Learning

At Merrylands High School, we teach the NSW curriculum and offer many different subjects and courses to support each student’s learning and interests. We know that development of skills in literacy and numeracy are the building blocks for learning and for everyday life. Our teachers use effective teaching strategies to help students achieve their goals.

Subjects and courses we offer

Students learn a wide range of subjects in the NSW curriculum. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for life beyond school. Explore the subjects and courses we teach in each key learning areas.

📜 English and English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)

Years 7–10

English

Years 11–12

English Advanced
English EAL/D
English Standard
English Studies

🧮 Mathematics

Years 7–10

Mathematics

Years 11–12

Mathematics Advanced
Mathematics Extension 1
Mathematics Standard
Numeracy Stage 6

🧪 Science

Years 7–10

Science

Years 11–12

‡ 🧬 Biology
‡ ⚗️ Chemistry
‡ 🪨 Earth and Environmental Science
  🔍 Investigating Science
‡ 🔭 Physics

🌏 Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) and Languages

Years 7–10

‡ 🪙 Commerce
‡ 🗺️ Geography
‡ History
History Elective
Spanish

Years 11–12

‡ 🪃 Aboriginal Studies
‡ Ancient History
‡ 💰 Business Studies
💱 Economics
⚖️ Legal Studies
‡ Modern History

🛠️ Technological and Applied Studies (TAS)
💻 Computing Technology
📐 Design and Technology
Enterprise Computing
🧁 Food Technology
🏭 Industrial Technology
iSTEM
🤖 Robotics
🪵 Timber Technology
🏀 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

Years 7–10

🤾 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
👶 Child Studies
⛹️ Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS)

Years 11–12

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Community and Family Studies (CAFS)
💪 Health and Movement Science (HMS)
🏃‍♀️‍➡️ Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies (SLR)

🎭 Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)
💃 Dance
😱 Drama
🎸 Music
🎨 Visual Arts
👷 Vocational Education and Training (VET)
💳 Business Services
🏗️ Construction
🍽️ Hospitality
⚽ Sports Coaching

new syllabus starting in 2026
‡ new syllabus after 2026
Content Endorsed Course, developed by NESA. Senior CECs do not have an HSC exam and do not count towards a student’s ATAR.

Religion and ethics

At our school, students can take part in special religious education (SRE) or special education in ethics (SEE) classes, depending on what’s available. These classes are delivered by approved providers.

When enrolling your child, you’ll be able to choose an option from the approved providers offered at our school. Students not attending SRE or SEE are given supervised alternative meaningful activities.

You’re welcome to change your choice at any time. Just let us know in writing or use the online form (if available at our school).

There are no special religious education and special education in ethics approved providers available at this school.

For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.

High potential and gifted education

At our school, we give the right support to help gifted learners to grow and do their best.

We notice these students early. They may learn quickly or show strong skills in creativity, leadership, problem solving or sport. We help them stay challenged with lessons and activities that match their strengths.

Learn more about how we support high potential and gifted learners.

Why choose us for your child’s learning?

Strong foundations

We focus on the skills your child needs to succeed in school and beyond. This helps them feel confident and prepared for the future.

High-quality education

We offer a range of subjects to match what students enjoy and want to learn about. Our skilled teachers support every student to find what they love, do their best and succeed.

Inclusive and personalised learning

Our teachers adjust how they teach to suit your child’s needs, interests and learning pace. We make sure every student feels confident and supported.

Extension opportunities

Some students are ready for more challenges. We offer open-ended tasks, enrichment programs and support. We help all students to reach their full potential.

Our learning approach

Our school uses explicit teaching. This means we clearly tell students what they are learning, why it is important and how to do it step-by-step. Explicit teaching helps students understand new ideas by breaking them into smaller parts.

Learning at our school is student-centred, inclusive and practical. We are committed to equity and access. We support all learning styles and needs. Our teachers use proven teaching strategies. They take part in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with best teaching practice.

Our learning approach includes:

Helping students progress

We support every student’s academic progress by:

Learn more about additional learning support at our school.

Want to know more about our subjects and what students learn?

We can connect you with the right teacher or staff member.

Contact us

Student opportunities and activities

Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.

Our principal and staff

Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.