All teaching and learning programs are developed in accordance to the requirements of:
- the NSW syllabus documents
- the intensive English program curriculum framework document
- the levels of the NSW Department of Education's English as a second language (ESL) scales document
- the curriculum varies depending on the level of the student's English.
Level 1
- English
- mathematics
- science
- geography
- art
- physical education
- food technology.
Level 2
- English
- mathematics
- science
- geography
- art
- physical education
- history
- computer studies
- commerce.
Students are placed into Years 7 and 8 or Years 9 and 10 classes according to their ages.
How are classes structured?
Within each stage, students are then divided into:
- level 1 for students with little or no English
- level 2 for students with a basic level of English
- level 3 for students with functional English, who only need a short period of support before exiting to high school.
Progression from one level to the next is based on the achievement of the core outcome requirements for each level.
Programs and activities
Holroyd High School's Intensive English Centre (IEC) students are able to access a range of school services and activities.
Some of these student support programs and services include:
- counselling
- settling in
- reading programs (locally written spelling and phonics green folder program)
- TAFE (technical and further education) tasters
- gateways
- after school tutoring
- student assistance
- international students' co-ordinator
- library and identification cards.
Excursions
All students attend approximately three excursions per term. Excursions form an important part of our program with class work relating to the excursion occurring before, during and after the event.
All excursions are compulsory as they relate directly to the teaching and learning programs studied by the class and give the students first hand experience with the study matter.
Excursions also assist with the settlement and acculturation processes for students new to the country.
Parents who have concerns or questions regarding an excursion are encouraged to seek clarification by contacting the centre.
Sports carnivals
IEC students participate in the school's calendar of sporting events that include:
- the swimming carnival (for those students that can swim)
- the athletics carnival
- the cross country carnival.
These events are only held once per year. IEC students who qualify are able to represent the school at area, regional and state level.
Extra-curricular activities
- Suitcase Stories, refugee performing arts program
- reading club
- chess club
- knockout sport competitions
- choir
- opera education.