Year 9 and 10 Curriculum Handbook 2018

The transition from the junior school to the senior school is a significant milestone in your child’s education. Whether moving to year 9 or year 10, it is important that subjects and courses are selected wisely. In term 4 each student has a personal interview with a senior staff member to discuss the construction of their course. This is our commitment to ensuring that each student is fully aware of all their options, putting the student clearly at thecentre of our planning and purpose and ensuring that they, with their family, have information and expertise available to them when making important decisions about their future.

The curriculum offerings at Huonville High School are directly aligned to the Australian Curriculum. Underpinning this istheemphasis on the importance of knowledge, understanding and skills of learning areas, general capabilities and cross-curricular priorities as the basis for a curriculum designed to support 21st century learning.

Our goal is to provide students with a foundation for successful, lifelong learning and participation in society. We acknowledge that the needs and interests of students will vary, so we mustprovidea curriculum in ways that will support them. Courses and programs are tailored so that learning is personalised. Extension is provided through Mathematics, Science, History and English for students who choose to pursue a more academic focus.

Questions you should ask before making a choice

  • Which subjects do I like?
  • What will I learn in this subject?
  • Which subjects am I interested in (keep in mind things you have not done before as well)?
  • Which subjects am I likely to do well in?
  • Which subjects may help my career choice?
  • What methods of study does each subject use?
  • What special skills might I need for success in the subject?

Students should now be thinking of a four year program of senior secondary study (years 9-12). As Huonville High School is a year 7-12 school students can move into year 11/12 and undertake a range of TASC (Tasmanian Assessment Standards and Certification) subjects (including pre-tertiary subjects), together with Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs at the Huon Valley Trade Training Centre (HVTTC).

Students have a range of options for years 11 and 12. They may choose to enrol:

  • at Huonville High School, delivered at the Advanced Learning Centre
  • atacollege
  • as a shared enrolment between Huonville High andacollege.

Curriculum Construction Year 9 and 10

At Huonville High School we provide students with opportunities to learn and achieve the highest possible outcomes in personalised learning programs drawn from the curriculum areas of the Australianand the Tasmanian Curriculums.

All curriculum areas are valued. The rules for constructing a learning program for each student in year 9 and 10 are detailed below. The rules are consistent with national and state directions.

All students must study the year-long subjects English, Mathematics, Wellbeing and Science. These course are studied for four periods per week (two for science). Students may also wish to study extension courses in these areas.

All students will study their year appropriate History for a half year. This subject is studied for 2 periods per week. Extension courses may also be taken.

Subjects from theDigital Technologiesand Arts curriculum areas must also be studied at least once over the education period of years 9-10.

All students will study Work Studies (My Education) for the school year as described by the Australian National Curriculum.

In addition students will personalise their learning by choosing subjects available from all 7 curriculum areas: English, LOTE, Mathematics, Health and Wellbeing, Science, Society and History, Arts and Vocational and Applied Learning. The amount of time students have in personalised learning subjects will vary from student to student, depending on other curriculum choices.

All students must complete a course counselling interview with a member of the senior staff team prior to signing off on subject selections for 2018. Interviews will occur as part of the school curriculum in the weeks following the release of thishandbook. The aim of the interviews/applications is to assist parents/carers to understand more fully the subject pathway for their child.

Reporting and assessment

The Huonville High School reporting structure for 2018 will be:

  • an early report in Term 1 which will assess progress, attitude, organisation and homework in each subject
  • a detailed report in the middle of the year which will include information for each subject area and subject teachers will outline what students have been undertaking, their strengths and suggestions for improvement
  • an end of year report.

Parents and carers are invited to make contact with the school at any time throughout the year to meet with teachers, to discuss their child’s progress. Teachers have staff meetings on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. These afternoons are ideal times for parents and carers to seek meetings with teachers. Homeroom teachers will work with grade coordinators to either facilitate a meeting or compile a summary from teachers about your child.

English
English
Time allocated: Full year, 4 x 75 minute periods per week
The Australian English Curriculum is built around three interrelated strands:
  • Language
Knowing about the English language i.e.Understand that Standard Australian English is a living language within which the creation and loss of words and the evolution of usage is ongoing.
  • Literature
Understanding, appreciating, responding to, analysing and creating written texts.
  • Literacy
Growing a repertoire of English usage i.e. text knowledge, grammar knowledge, word knowledge and visual knowledge.
Teaching and learning programs balance and integrate all three strands. Together the strands focus on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, comprehending, viewing, speaking, writing and creating.
Writing & Representing:
Persuasive writing
Narrative writing
Literary devices
A negotiated study
Letter writing
Letters to the editor
Graphic text / Speaking & Listening:
Reading aloud
Small group & whole-class discussions
Presenting to an audience
Public speaking & debating
Reading and Viewing:
Class novel studies
Short stories
Poetry studies/contemporary plays
Everyday texts – newspapers/magazines
Related film studies and YouTube clips
ICT Skills
Key ICT skills are taught in the context of subject based learning in year 9 and 10 English classes. These include: bibliographies, referencing, researching online, citing references in written texts and use of Microsoft Word’s thesaurus tool.
Advanced English
Time allocated: 1 Semester, 2 x 75 minute periods per week
This is an extension and extra English course with an emphasis on exploring a diversity of written, visual and digital texts. This course offers students an excellent opportunity to extend the English and communication skills necessary for ongoing studies in year 11.
These opportunities can include novel and film reviews not undertaken in the student’s regular English classes, play and poetry reading and discussions around local, national and international events. Students also undertake an individual project of their own choice which is presented to other members in the class.
The students are taught the skills involved in essay writing, including the citing and referencing of authors within a text, and precise referencing.
This option is geared towards students who enjoy reading, writing creatively and persuasively and reflecting upon and investigating issues more deeply.
Mathematics
Mathematics Year 9
Time allocated: Full year, 4 X 75 min periods per week
Mathematics supports students to become numerate, to build their mathematical vocabulary, skills, understanding and reasoning to interpret maths information and make connections.
The program endeavours to personalise the learning to make maths relevant to students’ lives and to develop student independence.
The year 9 course allows students to:
  • apply index laws and scientific notation
  • understand and solve simple interest problems
  • expand/factorise and sketch equations
  • determine gradient and distances
  • calculate areas and volumes
  • decipher and use timescales and tables
  • interpret ratios and scale factor
  • use Pythagoras and Trigonometry to find angles and side lengths
  • visually represent, interpret and compare data
  • understand and predict probability of outcomes
  • access technology to build understanding.
A strong emphasis is placed on developing the proficiencies of:
  • understanding
  • fluency
  • reasoning and
  • problem solving

Mathematics Year 10
Time allocated:Full year, 4 X 75 minuteperiods per week
Mathematics supports students to become numerate, to build their mathematical vocabulary, skills, understanding and reasoning to interpret maths information and make connections.
The program endeavours to personalise the learning to make maths relevant to students’ lives and to develop student independence.
The year 10 course allows students to:
  • recognise connections between simple and compound interest problems
  • simplify, expand, factorise and graph linear and quadratic equations
  • substitute into formulas, solve pairs of simultaneous equations
  • calculate total surface areas and volumes
  • prove similarity and congruence, apply deductive reasoning
  • use Trigonometry and Pythagoras to find unknown angles and side lengths
  • visually represent, interpret, compare and evaluate data sets/media reports
  • calculate quartiles and inter-quartiles
  • assign probability and list outcomes for multi-step chance experiments
  • access technology to build understanding.
A strong emphasis is placed on developing the proficiencies of:
  • understanding
  • fluency
  • reasoning and
  • problem solving

Mathematics Extended Year 9
Time allocated: Full year, 2 x 75 minute periods per week

This option is only available to students who have achieved a high standard in year 8 Mathematics or show a high level of aptitude in this subject.
It is envisaged that year 9 Mathematics Extended and year 10 Mathematics Extended is seen as a two-year course. It is an academically based course that has been designed for students with a high level of commitment to pursuing a strong mathematics pathway in future studies.
It is expected that students electing to take this course have a genuine desire to build their mathematical expertise. An enjoyment of mathematics would be particularly advantageous. Parents and students interested in this option are encouraged to talk with their current teacher of mathematics.
Mathematics ExtendedYear 10
Time allocated:Full year, 2 x 75 minute periods per week
This is an advanced course, which requires above average results in year 9 Mathematics. It is recommended that students have gained solid results in Mathematics Extended 9, but it is not essential.
For appropriate students, this course follows the Australian 10 and 10A courses combined with the year 11 pre-tertiary Mathematics Foundation Course. As such, the course emphasises algebraic techniques including linear, quadratic, exponential and trigonometric studies as well as introductory calculus and probability. Casio Classpad calculators are regularly used although there is also an emphasis on non-calculator algebraic techniques.
Students wishing to undertake this course need an interest in mathematics and a conscientious attitude. Students who wish to gain entry to university and pursue careers in engineering, the sciences or medicine should attempt this course.

Health and Wellbeing

The following subjects will be offered as part of the Wellbeing program in 2018. It is compulsoryfor all students in years 9 and 10 to complete the general health and wellbeing class for their year level.

  1. Health and Wellbeing year 9
  2. Health and Wellbeing year 10
  3. Athlete Development
  4. Girls Wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing Year 9
Time allocated: Full year, 2 x 75 minute periods per week
Students in this course will be required to understand, use and evaluate a range of strategies that enhance wellbeing. Students will examine the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects that contribute holistically to the overall wellbeing of themselves and others.
In year 9 students will participate in practical experiences including sport education, fitness, athletics and team sports. A broad range of theoretical issues will be covered such as goal setting, being from generation Z, fitness training, decision making skills, coping with stress and anxiety, mental health illnesses, risk management and sexual health issues. Students will need to demonstrate responsibility for their own learning and will have the opportunity to negotiate aspects of this course.
This course has been designed to allow students to:
  • gain an understanding of the growth, development and care of the body
  • develop and apply movement skills
  • understand what is involved in making health decisions and in managing and maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle
  • understand the impact of relationships on wellbeing and respect and care for themselves and others
  • develop into self-directed, adaptable and resilient individuals who recognise the interdependent factors that contribute to wellbeing
  • be able to identify help seeking processes

Health and Wellbeing Year 10
Time allocated: Full year, 2 x 75 minute periods per week
Students in this course will be required to understand, use and evaluate a range of strategies that enhance wellbeing. Students will examine the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects that contribute holistically to the overall wellbeing of themselves and others.
In year 10 students will participate in practical experiences including sport education, fitness, athletics and team sports. A broad range of theoretical issues will be covered such as life planning, “Am I growing up too fast”, fitness training, decision making skills, risk management, illicit drugs and safe partying. Students will need to demonstrate responsibility for their own learning and will have the opportunity to negotiate aspects of this course.
This course has been designed to allow students to:
  • gain an understanding of the growth, development and care of the body
  • develop and apply movement skills
  • understand what is involved in making health decisions and in managing and maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle
  • understand the impact of relationships on wellbeing and respect and care for themselves and others
  • develop into self-directed, adaptable and resilient individuals who recognise the interdependent
factors that contribute to wellbeing
  • be able to identify help seeking processes

Athlete Development
Time allocated:Full year, 2 x 75 minute periods per week
In this practical programstudents will gain an understanding of what is required to take their sporting ability/fitness to the highest level. There will be an emphasis on developing and actively pursuing a personal fitness program directed specifically at their chosen sporting interest. The aim of this year long program is to help students to become elite athletes who are also well-rounded individuals fully prepared for future challenges. This program is run in conjunction with the Elizabeth CollegeAthlete Development Program and leads directly into the year 11/12 course. Students will undertake units of work in the following areas specific to their sport: Strength and conditioning at the PCYC, Sports nutrition, Skill acquisition and basic Sport Science/Biology modules, which are run online from Elizabeth College. Students will be tested every term by Elizabeth College as well as participating in the National Talent Search Program which may lead to further options within a variety of sporting endeavours. Participation in this programwill be under strictly controlledconditions and an extremely high level of physical commitment will be required.
Entry requirements/criteria
  • national representation
  • state representation
  • high level development squad – National, State, Southern Tasmanian
  • school champion/runner-up at school carnival
  • demonstrated commitment by gaining high level results in year 8 Health & Wellbeing
  • identification of potential ability through talent ID programs
Entry to this program will be done through an application process.
Girls Wellbeing Year 9/10
Time allocated: Semester, 2 x 75 minute periods per week
In this course, students will explore ways to manage and improve their wellbeing across a range of areas including physical, social, emotional and mental. It is designed to offer girls a place to further develop the areas covered in Health and Physical Education, with particular focus on women’s health.
The course will be divided into a range of practical activities, from sporting activities to recreational and relaxation activities, such as yoga and meditation. The course will provide a space for the female students to compete and take part in a relaxed all-girls environment.
We will also complete activities and lessons on other areas of wellness like nutrition, relaxation, mindfulness and women’s health issues. Where possible, specialist guest speakers and presenters will be involved in delivering the course.
Students will need to approach the lessons with an open mind and willingness to participate to get the most out of the sessions. Lessons will involve group work, communication and a positive approach.
The outcome expected is that students are introduced to a range of activities that they might otherwise not attempt. Students will develop an understanding of managing their wellbeing, finding strategies that work for them.
Science
All full year science courses will cover the curriculum as described by the Australian National Curriculum documents. This includes learning opportunities in the following branches of science:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Geology
Part of the curriculum also focuses on science as a human endeavour where students explore scientific inquiry processes, evaluate scientific breakthroughs and recognise how technologies can affect people’s lives.
Students will have the opportunity to study science in two main ways over 2018:
  1. Essential Science year 9 and 10
  2. Science for Further Studies year 9 and 10
These two core science courses will address Australian National Curriculum demands for both year 9 and year 10. The key difference is that the Science for Further Studies course will be much more demanding, with depth studies in the chemistry and physics components of the course. The aim is to prepare students for pre-tertiary science options in years 11 and 12.