With a focus in Years 11 to 12 on preparing for life beyond Northholm Grammar, graduates leave the School with the skills of make considered decisions, the courage to be leaders of their community and the motivation to strive for excellence in all that they undertake.
The School responds to the aspirations of individual students by creating an education path that takes into account their strengths, needs and interests. In a supportive environment, they develop strong study habits and competencies that they will use throughout their life, mastering a range of academic and organisational skills including time management, communication and teamwork. Students are also encouraged to apply for a range of Leadership roles to further their commitment to serving others graciously.
The primary focus in Years 11 to 12 is working to achieve their Higher School Certificate (HSC). English and Maths are compulsory HSC subject. For the remaining units, students are able to select from a wide range of subjects which relate to their interests and abilities. For students interested in vocational courses, Northholm offers opportunities to study Primary Industries or to undertake a course within the Northern Sydney Institute of TAFE.
Year 11 and 12 students at Northholm are able to select from the following subjects:
| Agriculture | French Continuers |
| Biology | Geography |
| Business Studies | Health and Movement Science |
| Chemistry | History (Ancient, Modern) |
| Design and Technology | Legal Studies |
| Drama | Mathematics (Standard, Advanced, Extension 1, Extension 2) |
| Economics | Music (Music 1, Music 2, Extension) |
| Engineering | Physics |
| English (Standard, Advanced, Extension I, Extension II) | Visual Arts |
Food Technology |
Pathways – As an alternative to full-time study, students may (with the approval of the Principal) elect to complete their HSC over a number of years through the Pathways Program. The Pathways Program allows for flexibility to extend subject units over two to five years.
RoSA – Students in Years 10 or 11 who leave school before receiving their HSC are eligible for the New South Wales Record of School Achievement (RoSA).
Online Options – Further to the broad selection of school-based subject courses, students from Years 9 to 12 can also elect to undertake a range of online School Certificate and HSC courses provided through Sydney Distance Education High School through the NSW Department of Education.
Recognising that career success looks differently for each individual, Northholm students are encouraged to explore a variety of options for their post-school life. With the support of the Student Futures Team, students receive guidance on matters such as subject selection and post-school options.
Along with our online information service linking to a range of tertiary providers, the Head of Student Futures provides students with support through individual counselling and mentorship. Our Years 11 and 12 are guided through tools to help them find their purpose and passions in life.
Students at Northholm participate in Morrisby Career Testing, an internationally renowned online assessment which provides objective and impartial career advice based upon a series of psychometric testing. The test helps students clarify their strengths and find the pathways and opportunities that align with their interests and future goals. The School also runs a very successful Work Experience Program for Year 10s to help students determine Secondary Years subject choices and post-school course and career options.
