Year 9 students can participate in two additional physical education periods per week via our Advanced Physical Education program or one additional period per week via our Fitness for Life program, which aims to keep students active as they participate in activities including aerobics, gym circuits, Pilates and yoga.   

Our Year 10 students can choose to study Sports Science, a theory-based course that explores how the body works and adjusts with exercise; Advanced Physical Education, consisting of two periods of practical activities; or Introduction to Physical Education Studies, a four-period option that combines a practical and theory component as a lead-in to ATAR Physical Education studies.