Courses of Study
![[photo] Students performing practical science](_img/courses_001.jpg)
The Director of Teaching and Learning leads the Subject Coordinators who guide the teachers of the College in the subject area to provide meaningful learning experiences for students to gain the School and Higher School Certificates.
Our Lady of Mercy College is accredited with the Board of Studies so that students qualify for the award of the NSW School Certificate.
During their first year at high school the Year 7 students study a variety of subjects, which are: Religious Education, English, Mathematics - Stage 4, Science, History and Geography, Technology, Music, Visual Arts, Drama and Personal Development/Health/Physical Education.
During Year 8 the students continue studying these subjects but also have a choice of studying either French or Japanese as well.
In Year 9 the students study a core range of subjects comprising Religious Education, English, Mathematics (Stages 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3), Science, Australian History, Australian Geography and Personal Development/Health/Physical Education. In addition to these subjects they have a choice of two electives from the list below.
- Commerce - Business
- Commerce - Legal
- Geography
- History
- Photography & Digital
- Media
- Design & Technology
- Drama
- Information Software & Technology
- Physical Activity & Sports Studies
- Food Technology
- French
- Japanese
- Music
- Textiles & Design
- Visual Arts
![[photo] Students in art class](_img/courses_002.jpg)
Our Lady of Mercy College is accredited with the Board of Studies so that students qualify for the award of the NSW Higher School Certificate. In Years 11 & 12 students must study at least 2 units of English and 1 unit of Studies of Religion as well as choosing from the list of subjects below.
- 1 unit Studies of Religion
- 2 unit Studies of Religion
- English
- Standard
- Advanced
- Extension I
- Extension II
- Mathematics
- General
- Mathematics
- Extension I
- Extension II
- Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Senior Science
- Earth and Environmental Science
- Business Studies
- Ceramics
- Community & Family Studies
- Design & Technology
- Drama
- Economics
- Exploring Early Childhood
- Food Technology
- French
- Geography
- History
- Modern
- Ancient
- Extension
- Information Processes & Technology
- Japanese
- Legal Studies
- Music
- Music Extension
- PD/H/PE
- Photography
- Society and Culture
- Software Design & Development
- Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation
- Textiles & Design
- Visual Arts
- Vocational Education
- Hospitality Operations
- Business Services
- Information Technology
- Retail Operations
Further Vocational Courses may be introduced in future years. Opportunities are available for students to attend external Vocational Education Courses at TAFE Colleges.