YEAR 10 ELECTIVE DESCRIPTIONS

Humanities Electives:

History is no longer a core subject. Instead, all current Year 9 students have to select to study AT LEAST one Humanities subject (History, Politics and/or Geography elective) to study in Year 10. Please note that being accepted to study VCE History (Units 1 & 2) in Year 10 on the accelerated pathway also counts as a Humanities subject. Although no prerequisites are required for VCE Humanities or Commerce studies in Year 11, students are encouraged to have completed the relevant electives as preparation in Year 10.

Modern History (1 unit)

This new History elective builds on the Year 9 History course by covering some of the major events of the twentieth century, and also provides a foundation for taking VCE History in Year 11. Have you ever wondered why a democratic, wealthy country like Germany voted for Hitler and the Nazi Party, or why the USA dropped atomic bombs on Japan in 1945? This course covers the major events of the recent past, including the rise of Adolf Hitler and Nazism in Germany, the Second World War (including the Holocaust), Australia’s War in the Pacific, and the fight for equal rights by Indigenous Australians in their own land. Students will develop their source analysis skills by examining a wide range of media, including rich audio-video footage from the time.

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VCE History (Unit 1 & 2)

Talented History students who have been part of History Enhancement classes in junior years may apply to take VCE History (Units 1 & 2) in Year 10. Please note that there is a formal application process for this course, and places are limited. By taking this course in Year 10, students have the opportunity to then apply to take VCE History Revolutions (Units 3 & 4) in Year 11 on an accelerated pathway. The VCE History course is structured as follows:

Unit 1: The Rise of Nazi Germany 1918-1945

Students study the rise of nationalism in Germany and the implementation of Nazism. They analyse the historical factors that contributed to the dramatic shift in public support for Hitler. As part of this exploration, they examine the varied effects Nazism had on different cultural groups within Germany and wider Europe, including the Holocaust. Assessment tasks are deliberately designed to prepare students for Units 3&4, including graphic analysis, essay writing and the use of historical schools of thought.

Unit 2: Vietnam and the Cold War

The second half of the twentieth century was characterised by indirect conflict between the two superpowers (USA and USSR) and their competing ideologies of Communism and Capitalism. Vietnam was the scene of one such conflict. Students evaluate both the culture of Vietnam and the involvement of American and Australian involvement in the War. Assessment tasks include the evaluation of competing arguments for involvement and a primary source activity in which students are required to interview a Veteran or Vietnamese Civilian. This unit involves a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Museum in Philip Island.

Geography (1 unit)

This subject is perfect for the students looking to develop a wide variety of research and analysis skills to gain knowledge of topical issues surrounding the management of the world. They will not just look at what has been done, but investigate futuristic ideas of environmental management, and how technology and computer programmes can be used by town planners to assess variation in quality of life around the world and within Australia. Students will discuss, deliberate and debate what can, and should be done to create a sustainable way of life.

Topics will be based on environmental issues in line with our ‘moral obligation towards sustaining the environment in which we live’. Studying Geography will open up a wide range of future employment pathways in a changing world. There is a unit examination.