Senior School

The Senior School experience at Oran Park Anglican College provides unique opportunities for students to explore their individual interests and passions within an expansive range of subjects and co-curricular pursuits.

We are a collaborative and vibrant learning community, committed to educating the whole child, developing life-long learners who will make a positive difference in God’s world. The Senior School staff are a team of dedicated Christians and professional teachers working together with students to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills, discover their passions and encourage their hearts. Our culture is one where relationships are at the forefront of all we do and where students have the opportunity to develop the competencies and character for a meaningful life beyond school.

We offer a broad range of academic programs and co-curricular opportunities, along with a supportive wellbeing framework and strong pastoral care system, so that every student can find a place to flourish and excel. Throughout all our activities in the Senior School, we hope to commend and cultivate the Christian faith. Our aim is to ensure that every student is known, cared for and is valued. The positive relationships between staff, students and their peers it what sets apart the learning environment of our College.

Curriculum

The OPAC Curriculum provides a broad spectrum of experiences and subjects, guiding students in the art of learning and in processing ideas and information coherently. We encourage all our students to develop a deep love of learning, hearts of service and a commitment to hard work and perseverance.

Years 7 and 8

As they enter and settle into Senior School, students can engage in a variety of courses including:

  • Christian Studies
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Japanese
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
  • Science
  • Technology – Agriculture, Digital, Food, Textiles, Timber
  • Visual Arts
Years 9 and 10

In Years 9 and 10, students have opportunities to expand their knowledge across the core curriculum subjects of:

  • Christian Studies
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
  • Mathematics
  • Science

They also have the additional choice of a wide range of elective subjects. Subjects run based on student choice. Subjects that we usually offer include:

  • Creative and Performing Arts – Drama, Music, Photographic and Digital Media, Visual Arts
  • Human Society and its Environment – Commerce, Extreme History
  • Language – Japanese
  • Science – Critical Thinking
  • Physical Education – Child Studies and Physical Activity and Sports Studies
  • Technology and Applied Studies – Computing Technology, Design & Technology, Engineering, Food Technology, Industrial Technology Timber and Textiles
Years 11 and 12

Students in their final years at the College work towards attaining the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) following the NSW Education Standards Authority Curriculum. Subject selection at this level is based on the following pathways and programs:

Academic Pathways

Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR)
For University admission, students need to qualify for an ATAR on completion of their Higher School Certificate. It is calculated on the student’s best ten units, including two units of English.

TAFE
Students wanting to continue their tertiary studies at TAFE or other institutions will need to complete two units of English to obtain the HSC.

To gain an apprenticeship or traineeship, employers will look for students who have applied themselves throughout the HSC course and achieved satisfactory results.

Elective subjects on offer may include:

  • Ancient History
  • Biology
  • Business Studies
  • Chemistry
  • Community and Family Studies
  • Design and Technology
  • English – Advanced, Standard, Extension 1, Extension 2
  • Enterprise Computing
  • Food Technology
  • Geography
  • Investigating Science
  • IT Timber
  • Legal Studies
  • Mathematics – Advanced, Standard, Extension 1, Extension 2
  • Modern History
  • Music 1 and 2
  • Health and Movement Science (formerly PDHPE)
  • Physics
  • Society and Culture
  • Studies of Religion 1
  • Textiles and Design
  • Visual Arts

At times, these electives will change depending on the demand for different subjects. Year 11 and 12 students also have Christian Studies seminars, Assembly, Pastoral Care lessons and Sport.

OPAC is a place where students learn
to shine – in employing their gifts
and genuinely caring for others.

Mr Steve Owen
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School

Want to learn more?

Co-Curricular

Creative and Performance Arts, Sport, STEM, Christian groups and clubs

Wellbeing

Buddy program, Canine Support program, Chapels, College Counsellors and more

Diverse Learning

Learning Enrichment and Learning Support

Beyond the Classroom

Student Leadership, Mentor Programs and Outdoor Education