YEARS 8 & 9 ELECTIVES
The following electives are offered to students in Years 8 & 9 in 2025. They are distinct subjects that are offered for a single semester. They may be chosen once by each student and not repeated across Year 8 and Year 9.
1 Semester Full Year
Animation
Applied Sports Strategy
Choral Studies
Coding
Film & Media
Global Chef
Health and Fitness
Make Bake and Create
Music
Photography
Robotics
Textiles
Theatre Studies
Visual Communication Design
Visual Art
YEAR 10 ELECTIVES
Body In Motion
Cafe Masterclass
Chinese Commerce
Digital Film & Media
Enhanced Sports Performance
French
History’s Mysteries
Music
Photography
Product Design Technologies
Programming & Games Design
Psychology
Robotics Engineering
Textiles
Theatre Studies
Visual Art
Visual Communication Design
YEARS 8 & 9 ELECTIVES
ANIMATION
Animation is a powerful tool in entertainment, advertising, and gaming, often present in our daily lives in ways we may not even notice. In this course, you’ll dive into the fascinating world of animation, exploring Traditional Animation, Stop Motion Animation, and Digital Animation. You’ll get hands-on experience creating your own animations using either Lego or Plasticine, as well as both handdrawn and digital drawings. Additionally, you’ll develop your skills in scriptwriting and storyboarding, all while analysing a variety of animated works from different genres. You will also be introduced to the exciting field of Digital Animation and Drawing, where you’ll produce a series of short animations and GIFs.
Discover how animation can open doors to careers in the film, advertising, and gaming industries. Join us to unlock your creativity and bring your stories to life through the art of animation!
Areas of Study:
• History of Animation
• Digital Animation
• Stop Motion Animation
Assessment:
• Review an Animation from the Golden Age
• Create a Scene in Animate
• Make a Stop Motion Animation
APPLIED SPORTS STRATEGY
In this practical elective subject, students explore the application of transferable tactical concepts across various sporting contexts. Through their active participation in engaging, team-based learning experiences, they develop and execute offensive and defensive strategies, and evaluate the impact of their decisions on game outcomes. Students investigate current and historical examples to illustrate the influence of strategy in sport, and utilise data and technology to critically analyse the tactical performances of elite athletes and teams.
Assessment:
• Apply and evaluate the impact of strategy through participation in a range of practical-based learning experiences
• Analyse real-world examples of strategy in sport and share these in the form of a multimedia presentation
• Engage in a SEPEP Unit (Sports Education Model) through which students collaborate to manage and participate in a shortened season of sport. Within teams, they are required to devise and implement strategies, and complete weekly reviews of their own performance to improve their tactical awareness and application.
CHORAL STUDIES
This practical music elective is intended to allow students to deepen their understanding of music and explore how it intersects with its broader cultural context, through the lens of choral music. Students will participate in regular in-class rehearsals and performances as part of this elective. As part of their learning, students will explore and study the works of Australian Aboriginal composers, consider culturally appropriate and respectful approaches to Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property rights, explore the historic development of European choral traditions and learn music drawn from diverse cultures and musical genres. Students will also explore learning and rehearsal processes for choral ensembles, develop performance skills (both vocal and conducting) and deepen their capacity to reflect and provide feedback on a performance to achieve musical growth.
It is a requirement that students that are enrolled in this elective be members of the College Choir for the duration of their enrolment.
Assessment:
• Performance assessments
• Practical music literacy test
• Oral presentation
• Written test
CODING
In this course, you’ll embark on a journey into essential programming concepts that are fundamental for problem-solving and computational thinking. You will build a foundation in programming starting with the basics. You’ll learn to write and execute code, manipulate data using variables and data types, and perform calculations. As you progress, you’ll gain proficiency in managing data collections with lists and implementing decision-making in your programs through conditional statements.
By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge and confidence to tackle more complex programming challenges and continue your learning journey in computer science. This course not only prepares you for further studies in coding but also equips you with critical thinking and logical reasoning skills applicable across various academic and realworld scenarios.
You will need a laptop to work on.
Areas of Study:
• Coding 101
• Variables
• Organising Data
• Classic Games
Assessment:
• Understanding code and computing tasks
• Manipulating data project
• Game project
FILM & MEDIA
Media is everywhere: at home, at school, on the bus, and out in the world. There is no way we can avoid it, so why not enjoy it? In this course, you’ll dive into the captivating world of Film and Media, exploring how media both influences and reflects society. You’ll develop a range of skills in filming, editing, and audio recording to produce a variety of media products. These media products will cover a range of genres, giving you a broad understanding of different styles and techniques.
You will learn to purposefully use a camera, master editing techniques, as well as the codes and conventions of genre. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to create engaging podcasts, combining your new skills in a dynamic and modern format.
Discover how media can open doors to careers in film, television, advertising, and beyond. Join us to unlock your creativity and bring your stories to life through the art of Film and Media!
Areas of Study:
• Understanding and using the camera
• Editing,, codes and convention
• Podcasting
Assessment:
• KWC Tropfest film task
• Create a horror film trailer
• Host and record a podcast
GLOBAL CHEF
The Global Chef course aims to extend student skills in the kitchen. We explore the influences of culture, geography, history and society on food in different regions around the world. Students extend their understanding of various issues surrounding food including ethics, sustainability and nutrition. We look closely at the sensory property of different foods. The overall aim is to extend students food and cooking literacy and extend their skills in the kitchen.
Assessment:
• A practical cooking session (100 mins) each week (two assessed practicals over the semester)
• A theory lesson per week (one assessed written task)
YEARS 8 & 9 ELECTIVES
HEALTH & FITNESS
This subject takes a holistic approach to Health and Fitness, exploring both personal and community perspectives. Students design and implement personalised plans that target specific fitness components and examine the importance of nutrition and recovery in maintaining optimal body function. They apply strategies for navigating challenging situations and develop the necessary knowledge and skills for making informed and safe decisions. Students analyse the broader impact of contemporary issues on health outcomes and work collaboratively to propose strategies for promoting physical, mental, and social health within their communities.
Assessment:
• Design, implement, and evaluate personalised fitness programs
• Engage in practical workshops to investigate methods of recovery and injury prevention
• Develop and critique health promotion strategies and campaigns to improve health outcomes at a community level
• Explore case studies and scenarios to analyse the influence and impact of decisions and behaviours.
MAKE, BAKE & CREATE
The Make, Bake and Create course looks at the science behind baking and teaches students to understand why products are made using different techniques. The sensory properties of food is explored with a focus on presentation. Students will explore the benefits of home baking compared to commercial products though a nutrition lens. This course will further extend students’ food and cooking literacy.
Assessment:
• A practical cooking session (100 mins) each week (two assessed practicals over the semester)
• A theory lesson per week (one assessed written task)
MUSIC
In Year 8 and 9 Music, students will study music theory, European music history (from the Renaissance to the 21st Century), indigenous and migrant music traditions of Australia, become familiar with standard orchestral instruments, further develop their notated music literacy skills, and establish technical, artistic and practical performance skills. Students will also explore different approaches to creative practices in music, including arrangement and composition.
Assessment:
• In-class theory test
• Oral presentation on a chosen period of European music history
• In-class sight-reading workshops
• Aural and visual quiz for orchestral instrument recognition
• In-class performance (group or solo)
• Creative task to be undertaken in format agreed with class teacher, e.g. notated composition, recorded composition, lead sheet, chord chart, guitar tab.
PHOTOGRAPHY
In this elective, students explore the environment, people, and the world around them through the lens of a camera, gaining a fundamental understanding and application of photo composition using analogue and digital cameras. Historical and contemporary photography is examined, with students drawing inspiration from personal influences and artists. Students explore their environment imaginatively, documenting their exploration in a visual diary that illustrates individual ideas, technical processes, aesthetic appreciation, and evaluative decisions. Students gain technical skills and processes in shooting, film processing, darkroom developing, and digital photo editing. They apply their knowledge of light across a range of practical projects utilising pinhole cameras, photograms, sun exposure, and experimenting with light-sensitive paper. Alongside traditional darkroom processes, students are exposed to digital shooting and basic editing techniques to refine their compositions using programs such as Photoshop and Lightroom.
Assessment:
• Practical skill building short tasks such as photograms and sun exposures.
• Two major practical projects
• Two theory tasks
• A visual diary that contains all working processes
ROBOTICS
Get ready to dive into the exciting world of robotics in our elective course! You’ll have the chance to explore, design, and build robotic solutions that tackle real-world challenges head-on.
Throughout the course, you’ll need to use higher-order thinking skills to come up with innovative hardware and software ideas that robots can actually use. Working in teams, you’ll collaborate to analyse problems and develop mechanical and electronic solutions together.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of robotics and how they’re applied in industries around the world. You’ll also get to explore cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing, which play a key role in modern robotics.
Get ready to bring your creativity and problem-solving skills to the table. Let’s build the future of robotics together!
Areas of Study:
• Robot Training
• Space Challenge
• SumoBots
• Robots in Industry
Assessment:
• Robot Course Challenge
• Space Challenge
• SumoBots Challenge
• Industry Research Project
TEXTILES
Dive into the vibrant world of textiles and fibre arts in this engaging and hands-on course. Explore the diverse universe of textiles, from traditional fabrics to contemporary materials. Gain insight into their characteristics and applications in creative projects. Understand the essentials of operating a sewing machine, from threading to stitching. Improve your technique as you learn to sew straight lines and patterns with confidence. Step into the world of garment construction by selecting a fabric and following a pattern to create a personalized clothing item. Discover the art of embroidery and its endless possibilities for creative expression. Learn various stitches and techniques to embroider captivating designs onto fabric. Unleash your creativity by designing and sewing your very own whimsical monster. Using your embroidery skills to give your imaginative creature personality. Experience the calming and meditative effects of knitting. Learn fundamental knitting stitches while exploring the therapeutic benefits of this timeless craft.
Assessment:
• Handmade 3-d creature
• Equipment and techniques workbook
• PJ shorts
• Fashion Project
YEARS 8 & 9 ELECTIVES
THEATRE STUDIES
In this elective, you will explore how to develop characters, create scripts, and perform different comedic styles. A variety of tasks will be used to encourage you to participate actively and imaginatively in class. You will develop knowledge of the Elements of Drama as you create, perform and reflect on your own practical work. Those who choose this elective will also explore the theatrical style of Realism. Together we will study Stanislavski’s theories including: Emotional memory, Magic ‘if’ and the Fourth wall. We will continue to develop improvisation and ensemble skills by making theatre games a regular classroom practice. You will also be encouraged to explore a minimal, realistic style of acting through learning how to interpret scripts, perform believable characters on stage and understand text. You will also briefly study the processes of film acting and the various acting techniques involved.
Assessment:
• Group performances
• Digital written reflections
• Comedy performance
• Realism scene presentation
• Monologue presention (filmed or live)
VISUAL ARTS
This elective explores a range of artforms and art mediums. If you choose this elective, you could be working with media such as paint, drawing, collage, digital art, charcoal, pastels, inks, image transfer, scraper board, sculpture and printmaking, whilst delving into themes such as Still Life, Landscape, Portraiture and Social Commentary just to name a few.
You are encouraged to bring personal influence to your art making as well as draw inspiration from existing artists. You will examine a range of historical and contemporary artists and art styles, demonstrating an understanding in your visual diary documentation, theory tasks and your artworks.
All work is documented in a visual diary, and along with short task you will creating two major artworks in this course.
Assessment:
• Practical skill building short tasks such as drawing, collage, ink and brush, and relief printing.
• Two major practical projects spanning six weeks each, culminating in two finished artworks.
• Submission of two theory tasks which link to each of the practical projects.
• A visual diary that contains all working processes.
VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN
This course introduces the four fields of design practice in Visual Communication Design; Messages, Interactive Experiences, Objects and Environments. This elective delves into the world of design and how to creatively see and think as designers. Students undertake projects such as logo design, packaging design and explore sustainable building practices. Practical projects are undertaken in conjunction with a design brief with students employing manual and digital drawing methods and programs such as Illustrator and Photoshop. There is a design theory component to the course and students will need to complete design analysis, knowledge quizzes and a theory assignment.
Visual Communication Design is for students who enjoy problem solving and being creative
Assessment:
• Practical skill building short tasks such as freehand drawing, technical drawing and digital collage.
• Two major design projects spanning six weeks each, culminating in two finished design presentations.
• Submission of two theory tasks.
• A visual diary that contains your working processes using the Double Diamond Model.
YEAR 9 ELECTIVES
FURNITURE
Students will have the opportunity to design a small piece of wooden furniture using the design process to develop initial ideas into a refined piece. Students will explore the history of furniture design, techniques to develop better proportions and digital techniques to help with designing. The practical knowledge of the safe and correct use of a range of hand and power tools commonly used in the manufacture of furniture will be taught along with techniques to process, refine and finish timber for use. Students will work in a dynamic environment that encourages creative design solutions and be introduced to the idea of using environmental resources in a sustainable and ethical manner.
Areas of Study:
• Design and problem solving
• Materials and skills
• Production
• Evaluation Assessment:
• Folio of design activities and visualisation of the furniture piece
• Furniture Product
• Poster exploring woodworking jointing techniques
YEAR 10 ELECTIVES
BODY IN MOTION
Body in Motion explores human movement from a physiological perspective. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students investigate how the musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems function to enable movement. They study the various components of fitness and analyse how these can be applied across a range of physical contexts. Students are introduced to the energy systems and examine the important role that these play in the performance of an athlete.
Assessment:
• Practical workshops
• Apply training principles through the creation of bespoke training programs
• Structured questions to assess key knowledge of body and energy systems
• Semester Examination
CAFE MASTERCLASS
Café Masterclass is a unit of study focusing on café culture in Melbourne. Students will investigate different types of cafes, including menu items, advertising, and ways they are distinct from one another. This will assist students in designing their own café food, including current trends. As part of the practical lessons, we will make cafe classic dishes as well a mystery box challenge for a menu special. Students will develop their hot beverage skills as they work as a collaborative team to run the Spire café at Kingswood College. This experience will provide transferable skills for use in the Hospitality industry. It is also an excellent introduction to Commercial Cookery offered in Year 11.
Assessment:
• Running Kingswood Spire CaféPractical Skills assessment and reflection
• An excursion to a café to research trends- Café Culture Assignment
• Mystery Box Cooking Design Task
• Fair Trade Coffee Investigation
CHINESE
The study of Chinese at Year 10 aims to develop the communication skills which enable students to express their views and talk about topics relevant to their age groups in readiness for VCE Chinese studies. This is a compulsory subject for students wishing to pursue studies in VCE Chinese. It prepares them to deal with various daily situations and problems in Chinese, developing an awareness of language as a tool for communication and of how language works. While cultivating the ability of language use in Chinese, this subject encourages students to think independently and critically.
Assessment:
Activities revolve around the practice of the four main language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing, which also incorporate the grammar and vocabulary from each unit of work. Assessment takes place in various forms to accommodate the development of the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing and viewing. Grammar and vocabulary are also assessed throughout the year. Assessment can be conducted by:
• Written exercises and tests
• Compositions
• Oral presentations
• Comprehension tasks
• Examinations
COMMERCE
This Year 10 Commerce Unit introduces students to key concepts in Economics, Business Management, Legal Studies, and Accounting. Students will explore resource allocation, scarcity, and opportunity cost. They will gain insights into market dynamics, customer understanding, and macroeconomic indicators like the standard of living and balance of trade. The unit also covers the essentials of small business, including competition types, product development, and business planning. Additionally, students will learn about the legal system, focusing on criminal and civil law. This comprehensive unit aims to equip students with foundational knowledge and practical skills for future commerce studies.
Assessment:
• Inquiry Report
• Mini Task (balance sheet)
• Small Business Plan
• Test: The Australian Legal System
DIGITAL FILM & MEDIA
If you are interested in animation, film, and media, then this is the course for you!
In Digital Media and Film, you will have the opportunity to dive deep into the world of visual media through a variety of engaging projects. You’ll develop your skills in image manipulation using Adobe Photoshop, undertake in-depth film analysis and production techniques, and engage in both major film production and digital animation. You’ll use current industry software programs to help you manipulate, edit, and produce your work. With access to the Kingswood College TV studio and recording facilities, your projects will look polished and professional. Discover how digital media and film can lead to exciting careers in the creative industries. Join us to unlock your creativity and bring your visions to life through the art of Digital Media and Film!
Areas of Study:
• Digital Image manipulation
• Film Analysis
• Film Production
• Digital Animation
Assessment:
• Mythical Me Photoshop task
• Major Film Production
• Create an Animated Dreaming Story
ENHANCED SPORTS PERFORMANCE
Enhanced Sports Performance is a comprehensive study of the key elements that drive athletic success. Students actively investigate a variety of coaching styles and examine the role that feedback plays in skill acquisition and development. They are provided with regular opportunities to apply their knowledge through their participation in peer-led coaching sessions, with a clear focus on the implementation of sound instructional practices to improve performance. Students delve into the field of biomechanics to analyse the technical aspects of movement, and they explore how sports psychology can be used to enhance an athlete’s motivation, resilience, and focus.
Assessment:
• Peer Coaching sessions
• Coach investigation
• Video Analysis
• Practical workshops
• Semester Examination
YEAR 10 ELECTIVES
FRENCH
The study of French at Year 10 aims to develop the communication skills which enables students to express their views and talk about topics relevant to their age groups in readiness for VCE French studies. This is a compulsory subject for students wishing to pursue studies in VCE French. It prepares them to deal with various daily situations and problems in French, developing an awareness of language as a tool for communication and of how language works. The study of a foreign language such as French fosters understanding and tolerance of other cultures and broadens the student’s cultural horizons and general knowledge by introducing them to the French way of life
Assessment:
Activities revolve around the practice of the four main language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing, which also incorporate the grammar and vocabulary from each unit of work. Assessment takes place in various forms to accommodate the development of the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing and viewing. Grammar and vocabulary are also assessed throughout the year. Assessment can be conducted by:
• Written exercises and tests
• Compositions
• Oral presentations
• Comprehension tasks
• Examinations
HISTORY MYSTERIES
This Year 10 History Mysteries Unit delves into intriguing historical enigmas, exploring why they persist and how they can be examined through logic and epistemology. Students will learn to formulate analysis through critical thinking and research skills. The unit covers ancient mysteries like Babylon and Atlantis, as well as modern-world conspiracies, such as ‘did man really land on the moon?’ By investigating these topics, students will develop a deeper understanding of historical events, enhance their analytical skills, and learn the importance of evidence-based reasoning in uncovering the truths behind historical mysteries.
Assessment:
• Case study and research task
• Written analytical response
• Case study and research task
• Student created documentary/ podcast/report
MUSIC
In Year 10 Music students focus on the development of aural and theoretical skills, such as recognising key signatures, intervals, scales, chords, rhythms and melodies. Students develop these skills through both explicit theoretical analysis, and through the incorporation of these concepts in an original composition project, which is completed using the notation software, Sibelius. All students are required to present a prepared performance on their chosen instrument. Students undertake musicological research concerning the history of European music traditions, and ethnomusicological research which discusses musical elements that are familiar and unfamiliar, in both local and international music traditions. Year 10 Music is a broad and enriching subject, which serves as the gateway to VCE Music Performance studies.
Assessment:
• Performance – Solo recital
• Composition – Original, notated work
• Research essay – Musicology
• Comparative essay –Ethnomusicology
• Written examination – Aural and theory skills
PHOTOGRAPHY
Year 10 Photography is for students who are passionate about capturing and creating visual images through various print mediums. It builds on foundational knowledge from Middle School Photography and Art, though prior experience in these subjects is not a prerequisite. All students with an interest in photography are welcome. This course extends to both analogue and digital photography encouraging the imaginative exploration of subject matter, whilst teaching students techniques and skills needed to produce high-quality images. Students learn to operate SLR cameras, understand black and white film processes, and gain hands-on experience with darkroom printing. They will also explore DSLR camera functions, digital editing with Photoshop and Lightroom, and enhance images through digital manipulation. A visual diary will document their processes, procedures, and photographic ideas while exploring a range of themes.
Assessment:
• Practical skill building short tasks such as photograms and sun exposures.
• Two major practical projects, culminating in two finished artworks.
• Submission of two theory tasks which link to each of the practical projects.
• A visual diary that contains all working processes
PRODUCT DESIGN TECHNOLOGIES
Students will be building upon skills gained in Years 7, 8 & 9, and be challenged with more complex design problems. Students will continue to develop their talent as designers, operators and users of technology. The Design Process sets out a path for solving a problem or meeting a need. Students will follow the design process of investigating, designing, producing and evaluating products. Students will always follow safe and competent workshop practices.
Areas of Study:
• Design and problem solving
• Materials and skills
• Production
• Evaluation
Assessment:
• Folio of design activities and visualisation of the design problem
• Product that addresses the design problem
• Examination of relevant theory and the Design Process
PROGRAMMING & GAMES DESIGN
Delve into diverse game genres as you unravel the intricacies of game creation. Throughout this course, you’ll examine the gaming industry’s profound impact on society and dissect various game genres. By harnessing digital drawing skills, you’ll learn to craft unique sprite designs essential for bringing your games to life. Hands-on activities will guide you through creating your own games using versatile programming tools. From mastering simple command structures to tackling coding challenges, you’ll build a solid foundation in game development. You’ll culminate your learning journey by creating your own unique game. Embark on a creative exploration where innovation meets technology, and unleash your imagination to create a compelling game designed to captivate players.
Areas of Study:
• Working in Industry
• Games Programming
• Sprite Design and Digital Drawing
• Game Development
Assessment:
• Game Review
• Jobs In Industry Presentation
• Sprite Design
• Game Design Project
YEAR 10 ELECTIVES
PSYCHOLOGY
This elective would seek to make connections between the student’s existing knowledge in Psychology and assist in developing new knowledge. Currently, psychology is not a part of the Victorian Curriculum and thus, this elective better enables students to make an informed choice regarding studying VCE Psychology. The elective will have four areas of study: mental illnesses, forensic psychology, performance psychology (including sports psychology), and all things psychology (a small taste of some of psychology’s most interesting areas). Students will have the opportunity to learn about underlying principles and theories, perform simple practical investigations, and examine case studies which reflect real-world contexts. This elective is designed to assist in developing knowledge and skills to better prepare students for VCE Psychology, however, it is not a prerequisite to studying VCE Psychology.
Assessment:
A key component of the course would be inquiry based learning, revolving around practical investigations and folio activities.
• Creating a podcast
• Research poster
• Analysis and evaluation of primary and/or secondary data
• Folio practical task
ROBOTICS ENGINEERING
Explore the frontier of technology and innovation where you will build mechanical systems using engineering techniques before writing code to guide your robots to complete a variety of simple and complex tasks. Throughout this course, students delve into how technology profoundly impacts daily life. They design, build, program, and manipulate robots to apply innovative ideas that enhance existing processes. Robots serve as tangible examples of technology meeting user and societal needs. You will work through the engineering design process and learn to navigate constraints, brainstorm multiple solutions, and refine skills in problem-solving, troubleshooting, and invention. You will be empowered you to solve real-life challenges, and illuminate the diverse career paths within the robotics and engineering industries.
Areas of Study:
• Introduction to engineering
• Programming robots
• Real life problem solving
• Careers in the robotics & engineering industries
Assessment:
• Engineering build
• Programming challenge
• Problem solving task and reflection
• Careers Project
TEXTILES
Embark on a journey of creativity while focused on sustainable and ethical fashion design. This course invites you to develop both hand sewing and machine sewing techniques to craft a range of pieces that address ethical considerations in fashion production. You will explore traditional and modern dyeing techniques to create products that blend aesthetics with ecoconscious practices. Engage in sewing projects that repurpose clothing sourced from opportunity shops, fostering sustainable living principles and reducing fashion waste. Delve into the discourse surrounding fast and slow fashion, examining their societal impacts and environmental implications. Utilize design thinking methodologies to identify needs and opportunities, then develop innovative solutions that integrate ethical practices into fashion design.
Areas of Study:
• Hand & Machine Sewing skills
• Dying fabric methods
• Upcycled fashion piece
• Fashion sustainability
Assessment:
• Combined technique sewing challenge
• Artisan-crafted creation
• Upcycled fashion creation
• Research and samplers Folio
• Sustainable fashion report
THEATRE STUDIES
This elective allows you to explore the significant theatrical styles developed throughout history including both Pre-modern and Modern Theatre styles. You will be asked to participate in practical classroom sessions as we explore these styles, by performing small script excerpts to the class. You will also be working as part of a group ensemble to perform a Documentary Drama based on a social issue of your choice. You will choose a target audience for this performance, with the intention of bringing about social change. You will also get to explore various Production roles such as sets, costumes, hair & make-up and props. You will then have the opportunity to present a scene to the class using design choices of your own. Throughout the course there will be both practical and theoretical work as we dive deeper into the world of Theatre.
Assessment:
• Research presentation on a theatre style of your choice
• Documentary Drama (ensemble performance)
• Scene presentation using your own design choices
• Written examination
VISUAL ART
Year 10 Visual Art encourages personal and creative responses to a range of stimulus through the investigation of different materials, techniques and processes. Students will enhance their understanding and application of the Art Elements and Principles learnt in previous years. The course develops student’s individual styles through a comprehensive study of artforms which may extend to Sculpture, Drawing, Painting, Installation, Textiles, Printmaking, whilst examining two prominent Modern Art Movements. Students are supported to produce highly imaginative visual approaches, experimenting and documenting their ideas in a visual diary. This course mirrors the intentions of VCE Art courses as students set largely independent projects. As a result, the growth of student’s artistic skills allows them to produce final artworks that reflect their unique individuality and creativity.
Assessment:
• Practical skill building tasks such as drawing, collage, ink and brush, painting.
• Two major practical projects culminating in two finished artworks.
• Submission of theory tasks which link to each of the practical projects.
• A visual diary that contains all working processes.
VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN
Visual Communication Design develops skills in drawing, designing, problem-solving, communicating messages, and creating sustainable products and structures. Students identify existing design problems and new opportunities to create innovative design solutions that meet the needs of stakeholders. Students gain an understanding of the four fields of practice through practical projects such as branding, advertisements, packaging, architecture, model making, and interactive experiences. Both freehand and digital drawing are employed to show ideas and produce final design solutions and presentations. Industry-standard programs such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign are utilised in the production of final design presentations.
Assessment:
• Practical skill building short tasks such as freehand drawing, technical drawing and digital collage.
• Two major design projects, culminating in two finished design presentations.
• Submission of two theory tasks.
• A visual diary that contains your working processes using the Double Diamond Model.
YEAR 10 ENGLISH, LITERATURE & EAL ELECTIVES
In 2025 Kingswood College will run year-long Electives for Year 10 students which adhere to the mainstream English program. Students will have a choice of three Electives. This is a Kingswood generated program, created by Kingswood Teachers to prepare and engage students in readiness for VCE English, Literature and EAL
The Electives will offer a combination of English and Literature; in English a term focussed on Frameworks and a term on Argument and Language Analysis, and in Literature an indepth study of Shakespeare’s Macbeth for a term and a text response to a novel for a term.
The purpose for this approach is to provide the students with choice in their study and to engage them with maximum interest in the learning and teaching environment of the classroom. The focus is to deliver academic rigour in English and Literature, assisted by a differentiated approach to assessment in Macbeth and crafted lessons that provide the right amount of support and challenge for every student.
The selected text for Term 2 will be one approved by the English Faculty but selected by the teacher for each Elective.
Each Elective has a different focus and students are asked to give a first and second preference. However, whilst every effort will be made to consider student preference, Kingswood reserves the right to finally place students.
Your interest in writing specific text types, from short stories to personal reflection or poetry, will be what guides you in the choices you make.
BEYOND TOMORROW
For “Beyond Tomorrow” the writing Framework is about Futures in Term 1. In Term 2 there will be a text response to a novel; in Term 3 the area covered will be Argument and Language Analysis, and included in this area, some analysis of selected articles on the Future. Then in Term 4 there will be a whole new and exciting study based on an investigation of Macbeth by William Shakespeare. The assessment for this study will be chosen by you from the ‘Macbeth Matrix’.
Activities:
• Framework: Writing about Futures
• Mentor text: “Growing up, grow up, grown-ups” by Ambelin Kwaymullina, in Growing up Aboriginal in Australia, edit. Anita Heiss, p.136-137.
• Argument and Language Analysis: Articles
• AI in Education
Assessment:
• Mid-Year Examination – Writing about Futures and Text Response
• Final Examination – Argument and Language Analysis and Differentiated Assessment Macbeth.
SEIZE THE DAY
For “Seize the Day” the writing Framework is about Play in Term 1. In Term 2 there will be a text response to a novel; in Term 3 the area covered will be Argument and Language Analysis, and included in this area, some analysis of selected articles on Play. Then in Term 4 there will be a whole new and exciting study based on an investigation of Macbeth by William Shakespeare. The assessment for this study will be chosen by you from the ‘Macbeth Matrix’.
Activities:
• Framework: Writing about Play
• Mentor text: “The sporting life” by Adam Goodes, in Growing up Aboriginal in Australia, edit. Anita Heiss, p.100-103.
• Argument and Language Analysis: Articles
• Olympics/competition/sport
Assessment:
• Mid-Year Examination – Writing about Play and Text Response
• Final Examination – Argument and Language Analysis and Differentiated Assessment Macbeth.
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
For “More than Meets the Eye” the writing Framework is about Change in Term 1. In Term 2 there will be a text response to a novel; in Term 3 the area covered will be Argument and Language Analysis, and included in this area, some analysis of selected articles on Change. Then in Term 4 there will be a whole new and exciting study based on an investigation of Macbeth by William Shakespeare. The assessment for this study will be chosen by you from the ‘Macbeth Matrix’.
Activities:
• Framework: Writing about Change
• Mentor text: “It’s not over” by Bebe Backhouse, in Growing up Aboriginal in Australia, edit. Anita Heiss, p.16-20.
• Argument and Language Analysis: Articles
• Climate change/EV
Assessment:
• Mid-Year Examination – Writing about Change and Text Response
• Final Examination – Argument and Language Analysis and Differentiated Assessment Macbeth.
AUSTRALIAN STORIES - EAL
For “Australian Stories” the writing Framework is about Change in Term 1, with Mentor Texts from ‘Paper Boats’, about the immigrant experience of children. In Term 2 there will be a text response to the Australian historical fiction film, ‘The Sapphires’; in Term 3, there will be a focus on persuasive speaking as well as deep study of Argument and Language Analysis. Then, in Term 4, there will be a whole new and exciting study based on crafting texts, around the features and purposes of different text types. The assessment for this study will be chosen by you from the ‘Text Types Matrix’.
Activities:
• Framework: Writing about Change
• Mentor text: “Counter 27”, written by Azaara Perakath, collated by Yasar Duyal, in Paper Boats, , p.65-69.
• Argument and Language Analysis: Articles
• Climate change/EV
Assessment:
• Mid-Year Examination – Writing about Change and Text Response
• Final Examination – Argument and Language Analysis and Differentiated Assessment Macbeth.