Curriculum

We offer an exciting array of learning opportunities for students.

The curriculum offers a breadth of subjects, with eight learning areas to choose from: Agriculture, Science, Technology, Mathematics, English, Humanities, Arts and Health & Physical Education.

We offer the most comprehensive program of Agricultural and Horticultural enterprise in Australia. The farm is forty hectares in size and is used extensively in the learning and training programs for all students. Students undertake practical work and skill training as part of their learning program and teaching staff are assisted by experienced farm staff, including a farm manger, motor mechanic and enterprise specialists.

A printable copy of the Curriculum Guide is available from the Curriculum Guide website.

Agriculture

Agriculture is a compulsory subject at Years 8 and 9. From Year 10, students have the opportunity to specialise in their preferred pathways in order to develop specialist knowledge and skills in a wide variety of plant and animal enterprises. Students are able to select from a range of specialist agricultural courses, including:

  • Agribusiness
  • Aquaculture
  • Vineyard Management and Winemaking
  • Livestock management – cattle, sheep and goat enterprises
  • Animal Science and Animal Studies
  • Crop and Plant Science
  • Agronomy
  • Agricultural and Horticultural Science
  • Native and Agri Foods

In addition to their studies, students elect to join clubs in their areas of interest to develop their skills and competencies. Field tours and work placements are key components in all of our programs, giving students the opportunity to interact and network with industry.

Urrbrae Agricultural High School focusses on developing practical knowledge and capabilities with embedded values to promote environmental and social sustainability. Our strong environment focus ensures students are involved in a variety of relevant activities from habitat revegetation to geological surveys. The onsite Urrbrae Wetland Learning Centre provides a unique resource for extended study of the environment and its health, and forms a valuable part of our environmental curriculum.

Arts

Arts at Urrbrae High School promotes creativity and fosters artistic expression. Beginning in Year 7, students engage in a foundational arts education, setting the stage for specialized pathways from Year 9 onwards. Our comprehensive range of specialist courses includes Visual Arts, Design, Music, Drama, and Media Studies.

In addition to their coursework, students have the option to participate in clubs and extracurricular activities tailored to their interests. Lunchtime offerings such as Art Club and Music Club provide additional opportunities for skill development. Students also have numerous platforms to showcase their work, including whole school assemblies, Barn Markets, exhibitions, and various music events.

 

Students are encouraged to engage with the wider community, collaborating with artists and participating in Awards and exhibitions like the Adelaide School’s Art Prize, The Royal Adelaide Show, and Urrbrae’s Sala Exhibitions. Student’s studying Music can access the Instrumental Music program offered through school.

Beginning with an introduction to Visual Art and Music in Year 7, students’ progress to explore Visual Arts, Music, and Drama in Year 8. By Year 9, students can specialize further in Media, Drama, Music, Visual Arts, or Design, with continued study options available in Years 10, 11, and 12.

Design and Technology

Design and Technology empowers and inspires students to recognise and create opportunities for innovation in a rapidly changing world and fosters creativity and the power of ideas. Design and Technology is compulsory in Years 8 and 9, and leads to a variety of specialist subjects in the senior school. Subjects available include Wood Technology, Metal Technology, CAD (Computer Aided Design), Electronics, Automotive Technology, Environmental Technology and Outdoor Construction. Students have the option of many pathways from subjects in Design and Technology, including Certificate courses, School-based apprenticeships and other TAFE or University pathways.

 

English

Students at Urrbrae engage in a rich curriculum, with many extra curricula activities available to students to extend themselves such as debating, a Literati party and many competitions.

Health & Physical Education

Urrbrae offers students a wide range of health and physical education experiences. Our classses range from year 8 health and physical education which includes home economics, and go right through to Year 12 Health, Physical Education, Outdoor Education, Food and Hospitality and Child Studies. Our students have the option of participating in a full range of extra-curricular activities in school sports such as Basketball, Volleyball, Australian Rules Football, Indoor Soccer, plus many more in weekly competitions and carnivals and state knockout cup matches. Students have access to a variety of onsite resources such as kitchens, multi-sport gymnasium, indoor climbing wall, 6 lane 25m-long pool, outdoor courts and ovals. Students also access off-site facilities for Surfing, Sailing, Canoeing, Rock Climbing, Bushwalking and Squash for excursions and camps.

Library

Maths

The proficiency strands understanding, fluency, problem-solving and reasoning are an integral part of mathematics content across the three content strands: number and algebra, measurement and geometry, and statistics and probability. The proficiencies reinforce the significance of working mathematically within the content and describe how the content is explored or developed. The Australian Mathematical curriculum can be found here Mathematics Curriculum

Assessment Components

Teachers use a variety of assessment approaches to accurately reflect student understanding and skills. These approaches include, but are not limited to  investigations, group work, projects, observations, online tasks, conversations, and tests.

Additional Information

Calculators and appropriate IT will be used throughout the year. Mathematical competitions run throughout the year extend students’ knowledge and understanding. Maths help at lunchtimes is available in the very popular central maths area to all students, with maths teachers always on hand to help with homework, assignments and test preparation.

Vocational Education and Training