Secondary School

William Clarke College’s Secondary School empowers students to become active owners and directors of their learning through a future-focused approach called Deep Learning.

This model equips students with the knowledge, skills and Christ-like character needed to thrive beyond school. Through authentic, real-world experiences, students develop Christ-like Character, Academic Mastery and Enterprise Skills.

An 'Extraordinary Learner' grows in:

  • Christ-like Character: commitment to a life of virtue that allows one to bring hope to others by showing compassion, courage, hope, integrity and humility
  • Academic Mastery: proficiency in literacy, numeracy and a rich understanding of the big ideas that matter
  • Enterprise Skills: key competencies that describe the skills and attributes deemed necessary for learners to flourish as citizens of the modern world - the 5 cs of collaboration, critical thinking, communication, creativity and citizenship.

Learning is structured across three progressive stages—Foundation (Years 7–8), Exploration (Years 9–10), and Acceleration (Years 11–12)—each designed to build core competencies while nurturing individual strengths, passions and career interests.

Every student is also supported by a dedicated Mentor who journeys with them throughout their Secondary years, fostering character growth and personalised guidance in a Christ-centred environment.

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Discover Our Secondary Curriculum

What is Deep Learning?

Deep learning emphasises purposeful education that nurtures student agency, mastery, and meaningful connections. It calls for innovative teaching methods and authentic assessments that prioritise personal growth and real-world application. The framework reimagines education for the modern era, focusing on what students learn, how they learn, and how success is measured. At its core are six global competencies - collaboration, critical thinking, communication, creativity and citizenship - which serve as essential attributes for learners to thrive in a complex and rapidly evolving world. These competencies shape our curriculum and guide students to become purposeful, resilient and future-ready individuals.

Stages of Deep Learning

The Deep Learning Model is delivered through three progressive stages:

  1. Foundation (Years 7–8): Students build core knowledge and establish the foundation for Deep Learning.
  2. Exploration (Years 9–10): Learners pursue personal interests through a wide range of electives while deepening their understanding of core disciplines.
  3. Acceleration (Years 11–12): Students select HSC courses that prepare them for life after graduation and accelerate their learning journey.

Deep Learning in Action

Real-world relevance is embedded across all subjects - from Christian Studies and English to Science, History, Visual Arts and Industrial Technology. Students are challenged to solve authentic problems, think critically and reflect on their learning in ways that connect to life beyond school.

Learning Structure

Students attend a six-period day, with all subjects including at least one double period in the two-week timetable structure.

In Years 7-10, courses are studied either across a semester (two terms) or the full year.

Our Year 9 and 10 Xplore electives are taught entirely over double periods. This structure provides flexibility, where necessary, while also allowing students time to dive deeply into rich concepts and engage in authentic, real-world problems.

Character and Mentorship

Every student is supported by a dedicated Mentor who journeys with them throughout their Secondary years. This program reinforces character development and provides personalised guidance across academic and personal domains.

WHERE BEGINS

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