Faculties

English

In English, we aim to empower our diverse student population with choices and opportunities that reflect their own individuality, perspectives and beliefs. Through the selection of meaningful and rich text choices that reflect themes of social justice and inclusion, we strive to develop an authentic sense of empathy, understanding and critical thinking skills.

As a faculty, we acknowledge that each student comes to us with their own set of ideals and previous experiences. We endeavour to validate each student's diverse upbringing and use them as the building blocks to inspire an empowered sense of self and an appreciation for life-long learning. Through not just our content, but our own teaching practices, we aim to model and inspire critical thinking skills while holding true to one's individual values and beliefs.

Maths

The Mathematics faculty is committed to developing confident, capable and resilient learners who can apply mathematical thinking in a wide range of contexts. Our program is aligned with the NSW syllabus and provides students with a strong foundation in number, algebra, measurement, geometry, statistics and probability.

Through engaging and structured lessons, students develop essential skills in problem-solving, reasoning and communicating mathematical ideas. We place a strong emphasis on making connections between Mathematics and real-world applications, enabling students to see the relevance of their learning beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to think critically, work collaboratively and reflect on their learning.

Our faculty is dedicated to supporting the diverse needs of all learners. Differentiated instruction, targeted support and extension opportunities ensure that every student is challenged and supported to achieve their personal best. A range of assessment practices are used to monitor progress and inform teaching, helping students build confidence and independence in their learning.

The study of Mathematics equips students with transferable skills that are essential for further education, the workplace and everyday decision-making, preparing them for success in a rapidly changing world.

Science

At Doonside Technology High School, Science is mandatory in Stages 4 and 5 and aims to develop students’ curiosity about the natural and physical world through hands-on, inquiry-based learning.

In Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8), Science is a core subject, with Year 7 students also participating in the Paddock to Plate (Agriculture) program. Practical learning helps students connect scientific concepts to food systems, sustainability, and real-world applications.

In Stage 5, students build on foundational knowledge and develop skills in scientific investigation, data analysis, problem-solving, and communication. Elective options such as Agriculture and iSTEM allow students to explore specific interests and apply scientific thinking in technology-rich contexts.

Across both stages, the Science curriculum emphasises working scientifically skills, including:

• questioning and predicting
• planning and conducting investigations
• processing and analysing data
• problem-solving
• communicating scientific understanding

Stage 6 offers a broad range of senior science courses, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Environmental Science, and Primary Industries (VET). These courses deepen scientific understanding, develop advanced practical and analytical skills, and connect learning to real-world applications. Through theoretical study, practical investigations, and industry-linked experiences, students are supported to make informed decisions about further study, training, or career pathways.

Human Society and It's Environment (HSIE)

The HSIE Faculty delivers a dynamic curriculum that helps students understand their world and make informed choices about their future. In Years 7–10, students study mandatory History and Geography, with opportunities to extend their interests through Elective History and Commerce. Senior pathways include Ancient History, Modern History, Extension History, Senior Geography, Legal Studies, Society and Culture, and VET courses in Business Services and Retail Services, as well as Work Studies.

Students engage with historical, geographical, commercial, legal and societal concepts in depth, preparing them for further study, active citizenship and a wide range of occupations. HSIE subjects build strong foundations for careers in law, business, criminology, public service, finance, tourism, social research, community services, international relations and education. Across HSIE, students develop capabilities in research, critical thinking, communication, ethical understanding and informed decision-making.

We value strong relationships, belonging and respect for cultural heritage, including the knowledge and significance of Indigenous and diverse communities.

Real-world learning is central to HSIE, with opportunities such as the Mt Kosciuszko Expedition, Law Day Out, museum visits, fieldwork, university programs and Shark Tank-style Commerce pitches. Students also participate in enrichment activities, including national Geography and History competitions and the History and Geography Mastermind Challenge, celebrating engagement and academic excellence.

Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)

Our Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) Faculty empowers students to express themselves, develop their talents, and strive for excellence across Music, Dance, Visual Arts, Visual Design, and VET Entertainment. Through innovative programs, real-world learning, and personalised support, students cultivate creativity, confidence, and skills such as collaboration, problem solving, communication, leadership, and resilience, which support success across all subjects and beyond the classroom. This is exemplified in our highlight of the year, our annual ArtBeats Showcase, which celebrates outstanding student work, performances, and creativity across CAPA.

Dance students develop technique, performance, and creativity through workshops and events including Bring It On, Synergy Dance Festival, Pulse Alive, and the Blacktown Festival, while also viewing professional performances to inspire and enrich learning experiences.

Music follows a gig-based learning model, which provides students opportunities to perform regularly at school and community events, including the Sydney Fringe Festival. Recent upgrades to music spaces provide state of the art environments that give students autonomy in recording and performing, building confidence, discipline, and collaboration.

VET Entertainment students gain hands on experience in production, events, and technical operations, including School Spectacular and ArtBeats, developing practical skills transferable to further study and careers in the arts.

Visual Design nurtures innovation, visual communication, and industry ready thinking. Students complete real world projects, develop digital portfolios, and showcase their work at events such as the CLIPPED Film Festival.

Visual Arts students explore traditional, digital, and contemporary practices, entering competitions, attending gallery excursions, and participating in Art Camp. Opportunities include joining the Student Led Curatorial Team to plan and curate exhibitions, fostering leadership, teamwork, and creative direction.

Technological and Applied Studies (TAS)

The TAS Faculty at Doonside Technology High School offers a diverse range of practical, hands-on learning experiences designed to equip students with real-world skills and industry awareness. Across our specialist learning areas, students work with a variety of materials, tools and technologies—developing problem-solving, creativity and technical competence through authentic project-based learning.

Students engage in metalwork processes such as welding and folding to create functional products like motorcycle stands, and explore timber craftsmanship through projects including padded stools and cutting boards. Our food-based learning programs combine skill development with an understanding of nutrition, food properties and safe food practices. Other learning domains foster digital literacy, child development understanding, engineering processes, and innovative design solutions, including high-engagement projects such as building a go-kart.

We proudly offer multiple VET pathways, giving students the opportunity to achieve nationally recognised TAFE qualifications alongside their HSC. These programs connect learning to real industry standards and support students through workplace experiences that strengthen their future employment and study options.

Across all learning areas, TAS empowers students to design, create and apply meaningful skills that prepare them for life beyond school.

Personal Development Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

The Personal Development, Health and Physical Education faculty values the collective nature of the world and aims to facilitate the safety necessary for holistic growth. Our junior curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the world safely and encourages them to think of the safety of others and the wider community. Through the study of PDHPE students deepen knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Peoples’ ways of knowing, being and doing; reflecting on and how these might influence community choices. We aim to build lifelong learners who value curiosity, inclusion and diversity.

Our learning encourages students to find movement they love through building the foundations necessary for lifelong engagement in physical activity. Students have the opportunity to extend their Stage 5 learning by exploring our electives in Physical Activity and Sports Studies or Child Studies. In senior years students can expand their love of movement through VET Sports Coaching or Sports Lifestyle and Recreation. Those interested in analysing health, sports and wellbeing concepts may prefer to take on Health and Movement Sciences or Community and Family Studies.

In all PDHPE subjects we ultimately aim to build humans who will move beyond school striving for personal growth, resilience and the ability to empower and celebrate others.

Wellbeing

At Doonside Technology High School, student wellbeing is central to everything we do. We believe students thrive when they feel safe, supported, connected and valued. Our holistic, inclusive and strengths-based approach ensures every student is empowered to reach their full potential.

The school embeds the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM), a trauma-informed framework that creates predictable, supportive and respectful learning environments. Students also participate in fortnightly Life Education lessons focused on social and emotional learning, resilience, relationships and self-awareness.

Students are supported through dedicated wellbeing spaces including the Wellbeing Hub, Aboriginal Hub and wellbeing program rooms, providing safe and supervised environments for regulation, reflection and connection. Our highly skilled Wellbeing Team includes counsellors, Student Support Officers, Aboriginal and Pasifika support staff, mentors and chaplain.

Targeted mentoring programs such as SHIELD, GROW and PRIDE support student engagement, leadership and resilience. Additional wellbeing initiatives, cultural programs, leadership opportunities and external partnerships further strengthen student support.

At Doonside Technology High School, strong partnerships between staff, families and community organisations ensure every student is supported to grow, belong and succeed both at school and beyond.

Learning and Support

The Learning and Support Faculty is a dedicated team that strives to foster an environment of inclusive education that empowers all teachers and students to achieve their highest potential. The faculty is comprised of skilled Learning and Support teachers and Student Learning Support Officers (SLSOs) who collaborate and are committed to meeting the diverse academic, social, emotional, physical and sensory needs of all students, ensuring equitable access to education. Additionally, the faculty plays a vital role in providing specialised support for students learning English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D), recognising and promoting the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity at DTHS.

The Learning and Support faculty:

•     supports teachers in identifying and responding to the additional learning needs of all students,

•     facilitates and coordinates a whole school approach to improving the learning outcomes of every student,

•     coordinates planning processes and resourcing for students to receive an inclusive education across all learning areas,

•     collaborates with teaching staff to provide all students with access to differentiated high quality learning,

•     offers a Learning Hub, which is a supportive space for students who require additional assistance for completion of their classwork and/or assessments,

•     develops collaborative partnerships with the school, parents and carers, other professionals and the wider school community.

Learning and support teachers use a collaborative and consultative approach so that students themselves and their parents and carers are actively involved in decision-making.

Support Unit

The Support Unit at Doonside Technology High School provides a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment specifically designed for students with diverse learning needs. Our experienced team of specialist teachers and dedicated support staff work collaboratively with students and their families to create personalised learning programs. These programs aim to promote each student’s independence, build their confidence, and foster steady academic progress.

Our educational approach emphasises the development of practical functional literacy and numeracy skills that students can apply in everyday life. Alongside this, we prioritise teaching essential life skills, including personal care, time management, and social interaction, helping students gain greater autonomy. We also place strong importance on supporting social and emotional wellbeing, embedding strategies to help students build resilience, emotional regulation, and positive relationships.

In preparation for life beyond school, the Support Unit works closely with families and external agencies to facilitate meaningful post-school pathways. These pathways may include further education, vocational training, employment, or community participation opportunities. Through consistent routines, tailored support, and effective partnerships, the Support Unit at Doonside Technology High School is dedicated to ensuring every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their personal best within a respectful and caring school community.

Senior Studies

Career learning at DTHS is a structured, personalised journey from Year 7 to graduation. Year 10 students attend fortnightly Careers lessons to inform their senior study choices. Year 11 begins with a formal HSC Induction, and every student receives an Assessment Booklet as their academic roadmap. Senior students complete an Individual Engagement Profile, reviewed each term to track goals and wellbeing. DTHS delivers nationally recognised VET qualifications alongside the HSC and coordinates School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships — giving students the opportunity to earn an income while completing Year 12.

Signature Programmes That Make a Difference

Fast Forward (WSU) — University days, HSC Study Sessions, and scholarships valued at $20,000 make tertiary education a tangible goal for selected students from Year 9.

RoSA@Work & Ready4Work — Supports students transitioning into the workforce with purpose, practical skills, and real employment connections.

Certificate I in Vocational Pathways (FSK10219) — Builds communication, digital literacy, and numeracy skills, with students graduating with a nationally recognised qualification.

Creating Chances — Senior students gain leadership and professional skills through practical classroom experience at Crawford Public School.

Study Skills Workshops — Covering active recall, exam preparation, and time management across all year groups.