Senior Secondary

Senior Curriculum

The MacKillop Catholic College Senior School program strives to prepare students to achieve personal excellence in all areas of school life and to see each student take their place in the wider community in the spirit of Saint Mary MacKillop and Blessed Edmund Rice. Building upon the excellent work of the Years 7-9 programs, the MacKillop Catholic College Senior School aims to provide the opportunity for each student to become an independent and active learner, who is ready to confront the challenges of an ever-changing world through a rich and engaging curriculum that has a broad range of subject offerings.

The senior curriculum presents and explores study options over Year 10, 11 and 12 to support students as they journey together towards gaining the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE). It provides clear learning pathways from Year 10 into Year 11 and Year 12. It promotes a broad approach to senior secondary education, keeping options open for future directions beyond Year 12 including transitioning directly into employment, an apprenticeship or further study at University or TAFE.

MacKillop Catholic College students have a well-established record of outstanding achievement in their studies, careers, sporting and cultural pursuits and service to the community.  Learning in the senior years is challenging, and the secure, well-structured learning environment at MacKillop Catholic College, where students are already well known and understood, provides a strong basis for individual success.

In Senior School, students are expected to work more independently. It is the student’s responsibility to manage their time and seek help when needed.

Year 10 Curriculum

Our Year 10 program of studies focuses on preparing students for Years 11 and 12 senior subjects with a wide range of elective subjects, including Vocational Education and Training (VET) options. There is a strong focus on pathways planning with all students participating in work experience and transition programs providing opportunities for Year 10 students to reflect on their academic and personal strengths and plan a potential pathway through Year 11 and 12 and beyond.

Year 11 and 12 Curriculum

Year 11 is the commencement of the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE).    In Years 11 and 12, students study a curriculum from the Office of Tasmanian Assessments, Standards and Certification (TASC) and/or Vocational Education and Training (VET).  Students engage in a minimum of 8 courses over the two years. At MacKillop Catholic College, there are 5 lines available each year to provide the maximum study of 10 courses over two years. All students at MacKillop study a TASC approved Religious Education course in Year 11.

We work with students to help them to select their own program of study to develop their skills and pursue their interests, choosing from a range of pre-tertiary, non-pre-tertiary and VET subjects to suit future training and education pathways. Our Senior students in years 11 and 12 can choose to complete their Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) while achieving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) to go on to university or to pursue vocational education and training (VET) qualifications.