2016
Grade 9/10
Senior Electives Handbook
Introduction
Dear Students and Parents
Welcome to the subject selection process for 2016. Deciding upon elective subjects for next year is a very important task. It is vital that you spend some time carefully considering your options, not only for Grades 9 and 10, but which subjects will best suit your pathway once you complete secondary education.
Apart from the compulsory key learning areas of Religious Education, English, History, Mathematics, Science, Health and Physical Education (HPE) and Pathway Planning, students entering Grades 9 and 10 in 2016 choose THREE elective subjects from the Arts, Technology and Physical Education learning areas. A full explanation of the selection process is outlined in this booklet. As part of this process, students will attend a briefing at school outlining their courses for next year. There is also a subject information evening for parents and students on Thursday 23rd July. Please see the College website for further details.
When deciding on elective subjects, it is important to choose a course that is both challenging and enjoyable. You must reflect on your own abilities and skills and then select subjects that will maintain your interest for the full year. In some cases, your choices can also develop skills and knowledge required for future careers or study. Considering your future study options is especially important for students in Grades 9 and 10. For example, students who are considering careers in Sciences and Technology areas should seek advice from their teachers as to which subjects would be the best grounding for their pre-tertiary subjects in Grades 11 and 12.
Although students today need to be very mindful of establishing a strong base for post Grade 10 education, their electives should also be an opportunity to study subjects that they enjoy. Many students should avoid choosing all academic electives, as their study load may be overwhelming. The Mathematics, Science and English students study as part of their core subjects are usually adequate as a base for Grades 11/12. Very few students need to study all the extension subjects in Sciences and Maths as well. It is usually wise for students to choose some electives from the Arts, Technology or Physical Education areas, so that there is a balance between academic and practical subjects in their program.
The following information describes the Grade 9/10 academic program, elective subjects and selection process for 2016. If you have difficulty making a final decision on subjects, please do not hesitate to contact myself, or the teachers of elective subjects. We are always available to discuss courses and subject selections in more detail.
Mr Simon Eade Mrs Elaine Doran
Teaching and Learning Leader Principal
Huntingfield Campus
Teaching and Learning
Catholic and Christian values are central to learning and teaching at St Aloysius Catholic College. Within these values, we aim to foster self-esteem, self-confidence and respect for the gifts and needs of the individual and an awareness of the unique contribution each can make to the College community.
We aim to provide a high quality, balanced education in which all students can fulfill their spiritual and academic potential.
Learning and teaching programs throughout our College are based on the Australian Curriculum, which has been designed to develop students with sound capabilities in literacy, numeracy, critical and creative thinking, information and communication technology, personal and social development and ethical and intercultural understanding.
As per Australian Curriculum guidelines, students in Grades 9 and 10 undertake study in the following key learning areas:
· English
· Mathematics
· Science
· History
· HPE
· Pathways
St Aloysius Catholic College students also participate in a Religious Education program based on the Archdiocesan Good News for Living Framework. As part of the Religious Education program, students in Grades 9 and 10 can elect to take part in Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Australia (CSYMA). CSYMA is an optional elective within the main Religious Education course. Students involved in this program organise College liturgies, outreach activities and participate in a variety of spiritual experiences. There is a section on the subject selection form for students to enrol in CSYMA.
St Aloysius core learning areas, as listed above, have now adopted the full Australian Curriculum. By the end of 2016, teachers of the Arts and Technology subjects are also due for full implementation of both content and assessment standards. The Australian Curriculum website is an excellent source of further information about course content and standards. www.australiancurriculum.edu.au
Pathways Planning
Pathways Planning is a major focus in Grades 9 and 10 as students prepare for post Grade 10 education. In 2016 St Aloysius will be transitioning to the Australian Curriculum Work Studies curriculum as the core of the Pathways Program.
During Work Studies/Pathways students have the opportunity to gather information, develop skills, think about and plan their own future study or work pathways. In Tasmania, the Guaranteeing Futures Legislation (2005) requires all Grade 10 students to complete a Pathways Plan including a Statement of Intent indicating their post Grade 10 destination.
In Grade 9, the focus for Pathways encourages students to see themselves as members of their broader community and ask “How can I make a difference? What do I want to contribute?” The highlight of the year for Grade 9 students is the presentation of a career investigation, where students explore many different types of career opportunities and learn about their future education and career pathway.
Grade 10, Pathway Planning places a strong emphasis upon the transition skills students will need to negotiate a life of work and learning beyond their years of formal schooling. Grade 10 students have the opportunity to learn more about a variety of study and career paths through visiting speakers and excursions including the University of Tasmania information sessions and GYC Careers Expos. As part of this course students also organize and complete a week of work experience.
St Aloysius Catholic College works closely with Guilford Young College (GYC) to support students in the transition to Grade 11. The Grade 10 Pathway Planning process involves GYC Parent Information Evenings and student visits to GYC. GYC liaison staff also provide ongoing support and information for St Aloysius students and an opportunity for individual subject counselling.
Elective Subjects 2016
In addition to the above compulsory subjects, students are asked to select three elective subjects each year. Elective subjects provide students with the opportunity to study a subject in which they excel and are interested continuing with into the future.
However, it should be noted, that in most cases not studying a particular elective should not preclude the study of that subject or related subject at Senior Secondary level (Grades 11 and 12). Maintaining a high level in the compulsory subjects is fundamental in providing options for Senior Secondary success. However, some subjects, such as Music, Languages Other Than English (French) and Mathematics may require particular attention in Grades 9 and 10 to ensure that the preferred pathway is feasible. Subject teachers are able to advise parents and students on subject pathways.
While students may be offered a comprehensive range of subjects in the initial stages of the subject selection process, some subjects may not attract sufficient student interest to make them viable in any given year. Students are asked to choose subjects in order of preference. Therefore the fourth and fifth choices need careful consideration, as it may not be possible to accommodate all student choices.
Most electives are combined one-year Grade 9/10 subjects, although a small number of subjects are two-year courses. Please consult the subject outlines in this booklet for further information.
The 2016 elective subjects listed below that are marked with an asterix (*) incur a grade 9/10 Elective Levy of $200 per subject selected. This cost will be applied to your annual Fees and Levy invoice for the year.
Selection Process
The selection process is in two steps:
Step A
Students complete an expression of interest form so that the College can gauge which subjects are viable for next year and the staffing requirements for electives. From this information, the College will set the days (lines) in which certain subjects will run. It is not financially possible to run all subjects on each elective day. Therefore, the aim of gathering this data is to provide as wide a range of choices for all students during the final selection process.
During this first stage, students are briefed on course content and requirements for their subjects. An outline of each subject is also included in this booklet. It is then up to students to seek further counselling on course selections as required.
Step B
Once the lines or days for subjects have been finalised, students will then complete the final subject selection form. Students will need to select two back up subjects on each line in case they are unable to be placed in their first option. Due to Work Health and Safety (WHS) reasons, some subjects have limits on student numbers.
PLEASE NOTE:
During the second stage students can change their selections from the first round of choices if they have reconsidered their options for next year.
Students are able to study subjects in either Grade 9 or 10. Not having taken a subject in Grade 9 does not necessarily preclude a student from enrolling in that course in Grade 10. However, students must complete the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award before they can enrol in the Silver Award.
2016 Grade 9/10 Electives
Humanities
o English Extended
o Introduction to Psychology and Sociology
o LOTE/French
o Geography
Sciences
o Mathematics Extended
o Science Extended
The Arts
o Music
o Choir
o Music Performance *
o Visual Arts
o Drama
o Media Studies / Photography
Applied and Information Technology
o Design in Wood *
o Materials and Design
o Food Studies
o Fabrics, Textiles and Design
o Digital Technologies
o VET Hospitality – Front of House *
o VET Hospitality – Kitchen Operations *
o VET Business and Tourism *
o VET Construction and Engineering *
Physical Education and Health
o Duke of Edinburgh Award *
o Sport Science
* Denotes an additional fee as per the details on page 5
Humanities
English Extended
The Grade 9/10 English Extended course focuses on developing and extending students’ reading, writing and oral language skills. The course incorporates English Studies analysing a variety of text types including novels, films and plays along with creative writing. English Extended further develops some of the concepts and skills covered in the Grade 9 and Grade 10 core English course. The course also helps students to engage imaginatively and critically with literature to expand the scope of their experience.
English after Grade 10
At Guilford Young College, students will be able to study a variety of English subjects: English Communications, English Studies, English Writing and English Applied.
Contact Teacher: Mrs Bree Crocker
Introduction to Psychology and Sociology
This subject looks at human behaviour from Sociological and Psychological perspectives. The course provides a broad overview of the disciplines of sociology and psychology, stressing major terms, concepts, and some basic theoretical perspectives. Students studying this subject will have the opportunity to understand human behaviour and brain development, as well as group and collective behaviours. Through various practical activities they will learn how to conduct research scientifically and ethically and undertake individual and group research projects.
Students are able to study this course in either Grade Nine or Grade Ten, or as a two-year course.
Topics include:
1. Socialisation
2. Youth culture
3. Sleep and dreaming
4. The family institution
5. Gender
6. Memory and forgetting
7. Collective behaviours
8. Brain development
9. Criminal profiling
10. Sub-cultures and deviance
11. The dark side of human nature
12. Different styles of learning
Contact Teacher: Ms Erin Graham
LOTE/French
French in Grades 9/10 continues on from the language studied during Grade 8. Students work towards achieving higher levels of comprehension, including the use of strategies to help them understand unfamiliar written or spoken language. In addition, communication skills in the language are extended to include sustained writing both for everyday situations (e.g. informal letters, e-mails, messages) and creative pieces with linked themes. Intercultural themes will be used to enhance students’ vocabulary and awareness of cultural differences. Students will enhance their speaking and writing skills through a range of real-life role-plays, including an opportunity to engage with native speakers.
Contact Teacher: Ms Jill Britton
Geography
Geography runs as a two-year course, but students can take Geography in either Grade 9 or Grade 10. The courses run on alternate years.
The content in Geography is organised into two strands: Geographical Knowledge and Understanding and Geographical Inquiry and Skills. These strands are interrelated and are taught in an integrated manner.
Year A (2016)
Biomes and food security focuses on investigating the role of the biotic environment and its role in food and fibre production.
Geographies of interconnections focuses on investigating how people, through their choices and actions, are connected to places throughout the world in a wide variety of ways, and how these connections help to make and change places and their environments
Year B (2017)
Environmental change and management focus Students investigate environmental geography through an in-depth study of a specific environment.
Geographies of human wellbeing. Students investigate global, national and local differences in human wellbeing between places.
Contact Teacher: Mr Simon Eade
The Sciences
Mathematics Extended
This course is designed to provide capable Mathematics students with the opportunity for extension and enrichment in Mathematics. Students are able to acquire an understanding of many challenging topics taken from the TQA3 General Mathematics and Mathematics Methods courses.
All Grade 9 and 10 students who are thinking about continuing their study of Mathematics to
Grades 11 and 12 will find this course immensely beneficial. Topics studied will include some of the