St Joseph’s Regional College Port Macquarie
2013 A GUIDE TO ELECTIVE OFFERINGS Read this booklet carefully before completing your subject choices
Dear Parents, Over the coming week your son or daughter is being asked to make choices about subjects for the next stage of their education. There are 14 elective choices on offer in Year 9. Students must select two. The courses are all designed around a two-year timeframe and therefore correct, informed decisions at this stage form the platform for a cohesive education through to Year 10. Important decisions like these should not rest with the student alone. We ask that you guide your son or daughter through this booklet, helping them to acquire the knowledge to make informed and well weighted decisions.
Use the following points as considerations as you read and make choices:
ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU DECIDE Am I comfortable with the practical aspects of a course, for example fees, special equipment or clothing required? Base your selection on your talents. What am I good at? Does the course cater to my strengths? Does the course outline appeal to me? If I like a subject wouldn’t I feel more like giving it the time and effort required for a good pass? Please note: New syllabus guidelines to most elective courses emphasise two distinct sections of work to be covered over the 200 hrs of study for Years 9 and 10. These are ‘Essential Content’ and ‘Additional Content’. In general the essential content component is covered in Year 9 programs, making it increasingly difficult for students to change course at the end of Year 9. It is important to be aware of this when making course selection decisions. A well-rounded education is a positive outcome. Think carefully about your decisions.
If you have any further enquiries over the next week please feel free to contact me at school, or alternatively contact the course teachers as listed on the next page.
CHOOSE WISELY. Cath Eichmann Assistant College Principal
COURSE CONTACT TEACHERS
Commerce
Mr Lutton, Mr Blackman, Mr West
Drama
Mrs Stace, Mrs Twomey
Food Technology
Mrs Daley, MRs Walsh, Mrs VonHoldt
French
Mrs Reilly, Miss Wright
Graphics Technology
Mr Pares, Mr Mackay
Industrial Technology - Metal
Mr Mackay
Industrial Technology - Timber
Mr Pares, Mr Moore, Mr Kalchbauer
Information and Software Technology
Mr Watson, Mr Cato
Marine & Aquaculture Technology
Mr Battiston, Mr Cooper
Music
Mrs Johnson, Mrs Hill
Physical Activity & Sports Studies
Mr Delaney
Physical Activity & Sports Studies Dance
Miss Gibson
Textile Technology
Mrs Shipton, Mrs Walsh, Mrs Daley
Visual Arts
Mrs Pares, Mrs Williams, Mrs May
Year 9/10 Curriculum Compulsory Subjects * Religious Education * English * Mathematics * Science * PD/H/PE * Australian Geography and Australian History * Sport Electives * Two Elective subjects The following pages contain outlines of course content and relevant information regarding the elective subjects. Read these pages thoroughly before completing your selections online.
NOTE THE DEADLINE FOR YOUR CHOICES IS 9.00AM MONDAY, 27TH AUGUST.
COMMERCE Commerce is a part of everyday life; how we interact with others in society. The study of commerce has been designed to assist students to learn about their changing commercial environment so that they gain a greater understanding of how to live and work in modern society. By completing this course, students will be better equipped for: • Continuing education; • Participating in commercial society; • Employment; • Leisure.
Year 9 Commerce 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Consumer Choice: How to solve consumer problems and issues; Promoting and Selling: How advertising affects your choices; Personal Finance: How to achieve financial independence; Travel: Planning their travel and solving problems when traveling; Running a Business: All you ever wanted to know about planning, organising and running a business.
Year 10 Commerce 1. 2. 3. 4.
You and the Law: Know your rights and responsibilities; Employment Issues: Learn about your rights and responsibilities in the workplace; Our Economy: A basic introduction to all aspects of the Australian economy; Towards Independence: Develop problem-solving skills to make life choices.
Assessment • • • • •
Topic Tests; Semester Examinations; Media Files; Assignments; Field study reports.
Commerce gives students the opportunity to be involved in the running of a business, an election and various other simulations, including the Australian Stock Exchange Competition.
DRAMA Drama is a dynamic learning experience that caters for a diverse range of students. The study of Drama engages and challenges students to maximize their individual abilities through imaginative dramatic experiences created in cooperation with others. (Drama Syllabus, 2003) The Drama Course enables students to be involved in: • Making; • Performing, and • Appreciating Drama. Students will engage in activities such as: • Playbuilding • Improvisation • Studying Dramatic Forms and Performance Styles • Reading scripts • Writing scripts
• • • • •
Individual and group performances Design – set, costume, publicity Characterisation Writing a dramatic essay Viewing and appreciating productions
The Course Outline is: Year 9 Drama • Introduction to Shakespeare • Playbuilding • Character Development • Scripted Drama • Physical Theatre Year 10 Drama • Shakespeare • Scripted Drama – Absurd Theatre • Commedia dell `Arte • Playbuilding – Group Performance • Improvisation / Theatresports Students are required to keep a logbook. In this they will record, describe and evaluate workshop practicals and other Drama experiences. This will also be used for class notes and handouts. The logbook will cost $5. Excursions will be offered to students each year to give them the opportunity to view theatre performances and participate in workshops. The cost for each excursion will vary depending on the distance travelled and the nature of the excursion. Assessment is weighted: Workshops / Practical Written
60% 40%
FOOD TECHNOLOGY In the Food Technology course, students will explore food related issues through a range of practical experiences, allowing them to make informed and appropriate choices with regard to food and nutrition.
Food Technology is important because..........
• There are increasing community concerns about food issues including hygiene and safety, nutritional claims and the nutritional quality of food and the environmental impact of food production and processing. • In Australia consumers are confronted by an ever increasing array of food products. Making informed decisions and developing sound food habits requires an understanding of nutrition principles. • Food is important in the Australian economy and provides numerous employment opportunities in the ever expanding hospitality industry and the food manufacturing industry.
Students gain knowledge and skills in the areas of.......... * * * *
food properties, preparation and processing; hygienic and safe work practices and the provision of quality food; nutrition and food consumption; food choices and the consequences for health.
Students are involved in a wide range of activities including.......... * * * * * * *
research * discussions analysis of data * surveys ICT exercises * assignments case studies * design exercises video reports visits to industrial and commercial venues hands-on practical activities including food preparation, experiments, taste testing etc.
Topics for study include.......... * * * * * *
Food Selection and Health Food Trends Food For Special Needs Food in Australia Food For Special Occasions Food Service and Catering
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“Eat Well, Live Well” “Fashionable Food” “Food For All” “Aussie Tucker” “Let’s Party” “Are You Being Served?”
The course contributes to both vocational and general life experiences and results in skills that are transferable to other study including HSC and University courses, work and life contexts that students may encounter. Students pay an annual fee of approximately $70.00 to assist in covering the cost of ingredients used in practical lessons.
FRENCH In Years 9 and 10 students of French will build on what they have learned in the first two.
We focus primary on developing the students’ ability to operate as a ‘traveller abroad’. Students learn how to use public transport in France and get around, how to explain to a doctor or pharmacist what is wrong with them, how to purchase clothing, how to order food and drink and how to talk about their families. A wide variety of resources are used to explore these themes. Interactive websites, online resources and other multimedia complement the textbooks and teacher resources.
By combining the above resources, a balanced programme of activities and exercises is developed to assist improvement in the four skill areas of listening, reading, writing and speaking. Some of the tasks which are used to achieve this include reading, translation, quizzes, vocabulary exercises, worksheets, games, dialogues and film making. Small amounts of grammar are introduced at appropriate intervals to assist the four skill areas and to give context to the structure of the French language.
French culture remains an important and integrated aspect of these courses. Exposure to French multimedia and current affairs is provided, some research is undertaken and there are occasional opportunities to partake of French cuisine in class. Studying this course could lead to participation in foreign exchange programs and the skills learnt in becoming proficient in a second language are beneficial in many careers, including journalism, hospitality and international relations. This course is also a requirement for studying French Continuers in Years 11 and 12.
GRAPHICS TECHNOLOGY The Graphics Technology course aims to develop in students the ability to think creatively, devise solutions and communicate information to a range of audiences using a variety of graphical techniques and media. The study of Graphics Technology as an elective course enables students to sketch, and accurately draw shapes and objects to communicate information and to interpret design and produce a variety of graphical presentations using a range of manual and computer based techniques.
Course Content The course consists of two Core modules and four Option modules. The option modules come from such areas as • Architectural Drawing; • Cabinet and Furniture Drawing; • Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CAD); • Computer Animation; • Engineering Drawing; • Graphic Design and Communication; • Product Illustration. In each module students will develop knowledge, understanding and skills related to the following key areas; • Graphics principles and techniques; • Design in graphics; • Planning and construction; • Presentation. This course develops in students an understanding of related work environments while developing skills and understanding that will equip them for potential vocational pathways, future learning and leisure and lifestyle activities.
Students selecting Graphics Technology will need basic Graphics equipment, some of which students will need to buy and some of which will be available for lease through the school.
INFORMATION & SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY - MULTIMEDIA The study of Information and Software Technology enables students to use the latest in digital and web-based technologies to create state-of-the-art multimedia presentations in all their forms. Through practical involvement in projects, individually and in groups, students engage in the processes of analysing, designing, producing, testing, documenting, implementing and evaluating Information and Software Technology-based solutions. Option topics include • Authoring and Multimedia • Digital Media • The Internet and website development • Software Development and Programming The course outline for Year 9 is: Game Making - involves the design and software components of making an interactive game, idea sharing and team building. Game building gives students the chance to challenge their imaginations and develop vital life-skills, such as cooperation with others and understanding new concepts. Graphics - Students will use image editing software (Paint Shop Pro) to manipulate various images as well as creating their own graphics. Animation and Audio - Students produce animations for use in multimedia presentations. Authoring and Multimedia - Students will combine text and sound with graphics and animation to make an interactive multimedia presentation using the SwishMax flash production program. The course outline for Year 10 is: • Web Site Design - An Introduction - Students will learn the features of website creation using CoffeeCup Visual Site Designer program, and produce an informative and interactive website • Programming - Students will explore the Qbasic programming language and then program the computer to develop solutions to given problems. • Information Kiosk Major Project – Students will work in groups to design a presentation to be used as an information kiosk. • Video Production - Students will create videos of major school events such as athletics and swimming carnivals using Corel Video Studio. Assessment for Information and Software Technology includes both practical and written tasks.
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY - METAL The major emphasis in this elective course is on students being actively involved in the planning, development and construction of quality metal projects. The course provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge and skills in relation to metals and associated industries. The course aims to: • develop knowledge, skills and appreciation of quality in the design and production of practical projects; • develop the ability to investigate practical solutions to problems; • encourage a sense of purpose, enjoyment and personal satisfaction through the production of practical projects; • develop knowledge and understanding of traditional, current and emerging technologies in industry.
Course Content In core modules, students learn about the materials, tool techniques and safety issues related to metal as they manufacture a variety of practical projects. This is further enhanced and developed through the study of specialized modules in Metal Machining and Metal Fabrication. The practical projects may include: o
Sheet Metal products eg. Toolboxes, BBQ Carry Case;
o
Metal machining projects eg. nutcrackers, Quick action clamps;
o
Fabricated projects eg. candelabras, scroll mirrors, BBQ’s, coffee tables and patio heaters
Through these projects students will learn about: • OH&S; • Materials, tools and techniques used when working with metals; • Designing with metals; • Workplace communication skills; • Links to industry; • Environmental impact. The study of Industrial Technology – Metal will develop a range of skills that will equip students for further leisure and lifestyle activities, potential vocational pathways and future learning in the technology field. The fee for materials in Year 9 will be approximately $70 and in Year 10 is dependent upon the projects undertaken.
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY - TIMBER In our ever-changing technological society, Industrial Technology – Timber provides a variety of activities, mainly practical, in which students develop the basic concepts, knowledge, skills and techniques relating to timber and associated industries. The course aims to: • develop knowledge, skills and appreciation of
quality in the design and production of practical projects; • develop the ability to investigate practical solutions
to problems; • encourage a sense of purpose, enjoyment and
personal satisfaction through the production of practical projects; • develop
knowledge and understanding of traditional, current and emerging technologies in timber industries.
Course Content In core modules, students learn about the materials, tools, techniques and safety issues related to timber as they manufacture a variety of practical projects. This is further enhanced and developed through the study of specialized modules in Cabinetwork and Wood Machining. The practical projects may include: • Furniture items e.g. coffee tables, beach seat; display cabinets • Decorative timber products e.g. coffee mug tree, turned bowls; antique clocks • Small stepladders; entrance mirrors Through these projects students will learn about: •
OH&S;
•
Materials, tools and techniques used when working with timber;
•
Designing with timber;
•
Workplace communication skills;
•
Links to industry;
•
Environmental impact.
The study of Industrial Technology – Timber will develop a range of skills that will equip students for further leisure and lifestyle activities, potential vocational pathways and future learning in the technology field. The fee for materials in Year 9 will be approximately $70 and in Year 10 is dependent upon the projects undertaken.
MARINE & AQUACULTURE TECHNOLOGY Marine & Aquaculture Technology is an exciting School Certificate subject where theoretical classroom lessons are complimented with a ‘hands-on’ and ‘feet-in’ approach to learning. We will study a range of marine environments and marine biology. Much of the learning in this subject will take place in the classroom. Equally, lessons will be conducted at the beach and down at the river to discover first hand the marine environment and man’s interaction with it. Due to these off-campus activities, there will be ongoing expenses to students on top of their course fees. This extra cost will be approximately $4 per practical lesson to cover bus travel etc, which will be invoiced at the beginning of each term. Please note you need to be confident in the water, a capable swimmer and be prepared to handle fish in order to fulfill many of the requirements of this course. Areas of study may include: • Water safety and general first aid; • Marine environments and ecosystems; • Fish and marine mammals; • Marine and fishing equipment; • Commercial and recreational fishing; • Boats, kayaking and canoeing; • Basic Snorkeling; • Aquaculture and aquariums. As part of the Marine & Aquaculture Technology program students may gain several awards, e.g. The Senior First Aid Certificate, Boating License and Snorkelling Certificate. These awards are not a mandatory part of the subject, but they are highly regarded and students may have the opportunity to complete these awards at a greatly discounted cost whilst enrolled in Marine & Aquaculture Technology. These costs are payable to the appropriate organisations. This course aims to develop in students: • An appreciation of the complexity and fragility of our coastal ecosystems as well as their value to the local community; • An appreciation of the potential impact of marine ecosystems on the lifestyles of people in the Greater Port Macquarie Region; • An interest in oceanography, marine biology and leisure activities that are compatible with responsible management of the marine environment. Assessment is based on; acquisition of skills, assignments, experiments, practical projects, examinations and written and oral displays of related knowledge and understanding. There is a course fee of $60.00 per year to cover the cost of equipment and resources. Please also note there will be extra costs and expenses as listed above. Some students may require a wetsuit and/or fins for snorkelling and ‘aquashoes’ for rock platform fieldwork.
MUSIC The stage 5 School Certificate Music course provides the opportunity for students to develop their musical abilities and potential. As an art form Music pervades society and occupies a significant place in world cultures. Music plays important roles in the social, cultural, aesthetic and spiritual lives of people. At an individual level, music is a medium of personal expression. It enables the sharing of ideas, feelings and experiences. (Music Syllabus, 2003.) The Elective Music Course enables students to be involved in: • • •
Performance; Listening, and Composition.
Students will engage in activities such as: • Playing an instrument or singing • Solo performances • Group performances • Music analysis • Developing aural skills • Creating music • Arranging music • Using technology in performing and composing activities • Utilising music software such as Sibelius. Acid and Audacity The Course Outline includes: Year 9 Music • The Musical • Music of a Culture • Film Music • Advertising Year 10 Music • Art Music up to 1900 • 20th Century Art Music and Jazz • Australian Music • Music for small ensembles In addition, opportunities for workshops, performances and excursions are provided throughout the year. The cost of visiting performance is approximately $5.00, and workshops approximately $10. A day trip to a musical performance is also offered. The cost for this excursion is approximately $95.00 for the day. These opportunities are not compulsory. The College has available vocal and instrumental tuition and many ensembles that elective students are encouraged to utilise. While it is not mandatory, it is an advantage for elective students to have individual music tuition and to participate in a music group such as a band, choir or other ensemble.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & SPORTS STUDIES Physical Activity and Sports Studies is designed to utilise the skills and extend on the content taught in PD/H/PE. It is for those students with a particular interest in the areas of the human body, health & fitness and the social aspects of sport and physical activity. The course comprises of 12 Core Modules which are taught over the two years. Whilst each module includes a theoretical component, there is an emphasis on learning through movement throughout the course. The course structure is outlined below. COURSE STRUCTURE OVERVIEW Year 9 Modules:
Year 10 Modules:
• • • •
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Movement systems-Muscular and Skeletal Sports Injuries Physical Activity for Health and Fitness Moving with Skill Australia’s Sporting Identity Strategies in Team Games
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Create-a-Game Issues in Sport Coaching in Practice Energy Systems for Physical Activity Movement Composition Senior First Aid
Student assessment will include movement tasks, presentations, group work, written reports, diaries, journals and log books, as well as semester exams. As Physical Activity and Sports Studies aims to take advantage of the many facilities in our community some costs may be involved. Students may attend an overnight excursion in Sydney exploring sport facilities and major events. During term four Year 10 students will complete a First Aid Certificate course at a cost of approximately $60.
Students who undertake Physical Activity and Sports Studies will: • •
Have a better understanding of how to live a healthy lifestyle. Be provided with the necessary skills to participate actively in sporting activity.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & SPORTS STUDIES DANCE This course is for students with a particular interest in dance. It will incorporate many opportunities for practical applications as well as theoretical aspects of how and why the body moves. By focusing on dance, this course incorporates lifelong physical activity for recreational and leisure pursuits, individual and group dances that promote physical fitness. as well as movement for performance. Students will: • be encouraged to work towards specific performance goals • learn about movement and will be given opportunities to analyse and appreciate the different forms of dance and the traditions and special characteristics of these. This will also promote cultural awareness and understanding • learn valuable skills in organisation, enterprise, leadership and communication through their participation in school and community performances
Course Structure and Overview Year 9 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
The body in action-basic anatomy Safety and Injury management for Dancers Fit to dance Dance Skills Moving with Rhythm 1 Dancing for Fun
Year 10 1. Learning to Dance 2. Energy for dance 3. Nutrition for Dance 4. Moving with Rhythm 2 5. Appreciating Dance 6. Senior First Aid Student assessment will include movement tasks, presentations, group work, written reports, diaries, journals and log books, as well as semester exams. • As Physical Activity and Sports Studies aims to take advantage of the many facilities in our community some costs may be involved. • Students may attend an overnight excursion in Sydney exploring sport facilities and major events. Students who undertake Physical Activity and Sports Studies will: • Have a better understanding of how to live a healthy lifestyle. • Be provided with the necessary skills to participate actively in a variety of dance and fitness activities.
TEXTILE TECHNOLOGY The Textile Technology course caters for the student who has an interest in all aspects of clothing and fashion, in interior design and in textile technology.
AREAS OF STUDY The course aims to develop confidence and proficiency in the design, production and evaluation of textile items. Students are actively engaged in learning about: • The properties and performance of textiles; • Textiles design and the role of designers; • The role of textiles in society. They also develop skills in creative documentation, communication and presentation of design ideas and in the critical selection and creative use of textile materials. Units of work are based on the following focus areas: * Apparel; * Furnishings; * Costume; * Textile Arts; * Non-apparel. Each unit of work includes a project where students develop their practical skills to produce a textile item and complete documentation of their work in a folio.
Specific Units of Work Could include: • Below the Belt - constructing a current skirt/pant fashion • Inspirational Textiles - creating a textile item using machine embroidery • Toy World - making a large or small toy for a young child • The Inside Story - creating a soft furnishing article • Fashion Forecast - designing and constructing casual, work or formal clothing In Year 9 and 10 students will produce approximately 3 projects per year and fabrics, patterns etc for each project could cost approximately $25. A Textile fee of approximately $25.00 per year covers the cost of a project diary, over-locking thread, marking pens, interfacing etc.
FOR THE FUTURE Students who study Textile Technology: • become well informed consumers of textile products and equipment • develop creativity and a sense of achievement through designing and constructing with textiles • develop skills which lead to enjoyable and profitable leisure activities • have a basis for further study in HSC courses, TAFE fashion courses and University textile science courses
VISUAL ARTS The study of Visual Arts places great value on the development of student’s intellectual and practical autonomy, reflective action, critical judgment and understanding of art in art-making, and in critical and historical studies of art. Visual Arts plays an important role in the social, cultural and spiritual lives of students. (Visual Arts Syllabus, 2003.) The Elective Visual Arts Course enables students to be involved in: • Art Making; • Critical studies; • Historical studies. Students will engage in activities such as: • Drawing • Painting • Photography • Sculpture • Research • Digital Media • Design
• • • • •
Documentation Writing essays Discussion Ceramics Viewing and appreciating art works
The Course Outline is: Year 9 Visual Arts • Essentially Me – Portraiture • Engineer or Artist • Illustration • Australiana Year 10 Visual Arts • A Window to the Frames – looking at art through the eyes of the syllabus • The Subconscious and Beyond • Body of Work – The Artist Within • PoMo Merchandise Students are required to maintain a Visual Arts Process Diary. In this they complete all class work plus they record, document and evaluate all of their art making experiences. Approximate cost for general materials needed in Visual Arts, including paints is $40 and an additional $10 for a VAPD. Further costs may apply to the Year 10 Body of Work unit. Assessment is weighted: • 60% art making • 40% critical and historical study
NOTES
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR
YEAR 9 2013 ELECTIVES Please Note: Yr 9 Elective preferences will be completed online. Please follow the instructions below. Preferences can be selected between: Thursday 23rd August (8pm) and Monday 27th of August (9am)
How to choose your Year 9 electives? 1. Visit the SJRC Moodle site: http://moodle.pmreglism.catholic.edu.au/
Step 3
2. Login using your school username and password. 3. On the right side of the screen, click the icon under the heading ‘Yr 9 Electives’. 4. Carefully read all of the on-screen instructions. 5. Select your preferences from the drop down list.
Step 5
6. Once completed, click ‘Submit Questionnaire’.
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IMPORTANT: Failure to submit your choices by the due date and time may result in you not receiving your preferences