Creativity
Thinking of novel, productive ways to see and do things.
Wisdom & Knowledge
Junior Secondary · Years 7–10
Every Interest Can
Become an Ambition.
Years 7 to 10 are where interests take shape — and where a university pathway begins. Students try new subjects, discover what they love, and by Year 10 they are choosing the specialist subjects that lead to an ATAR and a university place.
4
Year levels — Years 7, 8, 9 and 10
11
Learning areas across the Australian Curriculum
26
Subjects and specialisations to explore
6
SOARING character strengths, built in every day
A Guided Progression
Two Stages, Subjects That Open Doors
Junior Secondary unfolds in two stages. First your child explores widely across the Australian Curriculum — then, as they reach Year 10, new specialist subjects unlock. Pick a stage and watch the doors open.
In Years 7 and 8, each student builds their own learning plan — the JETPlan (Junior Education and Training Plan). Lessons follow the Australian Curriculum (the national standard taught across Australia), so every student can try a wide range of subjects and find their strengths.
In Years 9 and 10, students go deeper, specialising in subjects that offer real challenge. Year 10 prepares them for the Senior Secondary Years — and opens new specialist subjects that begin to shape a pathway toward careers and university.
18 subjects to explore across 11 learning areas
26 subjects & specialisations — 8 new doors unlock in Year 10
Core Learning Areas
4 subjects
English
- English
- Extension English
- LiteratureUnlocks in Year 10Year 10
- English as an Additional LanguageUnlocks in Year 10Year 10
3 subjects
Mathematics
- Math
- Extension Math
- Mathematical MethodsUnlocks in Year 10Year 10
3 subjects
Science
- Science
- Biology and PsychologyUnlocks in Year 10Year 10
- Chemistry and PhysicsUnlocks in Year 10Year 10
4 subjects
The Arts
- Music
- Drama
- Dance
- Visual Arts
5 subjects
Technology & Innovation
- Food Technology
- Industrial Technology
- Design Technology
- Digital Technology
- Hospitality StudiesUnlocks in Year 10Year 10
2 subjects
Languages
- Spanish
- Chinese
Plus These Learning Areas
History
Geography
Health & Physical Education
Economics & The Law Unlocks in Year 10Year 10
Business & Accounting Unlocks in Year 10Year 10
Ready to map it to a future?
By Year 10, these subjects begin shaping a pathway. Use our interactive planner to explore careers, match study areas and design your own Year 10 plan — and see where it leads in our academic results.
Where These Years Lead
Junior Secondary Is Where the Pathway Begins
91.00
JPC median ATAR, Class of 2025 — our strongest on record
53%
of students achieved ATAR 90 or above — the top 10% of the state
The ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is the score Australian universities use to offer places. It runs from 0 to 99.95. Students earn one in Years 11 and 12 — and the subjects chosen in Year 10 are where that pathway starts. See our full 2025 results
See It For Yourself
Take a Fly-Through of Our Secondary Campus
Soar above John Paul College and explore the classrooms, sporting fields, performance spaces and leafy surrounds where our Junior Secondary students learn every day — now with subtitles in your language.
Watch with subtitles:
Wellbeing & Character
Growing Wellbeing, the SOARING Way
SOARING is John Paul College's wellbeing and character framework, woven into everyday learning for every student. Built on the Positive Psychology of Professor Martin Seligman, we have grown it into something uniquely ours: the JPC SOARING Tree. Just as a tree grows from a seedling and soars to great heights, a student's wellbeing flourishes through attention, nurturing, effort and time.
The Canopy
Six Elements of a Flourishing Student
SOARING names six elements of wellbeing. Select a branch to see what it means — and the everyday skills that grow there.
SO
Strong Outcomes
Setting & achieving meaningful goalsEstablishing, striving for and achieving personal goals, in belief in oneself — important for self-esteem and wellbeing, and helping to cultivate resilience when students face challenges in life.
Skills growing on this branch
- Identity
- Goal orientation
- Decision-making
- Mindsets
- Grit & persistence
- Adaptability
- Reflective practice
- Privacy & security
A
Activity
Valuing physical & mental healthValuing our physical and mental wellbeing through exercise, nutrition and sleep. Learning what it means to lead a healthy lifestyle, underpinned by positive attitudes, is vital for young people.
Skills growing on this branch
- Physical wellbeing
- Mind–body connection
- Resilience
- Optimism
- Balance
- Digital footprint
R
Relationships
Nurturing positive connectionsNurturing positive connections with others through relational awareness and social management — communication, collaboration, leadership, decision-making and conflict resolution.
Skills growing on this branch
- Empathy & compassion
- Kindness & connection
- Leadership & teamwork
- Forgiveness
- Communication
- Collaboration
I
Interests
Complete engagement — being ‘in the zone’Experiencing moments of complete engagement in personal interests. Being ‘in the zone’ is the perfect balance of challenge and the application of key strengths and skills.
Skills growing on this branch
- Curiosity
- Creativity
- Flow
- Motivation
N
Noticing Positive Emotions
Self-awareness & positive emotionDeveloping self-awareness and the ability to build upon positive emotional experiences — enhancing creativity, resilience, perseverance and wellbeing.
Skills growing on this branch
- Positivity
- Gratitude
- Emotional intelligence
- Optimism
- Self-control
- Media literacy
G
Giving
Meaning, purpose & serving othersExploring one's unique sense of meaning and purpose by engaging in experiences that let us think and feel beyond ourselves. Aligning with what we value most gives students a real sense of purpose.
Skills growing on this branch
- Sense of meaning
- Character development
- Caregiving
- Core values
The Trunk
24 Character Strengths
The trunk of the SOARING Tree carries twenty-four key character strengths (Peterson & Seligman) that underpin every student's social and emotional growth. Expand to explore all twenty-four and filter them by strength family.
Curiosity
Taking an interest in experience for its own sake; exploring and discovering.
Wisdom & Knowledge
Open-Mindedness
Examining things from all sides and weighing evidence fairly before judging.
Wisdom & Knowledge
Love of Learning
Mastering new skills and knowledge, and adding systematically to what one knows.
Wisdom & Knowledge
Perspective
Offering wise counsel; seeing the world in ways that make sense to self and others.
Wisdom & Knowledge
Bravery
Not shrinking from challenge; speaking up for what is right, even when it's hard.
Courage
Perseverance
Finishing what you start and persisting in spite of obstacles.
Courage
Integrity
Speaking the truth and presenting yourself in a genuine, sincere way.
Courage
Zest
Approaching life with excitement and energy; living life as an adventure.
Courage
Love
Valuing close relationships in which caring is shared and reciprocated.
Humanity
Kindness
Doing good deeds for others; helping them and taking care of them.
Humanity
Social Awareness
Reading the motives and feelings of other people and of oneself.
Humanity
Teamwork
Working well within a group; being loyal and doing your share.
Justice
Fairness
Treating everyone justly and giving all people a fair chance.
Justice
Leadership
Encouraging a group to get things done while keeping good relations.
Justice
Forgiveness
Forgiving others; accepting shortcomings and giving second chances.
Temperance
Humility
Letting your accomplishments speak for themselves.
Temperance
Prudence
Being careful about your choices; not taking undue risks.
Temperance
Self-Regulation
Regulating what you feel and do; being disciplined.
Temperance
Appreciation of Beauty
Noticing and appreciating beauty, excellence and skilled performance.
Transcendence
Gratitude
Being aware of, and thankful for, the good things that happen.
Transcendence
Hope
Expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it.
Transcendence
Humour
Liking to laugh; bringing smiles to others and seeing the light side.
Transcendence
Spirituality
Holding beliefs about higher purpose and meaning that shape conduct.
Transcendence
The Roots
Grounded in Our College Values
Everything above grows from four values that give students real, everyday avenues to live them out.
Mutual Respect
Honouring the dignity, culture and contribution of every member of our community.
Integrity
Being honest and genuine, and taking responsibility for our choices and actions.
Compassion
Caring for others, thinking beyond ourselves and acting with kindness.
Excellence
Striving to be our best in learning, character and everything we take on.
By weaving these elements through Junior Secondary, we create a supportive, enriching environment where every student's wellbeing can truly flourish.
New to Australia? We will help your child settle in.
Students can join us at any year level from Year 7 to Year 10. Those still developing their English begin in our High School Preparation program, then move into mainstream Junior Secondary classes.
Our international team guides your family through every step of joining JPC — in your language. You do not need to have everything figured out to start the conversation.
Every subject explored in Junior Secondary is a spark — by Year 10, students are ready to choose the Senior Secondary subjects that lead to a QCE, an ATAR and a university offer.
From Year 7's first new elective to Year 10's JETPlan review, JPC's teachers and career counsellors help every student turn curiosity into a clear, confident next step.
Discover Senior Secondary, Years 11–12Ready to Start the Journey?
Ready to apply, or still have questions? Take the next step, or talk to our friendly international team — we are happy to help in your language.