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Faculties

English

The English Department is responsible for the teaching of our national language so that all students will be able to better communicate with all sections of the community.  In the senior years Years 11 and 12 students can opt to choose:

Standard English; Advanced English; English Extension I; English Extension II and in Year 11 English as a second language(ESL). 

A wide variety of learning options are included in the English Syllabus Year 7-10. Students find that they become engaged in such a wide variety of communication experiences including:

Creative Writing, Poetry, Drama, Film and Television, Public Speaking, Debating, Reading and ICT. 

 

Mathematics

The Mathematics Department is responsible for developing students' mathematical thinking, understanding, competence and confidence in the application of mathematics, their creativity, enjoyment and appreciation of the subject,and their engagement in lifelong learning.

The department also teaches the Computing electives to students from years 7 - 10.

In the senior school, Year 11 and 12 students can opt to choose: General Mathematics, Mathematics, Mathematics Extension1, Mathematics Extension 2, Software Design and Development, Information Processes and Technology and Information Technology.

Students may opt to undertake Life Skills Mathematics for both School Certificate and Higher School Certificate. Armidale High School also has a Board Endorsed Course available for students wish to develop Mathematical Lifeskills.

 

Science

The Science faculty is responsible for teaching a wide range of courses in the senior years  (Years 11 and 12) as well as the teaching of the mandatory Junior Science course in Years 7-10.  In Years 11 and 12 students can choose from the following courses:   

Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth & Environmental Science, Senior Science.

Students wishing to study a Science based program have the choice of selecting up to three of these senior courses subject to The Board of Studies requirements.  Students have access to six well-resourced Science laboratories and a network of computers providing Internet access.  Courses in both junior and senior years combine a mixture of theoretical and practical activities.  Outstanding HSC results have been achieved in the Science faculty, with two State firsts in recent years.

Social Science

The Social Sciences at Armidale High School offer a wide scope of choice to our students. In the Junior School, apart from the mandatory Geography course, students may also choose from Asian Social Studies, Commerce, Creative Problem Solving, Fieldwork Geography and Exploring World Issues.

In the Senior School students have a choice of Business Studies, Economics, Geography, Society and Culture, Legal Studies, Retail Services, Business Services and Entertainment.

In order to help students appreciate the relevance of our subjects to the real world, there are plenty of opportunities for excursions outside the school during the course of the year.  These may range from the local area to Point Lookout, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast.

Cultural Studies

Students at Armidale High School will find the Cultural Studies offerings a unique opportunity to experience world languages, indigenous culture and the story of mankind via History Studies.

Our school offers the widest range of languages in Armidale and has been nominated as having the best languages program outside of the metropolitan area. French, German, Italian and Japanese are offered from Year 7 to HSC level. Both Beginners and Continuers programs are available in the Senior years. Exchange programs to Germany and Japan are maintained to offer immersion in the language and culture allowing students to build up fluency in readiness for their important HSC year. Student excursions to Italy and Noumea are also offered occasionally, depending on demand. These extend student understanding of culture  language usage.  Outstanding HSC results over the past few years have confirmed the efficacy of the Languages program. The TAFE Certificate in German is also offered during Years 9 and 10. This gives students Credit points towards further TAFE studies.

Aboriginal Studies enables students to immerse themselves in Australia’s oldest culture.  Aboriginal adaptation to changing circumstances and their achievements are highlighted.  Aboriginal Studies is designed for students interested in the foundations of the Australian society, its social interactions and how it has responded to temporal change. Many careers now require an understanding of Aboriginal issues.

History is about the human condition: how it commenced, how and why it has evolved and where it is going. History Studies allow a student to develop the higher thinking skills that are necessary in today’s world.  Problem solving and practical experiences accentuate student understanding and grasp of historical concepts and philosophies.  AHS is proud to offer Extension courses in Junior classes in response to demand.  Ancient, Modern and Extension History are offered to HSC level and have achieved outstanding results in the past few years.

History Excursion

Creative & Performing Arts

Creative and Performing Arts at AHS offers rich educational programs in Music, Art and Drama. Creative and Performing Arts fosters student talent and provides many opportunities for students to develop performance skills and exhibition experience.


AHS Creative Arts students participate and excel in district arts activities

Industrial Arts

The Technology and Applied Studies Faculty offers courses within the three main learning areas of Industrial Arts, Technology and Agriculture. TAS offers a comprehensive range of courses apart from the mandatory Technology course in Years 7& 8. All courses are current and relevant and have a practical emphasis using modern technology.

Course options include :

Years 7&8

Electronics, Metal, Construction, Engineering, Timber, Technology, Graphics, Leatherwork, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry

Years 9&10

Industrial Technology including modules in: Timber, Metals, Building & Construction, Engineering, Electronics, Farm Mechanics, Automotive, Graphics, Design and Technology, Agriculture.

Years 11&12

Engineering Studies -2Unit
Industrial Technology-2Unit
Agriculture-2Unit
Design and Technology-2Unit
Construction-VET
Metals and Engineering-VET
Primary Industries-VET


Technology and Applied Studies has a proud record of achievement in senior courses frequently receiving Band 6 results in the HSC. Outstanding results have been achieved in VET courses regularly producing regional, state and national winners in World Skills Competitions. Most importantly, TAS subjects in most instances have proven to be the student’s best result of courses in the HSC.

Home Economics

The Home Economics Faculty offers a wide variety of courses including the mandatory Design and Technology Course in Years 7 & 8, and elective courses such as Food Technology and Textiles and Design in Year 9 & 10. Extension electives such as Cultural Cooking, Fashion and Design, Food Technology, Textile Arts are offered in years 7& 8 to meet the needs of the Gifted and Talented students.

In years 11 & 12 the Home Economics department offers a total of five courses which include: Food Technology, Textiles and Design, Community and Family Studies, Hospitality (all board endorsed courses) and Exploring Early Childhood (a content endorsed course).

Hospitality is a Vocational Education course that allows students to achieve an AQF qualification as well as their HSC. Part of the requirement for this course is the mandatory workplace component of 70 hours over the two years. Students at Armidale High have the opportunity of experiencing work in a five star resort and are encouraged to participate in this workplace excursion to Nara Resort in year 11.

Students from our Community and Family Studies and Exploring Early Childhood classes are given the opportunity to participate in the "Virtual Parenting" experience by taking home for a weekend the Reality Doll that the school has purchased. This gives these students a hands on experience of the demands of a newborn baby and is a valuable experience.
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Personal Development, Health & Physical Education

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education is taught from Year 7 to Year 12. Students participate in a wide variety of sporting activities both competitive and recreational. Students also have the opportunity to specialise in this area through our Sports Science, Sport Lifestyle Recreation and Dance electives.


The Personal Development and Health areas encompass a diverse range of topics including Drug Education, Sexuality, Growth & Development and First Aid.

Special Education

At Armidale High School we pride ourselves on the level of support that the school offers to assist students in the school with disabilities. The school currently has six highly trained permanent staff and over six casual staff that work together to provide a wide variety of educational support for students with special needs including Learning Difficulties, Language Disabilities, Mild, Moderate and Severe Intellectual Disabilities, Emotional Needs, as well as Physical Disabilities.

Students with Intellectual disabilities are able to choose between discrete class settings where they are provided with individual educational programs taught in smaller classes by Special Education trained teachers, or they can elect to attend regular classes with their peers, while being supported in these settings to achieve individual or whole-class outcomes.

Armidale High School’s philosophy is one of maximising access to a full educational curriculum for all students, including those students with Special Needs. In line with this ethos, access to mainstream classes and electives is maximised, with teachers providing modified curriculum where necessary to provide students with the education they deserve, enabling them to achieve in all facets of the school on their way to their School Certificate and Higher School Certificate.

Careers

Careers education is studied in years 9 & 10 for one period per cycle. In this time students learn to identify their interests, abilities and values as they relate to work, research a variety of job areas, develop a resume and portfolio, participate in work experience and learn how to go about getting a job and attending an interview. Students are also made aware of the education and training required for various types of jobs.

In years 11 & 12 students have access to all the resources available so they can make decisions about future education and training options. Students are counseled in their subject choice decisions and the impact they may have for future options.