Years 11 & 12

Students read, write and speak with increasing sophistication, developing the skills to analyse ideas, argue a viewpoint and communicate clearly, in school, university and life.

• English: Explore contemporary and classic texts, practise analytical and creative writing, and build strong skills in argument, discussion and written expression.
• English as an Additional Language (EAL): For students whose first language is not English, with dedicated language support sessions plus the full senior English curriculum.
• Literature: For keen readers and thinkers who love stories and language. Students dive deep into novels, plays, poetry and adaptations, developing their own interpretations and critical voice.

From practical, real-world numeracy to advanced calculus and proof, our Mathematics program offers a pathway for every learner and for a wide range of tertiary courses.

• Foundation Mathematics: Focus on everyday maths for work, life and further training – financial literacy, data, measurement and problem-solving in real-world contexts.
• General Mathematics (Units 1–4): Applied mathematics with a strong focus on statistics, financial modelling, networks and decision-making – ideal for many business, health and humanities pathways.
• Mathematical Methods (Units 1–4): Algebra, functions, calculus and probability, essential preparation for many STEM, commerce and data-driven university courses.
• Specialist Mathematics (Units 1–4): The most advanced mathematics option, extending Methods with complex numbers, vectors, proof and higher-level calculus, perfect for students considering engineering, physics, mathematics or related fields.

Choosing Maths at Korowa: Our Mathematics teachers work closely with students and families to recommend the right combination of General, Methods and Specialist Mathematics to support future study plans.

Sciences at Korowa is hands-on, investigative and future-focused. Students learn to think like scientists: asking questions, testing ideas and making sense of an increasingly complex world.

• Biology: Study cells, body systems, genetics, evolution and immunity, with strong links to health, medical and environmental sciences.
• Chemistry: Explore the structure and properties of materials, reactions, energy, organic chemistry and sustainable production – a key subject for many science and health pathways.
• Physics: Investigate motion, forces, energy, light, electricity and modern physics ideas that underpin technologies from power generation to GPS.

These subjects help students understand people, power, ideas and economies, ideal preparation for law, politics, business, international relations and beyond.

• Business Management: Step inside how businesses start, grow and respond to change: strategy, leadership, marketing, human resources and operations.
• Economics: Explore how decisions are made in markets, what drives growth and living standards, and how governments and central banks manage the economy.
• Legal Studies: Understand how the legal system works, from criminal and civil cases to rights, law-making and law reform – a strong foundation for law-related fields.
• Modern History: Examine key events and ideas of the 20th century, including Germany between the wars, the Cold War, and movements that challenged power and brought change.
• Revolutions (History): Deep analysis of the French and Russian Revolutions; how and why they occurred, and how revolutionary ideas reshaped societies.
• Geography: Study hazards, tourism, land use, population trends and global issues through fieldwork, mapping and data analysis.
• Psychology: Learn how brain, behaviour and environment interact. Topics include brain function, learning and memory, sleep, stress, mental health and social influences on behaviour.

Creative subjects at Korowa develop original thinking, technical skill and a strong portfolio, whether students are heading for a creative career or want creative balance alongside academic subjects.

• Art & Creative Practice: Develop a personal visual language through experimentation, research and a sustained body of work, informed by historical and contemporary artists.
• Visual Communication Design: Discover and solve real design problems by exploring all design fields including environmental design, messages, objects and interactive experiences.
• Media Studies: Analyse film, TV, digital media and social platforms, then plan and produce your own media products using industry-standard processes.
• Drama: Create, perform and analyse devised and scripted performances, exploring Australian identity, contemporary issues and eclectic performance styles.
• Music (Units 1–2): Core music studies combining performance, creative work and analysis – a springboard into specialised Music subjects in Years 11–12.
• Music Inquiry: For students who love performing and composing, with a focus on investigating musical influences and developing original work.
• Music Contemporary Performance: Performance-focused for students in contemporary styles, including improvisation and re-imagined versions of existing works.
• Music Repertoire Performance: For classically-inclined performers focused on interpreting notated works and preparing for recital-style performance exams.
• Music Composition: For passionate creators who want to write original music, explore different styles and build a folio of compositions.

These subjects combine theory and practical work to explore performance, wellbeing, nutrition and the role of sport and food in society.

• Physical Education: Study how the body moves, how energy systems function, training principles, fitness and performance, with strong links to sport science, physiotherapy and health.
• Food Studies: Explore food from paddock to plate: Australian and global food systems, nutrition, food trends, sustainability and the science of cooking – with lots of practical work.
• Health and Human Development: Focus on health and wellbeing in Australia and globally, health promotion, inequality, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Languages build cognitive flexibility, cultural understanding and open doors for future study and careers. Korowa offers multiple pathways for learners from beginner to first-language level.

• Chinese – First Language: For native or near-native speakers, extending advanced reading, writing, analysis and critical response in Chinese.
• Chinese – Second Language / Second Language Advanced: For learners of Chinese as an additional language, building strong communication skills and cultural understanding.
• French: Develop communication skills for travel, study and work in the Francophone world, exploring contemporary culture and texts.
• German: Build proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing German, with insights into German-speaking cultures.
• Japanese (Second Language): Focus on practical communication and cultural understanding, covering everyday life, contemporary issues and intercultural perspectives.

Korowa’s VCE program balances academic rigour with strong pastoral care and guidance. Students are supported to develop effective study habits, independent learning skills and confidence, while also being encouraged to think beyond results to future pathways, purpose and wellbeing.

Preparation for life after school includes academic guidance, mentoring and support to help students navigate choices with confidence.

VCE students at Korowa are supported through structured academic guidance, subject-specific support and close relationships with teachers who know them well. Support is designed to help students manage workload, seek help early and continue to build confidence and capability throughout the senior years.

The focus is on growth, consistency and progress rather than pressure.

Wellbeing is a priority during the senior years. Korowa recognises that VCE can be demanding, and students are supported through clear routines, pastoral care structures and strong teacher–student relationships.

Students are encouraged to maintain balance, manage stress and seek support when needed, ensuring wellbeing and learning are addressed together.

Academic results matter, but they are not the sole measure of success at Korowa. The School is committed to developing confident, capable young women who are prepared for a range of pathways beyond school.

VCE is approached as an important stage in a broader educational journey, where personal growth, resilience and self-belief are valued alongside academic achievement.

Students receive guidance to help them make informed subject choices aligned with their interests, strengths and future aspirations. Korowa supports students to explore a range of pathways and to understand that there is no single definition of success after Year 12.

This guidance continues throughout the senior years as students refine their goals.

Korowa’s approach to learning encourages students to take increasing ownership of their learning as they move through the senior years. With clear expectations, guidance and support, students develop self-management skills, confidence and resilience, qualities that are essential both for VCE and beyond school.