Learning in 7-12
Santa Sabina College is a non-selective school catering for students with unique interests. In Years 11 and 12, students have the opportunity to choose either the NSW HSC or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
IB World School
The IB Diploma Programme caters for a diverse range of student needs and talents and is structured in a way that values deep learning and inquiry. Students who are interested in pursuing tertiary study in Australia or overseas, a senior certificate with a broad curriculum coverage and outward-looking international focus as well as a range of activities that develop them as a well-rounded individual are well-positioned to be successful Diploma Programme candidates.
IBO Mission Statement
The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organisation works with schools, governments and international organisations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
In Years 7 and above, students learn in sequences that fulfil the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) syllabus requirements of skills, knowledge and understanding, cross-curricular priorities and general capabilities. We recognise that the students learn at different stages, and the curriculum is differentiated to cater for their needs. We have a robust Inclusive Education program for our students who may need extra support, and we also offer many enrichment opportunities. We provide a rigorous and rich learning environment where the students are challenged in a safe and nurturing environment. The teachers gather evidence of learning through formative and summative assessment and give feedback to each student, enabling them to improve.
Units of Study
- English
- Mathematics
- Religion
- Science
- History
- Geography
- Languages (choose two – one each year – from French, Italian and Japanese)
- Personal Development, Health & Physical Education
- Art
- Drama
- Music
- Technology Mandatory – Food Technology, Textiles, Design and Technology and Coding
- English
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- Science
- PDHPE
- Religion
- Aspire
- Commerce
- Computing Technology
- Design and Technology
- Drama
- Food Technology
- French
- History Elective
- Italian
- Japanese
- Music
- PASS
- Textiles
- Philosophy and World Studies
- Visual Arts
The Encounter Program: a bold beginning to Senior Years
The Encounter Program marks the beginning of each student’s senior school journey at Santa Sabina College. Grounded in the College’s commitment to academic excellence, compassion, justice and personal growth, this three-week program offers students a unique opportunity to learn beyond the classroom.
The program centres on four distinctive encounter experiences:
- Community Engagement Encounter
- Career Encounter
- Immersion Encounter
- Adventure Challenge Encounter
Each experience fosters independence, self-reflection and connection with others through service, exploration or challenge.
Following these encounters, students take part in a Future-Proofing Program, building essential life skills such as financial literacy, team collaboration and communication. The program concludes with a Leadership and Spirituality Experience, where students engage in leadership formation grounded in Dominican values, preparing them for purposeful senior study and beyond.
- English Advanced
- English Standard (only by special request)
- Ancient History
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Design and Technology
- Economics
- English Extension 1
- Enterprise Computing
- Food Technology
- Health and Movement Science
- Italian Continuers
- Italian Continuers Accelerated
- Japanese Continuers
- Legal Studies
- Mathematics Advanced
- Mathematics Advanced – Accelerated
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Standard
- Modern History
- Music 2
- Physics
- Studies of Religion 1
- Studies of Religion 2
- Textiles and Design
- Visual Arts
- Theory of Knowledge
- Community Activity Service
- Studies in Catholic Thought
- Extended Essay
In addition to Core Classes, IB Diploma students study languages, humanities, sciences and mathematics from the following list:
Language and Literature (mandatory)
Mathematics (mandatory to choose one):
- Analysis and Approaches
- Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations
Languages (choose one or more):
- Spanish ab Initio
- Italian B
- French B
- Japanese B
Business Management
Global Politics
Psychology
Biology
Sports Exercise and Health Science
Chemistry
Physics
Music
Visual Art
Our extensive Careers Education Program begins with careers testing in Year 10 and progresses through mock job interviews, work experience, holiday camps and workshops, National Careers Week events, mentoring from ex-students and other members of the College community. Highlights include our Introduction to Medicine/Dentistry Program which demystifies the often complex requirements of entry into undergraduate medicine and dentistry, and our Career Women’s Network Breakfast and related events.