Curriculum

The Junior Curriculum

At the Australian Performing Arts Grammar School, we offer a diverse curriculum which is delivered in semester blocks. In most subjects, students will be placed with their age cohorts; whilst in some, particularly the elective areas, students may find themselves in multi-aged groups or stages.

To satisfy the Board of Studies requirements for the NSW School Certificate students must complete a specified number courses and hours in a variety of subject areas. Some courses are mandatory whilst others are electives.

In Year 7 and 8 all students must complete the mandatory areas of study in English, Mathematics, Science, History , Geography, Design and Technology, Language other than English, Visual Arts, Music and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. At APGS, all audition students also study their individual performing arts discipline each year whilst non-audition international students complete a taster course in performing arts.

Year 9 and 10 students study the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, History Geography, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education and two electives. Elective subjects include Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts. Languages may be studied through Distance Education.

The Senior Curriculum

A wide range of Board Developed and Board Endorsed courses are offered at APGS. Students study six subjects in the Preliminary Course (12 units including 2 units of English which is mandatory). Preliminary subjects currently offered are: English Extension 1 (1 unit), English Advanced (2 units), Maths General (2 units), Studies of Religion (2 units), Drama (2 units), Music (2 units), Visual Arts (2 units) and Dance (2 units). A minimum of five subjects (10 units including 2 units of English which is mandatory) is required in Year 12.

Currently offered Year 12 subjects are as follows: English, English Extension 1, English Extension 2, Ancient History, Studies of Religion 2, Drama, Music, Visual Arts, Dance. Other subjects are available either through Sydney Distance Education High School (non-languages) or the Open High School (languages) and such courses attract a fee. All such courses are overseen by Dr Zerbst, and all correspondence is via our school, including school email facilities.

The Performing Arts Program

In addition to the subjects listed above, all APGS students undertake an extensive and rigorous performing arts program. This program includes specialised classes such as music, dance, drama/acting, theatre, visual art/design, choreography, film making, production and song writing.