CURRICULUM
Nazareth College offers six years of comprehensive post-primary education to all students. Subjects undertaken in Years 7 to 10 are designed to prepare students for their entry into the Victorian Certificate ofEducation (VCE).
Nazareth College’s Years 10 -12 curriculum focuses on each student’s personal pathway. The curriculum and pastoral care programs cater for a diverse range of needs and interests and ensure access to further study, training and work.
The curriculum at Nazareth therefore has the essential features of a comprehensive curriculum in the Catholic context. It has breadth, balance, coherence, continuity and inclusiveness, whilst promoting asense of life-long learning in our students.
In the Year 10 academic program, students continue studies with compulsory choices from the core subjects – Religious Education, Pastoral Program, English, Mathematics, Humanities, Health & Physical Education and Science – and select five other semesterised elective units from The Arts, Languages andTechnology, including additional choices from Humanities, Health & Physical Education and Science.
Some students in Year 10 may be best suited to the LEAP program which combines both Applied Learningand academic pathways. While this provides an ideal preparation for the Vocational Major (VM) course which may be undertaken in Years 11 and 12, it also has the flexibility to allow students to choose a VCE Year 11 pathway.
For Year 10 students, acceleration of a Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) subject is possible, by invitation, hence providing the possibility for high achievers to eventually complete six VCE Units 3 and 4study sequences.
Students undertaking VCE at Year 11 will choose ten semester-based units, plus English or Literature or English Language and Religious Education as core subjects. Alternatively, students in Year 11 have the option of completing the Vocational Major (VM)
Students at Year 12 choose four Units 3 and 4 elective sequences from across the curriculum and must study English or Literature or English Language and Religious Education as core subjects. The Vocational Major (VM) program requires students to study core units, along with student-chosen VET studies.
STUDENT PROGRESS POLICY
The Student Progress Policy requires that students achieve an average of 50% in pre-requisite Year 10subjects to ensure that all students have a good grasp of the skills and knowledge required to take them further in Year 11 VCE subjects in the following year, so that they can experience success, and deepen their understanding of the subject matter. Failure to achieve the 50% average could have a significant impact on subject choices and, consequently, on career aspirations.
Students wishing to enter Vocational Major (VM) or LEAP (Year 10) must attend an information evening and submit a separate written application. This application will detail their intended field of work and/or apprenticeship. Parents will be required to attend an interview with the Applied Learning Coordinator for approval to enter VM or LEAP
Nazareth College prides itself in catering to the needs of high achievers. High achievers are identified by the use of NAPLAN, PAT and reporting data. Laurel high achievers in English and Maths are invited to be part of the Knowledge stream in our flexible Year 7,8 and 9 Program for differentiated learning.
The Year 7,8 and 9 English and Maths program allows students to choose their own level of learning for units of work so that learning is personalized. Students who achieve good academic results can then choose to participate in Year 9 Advanced English or Maths; and to accelerate in Year 10. High achievers in Science are invited to be a part of the separate Laurel Science class from Year 7 to 9. These classes undertake the Science curriculum at a faster pace, allowing for acceleration right through to VCE. Students also participate in STEM/ Science-based extracurricular activities.
Successful completion of all High Achiever Subjects may place students in a position to accelerate into one or two appropriate VCE Units 1 & 2 subjects in Year 10. The High Achievers Program will enable completion of up to two VCE Units 3 & 4 subjects in Year 11, allowing students to undertake University Enhancement courses in Year 12 as both an early start to Tertiary Studies and an additional ATAR boost.
Continued good academic performance is necessary for students to remain in the High Achievers Program. Acceleration in a VCE subject is reliant on students achieving high academic results across subject areas.
2025 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
LEARNING AREA
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
ENGLISH
MATHEMATICS
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
YEAR 7
YEAR 8
Religious Education # Religious Education #
English #
English #
Mathematics # Mathematics #
Health and Physical Education #
Health and Physical Education #
YEAR 9
Religious Education #
English # Literature elective
Mathematics #
Mathematics elective “Connections in Maths”
Health and Physical Education # or
Year 9 Soccer Education # or Year 9 Basketball Education # Year 9 Volleyball Education
SCIENCE Science # Science # Science #
HUMANITIES
LANGUAGES
Humanities # Civics & Citizenship Economics Geography History
Italian # or Japanese #
Humanities # Civics & Citizenship Economics Geography History
Italian # or Japanese # (Continue from previous year)
THE ARTS Art * Music * Visual Communication Design Drama * or Music *
Humanities # Civics & Citizenship Economics Geography History
Italian # or Japanese # (Continue from previous year)
Dance Digital Art
Drama Media Music Art
Visual Communication Design
TECHNOLOGY STUDIES
Information Technology * Textiles Technology * Food Technology * Wood Technology * Food Technology Information Technology
Digital Game Development
Robotics Design & Technologies Textiles Technology Wood Technology Learning about Learning
ELECTIVE SUBJECTS N/A N/A
CHOOSE 6 ELECTIVE UNITS (INCLUDING A LANGUAGE WHICH IS 2 UNITS) from: The Arts, Technology, Languages, Health & Physical Education and Literature. (Each elective is for the duration of one semester). # CORE * 1 UNIT OF EACH AT THIS YEAR LEVEL
LEARNING AREA YEAR 10
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION # Religious Education Or Youth Ministry Or Music Ministry
ENGLISH # # One of:
English
EAL English
Advanced English Foundation English
MATHEMATICS # One of:
Mathematics
2025 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
YEAR 11 (VCE Units 1 & 2)
VCE Religion & Society
Or Youth Ministry (CSYMI/ACU Youth Academy)
# One or more of:
VCE English
VCE EAL English
VCE Literature
VCE English Language
VCE Foundation Mathematics
VCE General Mathematics
SCIENCE
Advanced Mathematics Mathematics – Foundation
# One or more of:
Core Science
Life within us (prerequisite to Biology & Psychology)
Environmental Chemistry (prerequisite to Chemistry or Environmental Science)
Mission to Mars (prerequisite to Physics)
*Students who do not want to do VCE
Science must undertake one Semester of Core Science
HUMANITIES # One or more of:
Business and Enterprise
Global Economics and Finance
Law and Order History
Geography
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
# One or more of:
Health and Physical Education
Sports Science
Health Education
Outdoor and Environmental Studies
LANGUAGES Italian Japanese (Second Language)
VCE Mathematical Methods
VCE Specialist Mathematics
VCE Biology
VCE Chemistry
VCE Environmental Science
VCE Physics
VCE Psychology
Students who want to do a VCE Science must undertake the recommended Science in Year 10 plus one other Science (2 Semesters in Year 10)
VCE Accounting
VCE Business Management
VCE Economics
VCE Legal Studies
VCE Modern History
VCE Geography
VCE Physical Education
VCE Health & Human Development
VCE Outdoor & Environmental Studies
VCE Italian
VCE Japanese (Second Language)
YEAR 12 (VCE Units 3 & 4)
VCE Religion & Society
Or School-Based Religious Education Or Youth Ministry (CSYMI/ACU Youth Academy)
One or more of:
VCE English
VCE EAL English
VCE Literature
VCE English Language
VCE General Mathematics
VCE Mathematical Methods
VCE Specialist Mathematics
VCE Foundation Mathematics
VCE Biology
VCE Chemistry
VCE Environmental Science
VCE Physics
VCE Psychology
VCE Accounting
VCE Business Management
VCE Economics
VCE Legal Studies
VCE History: Revolutions
VCE Geography
VCE Health & Human Development
VCE Physical Education
VCE Outdoor & Environmental Studies
VCE Italian
VCE Japanese (Second Language) THE VISUAL ARTS Media
Art Making and Exhibiting Visual Communication Design Concept Art & Digital Rendering (CAnDR)
THE PERFORMING ARTS Drama & Theatre Studies Dance Music
TECHNOLOGY STUDIES Information Technology Solving world problems through coding and AI Food Technology Wood Technology Design & Technology
Textiles Technology Mechatronics
ELECTIVE SUBJECTS
CHOOSE 8 ELECTIVE UNITS (including 1 from each of Humanities, Health & PE and Science)
APPLIED LEARNING Community Action (LEAP)
VET Certificate II subject of choice (must commit to a half day a week course at a TAFE for the whole year)
VCE Media
VCE Art Making and Exhibiting VCE Visual Communication Design
VCE Theatre Studies
VET Dance Certificate II
VET Music Certificate III
VCE Applied Computing Data Analytics
VCE Food Studies
VCE Product Design & Technologies: Wood
VCE Product Design & Technologies: Textiles
VCE Systems Engineering
CHOOSE 14 SEMESTER UNITS (including 2 from English and RE)
VCE - Vocational Major Program; Literacy, Numeracy, Personal Development Skills, Work Related Skills and School-Based Religious Education
Must include a VET Certificate II or III subject of choice AND a one day a week Structured Work-placement
VCE Media
VCE Art Making and Exhibiting
VCE Visual Communication Design
VCE Theatre Studies
VET Dance Certificate II
VET Music Certificate III
VCE Applied Computing Data Analytics
VCE Food Studies
VCE Product Design & Technologies: Wood
VCE Product Design & Technologies: Textiles
VCE Systems Engineering
CHOOSE 12 SEMESTER UNITS (including 2 from each of English and RE)
VCE - Vocational Major Program; Literacy, Numeracy, Personal Development Skills, Work Related Skills and School-Based Religious Education
Must include a VET Certificate II or III subject of choice AND a one day a week Structured Work-placement VET in VCE Courses
These courses are on and off-campus.
For a full listing of the wide range of VET courses available to Nazareth College students, please see the Nazareth College website or the VET brochure.
CONTACTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Should you have further questions about courses after reading this course guide, you may contact either your child’s subject teachers or the relevant Instructional Leader, as listed below.
Instructional Leaders
Applied Learning
English
Health & Physical Education
Humanities
Languages
Learning Enhancement
Mathematics
Performing Arts
Religious Education
Science
Visual Arts
Technology
Careers and Pathways Coordinator
Heads of House
Head of House Chisholm
Head of House Knox
Head of House MacKillop
Head of House Mannix
Head of House McAuley
Head of House McCormack
Ms Caitlin Mackay Caitlin.Mackay@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Mr Mark O’Sullivan Mark.OSullivan@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Mr Andrew Moore Andrew.Moore@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Ms Donna Watts Donna.Watts@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Ms Joanna Marletta Joanna.Marletta@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Ms Emma Wray Emma.Wray@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Mr Peter Louis Peter.Venmanilouis@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Mr Simon Landid Simon.Landid@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Mr Peter Nathan Peter.Nathan@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Ms Heather Murtagh Heather.Murtagh@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Mr Rosario Ripper Rosario.Ripper@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Ms Kate Goodwin Kate.Goodwin@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Mrs Elena Flodstrom Elena.Flodstrom@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Mr Sam Indge
Sam.Indge@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Mr Rodney Diaz
Rodney.Diaz@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Mr Joshua Cowan
Joshua.Cowan@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Ms Antigone Kappas
Antigone.Kappas@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Ms Gabriella Spano
Gabby.Spano@nazareth.vic.edu.au
Ms Hayley McMillan
Hayley.Mcmillan@nazareth.vic.edu.au
OVERVIEW OF YEAR 10 ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Over the two semesters, all students in Year 10 will complete four Compulsory Subjects, then choose at least one semester each from Science, Humanities and Health & PE, and then choose five additional Elective Subjects from the list below.
YEAR 10 COMPULSORY SUBJECTS
Please note that Year 10 LEAP students will have certain additions and restrictions to the course below Please see LEAP section for details.
These subjects are taken over two semesters:
● Religious Education or Youth Ministry
● Pastoral Program
● English or Advanced English or Foundation English
● Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics or Foundation Mathematics
Students must also choose at least one semester unit from each of:
● Humanities
● Science
● Health & PE (practical)
ELECTIVE (FREE CHOICE) SUBJECTS
Elective subjects are available from the key learning areas of:
Performing and Visual Arts
• Drama
• Media
• Music
• Art Making and Exhibiting
• Visual Communication Design Technology
Humanities
• Geography: People and Places
• History
• Business and Enterprise
• Law and Order
• Food Technology
• Information Technology
• Textiles Technology
• Design & Technologies
• Wood Technology
• Global Economics and Finance Science
Languages
• Italian
• Core Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Life Within Us
• Mission to Mars
• Japanese Health & Physical Education
• Physical Education
• Sports Science
• Health Education
• Outdoor Education
English
• Writing – Media and Literature
YEAR 10 ACADEMIC PROGRAM PLANNING SHEET
Course Handbooks can be found on the Nazareth College website at https://www.nazareth.vic.edu.au/subject-selection/
● Place subject names in the boxes below.
● Please note that LEAP students do not need to use this form.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (2 semesters)
• Religious Education
• Youth Ministry
Compulsory choices
• Music Ministry
ENGLISH (2 semesters)
• Foundation English
• English
• Advanced English
MATHEMATICS (2 semesters)
• Foundation Mathematics
• Mathematics
• Advanced Mathematics
SCIENCE (1 semester)
• Core Science (If doing Two Science Electives, Core Science is not required)
HUMANITIES (1 semester)
• History
• Business & Enterprise
• Law & Order
• Geography
HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION (1 semester)
• Physical Education
• Outdoor and Environmental Studies
• Sports Science
• Health Education
COMPULSORY CHOICE:
COMPULSORY CHOICE:
COMPULSORY CHOICE:
COMPULSORY: Core Science
COMPULSORY CHOICE:
COMPULSORY CHOICE:
5 Free choices
FREE CHOICES
May also include additional Humanities and Health & Physical Education subjects as listed above
• Life Within Us (Science)
• Environmental Chemistry (Science)
• Mission to Mars (Science)
• Italian (2 semesters so 2 choices)
• Japanese (2 semesters so 2 choices)
• Drama & Theatre Studies
• Media
• Music
• Dance
• Studio Arts
• Visual Communication Design
• Food Technology
• Information Technology
• Textiles Technology
• Design & Technologies
• Wood Technology
• Writing – Media and Literature
• Accelerated VCE subject (by invitation only) = 2 semesters so 2 choices
Sample Year 10 Subject
Choices
Sample 2: Language Choice
Sample 3: Accelerated Subject
Source of Information
Course and careers information websites
Job Guide
Open Days – University & TAFE
Careers & Pathways
Coordinator, AppliedLearning Leader, Heads of House, Instructional Leaders and Subject Teachers
Reference Books (including Handbooks and Course Guides)
TAFE (Technical and Further Education)
University websites
VTAC Prerequisites Guide
All other VTAC Guides
VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre)
VCAA (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority)
Location/Contact
My Future – Australia’s Careers Information Service: www.myfuture.edu.au
Youth Central link : www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au
www.goodcareersguide.com.au
www.education.gov.au (Follow the Schooling & Getting Ready for Work pages)
See Newsletter, Social Media & Noticeboards for details
Careers Office (in the Joseph Centre) Resource Centre
Various offices
Careers Office (in the Joseph Centre) Resource Centre
TAFE Courseline: 131823 www.tafe.vic.gov.au
TAFE handbooks in the Resource Centre
Holmesglen TAFE: www.holmesglen.vic.edu.au
Box Hill TAFE: www.bhtafe.edu.au
Chisholm TAFE: www.chisholm.vic.edu.au
Swinburne: www.swinburne.edu.au
Kangan Institute: www.kangan.edu.au
Melbourne Polytechnic: www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au
Victoria Uni Polytechnic: www.vupolytechnic.edu.au
Monash University: www.monash.edu.au
University of Melbourne: www.unimelb.edu.au
RMIT: www.rmit.edu.au
Victoria University: www.vu.edu.au
Australian Catholic University: www.acu.edu.au
Swinburne: www.swinburne.edu.au
LaTrobe University: www.latrobe.edu.au
Federation University: www.federation.edu.au
Deakin University: www.deakin.edu.au
qrco.de/vtac_prerequisites vtac.edu.au/guides
Current VTAC Guide in Resource Centre; Website: www.vtac.edu.au
Booklet “Where to Now” qrco.de/wheretonow “Your guide to Senior Secondary School Pathways in Victoria 2025” Website: www.vcaa.vic.edu.au
E NGLI SH PATHWAYS
T he diagram below show s the pos sible pathway s and prerequisi tes for each subjec t f rom Year 10 to Year 11 and then Year 12
YEAR 10
YEAR 11
YEAR 12
English Foundation
VCE English Language Units 1 & 2
VCE English Language Units 3 & 4
English
Advanced English
VCE English Units 1 & 2
VCE Literature Units 1 & 2
VCE English Units 3 & 4
VCE Literature Units 3 & 4
EAL English (English as an additional language)
VCE EAL/Bridging EAL Units 1 & 2
VCE EAL English Units 3 & 4
MATHEMATICS PATHWAYS
The diagram below shows the possible pathways and prerequisites for each subject from Year 10 to Year 12.
YEAR 10
YEAR 11
YEAR 12
Foundation
Mathematics
VCE Foundation Mathematics
Units 1 & 2
VCE General Mathematics
Units 1 & 2
Mathematics
VCE Mathematical Methods
Units 1 & 2
Advanced
Mathematics
Acceleration
Pathway available: General Maths Units 1 & 2 in combination with Advanced Mathematics for approved students.
If doing Specialist Maths 1 & 2, students must also do Maths Methods 1 & 2 in Year 11
VCE Specialist Mathematics
Units 1 & 2
VCE Foundation Mathematics
Units 3 & 4
VCE General Mathematics
Units 3 & 4
VCE Mathematical Methods
Units 3 & 4
If doing Specialist Maths 3 & 4, students must also do Maths Methods 3 & 4 in Year 12
VCE Specialist Mathematics
Units 3 & 4
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PATHWAYS
The diagram below shows the possible pathways and prerequisites for each subject from Year 10 to Year 11 and then Year 12.
YEAR 10
YEAR 11
Religious Education
Youth Ministry
VCE Religion & Society Units 1 & 2
CSYMI/ACU Youth Academy
YEAR 12
VCE Religion & Society Unit 3 & 4
CSYMI/ACU Youth Academy (invitation only)
Music Ministry
VCE Religion & Society Units 3 & 4 Acceleration
Religious Education (non-VCE)
SCIENCE PATHWAYS
The diagram below shows the possible pathways and prerequisites for each subject from Year 10 to Year 11 and then Year 12.
Year 10 Students
Students who are accelerating into a Year 11 science do not need to do a Year 10 science class.
Students (not accelerating) who want to do a science at Year 11 need to do two sciences at Year 10. Either two electives or one elective and core science. Students doing two electives do not need to do Year 10 core science. Students not doing any science elective must do core science.
Year 11 Students
It is recommended that students wishing to study a VCE Science Subject choose the appropriate feeder Year 10 subject, as shown below.
YEAR 10
Core Science
Environmental Chemistry
YEAR 11
VCE Environmental Science Units 1 & 2
VCE Chemistry Units 1 & 2
VCE Biology Units 1 & 2
Life Within Us
Mission to Mars
VCE Psychology Units 1 & 2
VCE Physics Units 1 & 2
YEAR 12
VCE Environmental Science Units 3 & 4
VCE Chemistry Units 3 & 4
VCE Biology Units 3 & 4
VCE Psychology Units 3 & 4
VCE Physics Units 3 & 4
HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION PATHWAYS
The diagram below shows the possible pathways and prerequisites for each subject from Year 10 to Year 11 and then Year 12.
YEAR 10
YEAR 11
YEAR 12
Physical Education
Students wishing to study VCE Physical Education must complete the Year 10 pre-requisite of Sport Science
VCE Physical Education Units 1 & 2 Sport Science
VCE Health & Human Development Units 1 & 2 Health Education
Students wishing to study VCE Health & Human Development must complete the Year 10 pre-requisite of Health Education
Outdoor & Environmental Education
VCE Outdoor & Environmental Education Units 1 & 2
VCE Physical Education Units 3 & 4
VCE Health & Human Development Units 3 & 4
VCE Outdoor & Environmental Education Units 3 & 4
HUMANITIES PATHWAYS
The diagram below shows the possible pathways and prerequisites for each subject from Year 10 to Year 11 and then Year 12.
YEAR 10
YEAR 11
YEAR 12
LANGUAGES PATHWAYS
The diagram below shows the possible pathways and prerequisites for each subject from Year 10 to Year 11 and then Year 12.
YEAR 10
YEAR 11
YEAR 12
PERFORMING ARTS PATHWAYS
The diagram below shows the possible pathways and prerequisites for each subject from Year 10 to Year 11 and then Year 12.
YEAR 10
YEAR 11
YEAR 12
TECHNOLOGY PATHWAYS
The diagram below shows the possible pathways and prerequisites for each subject from Year 10 to Year 11 and then Year 12.
YEAR 10
Information Technology Solving World Problems through Coding and AI?
YEAR 11
YEAR 12
VCE Applied Computing Units 1 & 2
VCE Applied Computing Units 3 & 4
Food Technology
Wood Technology Build a Ukulele
Design & Technologies
Textiles Technology
Mechatronics
VCE Food Studies Units 1 & 2
VCE Product Design & Technologies: Wood Units 1 & 2
VCE Food Studies Units 3 & 4
VCE Product Design & Technologies: Wood Units 3 & 4
VCE Product Design & Technologies: Textiles Units 1 & 2
VCE Systems Engineering Units 1 & 2
VCE Product Design & Technologies: Textiles Units 3 & 4
VCE Systems Engineering Units 3 & 4
VISUAL ARTS PATHWAYS
The diagram below shows the possible pathways and prerequisites for each subject from Year 10 to Year 11 and then Year 12.
Art Making & Exhibiting
Concept Art and Digital Rendering (CAnDR)
Communication
VCE Art Making & Exhibiting Units 1 & 2
VCE Art Making & Exhibiting Units 3 & 4
LEAP & VCE VOCATIONAL MAJOR PATHWAYS
The diagram below shows the possible pathways and prerequisites for each subject from Year 10 to Year 11 and then Year 12.
YEAR 10
LEAP Options
Students wishing to explore Applied Learning & competency based courses at Year 10 must select the following combination:
VET Certificate II TAFE subject of choice
English – Foundation
Foundation
Mathematics or Mathematics
Core Science
Community Action
Religion or Youth Ministry
Health or PhysEd
Plus 3 student-choice Year 10 electives
N.B. Students may proceed to either VCE Vocational Major, or VCE in Year 11 or include a VET in their VCE
YEAR 11
VCE Vocational Major
Literacy Skills Units 1 & 2
Numeracy Skills Units 1 & 2
Personal Development Skills Units 1 & 2
Work-related Skills Units 1 & 2
YEAR 12
VCE Vocational Major
Literacy Skills Units 3 & 4
Numeracy Skills Units 3 & 4
Personal Development Skills Units 3 & 4
Work-related Skills Units 3 & 4 Work