With our Franciscan values overarching all that we do, our Learning and Teaching Framework provides the professional platform for our learning approach and how it is implemented within the college. Religion, literacy and numeracy are the foundations of each study pathway. We have developed a curriculum with a rich diversity of subject offerings, innovative use of technology and learning experiences that cater for all pathways. Subjects are delivered from exceptional physical spaces ensuring our students are given every opportunity for enriched learning while being challenged to thrive.
Learning at Sophia College is underpinned by our College mission and vision and supported by the Brisbane Catholic Education Learning and Teaching Framework. Learning happens in an interconnected system where the learner is central. The success of each student to care for and create a better world is lived through their learning at Sophia College. Our learning ecology is:
- Connected to faith - Students at Sophia are in dialogue with their faith and that of others
- Connected curriculum - Students at Sophia have access to curriculum opportunities that reflect the world in which we live.
- Connected teachers - Teachers at Sophia are passionate, collaborative and innovative.
- Connected to community - Sophia College is a community in conversation with all including our traditional custodians. Our learning in connected to the people and places of the Lockyer Valley.
- Connected to the world - Students of Sophia shape a better world beyond the college gates for generations to come.
Ecology, Science and Technology is a focus of our curriculum development and is inclusive of all learning areas and a variety of pathways. Sophia College has an eco-sciences precinct footprinted to complement the College’s learning spaces. Specialist areas have been designed for sciences, technology and design, the arts, languages (Japanese), music and mathematics. We aim to challenge and equip our students with science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematical skills to solve authentic problems for the complex world around them – a world which requires a workforce of the future with high levels of skills and responsible and creative thinkers.
With flexible teaching modes, combining digital technology, design and art, our students can work on projects individually or in groups researching, designing, planning, creating, and implementing solutions. The integration of learnings through interdisciplinary projects and units is achievable through the best use of the overall site where dams, for example, could be used for mathematical and scientific testing, and food production could be used for analysis, sale, and business modelling.
Subjects at Sophia
All students study Religious Education from year 7 –12.
In years 7 and 8 students study all subjects of the Australian Curriculum. These include English, Mathematics, Science, History, Civics and Citizenship, Geography, Economics and Business, Health and Physical Education, Japanese, The Arts (Drama, Dance, Media Arts, Visual Arts, Music), Digital Technologies, Design and Technologies (Food and Fibre Production, Food Specialisation, Engineering and Materials).
In years 9 and 10 all students study English, Mathematics, Science, History and Health and Physical Education. Students will select elective subjects from the remaining Australian Curriculum subjects in preparation for senior pathways.
In years 11 and 12 students are supported to develop a package of subjects that supports their learning goals and interests. Senior subjects will provide opportunities for all students to achieve a Queensland Certificate of Education. A student’s pathway may include an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and/or Certificates depending on their subject choices and successfully meeting the requirements of the course.