For success in Australian schools students need to be able to communicate effectively in everyday English and be proficient in a formal style of English called academic English. During their time at Central Sydney, students learn to listen, speak, read and write in English as well as study academic English through various subject areas.
Content for the study of English is developed around the NSW Intensive English Program Curriculum Framework and is delivered through the following subjects areas:
- English
- Mathematics (junior and senior levels)
- Science (junior and senior levels)
- HSIE (human society and its environment - history and geography)
- PDHPE (personal development, health and physical education)
- Art
- Music
- Technology
Senior students are also given the opportunity to learn academic English through electives. Various electives are offered during the year based on the pathway needs of different student groups. For example, some electives are derived from Higher School Certificate (HSC) electives. Others are based on vocational education subjects. Others are CSIEHS developed courses to meet the particular needs of specific students. All are intended to provide the content for text types and grammar features necessary for English language acquisition in a school environment.
Some examples of senior electives that may be offered include:
- Business Studies
- Software Design and Development
- Society and Culture
- Visual Arts
- Essential Computer Skills
- Drama and Speech
- Legal Studies
- Music
- Vocational Education & Training
- Photography, Video and Digital Imaging
- English for Physics
- English for Biology
- English for Chemistry
- English for Senior Science
- Certificate of Spoken and Written English (CSWE)*
* The CSWE certificate is recognised by employees throughout Australia as a statement of English language proficiency.
To maximise success in their English language learning students are assessed on entry to our school and placed in age and English language level classes to study topics appropriate to their individual needs.
Students are taught by university trained teachers, qualified to teach English language as well as mainstream content subjects.