Learning

Creative Arts

In creative arts, students discover a variety of art forms through a study of dance, drama, music and visual arts.

Studying the creative arts, students learn to appreciate, compose, listen, make and perform. Each art form has its own unique knowledge and skills, elements or concepts as well as a capacity to inspire and enrich lives.

Students must study 100 hours of both music and visual arts during Years 7 to 10. They also have an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills in other art forms through elective subjects including drama, dance, photography and visual design. Students can then select from a range of courses in Years 11 to 12.

Visual arts

In visual arts students immerse themselves in both art making and art writing, expressing their ideas whilst learning how other artists have created their art.

The annual art exhibition is open to students in Years 7 to 12 and includes HSC visual arts bodies of work, digital media and photography. The exhibition allows students to see their own work and the work of others in an exhibition setting and gives parents and the community some insight into the talents of our student in the creative arts.

Gifted and talented students extend their learning with afternoon classes which allow the exploration of ideas and further develop their art making skills.

Excursions

Each year excursions are undertaken to enhance the learning in visual arts. From Cockatoo Island to the Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Contemporary Art, students will be provided with a variety of experiences outside of the school environment.

Dance

The study of dance is a specialised discipline that combines the science of human movement with intensive dance instruction. Our dance classrooms at Marsden are more than a studio; they are a laboratory. They are the training ground for an unforeseeable future.

Studying dance as part of our ensembles or within the Year 9 and 10 electives and HSC curriculum provides the safe havens where mistakes are treated as discoveries and expression is celebrated.

Higher order thinking is a natural part of the performance and students exit the stage smarter and more prepared for whatever life has in store for them. Dancers have an edge. Dance matters because it teaches students to think and respond to the world around them.

Drama

Specialising in studying drama is an important means of stimulating creativity in problem solving, as it challenges students perceptions about their world and about themselves.

Dramatic exploration provides Marsden students with an outlet for emotions, thoughts, and dreams that they might not otherwise have means to express.

It is offered as an elective in Years 9 and 10 and is also successfully taught at HSC level at Marsden. The drama club provides further opportunities to students to gain experience in theatre.

English

English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.

In English, students learn about the study and use of the English language in its various textual forms. These encompass spoken, written and visual texts through which meaning is shaped, conveyed, interpreted and reflected. Complexity increases as students progress through their schooling.

Developing proficiency in English enables students to take their place as confident communicators; critical and imaginative thinkers; lifelong learners; and informed, active participants in Australian society. Their understanding of English through knowledge and skills acquisition is essential to their intellectual, social and emotional development.

The study of English develops a love of literature and learning. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.

Junior Course

Year 7 English

This course lays the foundations for the years ahead with the new English Curriculum. Students will focus on NAPLAN strategies, wide reading and developing their writing skills for a range of purposes.

The topics to be studied are:

1. Landscapes of Australasia
2. Investigating Literature
3. Introduction to Drama
4. Creative Campaigning
5. Zero to Hero: narrative archetypes

Year 8 English

This course continues to build upon the foundations laid in Year 7. Students will develop their literacy skills by studying a range of texts and continue their progress in writing for a range of purposes.

The topics to be studied are:

1. Genre Study: Gothic Horror
2. Thematic Study
3. Shaping Resilience

Year 9 English

Year 9 is an exciting program with the new English Curriculum. Students will cover NAPLAN strategies and critical study of a range of genres and texts.

The topics to be studied are:

1. Capturing Life’s Moments
2. Close Study of Drama
3. Creating Conflict
4. Exploring the Speculative

Year 10 English

Year 10 is an intensive program, preparing students for senior study. Investigation into a range of texts through reading and analysis will support students to become more critical thinkers and to prepare them for the preliminary courses.

The topics to be studied are:

1. Strong Voices
2. The Novelist’s Craft
3. Why Do We Still Study Shakespeare?
4. Forging the Future
5. Reading and Writing (RAW)

Senior course

Two unit courses

Advanced English

Advanced is an academically demanding course designed for students who enjoy English and are interested in challenging their knowledge and understanding of the ways texts reveal how composers are influenced by the world around them.

In the HSC students study the enduring relevance of Shakespeare, the ways in which texts connect, and the representation of relationships between people and the world around them.

If you are a critical thinker, avid reader and excellent writer, this is the course for you. Selection criteria applies.

Standard English

The most popular of the senior courses across NSW, English Standard allows students to engage with a variety of texts in different forms; poetry, drama, film and novels.

Students studying this course are offered a diverse range of perspectives on the world around them and the ways in which people respond to different situations.

Students will have the opportunity to explore real events and their portrayal in drama, the world of fantasy, and how we come to discover ourselves and the world around us through human experiences.

English as an Additional Language and/or dialect (EAL/D)

The English EAL/D course is designed for students who are relatively new to the English language. It allows students to develop their language skills whilst engaging with a variety of texts exploring concepts as diverse as human experiences and our place within the community. Students who wish to undertake this course must meet English language instruction requirements.

English studies

English Studies offers an alternative to the Standard course and is generally designed for those not wishing to receive an ATAR. Students look at the use of language in the workplace and how people use language to express themselves as part of a cultural or social group through various texts such as song lyrics, short stories and advertising.

One unit courses

Extension 1 (preliminary and HSC)

Love English? Want the chance to explore a style of writing or genre in great depth? Extension One is for you. Here you will have the opportunity to explore a genre of writing in great detail. From political fiction to representations of social anxiety during the Cold War, this course is ideal for Advanced students who want to take their studies of English further.

Extension 2 - HSC only (preliminary extension is a prerequisite)

Extension Two is ideal for students who wish to explore a concept and bring it to fruition in the shape of a major work in the form of their own choosing; poetry, script, short narrative, critical response. This is an excellent choice for students who are motivated and interested in a genre, style or aspect of language.

English additional programs

  Debating

At Marsden High School we understand the importance of developing the public speaking and reasoning skills of students from Years 7 to 12.

Marsden High School will be involved in the Premier's Debating Challenge and other competitions throughout the year. The Premier's Debating Challenge has 4 different state-wide age divisions: Years 5 and 6, Years 7 and 8, Years 9 and 10, and Years 11 and 12.

The English department will also be running workshops on public speaking and debating strategies.

Human society and its environment

In human society and its environment (HSIE), both subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.

Students learn specific historical and geographical concepts and skills in history and geography. They also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which they live through elective subjects in Years 7 to 10 (Stages 4 to 5).

A large number of individual subjects make up the key learning area of HSIE in which students:

• research, gather and analyse information
• question and make judgements
• write for a variety of purposes.

Our HSIE team offer a wide range of subjects and dedicated teachers who strive for perfection in the classroom to ensure an engaging and challenging learning environment focused on thinking.

Junior courses

• Geography Year 7 to 10
• Elective history Year 9 to 10
• Commerce Year 9 to 10
• Big history Year 9 to 10

Senior courses

• Ancient history
• Modern history
• Extension history
• Business studies
• Marine studies

Extra-curricula activities

• Senior study skills sessions run fortnightly after school.
• Interstate (alternating between Melbourne and Tasmania) and overseas (Italy, Turkey, France, Belgium) excursions.
• Mock trial (students in Years 9 to 11).
• Greening Marsden (Archer Creek clean-up / sustainability project).
• Boat show marine studies project.
• Gibberagong marine studies excursion.
• Junior archaeologists (archaeological pit site study).
• Geography fieldwork at Archer Creek.
• Society and Culture overnight excursion to Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong.
• Year 10 History gifted and talented Veteran's day / Remembrance day project.
• Year 10 History gifted and talented refugee in my neighbourhood excursion.

Languages

In NSW high schools, languages is a key learning area.

The study of a language is compulsory for 100 hours in one continuous school year from Year 7 to Year 10, but preferably in Years 7 or 8. We offer languages such as Chinese, korean, Japanese etc.

In Years 11 and 12, NSW schools offer a wide variety of languages, catering for beginning students to background speakers.

Mathematics

The study of mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.

In Year 11 and 12, the study of mathematics is optional until the end of 2023. Courses offered currently include:

• Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
• Mathematics Extension 1
• Mathematics Advanced
• Mathematics Standard 2 (Previously known as General 2)
• Mathematics Standard 1 (Previously known as General 1)  (Optional HSC examination)
• Mathematics Life Skills.

A highly experienced and dedicated staff is committed to providing all students with a quality education in this important subject area, with a focus on developing the skills and confidence to work accurately on number-related, everyday and mathematics-specific problems.

Teaching programs based on the national curriculum are used to help develop the knowledge and skills appropriate to each student's level of ability, with curriculum differentiation employed where appropriate. Students are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their learning and use all available resources to improve their understanding. They are offered ongoing feedback, encouragement and challenge from their teachers, and are expected to persevere and strive to achieve to the best of their ability. Homework is given regularly for the purpose of consolidating the work from each lesson, while regular revision and study are encouraged to help achieve a consistent level of success in assessment tasks.

All students in Mathematics are required to bring a fully charged device, a grid exercise book and a  scientific calculator (PDF 44KB) to every class. We recommend the Casio fx-82AU priced $35 for students year 7 to year 10 and the Casio fx-8200AU priced $50 for senior students of year 11 and 12. Students may also be requested to bring in a geometry set. Calculators and geometry equipment will not be lent to students during examinations.

Year 7 and 8

Students are streamed in years 7 and 8 according to their performance and given every opportunity to extend at the level they are placed in.

Year 9 and 10

Students are placed in 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 course based on Year 8 Assessment performance. However, students are given regular opportunities to move between courses based on their progress and performance.

Stage 5 Accelerated Mathematics

This course caters for students who are gifted and talented in the area of Mathematics.

In Year 9 Accelerated Mathematics, students complete an in-depth study of the three strands of the Mathematics curriculum: Number & Algebra, Measurement & Geometry, and Statistics & Probability. Accelerated Mathematics places particular emphasis on developing high order mathematical reasoning skills in students.

The students apply Mathematics by engaging in classroom activities that strengthen conceptual understanding and develop logical reasoning. Entrance into Accelerated Mathematics is based on student performance in Stage 4 as well as a  ‘Placement Examination’ due to high demand in seeking entry into this course.

Students enrolled in this course will complete Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) Mathematics content in Year 9 and pursue Stage 6 Mathematics Advanced coursework starting in Year 10. Completion of the Mathematics Advanced course in Year 11 will contribute 2 units towards the student’s Higher School Certificate (HSC).

Year 11 and 12

The Mathematics Extension 2, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Standard 2 and Standard 1 courses are offered, with a focus on preparing students to achieve their best possible result in the HSC examination. Our students have consistently achieved success in all courses, with many making use of their skills and knowledge in this subject area in post-secondary education.

The flow chart shows the recommended course selection for Year 11

Online Learning Platforms

Access to online learning platforms such as Atomi (Year 11 and 12) and MathsOnline (Year 7-11) provided to students to assist them with their learning at and outside school. These platforms provide the students with video tutorials and additional practice quizzes to help them reinforce their learning in the classroom and assist them with completing their homework.

Competitions (ICAS)

ICAS assessments are designed to recognise academic excellence. Students are provided an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to apply classroom learning to new contexts using higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills. A significant number of Marsden High School students take part in this non-mandatory competition, with a large number achieving results at distinction level.

Over 100 Marsden High School students take part in this non-mandatory competition, with a significant number achieving results at distinction level. In our opinion, the AMC is a strong measure of mathematical and problem-solving ability, as well as the level of student and staff motivation to achieve to the best of their ability no matter how high the challenge. This competition is available annually.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.

According to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), students are expected to participate in PDHPE for 300 hours per year in Years 7 to 10.

PDHPE provides students with opportunities to explore issues that are likely to impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others – now and in the future. Students also participate in challenging and enjoyable physical activity, improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence.

PDHPE at Marsden High School

Marsden High School's Personal Development, Health and Physical Education faculty provides exciting and engaging subjects that offer students diverse learning opportunities and fulfils the needs of all students.

Our staff are highly experienced and are committed to the learning of all students. With diverse backgrounds in physical education, sports science, coaching, health promotion, health science, technology and of course education, our programs offer diversification and are specifcally designed to cater for the needs of our students.

Curricular programs are well supported by relevant and current resources from a variety of sources and engage students in their learning. Students join online learning facilities such as Edmodo and are encouraged to refine their literacy skills and understanding of key concepts through blogging and podcasts.

Practical programs are inclusive and are aimed at developing skills and improving performance. Theory and practical modules are integrated to ensure students recognise the importance of a healthy lifestyle and participation in lifelong phyical activity.

Extra-curricular activities are an important part of growth and development as they often can provide a once in a lifetime opportunity. Our PDHPE faculty offers a wide range of exciting opportunities including:

• Trips to Thredbo Ski Resort
• Talented sports program
• Learn to swim program (curricular in Years 7-8)
• Coaching accreditation
• Professional coaching at Homebush Olympic Park in a variety of sports
• Surf school
• Plus many others

Explore this site and follow the links to find out more detailed information about our PDHPE faculty, the subjects offered, our achievements and our experienced staff.

Subjects offered:

The following subjects are currently offered by the PDHPE department at Marsden Hgh School.

Year 7-10 personal development, health and physical education

Course Description

All students in Years 7 - 10 complete the compulsory PDHPE program over a mandatory 300 hour program. The course has been designed to provide students with a clear and insightful understanding of the NSW Board of Studies syllabus.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) contributes significantly to the cognitive, social, emotional, physical and spiritual development of students. It provides opportunities for students to learn about, and practise ways of, adopting and maintaining a healthy, productive and active life. It also involves students learning through movement experiences that are both challenging and enjoyable, and improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence in a variety of contexts. It promotes the value of physical activity in their lives.

This syllabus reflects the multidimensional nature of health and physical activity in the context of a diverse and changing society. Young people need to respond to factors such as complex community values, new technologies, media influence, environmental concerns and changing family structures and employment patterns. Learning in PDHPE develops 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. Learning in PDHPE also significantly contributes to students' health and wellbeing through the development of personal values based on an understanding of ethical and spiritual considerations.

PDHPE provides the opportunity for young people to explore issues that are likely to impact on the health and wellbeing of themselves and others, now and in the future. The issues that affect young people include physical activity, mental health, drug use, sexual health, nutrition, supportive relationships, personal safety, gender roles and discrimination. Health issues that have the potential to appear in later life are also relevant due to their relationship to lifestyle patterns established in adolescent years and the possibility that they may impact on family and other significant adults in students' lives.

Modules

• Better Health
• Relationships
• Risk Reduction
• Decisions, Decisions
• Gymnastics
• Dance
• Athletics
• Invasion Games
• Boot Camp
• Net/Court Games
• Unique Games
• Striking Games
• Target Games

The Personal Development, Health and Physical Education syllabus can be viewed at the NSW Education Standards Authority

Year 9-10 dance

Marsden High School is now offering Dance as an elective for years 9 and 10. The curriculum involves both practical and theory components. The main focus areas include:

• Performance - Developing technique and performance quality to communicate ideas through a variety of dance styles. Students develop understanding of dance as an art form and how the body moves safely, with an emphasis on the quality and efficiency of movement.
• Composition - Opportunities to create and structure movement to express and communicate ideas. Devising original and interesting ways for the body to respond.
• Appreciation - Involves describing and analysing dance as an expression of ideas within a social, cultural or historical context. Developing an understanding of why people dance, the messages they try to communicate and how this has changed throughout history.

Students may also get the chance to view an item from Sydney Dance company.

Year 9-10 physical activity sport studies

The Physical Activity Sport Studies (PASS) program is a two year elective subject for students in Years 9 and 10. This subject allows students with an interest in physical activity to deepen their knowledge and skills further than the PDHPE compulsory course. PASS encourages students to be involved in new and different sports encouraging them to apply their skills and thinking in a new way. The information that students learn in theory are applied to practical lessons giving them a strong foundation of knowledge and a real-life basis for what they are learning.

The curricular programs are developed for students that are interested in all areas of physical activity and sports studies. The resources are based on current information and engage students learning to promote order thinking. Technology is used to critically analyse results that students create in classs and individual research will be a skill needed throughout the course.

The PASS theory program explores the body in motion developing a thorough knowledge of how the human body works, nutrition and physical fitness and analysing information for athletes and coaching and event management which teaches them to develop skills in leadership and teamwork. The course also looks at lifestyle and recreation identifying trends over the years and predicting for the future and recognising and analysing the Australian sporting culture. The practical program includes new games such as european handball, futsul, ultimate frisbee as well as fitness testing, in class challenges, outdoor education and coaching/event program development.

Extra curricular activities are a part of the learning and application of the course and give students many new opportunities that other subjects are unable to offer. These may include:

• Coaching Courses
• PASS Camp
• Talented Sports Program and more

2 unit personal development , health and physical education

General Information

This course deals with a wide range of issues from the Health, Personal Development and Physical Education areas. It combines rigorous academic study with practical application. As students are confronted by particular PDHPE issues, they are challenged to examine them in socially imaginative ways and respond in terms of individual plans, lifestyle decisions and clarification of values. The syllabus gives emphasis to the development of those skills that enable students to translate knowledge, understanding and beliefs into action. To excel in this demanding course you will need to have well-developed research skills, or at least the willingness to develop them. Given the in-depth nature of the course, you will need effective time-management skills to achieve at a high level. You will be expected to complete a range of extended responses as part of this course and so a willingness to develop such skills is a must for those of you considering undertaking this course.

What will I be doing in this course?

Preliminary course

Core strands (70% total)

• Meanings of Health and Physical Activity
• Better Health for Individuals
• The Body in Motion

Options (30% total)

And two of the following options:

• First Aid
• Composition and Performace
• Fitness Choices
• Outdoor Recreation

HSC course

Core strands (60% total)

• Health Priorities in Australia
• Factors Affecting Performance

Options (40% total)

And two of the following options:

• The Health of Young People
• Sport and Physical Activity in Australian Society
• Sports Medicine
• Improving Performance
• Equity and Health

How will this course help me in the future?

Undertaking this course will provide foundation studies for those students with a special or vocational interest in human movement, and individual and community health issues. The course would be of great benefit to anyone wishing to take up a career in any of the sport sciences, nursing, coaching or physical education teaching.

Community and family studies

Community and Family Studies utilises an ecological framework to investigate the interactions among the individual, family, community and society.

Recognition of the interdependence of the individual and other groups is central to the framework.

The syllabus focuses the Preliminary course on the individual and their interactions with personal groups, family and community.

The HSC course builds upon this by examining how the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities is affected by broader societal influences including sociocultural, economic and political factors.

Community and Family Studies can have a direct and positive influence on the quality of students' lives both now and in the future.

During the school years, students are confronted with an awareness of their emerging identity as young women and young men.

Community and Family Studies investigates the unique contributions of individuals, groups, families and communities in the development of effective social structures.

The course encourages opportunities for students to become proactive members of society as they examine both their potential to adopt a range of roles and the responsibilities they have in contributing to society.

The dynamic nature of this area of study places particular importance on the skills of inquiry and investigation.

Research is an integral component of this subject.

Students are required to develop and utilise research skills in planning, collecting, recording, interpreting, analysing and presenting as they employ various research methodologies to complete an Independent Research Project (IRP).

Community and Family Studies explores life issues that are important to all young people and of equal relevance to female and male students.

The topics investigated and the emphasis on research ensures a course that is attractive to many students, with the capacity to challenge and extend all students' ability levels.

Science

Science is mandatory for all students from Year 7 to Year 10.

In Years 11 and 12, students can choose from different science disciplines, including:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth and Environmental Science
• Investigating Science
• Physics.

In Year 12, students who are studying at least one other science subject may also choose to study Science Extension.

The Science faculty at Marsden High School believes in more than caring about students and knowing the subject content. We strive towards student motivation, diagnose their strengths and weaknesses and create a productive learning environment in the classroom and beyond. It is about the whole student, making connections and to excite students to nurture curiosity and satisfy some of the yearnings to understand WHY.

Junior Course

Aim

The aim of the Science Years 7 to 10 syllabus is to develop students':

• Interest in and enthusiasm for science, as well as an appreciation of its role in finding solutions to contemporary science-related problems and issues
• Knowledge and understanding of the nature and practice of scientific inquiry, and skills in applying the processes of Working Scientifically
• Scientific knowledge of and about phenomena within the natural world and the application of their understanding to new situations and events
• Appreciation of the development and dynamic nature of scientific knowledge, its influence in improving understanding of the natural world and the contribution of evidence-based decisions in informing societies' use of science and technology.

Objective

Values

Students:

• Develop an appreciation of the contribution of science to finding solutions to personal, social and global issues relevant to their lives now and in the future
• Develop a willingness to use evidence and reason to engage with and respond to scientific and technological ideas as informed, reflective citizens.

Skills, Knowledge and Understanding

Students:

• Develop an appreciation of the contribution of science to finding solutions to personal, social and global issues relevant to their lives now and in the future
• Develop a willingness to use evidence and reason to engage with and respond to scientific and technological ideas as informed, reflective citizens.

Senior Course

The syllabus for units as outlined by the Board of Studies teaching and educational standards is attached below.

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Senior Science
• Earth and Environmental Science
• Investigating Science
• Science Extension

Computing Studies

Stage 5

Information software and technology

Students in Years 9 and 10 will learn about computer systems as well as become proficient in the skills acquired by using a computer. The program has a substantial theoretical component. Most practical work will be carried out on the IBM compatible computers in a fully networked twenty station computer laboratory.

Skills developed during the course:

• Gain knowledge about how the computer works.
• Become a competent user of software packages that include word processing, spreadsheets, databases.
• Gain skills that will be transferable from one brand of computer to another and from one computer program to another.
• Create images using computer graphics.
• Have a go at programming using Visual Basic.
• Keep pace with the ever changing world of technology.
• Appreciate the effects that computers have on society.

Stage 6

Information processes and technology

What is the course about?

• IPT stage 6 course, teaches students about information systems.
• It covers the process of collecting, organising, storing and retrieving, transmitting and receiving and displaying data as well as the technologies that support them.
• With this background students will be well placed to adapt to new technologies as they emerge.

What can I do with this after I leave school?

On completion of this course, you will have a broad based knowledge of computer systems allowing you to consider a wide range of University and TAFE computing courses. Information systems and its functionality are emerging as exciting new areas of employment.

Software design and technology

What is the course about?

SDD studies involves understanding the concepts and stages in the design and development of software projects, the social and ethical impacts of computer based solutions, how information is represented inside a computer, learning how to program in a windows environment, understanding computer based algorithms and considerable hands on programming with the aim of producing a computer based solution package. With this background students will be well placed to adapt to new technologies as they emerge.

What can I do with this after I leave school?

On completion of this course you will have specialised programming knowledge allowing you to consider a broad spectrum of university and TAFE computing courses with a focus on computer programming and systems analysis

Technologies and Applied Studies

Technological and applied studies (TAS) is mandatory for all students in Year 7 and 8. Students can also select from a range of elective TAS subjects.

In TAS, students develop knowledge, understanding and skills through a design and production process using a range of tools, materials and techniques in theory and practical lessons.

The continuum of technology learning is:

• mandated from Kindergarten to Year 8 through Science and Technology K-6 and Technology Mandatory Years 7-8 syllabuses
• based on students becoming increasingly sophisticated in their ability to apply knowledge, skills and understanding to design and produce solutions
• optional for student specialisation in high school through a range of syllabuses addressing particular technologies and aspects of design.

Stage 4

Technology – Years 7 and 8

This is a mandatory course consisting of areas of study in:

• Built environments
• Products
• Information and communication

Students are encouraged to design, produce and evaluate, supported by a design folio. A range of design-related content to support the above is presented through exposure to agriculture, computers, food, textiles, timber, metal and electronics environments.

Stage 5

Years 9 and 10 are elective years, with students electing to study subjects for 100 hours, 200 hours or in some cases, studying one semester courses.

Subjects offered for study include:

• Building and construction
• Engineering technology
• Food technology

Stage 6

Years 11 and 12 are elective years with students electing to study subjects in the Preliminary and HSC courses.

Subjects offered for study include:

• Community and family studies
• Industrial technology – timber products and furniture technologies
• Design and technology
• VET hospitality
• VET construction

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is offered to Year 8 students as an elective to explore 21st Century skills through project-based learning. It requires students to think outside the box and explore possible alternatives to real world problems. Students can develop communication, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills whilst working in groups to develop their solutions.

Students who are interested in STEM can indulge into it more in the Stage 5 iSTEM program.

More information regarding both programs are provided in the links below.

Religion and Ethics

Coming soon

Life Ready

Life Ready is a mandatory 25 hour program for students in Years 11 and/or 12 in NSW public schools.

It aims to prepare and support senior students as they encounter situations related to health and safety as they become more independent and gain more responsibilities.

Life Ready focuses on offering opportunities for students to build the functional knowledge and skills for life after school.

Learning across the curriculum

Cross curriculum content enriches and supports the learning areas and adds depth to student learning.

In NSW students study a range of learning across the curriculum content.

Cross curriculum priorities

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
• Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia
• sustainability

General capabilities

• critical and creative thinking
• ethical understanding
• information and communication technology capability
• intercultural understanding
• literacy
• numeracy
• personal and social capability

Other learning across the curriculum areas

• civics and citizenship
• difference and diversity
• work and enterprise.

© NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2012

Assessment and Reporting

Our teachers use a variety of strategies to assess student learning.

Teachers observe students' work in class and look closely at tasks throughout the year. They also formally assess a student's achievement based on the outcomes described in the syllabus of the subject.

As a parent or carer, you’ll receive a written report twice a year. It gives you a clear picture of your child’s achievements – what they know and can do.

In Years 7 to 10, we use the  common grade scale  in reporting. In Year 11, we use the  Preliminary grade scale.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are assessed on achievement of competencies.

Assessments

We provide detailed information to students about what we expect from them throughout the year and how their work will be assessed. Students have a number of formal assessments throughout their schooling.

• National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)  – reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, punctuation and grammar) and numeracy tests for students in Years 7 and 9. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) holds the tests in May each year. Results and student reports are released in August.
• Validation of Assessment for Learning and Individual Development (VALID)  – online diagnostic science assessments for students in Year 8. Some schools also choose to sit the tests in Year 10.
• The  Record of School Achievement (RoSA)  is awarded to eligible students who leave school before completing their Higher School Certificate. The RoSA records a student’s grades between the end of Year 10 and when they leave school.
• The  Higher School Certificate (HSC)  is an internationally recognised qualification awarded to students who successfully complete Years 11 and 12 in NSW.
• Some students may apply for placement in a selective high school. For more information, visit  selective high schools and opportunity classes.

Marsden High School Assessment Booklets:

• Year 10 2025 Assessment Booklet
• Year 11 2025 Assessment Booklet
• Year 12 2025 Assessment Booklet
• Illness/Misadventure Application  - Stage 5 & Stage 6

Scholarship and Awards

Our students can take advantage of several scholarship and award opportunities.

Marsden Scholarships

Each year Marsden High School offers a variety of scholarships to students in years 7 to 12. These scholarships cater to the many different talents and interests of our students and include not only Academic Scholarships for those with a demonstrated strong academic record but also for subjects such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Creative and Performing Arts and Sports.

Many of our scholarships are funded through our philanthropic community and the generosity of our Parents and Citizens Association.

For further information regarding the Marsden Scholarships Program please download the overview and application forms below.

Scholarship Applications for 2024 close on  Friday 25 October 2024.

Scholarships Overview and Application Forms

Please read the  Scholarships Overview 2025 for all the details on the Marsden Scholarships Program, including types of scholarships, eligibility, processes and conditions.

The following links are the application forms for each of the available scholarships.

P&C High Achiever Scholarships

There are a number of P&C scholarships available for high achieving students:

High Achiever Transition Scholarship

High Achiever Focus Scholarship - Academic

High Achiever Focus Scholarship - Creative and Performing Arts

High Achiever Focus Scholarship - Sport

High Achiever Focus Scholarship - STEM

Marsden High Potential Transition Scholarship

Marsden High School offers one scholarship to a student transitioning to high school (Year 7 2025), who exhibits perseverance and commitment to learning and the potential to achieve good results with scholarship assistance.

MHS High Potential Transition Scholarship

John Tuckerman Scholarship

John Tuckerman was a student of Marsden High School in its early years. He was a dedicated student and also a keen cricketer. John came from a family who struggled financially and became a successful stockbroker. He wants to give something back to his school by giving scholarships to students.

John Tuckerman Junior Scholarship

John Tuckerman Senior Scholarship

Joan and David Williams Scholarship

Mr Kim Williams is an ex-student of Marsden High School. Mr Williams generously wants to give something back to his school by awarding scholarships to two students to assist with their education. The scholarships are named in honour of his parents, Joan and David Williams, who strongly supported the development of Marsden High School during the 1960’s.

Joan and David Williams ROSA Scholarship

Joan and David Williams HSC Scholarship

Barry Thomas O'Grady Scholarship

Mr O'Grady was a student of Marsden High School who generously wanted to give something back to his school by awarding a scholarship to a student to assist with their education. The scholarship is designed to reward a student that works hard but is experiencing financial hardship that may prevent them from achieving thier full potential.

Barry Thomas O'Grady Scholarship

NSW School Nanga Mai Awards

The  Nanga Mai Awards  are an annual event organised by Aboriginal Education and Communities Directorate. The awards recognise and celebrate innovation, excellence and educational achievement in Aboriginal education in NSW public schools, school communities and department directorates.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

This  Premier’s Reading Challenge  encourages students from Kindergarten to Year 9 to develop a love of reading and plays an important role in developing literacy.

Premier’s Debating Challenge

The  Premier’s Debating Challenge  is open to students from Year 5 to 12. Teams compete in a round robin series of debates against other schools. The winners go on to compete at regional and state level to determine the eventual state champion.

Public speaking competitions

The Arts Unit offers  public speaking competitions  for NSW school students. Each competition is a great opportunity for students to develop their speech-writing and presentation skills while representing their schools in a state-wide competition.

Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarships

The  Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarships  are an opportunity to visit significant overseas sites associated with Australia’s participation in war for Years 10 and 11 students in selected schools.

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Australia

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Australia  provides an internationally recognised, self-development program for people aged 14 to 25. The program equips young people with the opportunity to undertake a variety of voluntary and challenging activities.

Extracurricular

Marsden High School offers a broad range of extracurricular activities to support learning and provide opportunities to develop social, communication and real world experiences. Many of the memories and friendships created at school often occur during these events and provide an important role in providing a wholistic approach to education.

Activities can be aimed at classes, year groups, students with special interests and whole school events. In addition to the special programs already mentioned, some of the extracurriclar activities that we offer include:

• International and interstate study excursions
• Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme
• Ski trip
• Year camps
• Schools spectacular
• School musicals
• Regional dance festivals
• Debating
• Mock trial
• Chess competitions
• Academic competitions
• Science club
• Art club
• Pinnacle program
• Sports

Robotics

Robotics is one of our signature programs; it provides a highly engaging medium for creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication, four essential skills for learning and ICT within a curriculum context.

Students from Years 8-12 meet once per week after school in our Robotics/Technology room.

Our Year 7 students meet one lunchtime each week and work on Lego Robotics. Our Year 8 students mentor them.

We regularly and successfully compete in International and Regional competitions. These competitions attracts teams from all over Australia and Asia. In 2016, the robotics team competed in both the Sydney and Hawaiian Regional events. With our talented robotics team and robust robot, we managed to place 2nd in both events.

Galileo Project

The Galileo Project, run by the HSIE faculty, is designed to help students wrap their minds around the whole of the past and understand the most important changes that have occurred during the 13.7 billion years since the Big Bang. They develop a sense of the huge scales of time and space and learn to see their place within the context of the entire Universe. The Galileo Project seeks to integrate knowledge from all disciplines to give students a unified understanding of the universe they live in and provide them with tools to contribute critically and creatively to it.

Students are taken outside of their traditional classroom environment and encouraged to investigate how knowledge is accumulated and tested. They are empowered to take control of their own learning and produce tasks that leverage their creativity. The course also exploits a virtual learning space that students collaborate within – this method of interaction is one that is proving highly relevant to our 21st century learners.

Mock Trial

Marsden High School is a proud participant in the NSW Mock Trial Competition.

These simulated court cases are held between competing schools in which the participating student teams contest a fictional legal dispute in a mock Local Court.

Many of the cases quite deliberately deal with situations that students are likely to encounter in their daily lives.

The competition provides students with unique opportunities to develop their skills around advocacy, problem solving and persuasion.

They must be confident, flawless in their presentation, well-practised and adaptable to changing evidence and courtroom situations. It demands high levels of commitment and achievement that test young people in constructive ways.

Historical Perspectives

Our HSIE faculty will provide our Stage 4 Pinnacle and Year 9 History 1 with the opportunity to explore History through performance.

"Historical Perspectives" is a short course that will allow the participants to explore a particular period in history by viewing and examining a variety of historical sources. Students are then encouraged to think about how an understanding of history is achieved and in turn form their own perspective of the studied period.

Students will then engage in the process of playbuilding. They will attempt to communicate their perspective by employing their creative skills in order to narrate and perform. To portray a strong image students will be taught ways to manipulate dramatic elements and Drama conventions.

A performance for students and families will mark the end of the course.

The students enjoy the process immensely and at the same time develop problem solving and analytical thinking skills. It will help them build their confidence and become better performers and communicators.

If your child has an interest in History, investigating, creating, writing, leading, working with technology and/or performing please encourage them to audition.

Debating and Public Speaking

Marsden High School has a strong debating and public speaking group for students in Years 7-10. Guided by our teachers, students develop skills in critical thinking and working collaboratively. Our students participate in local and statewide speaking and debating competitions; such as Premier's Debating Competition, Legacy Public Speaking, and both Rotary and Lions public speaking competitions.

Students have the opportunity to participate in skill building days both at school and external venues, such as Western Sydney University. They participate in many inter-school workshops.

Sports and Physical Activity

Sport and physical activity is a valued and accepted part of our school's curriculum, contributing to the development of the whole child. It provides a vehicle for social, physical, emotional and moral learning and is an important expression of our culture.

The participation, enjoyment and skill development of our students is the corner-stone of the school sport/ physical activity program. All our students take part in this program.

There are also opportunities to represent our school at inter-school sports competitions. As a NSW public school we benefit from the opportunities for shared activities and competitions with other schools, coordinated by school sport associations. See the  school sport unit  website for details.

Grade sport

This year promises to be an exciting one for sport at Marsden High School. Once again we will be continuing with our house sport competition for Years 7,8 & 9. This competition proved to be a huge success in previous years. Marsden HS has once again entered the Northern Suburbs Grade Sport competition. Matches will take place on Tuesday afternoons and be available for students from Years 10, 11 and 12.

Talented sports program

The Talented Sports Program (TSP) is an extra curricular opportunity for students who would like to combine excellence in sport with their academic studies. The program is designed to improve both academic and sports performance of students.

Students in this program will regularly train under the supervision of their school coaches and professional coaches from appropriate sporting organistions at regular intervals. Part of the program will also involve the development of a PLP or a perosnal learning plan that will be developed in consultation with Learning Suppoprt staff.

Integrated sport

At Marsden High School, all students are provided the opportunity to participate in a weekly Integrated Sport Program. Each year group is allocated a two hour block in which they compete in an organised house competition.

Students are divided into four house groups known as Bradman, Cuthbert, Konrad and Young. Matches are refereed by the PDHPE staff. A variety of sports are included in the program. These include cricket, teeball, netball, volleyball, basketball, touch football, oztag, soccer, futsal, hockey, badminton, table tennis, AFL, gaelic football and Flag Gridiron.

Marsden's Integrated Sport Program is a wonderful way for students to learn the value of team work, fitness, exercise, health, respect, fair play and socialisation.

State sport competitions

We offer a large range of opportunities to participate in sporting competitions. These include:

• Rugby Union
• Rugby League
• Soccer
• Touch Football
• Basketball
• Baseball
• Netball
• Cricket
• Badminton
• Table Tennis
• Gymnastics
• Athletics
• Swimming
• Cross Country
• Futsal
• plus many more

Bring your own device (BYOD)

What is BYOD?

Bring your own device or BYOD is a program encouraging students to bring their own laptop or tablet to school for the purpose of learning. Students are able to connect to the Internet to access programs and applications applicable to their studies.

Why BYOD?

BYOD supports our schools teaching methods and future focused learning by embedding technology into both teaching and learning practice. Teachers are better equipped to engage with students and students more able to interact through the use of programs designed to enhance the learning experience.

BYOD also builds on fundamental twenty-first century skills, such as creative and critical thinking, collaboration and communication that are necessary for a future reliant on technology. It helps close the achievement gap and provides necessary skills for career preparation.

BYOD increases teaching time and allows for participation in interactive educational games, access to resources, supports collaborative projects through online communication and sharable data and enables ‘real time’ formative assessment in class via online quick quizzes and much more resulting in engaging lessons and study.

Which BYOD device does MHS support?

The preferred device for Marsden High School is the HP Chromebook.

Why HP Chromebook?

• Affordability – Marsden High School has collaborated with HP to bring you the very best possible price.
• Durability – The HP Chromebook has co-moulded rubber contact points, a strengthened corner design and durable 180° hinge making it suitable to carry to school everyday.
• Reliability – The Chromebook quickly launches apps, supports fast web browsing and has efficient battery life, up to 8GB memory and 64GB of storage, all with fast processing speeds.
• Simple configuration as well as access to Google Suite and Office 365 which all translates to greater student performance.

Why does Marsden recommend Google Suite?

• Google Suite eliminates the need to carry additional devices, such as thumb drives or CD's and consequently reduces the need to worry about losing these small devices.
• Easy access – assignments, notes, slides and other digital documents can be easily uploaded and accessed anywhere anytime.
• Security– your data, content, information and images can all be stored safely in the cloud with access generally requiring authentication (i.e. ID and password). This ensures others cannot readily access your documents. In addition, should something happen to the technology at school; your content will remain safe and available to you via the cloud.
• Shareability– if students are collaborating on a project or wish to share study notes and data they are able to share some or all of the files they have stored in the cloud.
• Trackability– making changes to documents is simple thanks to Google Suite. Cloud computing will save multiple revisions and versions of a document so that you can chronologically trace back through the evolution of an item until the document is as needed.
• Collaboration –  Google Suite offers different ways in which students can collaborate and partner with classmates to work on a single document or multiple files and folders as a team.

High Potential and Gifted Education

At Marsden High School, students are expected, and supported, to perform to their full potential. They are provided with explicit teaching and differentiated learning experiences to enable them to perform at their best. At the same time every student is expected to apply diligence and sustained effort to their studies, and to do their best to maximise their results.

It is a well established fact that students with high intellectual potential are typically at risk of underperformance if they are not challenged to achieve. In simple terms this means they need an environment in which they are challenged to work at a more complex level; at a faster pace; at a greater intensity; and with potentially greater volume of work than is typically expected of their age-peers.

Specialised curriculum provision for high potential and gifted students addresses their specific learning needs such as:

• A faster pace
• Processing more complex information and use of higher order thinking
• Opportunities to engage in learning with students of the same or higher ability
• Opportunities to undertake challenging work which enables them to develop strategies for persevering with difficult problems.

We aim to optimise the growth and achievement of high potential and gifted students across all domains of potential, through evidence-based talent development opportunities and differentiated teaching and learning practices, all of which are underpinned by the NSW Department of Education’s  High Potential and Gifted Education policy.

Marsden High School offers a range of specialised programs for high potential and gifted students:

• The Pinnacle program for years 7  and 8
• The Horizon program for years 9 and 10
• Mathematics Accelerated elective in years 9 and 10
• Science Accelerated elective in years 9 and 10
• Extension courses in years 11 and 12

For highly gifted students, curriculum compacting, mentoring and acceleration may be implemented in certain circumstances.

Pinnacle Program

The Pinnacle Program is a Year 7 and Year 8 program that offers extension activities to high achieving, gifted and talented students.

We care about each of the students enrolled at our school and set out to nurture them and prepare them for the wider world. With this is mind, the Pinnacle program was created to extend and challenge gifted and talented students in order to maximise their learning outcomes. Our goal is to prepare students for the future, by giving them the skills they need for the future, e.g., critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, life and career skills, media literacy and technology skills.

All staff have been trained to differentiate programs to enrich student learning via Project Based Learning. In addition, teachers of Pinnacle classes undertake collaborative professional learning to ensure current research is embedded into teaching and learning programs.

It is critical that gifted and talented students be given appropriate opportunity, stimulation and experiences to develop their potential. Our program offers these opportunities across all subject areas.

As a part of the Pinnacle program, students are given the opportunity to:

• Set S.M.A.R.T goals at the beginning of each term and review them with teachers at the end of each term

• Play an active role in the creation of their personalised learning plans

• Participate in the HPGE retreat camp off site for three days

• Complete an enrichment project in Semester 2 two develop their creative and critical thinking skills

• Participate in extracurricular excursions:

  • Year 7: Codecamp
  • Year 8: DigiEd Claymation workshop

Year 7 2025, Pinnacle application form

Information on the High Potential and Gifted Education Program 2025 can be found here.

Horizon Program

Horizon is Marsden's talent development program for academically high performing students in years 9 and 10. The Horizon program aims to stimulate higher order learning by exploring contemporary, relevant issues within a multi-disciplinary framework.

Students will experience an innovative approach to learning instruction that focuses on key skills for success on the modern world know as the five C's:

• Collaboration
• Creative thinking
• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Citizenship skills

The Horizon program incorporates the following subjects:

• English
• Science
• HSIE - History and Geography
• PDHPE

Students follow the same curriculum as their year level, with tasks that demand higher order thinking skills, and will be expected to produce work of exceptional depth and complexity.

As a part of the Horizon program, students are given the opportunity to:

• Set S.M.A.R.T goals at the beginning of each term and review them with teachers at the end of each term

• Play an active role in the creation of their personalised learning plans

• Participate in the HPGE retreat camp off site for three days

• Complete an enrichment project in Semester 2 two develop their creative and critical thinking skills

• Participate in extracurricular excursions:

  • Year 9: Urban Challenge
  • Year 10: University visits

Students must apply for each year of the program - i.e. in Year 8 for the Year 9 program and in Year 9 for the Year 10 program.

For more information on the Horizon program and to apply for the 2024 program, please review the High Potential Flyer and the HPGE Application Form

The closing date for 2024 Horizon applications for existing Marsden students is Friday 8 September 2023. Students new to Marsden High School after this date may be invited to apply for the Horizon program if places are available.

Whole school high potential and gifted opportunities

Marsden High School also offers a range of whole school high potential and gifted opportunities, in addition to the programs listed above. We implement evidence-based programs, practices and procedures so that high potential and gifted students’ specific learning needs are identified and catered for.

The school staff includes a range of specialist teachers, including music, drama and languages teachers, to cater for high potential and gifted students across a range of domains.

The collaborative planning process enables the creation of differentiated learning programs which support the needs of HPG students. There is a strong focus across the school on promoting creative and critical thinking and rich and open-ended tasks, through the widespread use of project-based learning.

Intellectual Domain

English

• Author talks
• Book week
• Debating competitions
• Public Speaking competitions including the  Legacy Junior Speaking Award
• Riverside Theatre excursions
• ICAS  English tests
• Essay writing workshops

Maths Enrichment

• Maths Olympiad
• Accelerated Maths program

HSIE

• Environment team
• Australian Geography Competition
• National History Challenge
• History Teachers’s Association: Mastermind
• UN Youth Evatt Competition
• Rotary’s Model UN
• Mock Trial
• Refugee Camp in my Neighbourhood excursion
• Stock market competition

Science

• Partnerships with NSW Light Rail
• Big Science competition
• ICAS Science competition
• ANSTO Tour
• National Crystal Competition RACI
• Scinapse
• Space Design thinking competition

Support Unit

• International Day of People with DIsability
• Travel training

General

• Ethics Olympiad
• Tournament of Minds
• Duke of Edinburgh

Create & Physical Domains

Dance

• Dance workshops
• Synergy Dance Festival

Drama

• School plays/musicals
• Pulse
• Opportunities to be part of the hall technician crew

Music

• Band program
• Strings program

Visual Arts

• Sustainable Waste 2 Art Prize

TAS

• 3-D printing
• Robotics team
• Catering team

Sport

• District/Regional carnivals
• Sporting workshops
• Girls in Sport program

Subject Selection Guide

Subject Selection Guides are designed to provide parents and students with an overview of the courses offered for study at Marsden High School. In particular, the Subject Selection booklets are a guide for the selection of elective courses for the next year. Major content areas, assessment and Record of School Achievement (RoSA) information have been included. Parents and students are encouraged to talk to the teachers and head teachers of the courses, or the Careers Adviser, should they require clarification of any details relating to a particular course.

Subject Selection Guide Booklet Year 8 2025

Subject Selection Guide Booklet Year 9 2025

Subject Selection Guide Booklet Year 11 2025

Intensive English Centre (IEC)

Marsden High School's Intensive English Centre is dedicated to instilling a love of learning English, while helping newly arrived students prepare for the academic, social and emotional demands of high school in Australia.

Intensive English Centres (IECs) provide intensive English tuition to newly arrived, high school aged students whose first language is not English. In addition, the IECs provide orientation, settlement and welfare programs to prepare students for learning in a NSW government high school and to participate in Australian society.

When students arrive to a country with a new language they may learn some English skills quickly from other students, friends and family however, everyday language skills vary from the language used in education. The courses we offer uses not only English words, but also ideas and concepts that differ from the everyday language. At the IEC, we teach our students the language used within the education system. We achieve this through the study of English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Commerce, Art, Music, Computing Studies as well as Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Our teachers are not only trained and experienced as English as an Additional Language (EAL) teachers, but are also trained in a wide variety of high school subjects and provide a stimulating learning environment incorporating the latest technology.

Reflection from an Intensive English Centre graduate – Alice G.

Our international students experience

As an overseas student, English is very important for me due to it is being the official language of Australia. When I was thinking of coming here, I realize a good English training school plays a very important role my education. Eventually, I decide to study in Marsden IEC.

Marsden IEC is intensive English centre and is my mother school in Australia. The role of this school is for training and improving the overseas student's English. There are many courses in the IEC, such as English, Maths, science, Living skills and so on. These courses work well in preparing me to go to the high school. During our classes, Miss teaches us with the smart board, which attracts our attention and make a deep impression of knowledge in my heart.  You will get the homework after class. My classroom was 3S, Ms Steiner is my head teacher, who is very kind to me, and she always helps me when I have some difficulty in my study. Moreover, my classmates come from different counties, and they are very kind to me as well. We always help each other, which creates a warm atmosphere in the class. I believe my decision was correct. I make a great improvement in my English after I finishing the IEC course. What a fantastic and unforgettable experiences in Marsden IEC, and I have a deep sense of belonging in Marsden IEC.

After graduating from the IEC, I choose to stay at Marsden High School. The Marsden IEC prepared me well for the high school. In Yr11, Marsden High school gave me a chance to join the SRC. This has also been a fantastic for me. The SRC always holds the functions, such as BBQ, blood donation and so on. These factors have help developed my leadership and gain my own experiences. This group helped me to build up my friendships in the high school. As an Yr12 student now, because of the hard-working of teachers and myself, I get good results in my trial exam, and the next challenge is the HSC!! I believe I also can get good results in the HSC under the excellent education of Marsden.

English is very important for us, only choose a good school that you can achieve the goal and be successful. As an overseas student, I believe Marsden IEC and Marsden HS are the best choice for me. What about you?

-Lachlan He

Contact Details

T: +61 2 9858 3440

E: marsden-i.school@det.nsw.edu.au