Students as lifelong learners

Our program for Year 7 and Year 8 aims to create a smooth transition into High School and maximise student engagement. Courses for Year 9 and Year 10 provide opportunities for enriched learning, and are grounded in critical thinking and the ongoing development of literacy and numeracy skills, while the expanded Senior program features stimulating choices across all faculty areas.

All subjects are taught to the highest level offered, including Extension level courses. Acceleration is facilitated and supported for students who are advanced in Languages and Mathematics. Our students’ HSC results are outstanding. 

We have recently expanded our Stage 5 and 6 course offerings to cater for a diversity of student interests and teacher expertise. Recent additions include Stage 5 Commerce, Photographic and Digital Media, and Physical Activity and Sports Studies as well as Stage 6 Investigating Science, Legal Studies, and Textiles and Design.

Stage 4 curriculum is largely mandated by the NSW Education Standards Authority, with compulsory study in English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), Science, Visual Arts, and Technology.

IGS students in Year 7 to Year 10 continue to study their second language (French, German, Japanese or Italian). Beginner language classes are available for students new to the School in Year 7. In addition, all students in Year 7 and Year 8 study a third language (currently Chinese or Spanish).

The curriculum is programmed to ensure a smooth transition from the Primary School years into High School, and reflects the special needs of students during the middle years. The program provides regular physical exercise, enrichment for higher-level achievers, flexibility and student choice, all aimed at maximising student engagement.

IGS has also introduced Philosophy as a new curriculum offering in Year 7. 

Stage 5 students continue their study of English, Mathematics, Science and PDHPE. In addition, students undertake the mandatory courses in History and Geography and they continue their second language to the end of Year 10.

Electives in Stage 5 are offered in the following disciplines: Drama, Design & Technology, Geography, History, Commerce, Music, PDHPE, Film Studies, Photographic and Digital Media and Visual Arts. A third language can also be continued as an elective choice.

Every course is designed to meet the needs of individual students through program flexibility, enabling both enrichment study and individual course modification where appropriate.

IGS offers a wide range of NSW Education Standards Authority developed courses for the Higher School Certificate (HSC). Languages studied in Year 7 to Year 10 can be continued as HSC courses and Beginner language courses are offered subject to student demand.