Senior Studies

TAILORED LEARNING FOR EVERY STUDENT

At St Paul's, we create individual timetables to meet the specific needs of each student in their senior studies. Students are surveyed and interviewed regarding their strengths and career aspirations. We encourage students to choose a programme of study that best suits their interests, and we build the senior timetable to support their choices.

OUR HISTORY WITH THE IB
St Paul's was the first school in New South Wales to offer the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes which provide a continuum of education. The IB Diploma Programme was first taught at the school in 1990 and was subsequently authorised to offer the Primary and Middle Years Programmes in 2003.

All students, from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 10, study IB programmes at St Paul's. The relevant programmes are integrated with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) Curriculum. For their senior studies (Year 11 to 12), students must choose between an IB Diploma pathway or a NESA HSC pathway of study. St Paul’s senior school is typically half IB Diploma, half HSC.

WHY CHOOSE THE IB DIPLOMA?

WHY CHOOSE THE HSC?

Globally Recognised
Offered in 150 countries; consistent curriculum worldwide.

Rapid Growth
Expanding 20-25% annually in Australia and globally.

Excellent University Preparation
Rigorous and broad curriculum supports tertiary success.

Well-Rounded Education
Students study six subjects across languages, humanities, sciences, maths, and arts.

Core Components
Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge,
CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service).

Balanced Assessment
75% final exams in Year 12, 25% internal assessments.

Tailored Learning
Students can specialise in areas of interest and strength.

Wide Subject Choice
Extensive range including English (compulsory), Maths, History, Music, Science, Languages, and Extension courses.

Vocational Education Options
Practical, career-focused courses available on and off-site.

Skill Development
Encourages academic achievement alongside practical and employability skills.

Balanced Assessment
50% final exams in Year 12, 50% internal assessments.

OUR RESULTS

The academic results of the NESA Higher School Certificate and IB Diploma Programme have been outstanding over the past decade.

On average over the past ten years, 25% of our Year 12 cohort achieved Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranks (ATARs) in the top 10% of the State (i.e. 90 or above). The average graduating student ATAR is approximately 80. Each year over the past decade the school has had a number of students achieve ATARs above 99, with several receiving the top possible ATAR or IB score.

Most students wishing to progress to University have been accepted to the first choice of tertiary institution including the most selective universities in Australia and overseas universities such as UCLA, Hong Kong University, The London School of Economics, Harvard, and Cambridge. Students also progress to private colleges, TAFE or directly to the workforce in a huge range of career paths.

See Our Results