Connecting students to new learning opportunities using technology
The School of Now is an innovative program that uses technology to increase student subject choices in Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese secondary schools.
Year 11 and 12 students across different schools have the opportunity to learn together from a School of Now Teacher with specialist knowledge and experience in supporting HSC students.
This allows students to sign up for subjects that may not be offered at their Home School, including a range of exciting electives like Engineering Studies and Software Design and Development.
Connecting students to new learning opportunities using technology
School of Now specialist subjects
Apply to study with the School of Now
Expressions of interest in Preliminary and HSC subjects generally open in Term 2. For more information, please contact the School of Now.
How does it work?
Once enrolled, each student is assigned a School of Now teacher who delivers the course through a blended model using Google Meet, Canvas and some face-to-face sessions each term.
Online lessons run at set times each week, supported by learning activities between sessions and ongoing feedback from the School of Now teacher. Each student also has a Mentor Teacher at their Home School for pastoral support.
Unlike traditional distance education, students have regular, real-time contact with their teachers, helping them build the strong learning relationships they need to succeed.
How does it work?
Mentor Teachers support students at their Home School
Students learning through School of Now are never left to navigate their subjects alone. Each learner is paired with a dedicated Mentor Teacher at their own school who provides pastoral support, regular check-ins and real-time encouragement.
This in-person guidance helps students stay motivated, organised and confident as they progress through their online studies.
Mentor Teachers support students at their Home School
How will student learning be assessed?
While Most subjects are Category A Board Developed courses and can be included in the ATAR calculation, VET subjects are also offered through the School of Now.
The assessment of skills and knowledge is content based focusing on subject specific areas, not based on computer competence and informal, ongoing assessment is administered through the online tasks. Formal assessment tasks will be undertaken at Home Schools, adhering to the Home School assessment policies and protocols. Students will receive a report of their progress at the end of each semester.
Have questions about School of Now? Please contact:
Damien McGuire | Acting School of Now Manager
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
