Academic Program
Overview
Guildford Grammar School, at all year levels, provides courses which are designed to stimulate all students' intellectual development and prepare them to progress to the next level. There is a continuity and coherence in the curriculum provided and in the expectations placed on each student. A framework is provided to give structure to the pattern of the school day and to provide guidance to parents regarding the homework and study expected outside the classroom.
Our courses are delivered in the manner and environment most suited to the students’ learning needs and capacities at each particular age. Within the broad subdivisions of Preparatory, Junior Secondary and Senior schools, great care is taken to tailor the courses to achieve maximum benefit for the student, to offer constantly greater challenges, and to produce the independent, resilient, and self-motivated students who graduate from the School.
At all levels, accomplished students and expert staff model academic excellence in the pursuit of the highest levels of attainment; in entry into state, national and international competitions; and in appropriate liaison with other schools as well as tertiary institutions. Students who perform in an outstanding way are recognised publicly in School Assemblies, in School publications, through the receipt of Prizes and Scholarships, through receipt of Commendation Certificates, and through membership of the prestigious Academic Honour Society.
Reports on progress are an integral part of developing skills and fulfilling ambitions. All Guildford Grammar School students are reported on at regular intervals – every seven weeks in the Senior School – and this is supplemented by formal Parent-Teacher Evenings, scheduled meetings with Mentors, and interim reports when requested. Guildford Grammar School is committed to sharing information with parents and students, fully, frequently and flexibly.
Subjects in Detail
For greater detail on various subject areas click on the links to the left under Academic Program.
Year 7
The transition to Senior School sees Guildford Grammar students commence our innovative Junior Secondary curriculum - Catalyst. All Year 7 boys study English and Mathematics. In these core areas, streamed classes offer extension and support to all students. Boys also rotate through four term-long Personal Learning Program courses, designed to develop crucial 21st Century skills. Elective courses offer a diverse range of learning opportunities including Art, Drama, Computer Science, Music and Media Studies. The academic program is completed with courses in Health Education, Physical Education and Religion, Philosophy and Ethics.
Year 8
All Year 8 boys will study English and Mathematics. In these core areas, streamed classes offer extension and support to all students. Boys also rotate through four term-long Personal Learning Program courses designed to develop crucial 21st Century skills and essential learning from the Science and Society and Environment learning areas. Elective courses offer a diverse range of learning opportunities including Art, Drama, Engineering Studies, Media Studies, Music and Sport Science. The academic program is completed with courses in Health Education, Physical Education and Religion, Philosophy and Ethics.
Year 9
All Year 9 boys study English and Mathematics. In these core areas, streamed classes offer extension and support to all students. Boys also rotate through four term-long Personal Learning Program courses designed to develop crucial 21st Century skills and essential learning from the Science and Society and Environment learning areas. Elective courses offer a diverse range of learning opportunities including Art, Drama, Engineering Studies, Media Studies, Music and Sport Science. The academic program is completed with courses in Health Education, Physical Education and Religion, Philosophy and Ethics.
Year 10
All Year 10 boys study English, Mathematics, Science, Society and Environment and one of the following languages: French, Indonesian or Mandarin Chinese. In these core areas, streamed classes offer extension and support to all students. Year 10 students follow courses in Arts and/or Technology. These are specialised semester courses preparing boys for Years 11 and 12. Students can choose from Art, Computing, Drama, Engineering Studies, Industrial Design, Materials, Media, and Music. The course is completed with a full programme in Health Education, Physical Education, and Philosophy and Ethics.
Years 11 and 12
Students in Years 11 and 12 are counselled to select appropriate courses choosing from a very broad range of courses which are offered as required at stages 1, 2 or 3. The timetable is written based on the subjects chosen by students at the end of Year 10, to maximise the subject combinations available to the boys. These courses include subjects from:
- Applied Information Technology
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Chinese: Background Speakers
- Chinese: Second Language
- Computer Science
- Design
- Drama
- Economics
- Engineering Studies
- English
- French
- Geography
- Human Biological Science
- Indonesian: Second Language
- Integrated Science
- Literature
- Materials Design and Technology - Metals
- Materials Design and Technology - Wood
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Specialist
- Media Production and Analysis
- Modern History
- Music: Western Art Music
- Physical Education Studies
- Physics
- Politics and Law
- Visual Arts
- Worklplace Learning
Information for Parents
Click here for Year 12 Study Strategies (from 2012 Parent Information Night)
Further Information
For more information contact the Director of Teaching and Learning, Mrs Julie Harris, on
julie.harris@ggs.wa.edu.au or (08) 9377 9251.