Curriculum Information

Years 7 to 9

In Years 7 to 9, Darwin High School follows the Australian Curriculum (Version 9), developed by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). This curriculum provides a strong, nationally consistent foundation that supports students' academic, personal and social development during the middle years of schooling.

All students study a core curriculum of English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities, with Humanities encompassing History, Geography, Business and Economics, and Civics and Citizenship.

Students also participate in Languages and Health and Physical Education (HPE). In Years 7 and 8, all students study a language (Chinese or Indonesian) and HPE as part of their weekly program. In Year 9, HPE is studied for one semester, and Languages become an elective choice.

A key feature of our program is exposure to a wide range of Design, Arts and Technology (DAT) subjects. In Years 7 and 8, students rotate through different subjects each term, such as Visual Arts, Music, Dance, STEM, Food and Nutrition, Textiles and Multimedia, allowing them to explore interests and develop practical skills.

In Year 9, students begin to personalise their learning by selecting elective subjects from areas including the Arts, Technologies, Languages and Sport, while maintaining their strong core curriculum. This structure supports students to make informed choices as they prepare for senior secondary pathways in Years 10 to 12.

Years 10 to 12

From Year 10, students begin choosing subjects and accumulating credits towards the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET).

Year 10

In Year 10, students complete four compulsory subjects and two electives each semester:

• Year 10 Maths or Numeracy
• Year 10 English/ESL or Literacy
• Year 10 Science
• Year 10 History (one semester)
• Stage 1 Exploring Identities and Futures (one semester)
• Two electives, either Year 10 or Stage 1 courses where appropriate

Students interested in Vocational Education and Training courses should also consider applying for the Centre for Skills and Training program.

Button: Centre for Skills and Training (/select-entry/centre-for-skills-and-training/)

Year 11

In Year 11, students enrol in six subjects each semester. Students must study English or Literacy for both semesters, and Mathematics for a minimum of one semester.

Each semester length subject contributes 10 credits towards the NTCET. Students should aim to have at least 120 credits before they commence Year 12, which enables maximum choice and flexibility.

Year 12

In Year 12, students are encouraged to study four or five Stage 2 subjects. Most Stage 2 subjects run for the whole year, and each year length subject contributes 20 credits towards the NTCET.