Learning brings hope … Catholic educators see learning as a journey of endless possibilities, where students are energised to seek meaning and explore questions about the world around them (Horizons of Hope Vision Statement, Catholic Education Melbourne 2016).

The Sion Journey

Our curriculum, aligned with the Victorian Curriculum, takes students on a journey from transition into Year 7 to their futures beyond secondary education. 

Complemented by a Pastoral Care program that recognises that learning and wellbeing are interdependent, students are introduced to a breadth of disciplines in Year 7 and encouraged to take responsibility for their learning at each stage. 

Importantly, Religious Education – through the lens of the Sionian charism – is infused in every aspect of College life, with Religious Education studied at every year level.

Years 7 and 8: Horizons

Our holistic educational offerings give our youngest students a broad perspective of all the paths they might walk in life. 

From languages to the arts, STEM and technologies subjects, the emphasis on critical thinking, literacy and numeracy skills gives students the opportunity to consider the vast array of horizons they might pursue in the future, and opens their minds to a newfound love for learning.

Year 9: Independence

Our Year 9 learning programs support students and encourage them to develop the independence to make their own choices about where their futures lie. 

Through an extensive range of electives, enhanced choice recognises that students are ready cognitively, socially and emotionally to exercise more independence and responsibility both within and outside the classroom. 

Our unique Ayin program is specifically tailored to respond to the needs of our learners, aiding students to find the confidence to explore the world beyond the classroom and to preparing them for the pathways-focused journey ahead.

Year 10: Pathways

Building on the broad perspective and sense of independence garnered in previous years, our Year 10 curriculum provides increased choice as students begin to consider and plan for their preferred senior learning program. 

The L’Chaim program focuses on career education complemented by Career Testing, Work Experience and a variety of tertiary provider excursions and guest speakers. 

At the end of Year 10, decisions need to be made about subject selection for Years 11 and 12, and our students are supported through this process by dedicated staff.

Years 11 and 12: Footprints

Having made decisions about their pathways, senior learning involves actively walking the road ahead, towards a student's desired future. At Our Lady of Sion, it involves the family members, teachers and friends who walk alongside and support our students on their journeys. 

Curriculum at this level involves undertaking the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or, from 2023, the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM). Acceleration is available to those students who require enrichment and who are academically and emotionally ready to do so. Students can also complement their senior learning program with externally provided VET studies.

The curriculum handbooks below detail the individual subjects offered at each level.