The Senior School follows the courses as prescribed by NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority). Students are awarded a transcript of studies at the end of their course, and can be awarded a RoSA (Record of School Achievement) if they leave for an apprenticeship or full time work.
All subjects within the Senior School curriculum are taught from a Christian perspective, which encourages our students to view all aspects of their learning as being relevant to their development as a contributing, thinking member of Australian society as well as part of the world wide community.
During all years, students follow a program of Christian Studies which encourages students to read and apply the Bible and its teachings to everyday life. This includes small groups and whole school chapel.
Brief details of the Senior School curriculum are included below. Students transferring from interstate can normally enrol in the years appropriate for their age and be eligible for the award of NSW Certificates. Full details can be confirmed on application to the School.
The course pattern, for each student to maintain eligibility for the award of their transcript, and be eligible for a RoSA or access to Yr 11, requires the completion of core courses in English, Mathematics, Science, Human Society & Its Environment (HSIE) and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) in each of Stage 4 & 5. During Stage 4, students must also complete qualifying courses in Music, Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Geography, History & LOTE. Transcript Grades of “A”-”E” are awarded in all subjects on the basis of students’ achievements during Stage 5.
The School also requires the completion of a preliminary course in Christian Studies during stage 4. In Stage 5, students follow an elective course which allows them to specialise in areas of interest as well as developing new interests in a broad range of areas. We cater for a range of abilities from gifted and talented students to those experiencing learning difficulties. Subjects currently on offer include: Food Technology, Timber, Metals, Music, PASS (Physical and Sports Studies), Visual Arts, Commerce, and IST (Information and Software Technology).
At Mamre, we recognise, value and cater for the needs of all of our students and aim to provide an intellectually stimulating learning environment which challenges and inspires our students and fosters their love of learning.
Our Diverse Learning Centre is home to both our Gifted and Talented Program and our Learning Support Program from Kindergarten to Year 12, overseen by our Head of Diverse Learning and Pathways. Our Gifted and Talented Program is known as the Young Scholars Program. The Young Scholars Program provides our students the opportunity to engage in tasks where creative and critical thinking skills are embedded, and students are encouraged to think outside the square. These classes are fast-paced and challenging, designed for independent learners with excellent reasoning and research skills.
The Young Scholars Program operates on a needs basis where children are referred by teachers and in consultation with parents. Entry into the Program is through students sitting an academic assessment.
Problem solving is of high importance within our curriculum and our students are trained and prepared for many academic competitions. Teams from Stages 3, 4 and 5 represent our school at both GATEway 8 and the da Vinci Decathlon each year. We also enter students into the APSMO Mathematics Olympiad. This challenge runs for students from Years 5-8.
Within learning support, we have incorporated the MultiLit program from Years K-10. These are intense literacy programs designed to give students a boost in their understanding of phonemes, spelling rules, reading comprehension and vocabulary. We also run small withdrawal groups for Mathematics. These programs are included within the schools daily timetables to assist those students who need extra assistance in these subjects. Our learning support teachers work closely with classroom teachers and often work within the classrooms, taking small groups for reading and literacy sessions and study skills within the Senior School.
At the Senior School level, a sports afternoon is held on Tuesdays, which offers the opportunity for recreational or competitive sports, including competition against other schools. The Tuesday afternoon program is extensive. Cricket, Hockey, Softball, Netball, Basketball, Volleyball, Rugby League, Soccer, Golf, Weights, Aerobics, Gymnastics, Dance, Archery and Swimming (amongst others) are offered. This may vary from year to year. Students compete at School Swimming, Athletics and Cross-Country carnivals to gain representation at Christian Schools Sports Association Carnivals. Through this avenue students can gain access to all-schools events in selected sports.
The School provides specialist instruction in music. This includes both class and private tuition. Students from Kindergarten can learn to play the recorder as well as a number of percussion instruments. From Year 3-6 students are involved in a brass and wind program. Students have opportunities to perform at community events including regional and Sydney Eisteddfods and School events, including the Music and Drama Night and Twilight Concert. Specialist music teachers are employed by the School to provide private tuition in brass, wind, keyboard and guitar at a small fee to parents. Office staff or our music teacher can assist with any parent enquiries.
At Mamre students support a number of charities and organisations through fundraising and special school events. These events can, but do not exclusively include, the Westmead Hospital Bandaged Bear Appeal, MS Read-a-thon and Samaritan’s Purse.
The Senior School also offers a range of opportunities for students to gain experience and in exercising their gifts and abilities. This is an important part of the implementation of the School’s philosophy.
