Curriculum
Overview
Every student. Every pathway. Every future.
At Sanderson High School, our curriculum is designed around one simple goal: helping every student leave school with a clear pathway beyond the classroom. From Years 7–12, students are supported to discover their strengths, develop their skills and prepare for university, apprenticeships, training or employment.
“Our goal is simple: no student should leave Sanderson wondering what’s next. We work alongside every student to help them discover their strengths, explore opportunities and graduate with a clear plan for their future. Success is about more than finishing school—it’s about leaving with direction, confidence and purpose.”
Mr Robert McIntosh, Principal
Years 7 – 9
Building Strong Foundations
The middle years focus on developing confident, capable learners through a broad range of learning experiences aligned with the Australian Curriculum 9.0.
Students study across all key learning areas while developing the essential skills needed for senior school and life beyond the classroom.
Learning Areas
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Health & Physical Education
- Technololgies
- The Arts
- Languages
General Capabilities
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Critical & Creative Thinking
- Personal & Social Capability
- Ethical Understanding
- Intercultural Understanding
- ICT Capability
Supporting Every Learner
Leading Learner Program
Extension opportunities for students performing above year-level expectations through enriched learning, challenge and high-order thinking.
Engage Reading Program
A targeted literacy intervention helping students strengthen their reading skills and confidently access the curriculum.
Supported Learning
Modified curriculum and additional classroom support for students requiring personalised learning programs.
Intensive English Unit (IEU)
Supporting newly arrived students in Years 7 – 9 to develop English language skills through the EAL/D Learning Progression.
Pathways Begin Early
Starting in Year 9, students can begin exploring career pathways through Vocational Education and Training (VET).
Courses are timetabled alongside regular classes so students can gain nationally recognised skills without missing their core learning.
This early exposure helps students discover future career interests before entering senior school.
Years 10 – 12
Choose Your Path
In Years 10 – 12, students choose a Pathway. Each Pathway combines the Australian Curriculum, SACE and VET to help every student achieve their Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) and create a Pathway Beyond School.
Our flexible timetable supports all senior students to access VET and allows Work Experience in Years 10 and 11 without impacting core lessons.
NTCET & Senior School
The Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) is the nationally recognised qualification awarded to students who successfully complete Years 11 and 12.
Students can combine:
- SACE Subjects
- Vocational Education & Training (VET)
- Workplace Learning
- Community Learning
- School-based apprenticeships and traineeships
Students wishing to attend University may also be eligible to receive an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
More Than Academic Learning
Pastoral Care Group
Every student participates in 2.5 hours each week of dedicated social and emotional learning, helping build confidence, resilience and positive relationships.
Elective Subjects
Students explore interests, talents and future career pathways through a wide range of engaging elective subjects.
Wellbeing
We believe successful learning happens when students feel connected, supported and valued.
Reporting & Communication
We value strong partnerships with families and encourage regular communication throughout every student’s learning journey. At Sanderson High School, we utilise the Compass School Manager App to distribute Progress and Semester Reports, and also coordinate Parent/Carer & Teacher Conferences.
Parent/Carer & Teacher Conferences
Held each semester.
Progress Reports
Issued mid-semester.
Semester Reports
Provided at the end of each semester.