All schools including Sydney Catholic Schools follow the same Kindergarten to Year 12 curriculum, with our Catholic values underpinning everything that we do.
With a focus on the development of the whole person, courses offered at the school cover the NESA syllabus requirements – developing the core skills of literacy and numeracy – and our Archdiocesan Religious Education curriculum.
Our teachers extend and challenge students to be the best they can be, while recognising that every student is unique and learns differently.
Years 7 – 10
Religious Education is at the heart of Catholic education. It informs all aspects of school life and contributes to the mission of the Catholic Church in announcing the good news of Jesus Christ.
All students are expected to participate in the religious life of the school. This includes their participation in Religious Education classes, their study of the Archdiocesan curriculum and their use of the To Know, Worship and Love textbooks and resources.
Our Religious Education department ensures that religious pedagogy within the school remains of the utmost importance. Our staff are constantly modifying and writing programs, staff implement the revised Stage 4 and 5 curricula and Year 12 curriculum, which will be seen in the implementation of the new Stage 6 Syllabus “Studies in Catholic Thought” at the college.
Our dedicated Religious Education staff, who lead the Religious Education curriculum within the classroom, provide space within the curriculum to learn about the Christian faith and to have the opportunity to “Seek Wisdom in Christ”.
Years 11 – 12
The college offers three Religious Education courses for the HSC:
- Studies of Religion 1
- Studies of Religion 11
- Studies in Catholic Thought
Religious education at Trinity Catholic College encompasses many aspects of school life, including:
- The classroom Religious Education program
- The integration of Catholic values across the curriculum
- The liturgical and prayer life of the school
- Opportunities for retreats and reflection days
- Community service programs and volunteer groups.
Faith formation is at the very heart of the college because it strives to nurture the whole person and educate them in the Catholic tradition. We aim to help every student develop a strong personal relationship with God, and challenge them to live the Gospel values.
In Year 7 through to 10, students participate in reflections days and regular visits to the local Parish in their Religion, Catholic Studies class groups. Year 10 and 11 students also have the opportunity to be a part of the REMAR team which participates in Marist Youth outreach programs.
In Years 11 and 12 all senior students participate in an annual retreat. This gives every student an opportunity to reflect upon their relationship with themselves, their family, their peers, and their faith. It is a time to question, to search for, and to discover a deeper and more mature relationship with their faith and their God.
Students are involved in many areas of social justice. In particular, the college focuses on the work of the Marist Missions and Caritas through its significant Lenten contribution.
Religious Education covers all years, 7–12, and is both academic and pastoral in its teaching and assessment. The Religious Education program works in partnership with all other faculties of the college to ensure a holistic and authentically Catholic formation of students, staff and parents.
Within the Syllabus across Stages 3 to 6 students study the depth of the Catholic tradition including History, Scripture, Theology, Mary and the Saints, Liturgy and Sacraments, the Christian spiritual traditions, Ethical and Moral teaching, and Social Justice. Recognising the multi-cultural and multi-faith reality of Australian society, students spend time studying indigenous Australian Spirituality and other faith traditions, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism.
Senior Courses:
Studies of Religion (2 unit) and Studies of Religion (1 unit) promotes an awareness, understanding and application of the nature of religion and the influence of religious traditions, beliefs and practices on individuals and society, with an emphasis on the Australian context.
At Trinity Catholic College, the Amadeus Music Education Program is a transformative initiative designed to enrich students’ academic, emotional, and social development through the power of music. The program includes three integrated elements:
- Classroom music lessons led by a specialist Music Teacher
- Instrumental ensemble experiences guided by professional ensemble tutors
- Small group instrumental tuition delivered by expert instrumental tutors
This comprehensive approach ensures every student in Years 7 and 8 receives high-quality music education, regardless of prior experience. Drawing on decades of international research in neuroscience and education, Amadeus is grounded in the knowledge that learning an instrument and participating in ensemble performance enhances brain development. Students engaged in music demonstrate:
- Increased academic performance, particularly in language acquisition and mathematical reasoning
- Improved memory, focus, coordination, self-discipline, and confidence
- Greater levels of classroom engagement and wellbeing
By embedding music into the core curriculum, Amadeus empowers students to unlock their full potential, both in school and beyond.
Trinity Catholic College employs a careers advisor to assist students navigate post school pathways. Vocational guidance and career counselling for career paths, workplace practices and further education is also made available to students. Vocational and Educational Training (VET) courses are provided as part of the senior study program.
As students progress into senior studies they have the opportunity to explore vocational pathways available to them including External Vocational Training (EVET) and School Based Apprenticeship Training (SBAT) options. Senior students may opt to commence a school based apprenticeship, a program that combines senior studies with paid employment.
Students are advised and guided on the range of post school pathways. Trinity maintains close relationships with universities across the Sydney region. Students are involved in a number of university programs including those from Sydney, Western and New South Wales University.
Please clink on the link below to be redirected to our careers website:
The Board Developed Mandatory Music and Visual Arts syllabus to be studied for 200 hours in Years 7 – 8, and 200 hours for Elective Drama, Music and Visual Arts in Years 9 – 10.
Study in the Creative and Performing Arts Year 7 – 10 provides students with strong discipline based knowledge and the fundamental skills, creative expertise, learning mindset and critical capabilities for the future world of work. Creative Arts students experience and develop the complex skills required to create and test ideas, generate creative works with confidence, shape inquiry and critically evaluate and reflect on what they do. Study in the Creative Arts prepares students to be significant producers and informed consumers of culture.
Stage 4
– Music and Visual Arts (Mandatory). Stage 4 music is based upon the Amadeus Program.
Stage 5
– Elective (200 hours)
The college offers three Creative and Performing Arts elective courses in Years 9 – 10:
- Drama
- Music
- Visual Arts.
Stage 6
– Elective (200hrs)
The college offers five 2 Unit Creative and Performing Arts courses for the Higher School Certificate:
- Drama
- Music 1
- Music 2
- Extension Music
- Visual Arts.
All courses are diverse in nature and offer challenges. They are designed to provide opportunities for students to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills.
The college offers two 1 unit Content Endorsed courses in Year 11 only:
- Photography, Video and Digital Imaging
- Visual Design
The Board Developed syllabus to be studied substantially throughout Years 7 – 10. Four hundred (400) hours to be completed by the end of Year 10.
Years 7 – 10
The study of English in Years 7 – 10 aims to develop students’ knowledge, understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the English language and to develop their skills as effective communicators, critical and imaginative thinkers.
Students develop their control of language by reading and viewing a range of texts and by writing imaginative, interpretive and critical texts with clarity and accuracy for a range of purposes and audiences. Students engage with and explore the literature of past and contemporary societies, as well as a range of spoken, visual, media and multimedia texts.
Years 11 – 12
The college offers four 2 Unit English courses for the Higher School Certificate:
- English Advanced
- English Standard
- English Studies
- English as an Additional Language/Dialect (Year 12 only)
The college also offers two Extension English courses for the Higher School Certificate:
- English Extension 1
- English Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
All courses are rigorous in nature and offer challenges. They are designed to provide opportunities for students to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills ensuring they are literate global citizens.
The Board Developed syllabuses are to be studied substantially throughout each of Years 7 – 10. Four hundred (400) hours to be completed by the end of Year 10, including 100 hours each of History and Geography in each Stage.
Years 7 – 10
Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) is the study of how humans interact with the world, how society operates and how it is changing. Through the study of HSIE, students develop the skills to prepare them to actively and responsibly participate as informed citizens in the contemporary world.
Students study mandatory History and Geography from Years 7 – 10.
The college also offers three elective HSIE courses in Years 9 – 10:
- Big History
- Commerce
- History Elective
Years 11 – 12
The college offers nine HSIE courses for the Higher School Certificate:
- Ancient History
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- History Extension
- Legal Studies
- Modern History
- Society and Culture
- Work Studies.
Learning languages opens minds to difference, where diversity is seen as a regular part of society. Proficiency in languages provides a resource that encourages more effective engagement with the global community. The study of Languages strengthens essential foundational skills for literacy. It also fosters intellectual and emotional development, and intercultural understanding.
Year 8 Language Program
In Year 8, students fulfill their mandatory language hours by engaging in learner-centred and culture-enriched programs through the study of Chinese Mandarin.
Studying Mandarin offers a unique and invaluable opportunity to engage with one of the world’s most influential languages and cultures. In our increasingly interconnected world, proficiency in Mandarin can unlock significant future opportunities across various fields, including business, technology, diplomacy and academia.
Beyond practical benefits, learning Mandarin cultivates a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives and introduces students to a non-alphabetic writing system, further strengthening their analytical abilities and expanding their linguistic horizons.
Years 11–12 Language Pathways
Students have access to study languages through external providers: NSW School of Languages and Secondary College of Languages.
The Board Developed syllabus to be studied substantially throughout Years 7 – 10. Four hundred (400) hours to be completed by the end of Year 10.
Years 7 – 10
The Mathematics K – 10 Syllabus provides students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding, and skills in mathematics, as well as their ability to work mathematically. Students have the opportunity to develop increasingly sophisticated and refined mathematical understanding, fluency, communication, reasoning, analytical thought and problem-solving skills. These capabilities enable students to respond to familiar and unfamiliar situations by employing strategies to make informed decisions and solve problems relevant to their present and future needs.
The college offers three pathways in Mathematics in Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10):
- Pathway to Advanced/Extension
- Pathway to Standard
Years 11 – 12
The college offers three 2-unit courses for the Higher School Certificate:
- Mathematics Standard 1 (Category B – Year 12 only)
- Mathematics Standard
- Mathematics Advanced.
The college also offers two Extension courses for the Higher School Certificate:
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
The Board Developed mandatory 300-hour integrated syllabus in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education to be studied in each of Years 7 – 10.
Years 7 – 10
Through the study of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) courses, students develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes needed to take action to protect and enhance their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing in varied and changing contexts. Physical education is fundamental to the acquisition of movement skills and concepts to enable students to participate in a range of physical activities – confidently, competently and creatively.
Students study mandatory PDHPE from Years 7 – 10.
The college offers Physical Activity and Sports Studies and Child Studies as electives in Years 9 – 10.
Years 11 – 12
The college offers four PDHPE courses for the Higher School Certificate:
- Health and Movement Science
- Community and Family Studies
- Exploring Early Childhood (1 unit and 2 unit)
- Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (1 unit and 2 unit).
The Board Developed syllabus to be studied substantially throughout Years 7 – 10. Four hundred (400) hours to be completed by the end of Year 10.
Years 7 – 10
Through the study of Science students learn about our biological, chemical, geological, physical and technological world. They actively develop skills in planning and conducting investigations, recording and analysing data and problem solving. Students explore real world phenomena and develop solutions to authentic problems.
The college also offers one elective Science courses in Years 9–10:
- iSTEM
Years 11 – 12
The college offers four Science courses for the Higher School Certificate:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Earth and Environmental Science
- Investigating Science
STEM education is a cross-disciplinary approach to the learning and application of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics outcomes, to solve real-world problems. STEM education inspires hope and a positive vision for the future. We are called to respond and to adopt new ways of living.
The college offers a STEM elective course in Years 9–10.
The Board Developed Technology Mandatory syllabus to be studied for 200 hours in Years 7 – 8.
Through the study of technology courses, students engage in a diverse range of practical experiences and develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary and advancing technologies. They develop solutions to problems and situations, and explore the impact of technologies on the individual, society and the environment.
Stage 4
- Technology (Mandatory)
Stage 5
- Design & Technology
- Food Technology
- Graphics Technology
- Textiles Technology
- Computing Technology
- Industrial Technology – Metal
- Industrial Technology – Timber & Furnishings
Stage 6
- Design & Technology
- Food Technology
- Industrial Technology – Timber & Furnishings
- Textiles & Design
- Enterprise Computing
Research into VET in schools has shown that VET training as part of a student’s school program is important for successful transition into adult life, no matter which route a student decides to take.
Vet courses are ‘dual accredited’, they are part of the HSC, some count towards an ATAR and students earn a nationally recognised Certificate or Statement of Attainment for the course through the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
Students study VET courses for many reasons. Some may be aiming to
- maximise their ATAR for university entrance.
- gain a head start in a trade course while at school
- explore possible career options, getting a taste of the industry
- follow their personal interests
- find a balance in a highly academic pathway
Trinity Catholic College has extensive VET offerings that allow students to achieve the best possible outcomes from their schooling. We believe VET courses are for ALL Students.
Students wishing to gain an ATAR (HSC Standard students) have the options of the following courses at Trinity. These courses are Board Developed by NESA and have an HSC exam so are used in the calculation of the ATAR.
At Present Trinity offers
- Business Services
- Hospitality – Cookery
- Information and Digital Media
- Retail Services
We aim to add to these options based on our student’s interests. Hospitality – Food and Beverages and Financial Services are areas being explored.
Students who do not require and ATAR (HSC PLUS students) can also study the Board Developed courses, but do not sit for the HSC exam.
NESA’s Board Endorsed courses are available to HSC PLUS students, offering the PLUS students an extended range of subjects.
At Present Trinity Offers
- Furniture Making Pathways
- Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways
- Sport Coaching Certificate II
- Sport Coaching Certificate III
- (Business) Workplace Skills
We also aim to add to these options based on our student’s interests. Active Volunteering is under consideration for the future.
Earning a Certificate III in some VET courses may also allow students without an ATAR to find a place in a participating university.
Trinity offers School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) to students which allows them to complete the first year of an apprenticeship by the end of Year 12. They sign up formally as an apprentice meaning they get paid for their on-site work and have a job after completing the HSC. SBAT units count towards their HSC units.
In conjunction with local Trade Training Centres, Saint Yon at LaSalle Bankstown, and Southern Cross at Burwood plus TAFE Colleges we can also offer a range of other VET courses (EVET), completed one half day a week at the other venues. Board Developed courses (ATAR) include Automotive, Construction, Electrotechnology, Human Services and Entertainment. Board Endorsed Courses (no ATAR) include Beauty Services, Early Childhood Education and Care, Fitness and Plumbing. Including EVET courses Trinity can offer students over 40 VET courses.