Learning
At our school, we teach the NSW curriculum and offer many different subjects to support each student’s learning. We know that development of skills in literacy and numeracy are the building blocks for learning and for everyday life. Our teachers use effective teaching strategies to help students achieve their goals.
Why choose us for your child’s learning?
Strong foundations
We focus on the skills your child needs to succeed in school and beyond. This helps them feel confident and prepared for the future.
High-quality education
We offer a range of subjects to match what students enjoy and want to learn about. Our skilled teachers support every student to find what they love, to do their best and to succeed.
Inclusive and personalised learning
Our teachers adjust how they teach to suit your child’s needs, interests and learning pace. We make sure every student feels confident and supported.
Extension opportunities
Some students are ready for more challenges. We offer open-ended tasks, enrichment programs and support. We help all students to reach their full potential.
What students learn
Students learn a wide range of subjects in the NSW curriculum. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for life beyond school.
At Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt our stage 4 students study the following subjects:
- drama (year 7 only)
- English
- geography
- history
- mathematics
- music
- personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE)
- science
- technology mandatory
- visual arts.
Explore how we teach the NSW curriculum through key learning areas.
To earn a Record of School Achievement (RoSA) at the end of Year 10, stage 5 students are required to study:
- English
- geography
- history
- mathematics
- personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE)
- science.
In addition, students must actively and regularly participate in Sport and complete four electives over the course of two years:
- Two 200-hour electives are completed across years 9 and 10,
- One 100-hour VIBE is completed in year 9, and
- Another 100-hour VIBE is completed in year 10.
The VIBEs (Various Interest Based Electives) are designed to engage participants in inquiry-based projects that develop extraordinary creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration and reflective thinking skills. At SSC Leichhardt we call these skills the 4Cs+R.
Electives offered vary each year.
- To find out the electives to be offered for year 9 students in 2026, download the year 9 subject selection booklet (PDF 1029KB).
- To find out the VIBE options for year 10 students in 2026, download the year 10 subject selection booklet (PDF 602KB).
Explore how we teach the NSW curriculum through key learning areas.
The inclusion of school sport at SSCL reflects a commitment to the overall development and well-being of students and supports the educational and social objectives of the school system.
All students 7-10 participate in sport on Tuesday afternoons. Students are given an opportunity to elect their sports in the previous term. Students choose a summer sport that remains the same for terms 1 and 4. They also choose a winter sport which will remain the same for terms 2 and 3.
Sport options may vary each year.
A summary of students' choices can be found by downloading the files below.
For information on Representative Sport visit the Bligh zone and Sydney East region websites.
At our school, students can take part in special religious education (SRE) or special education in ethics (SEE) classes on Wednesdays from 11.30- 12.15 pm. These classes are delivered by approved providers.
When enrolling your child, you’ll be able to choose an option from the approved providers offered at our school. Students not attending SRE or SEE are given supervised alternative meaningful activities.
You’re welcome to change your choice at any time. Just let us know in writing.
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Catholic SRE is provided by St Fiacre’s Parish Leichhardt, in the Catholic Diocese of Sydney. Catholic SRE teachers (also known as Catechists) are authorised by the local parish and trained by the Diocese of the Catholic Church.
For more information about Catholic SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit https://ccd.sydneycatholic.org/publications/curriculum-resources.
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Christian SRE is provided by the Anglican Diocese of Sydney. Christian SRE teachers are authorised and trained by Generate Ministries and the Anglican Doicese of Sydney.
For more information about Christian SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit https://thinkfaith.com.au.
- Special education in ethics (SEE) is a program in ethical decision making, action and reflection within a secular framework. Primary Ethics is the approved provider of SEE. Please visit https://primaryethics.com.au.
For more information about SRE and SEE, visit the department’s website or contact us.
At Leichhardt campus, there is a careers advisor available to all students. The role of the careers advisor is to work collaboratively with students to plan and prepare for the future and maintain communication with parents and guardians.
The careers advisor will assist students on campus by informing them of work experience opportunities throughout the year, subject selection process for years 11 and 12 as well as any employment queries including resume building and the job application.
Work experience documents are available on the Department of Education workplace learning site.
If parents/guardians wish to meet with the careers advisor please contact the school to arrange a suitable day and time.
At our school, we give the right support to help gifted learners to grow and do their best.
We notice these students early. They may learn quickly or show strong skills in creativity, leadership, problem solving or sport. We help them stay challenged with lessons and activities that match their strengths.
Visit our high potential and gifted education page to learn more about how we support high potential and gifted learners.
Our learning approach
Our school uses explicit teaching. This means we clearly tell students what they are learning, why it is important and how to do it step by step. Explicit teaching helps students understand new ideas by breaking them into smaller parts.
Learning at our school is student-centred, inclusive and practical. We are committed to equity and access. We support all learning styles and needs. Our teachers use proven teaching strategies. They take part in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with best teaching practice.
Our learning approach includes:
- real-world learning: hands-on tasks, group work and exploring new ideas
- technology: to help students learn and build digital skills
- flexible teaching: the right support for each student, with a focus on wellbeing
- community connections: through excursions and local programs.
Helping students progress
We support every student’s academic progress by:
- checking their progress and giving clear and timely feedback
- setting learning goals with each student
- giving extra help with personalised plans and support from specialist staff
- reporting on each student’s learning progress so parents and carers know how their child is doing
- providing targeted literacy and numeracy support in small groups
- making wellbeing part of everyday learning
- working with families to support learning at home and school
- helping students through transitions, like starting school or moving to a new stage of learning.
Learn more about additional learning support at our school.
Want to know more about our subjects?
We can connect you with the right teacher or staff member.
Student opportunities and activities
Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.
Our principal and staff
Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.