Academic curriculum overview
At James Ruse Agricultural High School, our academic curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire gifted students through a rigorous and comprehensive program aligned with NESA standards. We are committed to fostering excellence in both academic achievement and personal growth, preparing our students for leadership and success in a wide range of future pathways.
Years 7-8 (Stage 4)
Years 7-8 (Stage 4)
All subjects are mandatory.
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Agriculture
- Integrated Sport
- Mandatory Technology
- Music
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
- Visual Arts
Year 7
- History
- Japanese
- Latin
- Drama
Year 8
- Geography
- Japanese or Latin
- Philosophy
- Robotics
Years 9-10 (Stage 5)
Years 9-10 (Stage 5)
The following subjects are mandatory:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Mandatory Geography
- Mandatory History
- Agriculture
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
- Sport
- Careers (Year 10)
Students also choose additional subject electives to fulfil 200 hours of study over the 2 years.
100 hour subjects offered*:
- Commerce (Year 9/10)
- Elective History (Year 9/10)
- Japanese (Year 9)
- Music (Year 9)
- Photography and Digital Media (Year 9/10)
- Physical Activity and Sports Studies (Year 9)
- Philosophy (Year 9/10)
- Psychology (Year 9/10)
- Visual Design (Year 9/10)
200 hour subjects offered*:
- Design & Technology (DT)
- Drama
- Latin
- Visual Arts
Accelerated HSC subjects
- Agriculture (starts in Year 10)
- Japanese Continuers (starts in Year 10)
- Music 2 (starts in Year 10)
- Health and Movement Science (starts in Year 10)
- Software Engineering (starts in Year 9)
Years 11-12 (Stage 6)
Years 11-12 (Stage 6)
The following subject is mandatory:
- Advanced English
Electives offered*:
- English Extension 1
- English Extension 2 (Year 12)
- Advanced Mathematics
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Science Extension (Year 12)
- Ancient History
- Modern History
- Extension History (Year 12)
- Economics
- Legal Studies
- Latin Continuers
- Latin Extension (Year 12)
- Drama
- Music Extension (Year 12)
- Visual Arts
Accelerated HSC Subjects
- Agriculture
- Japanese Continuers
- Music 2
- Health and Movement Science
Participation in Wednesday Sport
- Year 11 - compulsory
- Year 12 - optional
Accelerated Subjects
Accelerated Subjects
Undertaken during Years 9-10*
- Software Engineering
Undertaken during Years 10-11*
- Agriculture
- Japanese Continuers
- Music 2
- Health and Movement Studies
*Various factors bear upon what subjects can be offered in any given year: student demand, coordination of timetabling, staff availability, etc.