Each of the eight Learning Areas acknowledge the special gifts and interests that all our students possess and strive for an attainment of excellence.
English
The English learning area acknowledges the special gifts and interests that all our students possess, whether they come from within the college's boundaries, or from far and wide.
Students in Years 8, 9 and 10 are offered interesting, innovative and creative work that reflects the college's specialist Arts programs. Students are encouraged to produce a variety of assessment items such as picture books, shoe-box diagrams and sets, creative portfolios, investigation programs, board games, lecturettes and teenage magazines.
In addition, our students participate in a range of competitions and extra-curricular programs including debating, mock trials as well as It's Academic and Tournament of Minds.
In Years 11 and 12 progressive and challenging texts are used in the English course of study and English Literature. Text types studied include novels, short stories, poetry, narratives, letters, journals, print advertising, TV drama, news, current affairs and advertising.
English is also offered as part of our Academic Excellence Program.
Society and Environment
Society and Environment is a dynamic learning area that develops students understanding of how individuals and groups live together and interact with their environment. It aims to provide students with the appropriate knowledge skills and values in order to understand and participate effectively in the rapidly changing local, national and global community. Students engage in a variety of learning activities that enable them to build individual and cooperative skills in research and communication.
Throughout Years 8, 9 and 10 students develop their Investigation, Communication and Participation skills. Students are encouraged to communicate the findings of their research in as many forms as possible. In addition students are expected to value and practice commitment to democratic processes, social justice and ecological sustainability.
In Year 8 the study of Time, Continuity and Change enables students to understand that people's actions and values are determined by their understanding and interpretation of the past. The study of Place and Space examines the features of places (both natural and built), the way people interact with and care for the environment.
In Year 9 the study of Culture enables students to develop a sound understanding of how Australia's beliefs and values have shaped Australia's diverse society. The study of Resources examines the issue of resources use, management and enterprise, and the world of work.
In Year 10 students study Time Continuity and Change, Natural and Social Systems which examines natural, political and economic systems. Through these, students develop a sound understanding of content and assessment requirements for the Courses of Study (Year 11 and 12) offered in Geography, Economics, History - Ancient and Modern.
In Year 11 and 12 students are provided the opportunity to select courses of study in Geography, Modern History, Economics and Ancient History. The wholly school assessed subject of Work Studies is also offered.
Society and Environment is also offering in our Academic Excellence Program.
LOTE (Languages Other Than English)
All students in Year 8 and 9 study a language other than English. At John Curtin College of the Arts we offer French and Italian.
In Year 8 students study their chosen language for the entire year. In Year 9, students study a language for one semester only. In Year 10, they study of a language is optional. Upper school Italian is also offered. French is currently available to upper school students through School of Isolated and Distance Education (SIDE).
Students learn to communicate effectively in another language and gain an understanding of other societies and cultures. Lower school students are provided with opportunities to demonstrate achievement in each learning outcome.
Role-plays, reading and writing exercises, games, poster making and a range of other activities are incorporated to enhance achievable outcomes in the target language. Upper school LOTE builds on the foundation of lower school and extends the students' communication skills and deepens their knowledge of the target language.