Learning

At our school, we teach the NSW curriculum and offer many different subjects to support each student’s learning. We know that development of skills in literacy and numeracy are the building blocks for learning and for everyday life. Our teachers use effective teaching strategies to help students achieve their goals.

Course and Assessment Outlines

Why choose us for your child’s learning?

Literacy and Numeracy

Macarthur Girls High School views the literacy and numeracy online enrichment program as a building block for success across all learning stages, resulting in better life options, academic success and skills for life enhancement.

Students from Years 7 to 10 participate in weekly literacy and numeracy enrichment activities. These activities significantly contribute to the improvement of student learning outcomes at MGHS. All students participate in pre and post testing for literacy and numeracy three times a year to ensure that the work that is being given to them is appropriate for their skills level.

Small Group Tuition

In 2025, the NSW Government provided funding for the Small Group Tuition (SGT) program. Through this funding and additional school funding, schools have employed educators to deliver small group tuition in numeracy and literacy for identified students who would benefit from targeted intensive support. This tuition is tailored to student requirements to ensure that students’ educational outcomes continue to improve.

Macarthur Girls High School has implemented targeted literacy and numeracy tutoring support since Term 1, 2022. This support provides small group tuition (3-6 students) during school hours.

Year 7 Humanities Program

In our Year 7 Humanities course, consisting of English, Geography and History KLAs, students learn about the dynamic world through a series of engaging units. They gain a holistic understanding of their environment, Australia, by examining its landscapes, traditional custodians, environmental changes, and the importance of sustainability. Throughout the course, students develop critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and adaptability, which are essential 21st-century skills.

Year 8 S.T.E.A.M program

Our Year 8 STEAM course, consisting of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, develops our students to become proactive, empathetic, and globally-aware citizens through cross-disciplinary learning.The course continues to develop the students’ 21st century skills (established in Year 7 Humanities) by allowing them to undertake various research and project based units throughout the year.Students collaborate with each other to develop solutions for real-world challenges, enhancing community engagement and problem-solving skills in partnership with groups such as CSIRO.

What students learn

Students learn a wide range of subjects in the NSW curriculum. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for life beyond school.

Our subjects

Explore how we teach the NSW curriculum through key learning areas.

Subjects
English

English (Stages 4 and 5 - Years 7 - 10)

Stage 6 courses (Year 11 and 12)

  • English Advanced
  • English Standard
  • English Studies
  • English Extension 1
  • English Extension 2
Mathematics

Mathematics (Stage 4 - Year 7 and 8)

Mathematics (Stage 5 - Year 9 and 10)

  • Mathematics 5.1 (Standard)
  • Mathematics 5.2 (Intermediate)
  • Mathematics 5.3 (Advanced)

Stage 6 courses (Year 11 and 12)

  • Mathematics Advanced
  • Mathematics Standard 1 and 2
  • Mathematics Extension 1
  • Mathematics Extension 2
Science

Science (Stages 4 and 5 - Years 7 - 10)

Stage 5 Electives

  • Critical Thinking
  • iSTEM

Stage 6 courses (Year 11 and 12)

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

PDHPE and SPORT (Stage 4 and 5- Years 7 - 10)

Stage 5 Electives

  • Physical Activity and Sport Studies
  • Child Studies

Stage 6 courses (Year 11 and 12)

  • Human Movement Science
  • Community and Family Studies
  • Sports, Lifestyle and Recreation
History

History Mandatory (Stage 4 and 5 Year 7-10)

Stage 5 Electives

  • Elective History
  • Psychology

Stage 6 courses (Year 11 and 12)

  • Modern History
  • Ancient History
  • Society and Culture
  • History Extension
Social Sciences

Geography Mandatory (Stage 4 and 5 - Years 7 - 10)

Stage 5 Electives

  • Commerce

Stage 6 courses (Year 11 and 12)

  • Business Studies
  • Economics
  • Legal Studies
  • Business Services (VET course)
Language

Japanese (Stage 4 - Year 7 and 8)

Stage 5 Elective

  • Japanese

Stage 6 courses (Year 11 and 12)

  • Japanese Beginners
  • Japanese Continuers
  • Japanese Extension
TAS

Technology Mandatory  (Stage 4 - Year 7 and 8)

Stage 5 Electives

  • Food Technology
  • Computer Technology
  • Design and Technology
  • Textiles Technology
  • Graphic Technology

Stage 6 courses (Year 11 and 12)

  • Food Technology
  • Textiles and Design
  • Design and Technology
  • Industrial Technology - Multimedia
  • Hospitality Food and Beverage (VET course)
CAPA

Mandatory Music         (Stage 4 - Year 7 and 8)

Mandatory Visual Arts

Mandatory Performing Arts

Stage 5 electives

  • Music
  • Drama
  • Visual Arts
  • Visual Design
  • Photography and Digital Media

Stage 6 courses (Year 11 and 12)

  • Music
  • Drama
  • Visual Arts
  • Entertainment Industry (VET)
Secondary Studies

Humanities - combination of English, Geography and History (Year 7)

STEAM - combination of Science, Technology and the Arts(Year 8)

Religion and ethics

At our school, students can take part in special religious education (SRE) or special education in ethics (SEE) classes, depending on what’s available. These classes are delivered by approved providers.

When enrolling your child, you’ll be able to choose an option from the approved providers offered at our school. Students not attending SRE or SEE are given supervised alternative meaningful activities.

For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.

High potential and gifted education

At our school, we give the right support to help gifted learners to grow and do their best.

We notice these students early. They may learn quickly or show strong skills in creativity, leadership, problem solving or sport. We help them stay challenged with lessons and activities that match their strengths.

Learn more about how we support high potential and gifted learners.

Our learning approach

Our school uses explicit teaching. This means we clearly tell students what they are learning, why it is important and how to do it step by step. Explicit teaching helps students understand new ideas by breaking them into smaller parts.

Learning at our school is student-centred, inclusive and practical. We are committed to equity and access. We support all learning styles and needs. Our teachers use proven teaching strategies. They take part in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with best teaching practice.

Our learning approach includes:

Helping students progress

We support every student’s academic progress by:

Learn more about additional learning support at our school.

Want to know more about our subjects?

We can connect you with the right teacher or staff member.

Contact us

Student opportunities and activities

Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.

Our principal and staff

Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.