Overview

The curriculum, designed by NESA (NSW Educational Standards Authority), is implemented by the Key Learning Areas within the College. This includes;

• Religious Education
• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)
• Creative Arts (CA)
• Personal Development, Health, Physical Education (PDHPE)
• Technical and Applied Sciences (TAS)
• Languages – Japanese
• Learning Technologies.

These Key Learning Areas (KLAs) offer a variety of subjects and levels of learning. The purpose of this site is to provide an overview of the variety of subjects on offer at St Joseph’s Regional College. For a more detailed explanation of the subjects offered, please refer to the Years 7 to 10 Prospectus and the Senior Studies Student Prospectus for Years 11-12.

STAGE 4 - YEARS 7 & 8

Students study the following compulsory subjects:

• Religious Education
• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)
• Year 7 World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern
• Year 8 World Geography
• Personal Development, Health, Physical Education
• Technology
• Japanese
• Music
• Visual Arts

Year 8 Electives - A semester course in two of the following electives:

• Dance
• Drama
• iSTEM
• Japanese
• Enterprise
• Food Technology
• Technical Skills, and
• Textiles Technology.

STAGE 5 - YEARS 9 & 10

Students study the following compulsory subjects:

• Religious Education
• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• History
• Geography
• Personal Development, Health, Physical Education

Students in Years 9 and 10 can study two of the following elective options. Most of which are included on their Record of School Achievement (ROSA)

• Commerce
• Dance
• Drama
• Food Technology
• Industrial Technology-Timber
• Industrial Technology-Metal
• Information & Software Technology
• iStem
• Textiles Technology
• Music
• Marine & Aquaculture Technology
• Physical Activity & Sports Studies 
• Visual Arts

Some students, in consultation with the College, may elect to commence Year 11 study in Year 10 based on individual circumstances.

Stage 6 - Higher School Certificate

HSC Highlights

• In 2023, St Joseph's Regional College increased its school ranking by 87 places, finishing 171 on the top 200 list, an amazing result.
• In 2023, 13 students received an ATAR above 90% (this result is likely to be higher as it is based on students who contacted the College)
• Students recognised on the HSC All-Rounder Achievers list (Band 6 in all courses)
• First Place in State
• First Place in Course in the Diocese                 
• Nominations and Selections:               
  • Art Express Nomination and Selection - Visual Arts
  • Callback Nomination and Selection - Dance
  • Shape Nomination and Selection - Design and Technology
  • Encore Nomination - Encore (Music)
  • InTech Nomination - Industrial Technology, Timber
  • OnStage Nomination - Drama
• In 2023, 30 students were recognised on the HSC Distinguished Achievers list
• In 2023, all Music students received a Band 6
• In 2023, all Extension 1 Mathematics students received an E4 (Band 6)
• In 2023, all Extension 2 Mathematics students received a Band 6 (E3 or E4)

Stage 6 Courses

The following courses are offered at the College:

• Ancient History
• Biology
• Business Studies
• Chemistry
• Community & Family Studies
• Dance
• Design and Technology
• Drama
• Earth and Environmental Science
• Economics
• Engineering Studies
• English Standard
• English Advanced
• English Extension 1
• English Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
• Food Technology
• Geography
• History Extension (Year 12 only)
• Hospitality Kitchen Operations 
• Industrial Technology Timber
• Information Processes and Technology
• Investigating Science
• Legal Studies
• Mathematics Standard
• Mathematics Advanced
• Mathematics Extension 1
• Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
• Modern History
• Music 1
• Personal Development, Health and Physical Education - Health and Movement Science (2025)
• Physics
• Software Design and Development
• Studies of Religion (1 unit)
• Studies of Religion (2 units) - Catholic Faith in Action (2025)
• Textiles and Design
• Visual Arts

The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church (Diocese of Lismore) trading as the Catholic Schools Office, Lismore Diocese (RTO 7054), is registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for the delivery of vocational qualifications that are accredited within the Australian Qualifications Framework