Courses Available


Year 8

Study in Year 8 is seen as a formation for future study and a consolidation of the learning from primary school. It is founded on the 8 Key Learning Areas and incorporates specialty programs to maximize student learning and achievement. In Year 8 all students study from the following two areas:

Key Learning Area Subjects:

  • English.
  • Mathematics.
  • Health & Physical Education.
  • Industrial Technology & Design.
  • Information & Computer Technology.
  • Religious Education.
  • Study of Society & Environment.
  • Visual Art.

Specialty Programs:

  • Instrumental Band.
  • Japanese Immersion.
  • Learning to Learn.
  • Reading for Meaning.

Years 9 & 10

Recognising that students develop and mature at different rates, the Years 9 & 10 curriculum is designed to allow a flexibility that maximizes student learning at the time of readiness. Students choose subjects across Key Learning Areas. Each Area has a mandated number of hours which students must complete. The course of study a student takes at this level is constantly reviewed by parents, staff and students. This process ensures essential basic skills are developed while maintaining interest in studies through elective options.

Elective Options are offered in the following areas:

  • Art.
  • Agriculture.
  • Drama.
  • English.
  • Graphics.
  • Information & Computer Technology
  • Business Education & Technology
  • Japanese.
  • Mathematics
  • Music.
  • Quantum.
  • Religious Education.
  • Science.
  • Shop A (Woodwork).
  • Shop B (Mechanics & Metalwork).
  • Study of Society & Environment.

Years 11 & 12

Senior Secondary students at St Brendan's College are provided with the opportunity to participate in a course of study suitable to their abilities and ambitions. Two pathways are available and students may elect to study either one or the other or a combination of both.

The Tertiary Entrance pathway prepares students for mainstream University courses. Students select subjects from the range of OP choices and must meet requirements as set by the Queensland Studies Authority. The Vocational Education or Trade pathway prepares students for an apprenticeship on completion of Year 12. Students following this pathway would select a majority of their subjects from the vocational subjects.

To choose a combination of both pathways students take both OP subjects and Vocational subjects. This can result in students gaining an OP (provided they meet the QSA requirements) or a Tertiary Education Rank. These students are also equipped to move into an apprenticeship after Year 12.

OP Subjects:

  • Accounting.
  • Physical Education
  • Business Organisation & Management
  • Drama
  • Economics
  • English
  • Geography
  • Modern History
  • Ancient History
  • Japanese
  • Legal Studies
  • Visual Art
  • Information Processing & Technology
  • Information Technology & Systems
  • Marine Studies
  • Mathematics A
  • Mathematics B
  • Mathematics C
  • Multi Strand Science
  • Biological Science.
  • Physics
  • Agricultural Science.
  • Study of Religion

Courses with Vocational outcomes:

  • Agriculture & Horticulture Studies
  • Building & Construction
  • Hospitality
  • Industrial Skills: Engineering
  • Industrial Skills: Furnishing
  • Information Technology Systems
  • Certificate II: Information Technology

Other Courses:

  • Creative Art Studies
  • Industrial Skills: Practical Applications
  • Music
  • Prevocational Mathematics
  • Recreation Studies
  • Religion

School Based Traineeships:

Students may elect to undertake senior studies and complete a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship. For interested students, this is encouraged and the College actively assists students to secure traineeships or apprenticeships.