What are the mandatory/compulsory subjects for Stage 5 at Joeys (Years 9 & 10)?
Religious Education
English
Mathematics (new syllabus implemented in 2024)
Science
History
Geography
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
*Outdoor Education (Colo) – Year 9 only (4 days)*
How many elective subjects will a student study at Joeys in Years 9 & 10?
At Joeys, boys study TWO intensive 200-hour elective courses across two years of study (Years 9 and 10).
This is equivalent to 3 lessons per week, with 6 lessons per timetable cycle (2 weeks).
NOTE: There is an opportunity to study an additional elective, Think Quest, outside the timetable.
Can a student change their elective choice in Year 9 and/or 10?
NO – students are required to study their electives for TWO years (‘pick and stick’). Of course there are exceptions to this rule.
Importantly, the boys will have the opportunity to change electives in the first 3 weeks of Term 1 2026.
Are there prerequisites for HSC Courses?
The only subjects that must be studied in Years 9 and 10 in order to continue in Years 11 and 12 are the Language Continuers’ courses i.e. Chinese, Japanese, Latin and French.
While the content may be foundational, all other subjects can be studied (and excelled at) in Year 11 even if not selected in Years 9 and 10.
NOTE: Subjects including Drama (not studied in Years 7 and 8) and Music provide clear pathways to HSC study and, therefore, it may be desirable to choose them as an elective in Years 9 and 10.
What about the Accelerated Courses?
Students at Joeys can accelerate a range of subjects, including:
Mathematics – sitting HSC Advanced Maths in Year 11 (one year early)
Studies of Religion 1 – completing Year 11 SOR1 instead of Year 10 Religious Education
Business Studies – completing Year 11 Business Studies instead of Year 10 Commerce
NOTE: More information will be provided in Year 9 2026.
What does quality subject selection 'look like'?
Selecting the Right Subjects for the Right Reasons.
Factors to consider :
Expected interest in a subject
Strengths as a person and learner
Academic skill set and work habits
The types of assessment (e.g. balance of practical versus theory; inquiry versus tests etc.)
Future subjects and/or career pathways * as mentioned, not a major consideration *
Year 9 2026 Subject Selection Presentation
Here you will find the PowerPoint presentation from the information session held onsite on Monday 28 July 2025.
Elective Subject Selection Process
As this is the first real opportunity to have choice and agency in subject selection, the TWO electives, with back up preferences, need careful consideration.
