Learning

Our subjects

Explore how we teach the NSW curriculum through key learning areas.

Religion and ethics

NSW public schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics, delivered by approved providers wherever available.

During enrolment, you can choose a special religious education option for your child from the school’s available approved providers. You can withdraw your child from special religious education by selecting alternative meaningful activities, or special education in ethics if it’s available.

You can update your preference by writing to the school or through online form.

Visit the department’s website for more information about religion and ethics.

Section 32 of the Education Act 1990 requires that ‘in every government school, time is to be allowed for the religious education of children of any religious persuasion’. The procedures for special religious education in public schools consider:

• recommendations 36-72 of the report, Religion in Education in NSW Government Schools (1980), which were adopted by the government of the day as the basis of an agreement with the churches about the implementation of special religious education
• Education Act 1990 Section 33A, an amendment approved in 2010 to allow the option of special education in ethics for parents/caregivers who do not wish their children to attend special religious education
• the recommendations of the Final Report from the Inquiry into Education Amendment (Ethics Classes Repeal) Bill 2011 that were published in June 2012.

The provision of special religious education is not government funded.
A special religious education program is available at the school and is run by authorised volunteers of approved religious persuasions.

To opt out from participating in any of the above-mentioned activities, a student must return the withdrawal form to Mr Abbou before the commencement of Special Religious Education.

High potential and gifted education

The Enrichment Program at Homebush Boys High School is a specialised initiative designed for High Potential and Gifted students across intellectual, creative, physical, and social-emotional domains. Our Enrichment classes provide a planned, documented, and challenging curriculum tailored to students’ abilities, enabling them to learn at an accelerated pace, solve complex problems, and manipulate abstract ideas.

With a focus on broadening knowledge, application, and critical thinking, the program offers differentiated learning experiences that foster enrichment and extension. Through interdisciplinary exploration, students develop advanced skills and unlock their full potential in a stimulating academic environment.

Benefits of our High potential and gifted education program:

• Tailored Curriculum:

  The Enrichment Program provides an intellectually stimulating curriculum that goes beyond the standard, catering to the unique needs of gifted students.

• Challenging Environment:

  Gifted students thrive when faced with challenging tasks. Our program pushes students to think critically, solve problems creatively, and engage in advanced coursework.

• Personalised Support:

  Our dedicated teachers are experienced in working with gifted students, providing personalised support to help them excel academically and develop their full potential.

• Peer Collaboration:

  Students in the Enrichment class have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded peers, fostering a community of learners who challenge and inspire each other.

Literacy and Numeracy

At our school, we place a strong focus on building solid foundations in literacy and numeracy. All students in Years 7, 8, and 9 take part in dedicated literacy classes designed to set them up for success across all subjects. Alongside this, we offer personalised support in both literacy and numeracy, ensuring every student is encouraged, challenged, and supported to achieve their very best.