Learning
At our school, we teach the NSW curriculum and offer many different subjects to support each student’s learning. We know that development of skills in literacy and numeracy are the building blocks for learning and for everyday life. Our teachers use effective teaching strategies to help students achieve their goals.
What students learn
Students learn a wide range of subjects in the NSW curriculum. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for life beyond school.
In Year 7, students at our school will study the following subjects:
- English
- Geography
- History
- French, Japanese, and Latin
- Mathematics
- Music
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Science
- Technology Mandatory
- Visual Arts
In Year 8, students will study the following mandatory subjects:
- English
- French, Japanese, or Latin
- History
- Mathematics
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Technology Mandatory
- Music
- Visual Arts
In Year 9 and 10, students will study the following mandatory subjects:
- English
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Science
In addition to the above mandatory subjects, students will also study two of the following elective courses:
- Commerce
- Computing Technology
- Creative Content Creation
- Critical Thinking
- Design and Technology
- Drama
- Food Technology
- French, Japanese, Latin
- Geography Elective
- History Elective
- Industrial Technology - Engineering
- Music
- Photographic & Digital Media
- Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS)
- Textiles Technology
- Visual Arts
- Visual Design
Further information about the above subjects can be found in the Stage 5 Subject Selection Booklet.
In Year 11, students will undertake twelve units of study including English Advanced.
2-unit courses on offer at Baulkham Hills High School:
- Ancient History
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Drama
- Economics
- Engineering Studies
- Enterprise Computing
- French Continuers
- Geography
- Health and Movement Science
- Japanese Continuers
- Korean Beginners
- Latin Continuers
- Legal Studies
- Mathematics Advanced
- Modern History
- Music 2
- Physics
- Software Engineering
- Studies of Religion
- Visual Arts
1-unit courses on offer at Baulkham Hills High School:
- English Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies
Further information about the above subjects can be found in the Stage 6 Subject Selection Booklet.
In Year 12, students continue the pattern of study from Year 11.
Students can, however, decrease their units of study to a minimum of ten units.
Students may also take up the study of one or more of the following 1-unit extension courses:
- English Extension 2
- History Extension
- Japanese Extension
- Latin Extension
- Mathematics Extension 2
- Music Extension
- Science Extension
Our learning approach
Our school uses explicit teaching. This means we clearly tell students what they are learning, why it is important and how to do it step by step. Explicit teaching helps students understand new ideas by breaking them into smaller parts.
Learning at our school is student-centred, inclusive and practical. We are committed to equity and access. We support all learning styles and needs. Our teachers use proven teaching strategies. They take part in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with best teaching practice.
Our learning approach includes:
- real-world learning: hands-on tasks, group work and exploring new ideas
- technology: to help students learn and build digital skills
- flexible teaching: the right support for each student, with a focus on wellbeing
- community connections: through excursions and local programs.
Helping students progress
We support every student’s academic progress by:
- checking their progress and giving clear and timely feedback
- setting learning goals with each student
- giving extra help with personalised plans and support from specialist staff
- reporting on each student’s learning progress so parents and carers know how their child is doing
- providing targeted literacy and numeracy support in small groups
- making wellbeing part of everyday learning
- working with families to support learning at home and school
- helping students through transitions, like starting school or moving to a new stage of learning.
Learn more about learning support at our school.
Religion and Ethics
NSW schools offer special religious education (SRE) and special education in ethics (SEE). Approved providers deliver these (where available). At Baulkham Hills High School, students can take part in special religious education (SRE).
Mainstream students receive SRE in four seminars during the year.
Session 1 : 2026 Term 1 Week 4 Wednesday 18 February P3-4
Session 2 : 2026 Term 2 Week 3 Tuesday 5 May P3-4
Session 3 : 2026 Term 3 Week 6 Monday 24 August 5-6
Session 4 : 2026 Term 4 Week 7 Tuesday 24 November P5-6
Students not attending SRE will remain in their normal classrooms and will be provided with supervised alternative meaningful activities. This includes reading, private study or completing homework.
On enrolment parents/carers will be given the SRE participation letter to complete and return. After the initial enrolment, notification of changes to a child's enrolment in SRE should be given in writing to the School Office.
The following SRE classes are offered at Baulkham Hills High School:
Provided by Catholic Diocese of Parramatta.
Lessons include activities that are fun and inclusive for students, whilst also providing them the opportunity to critically explore in depth their faith and to pray and reflect.
For more information about Catholic SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta website: https://parracatholic.org/
Provided by Chinmaya Mission Australia.
Students learn Hindu Dharma and culture, creating a bond with God, respect for nature and all beings. Guided to grow into positive, cultured contributors to society. They are equipped to face challenges while remaining resilient and compassionate.
For more information about Hindu SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Chinmaya Mission Australia website: https://www.chinmaya.com.au/our-centres/sydney/
Provided by Baptist Union of Australia.
With SRE teachers from local churches, students ask questions, explore the Bible and discover the Good News of Jesus Christ and what it means to be a Christian in our world today. Lessons are age-appropriate, fun and inclusive.
For more information about Protestant SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Baptist Union of Australia website: https://nswactbaptists.org.au/
Provided by Australian Islamic Education Services.
Students gain knowledge of Islamic principles, values and life skills. Students are supported and nurtured to develop a positive sense of their identity as Muslims, and are guided towards becoming model members of their communities.
For more information about Islam SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Australian Islamic Education Services website: https://islamiceducation.org.au/
Provided by The Buddhist Council of NSW.
Students develop mindfulness and loving-kindness by learning to think, reflect, explore and create. Stories of the life and teachings of the Buddha build healthy values and life skills. Meditation practice allows students to gain inner peace.
For more information about Buddhist SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Buddhist Council of NSW website: https://www.buddhistcouncil.org/
Student opportunities and activities
Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.
Our principal and staff
Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.