Curriculum, Learning & Pathways

​​​Mt Maria College Petrie provides a curriculum that aims at:
  • Engaging the interests of your child
  • Involving your child in real life and life-like activities
  • Building on successes
  • Developing skills which can be transferred across a whole range of life experiences
  • Improving attitudes towards learning
  • Enhancing literacy and numeracy skills
  • Promoting faith learning that is life long and life giving.

Years 7-9: A time of Transition and Consolidation

Year 7 - a crucial year of development as students make the important transition from primary to secondary education. 
Year 8 - students continue to explore subjects and experiences so they are ready for more independence. 

Year 7 and Year 8 timetables are built to ensure students meet the requirements for learning time in all curriculum areas in the Australian Curriculum.
  • Core subjects studied all year: Religious Education (RE), Math, English, Science
  • Core subjects studied on semester (two terms) rotation: Geography/Business Economics, History/Civics & Citizenship, French, Health & Physical Education (HPE), Digital Technologies
  • Subjects studied on compulsory, term rotation: Music, Visual Arts, Drama, Media Arts, Design Technologies: Materials/Engineering, Design Technologies: Food & Fibre/Food Specialisation
Year 9 - students begin to undertake selected subjects in greater depth. The focus of our curriculum in Year 9 is on wise choices and building on the progress and successes of the previous year.

  • Core subjects studied all year: Religious Education (RE), Math, English, Science
  • Core subjects studied on semester (two terms) rotation: Health & Physical Education (HPE), History 
  • Elective subjects ​studied for a semester rotation: Civics & Citizenship/Humanities, Design (pathway to Senior Design), Design Technologies – Food & Fibre/Food Specialis​ation, Design Technologies: Materials/Engineering, Digital Technologies, Drama, Media Arts, Music, Visual Arts

Year 10: A Gateway to the Future

Year 10 offers a range of subjects for students wishing to continue to tertiary education, those moving on to vocational courses and students wishing to enter employment. The curriculum allows students to undertake career education, TAFE-accredited courses and other training options. 
  • Core subjects studied all year: Religious Education (RE), Math, English, Science
  • Core subjects studied on a semester rotation: Health & Physical Education (HPE), History 
  • Elective subjects ​(6) studied on a semester rotation: 
    • ​Certificate I in Employment Pathways (opportunity to bank 2 QCE credits for senior)
    • Civics & Citizenship/Humanities (Pathway to Senior Humanities)
    • Design & Technologies (pathway to Senior Design)
    • Design Technologies – Food & Fibre/Food Specialisation
    • Design Technologies: Materials/Engineering
    • Digital Technologies (including an introduction to drones)
    • Drama
    • Health & Physical Education (Short Course Fitness - an opportunity to bank 2 QCE credits for senior)
    • Media Arts
    • Music
    • Science Elective: Biology & Chemistry (preparation for Senior)
    • Science/Math Elective: Physics & Math (preparation for Senior)
    • Visual Arts​

Year 11 and 12: Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

By the end of Year 10, students are able to choose from a variety of educational pathways leading to: the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), tertiary study, a trade or employment. Students will study subjects from the following areas over the two years:
  • Biology (General)
  • Chemistry​ (General)
  • Design (General)
  • Drama in Practice (Applied)
  • English (General)
  • Essential English (Applied)
  • Essential Mathematics (Applied)
  • Film, Television & New Media (General)
  • General Mathematics (General)
  • Information & Communication Technology (Applied)
  • Industrial Technology Skills (Applied)
  • Mathematical Methods (General)
  • Media in Practice (Applied)
  • Modern History (General)
  • Music (General)
  • Music in Practice (Applied)
  • Physical Education (General) 
  • Physics (General)
  • Religion and Ethics (Applied)
  • Social and Community Studies​ (Applied)
  • Study of Religion (General)
  • Visual Art in Practice (Applied)


Vocational Education​ and Training (on campus)

  • AVI30419 Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot)
  • BSB30120 Certificate III in Business
  • MEM20422 Certificate II in Engineering Pathways
  • SIS30122 Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation​
  • SIT30622 Certificate III in Hospitality 

Other vocational opportunities (off campus)
  • TAFE@School (many options available)​
  • School-based traineeship
  • School-based Apprenticeship

© Brisbane Catholic Education, Mt Maria College, Petrie (2024). ​