Courses of Study Booklet Years 7-10 2023

Courses of Study YEARS 7 TO 10 2023

Introduction

The purpose of this booklet is to:

• give a brief outline of the pattern of study mandated by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for students to complete successfully all Stage 5 requirements

• provide an outline of the subjects offered at Pymble in Years 7 to 10

• provide information and advice to assist students and parents when making elective subject choices.

▲ Please note: This booklet outlines various opportunities for exchange, excursions, fieldtrips or attendance at other external events. All learning opportunities which require travel will be reviewed closer to the date with regards to any COVID-19 restrictions that apply at the time.

1

Pattern of study

The pattern of courses undertaken by students proceeding through Stage 4 and Stage 5 is governed by regulations set down by NESA This pattern of courses involves a mandatory core curriculum that occupies about 60 per cent of available teaching time. Schools are free to program the remaining time by offering additional courses of study.

The Pymble curriculum program involves two main areas:

1. Mandatory core curriculum as determined by NESA

• English

• Mathematics

• Science

• Human Society and its Environment (History and Geography)

• Technology studied in Years 7 and 8

• Creative Arts studied in Year 7 as Visual Arts and Music

• Personal Development, Health and Physical Education studied in Years 7 to 10

• Languages studied in Year 7 with students choosing one of the following: Chinese, French, German or Japanese

• Religion and Ethics studied in Years 7 to 10

2. Electives

Girls entering Year 8 select two elective subjects. There is a wide range of subjects available which allows for a variety of student interests and abilities. The elective subjects offered for Year 8 are:

• Chinese Beginners*

• EAL/D (English as an additional language) (by invitation only)

• Financial Literacy

• First Nations Cultures and Histories

• French*

• German*

• Japanese*

• Literacy and Learning (by invitation only)

• Music

• Introduction to Philosophy

• Visual Arts (* continued study from Year 7)

Girls entering Year 9 may continue with one of their elective subjects, or they may choose one new elective from an expanded list. New 200-hour elective subjects offered in Year 9 include:

• Agriculture

• Commerce

• Data Science

• Design and Technology

• Drama

• Elective Geography

• Elective History

• Elective Music (new, if not chosen for Year 8)

• Food Technology

• Philosophy

• Physical Activity and Sports Studies

• Textiles Technology

• Visual Arts (new, if not chosen for Year 8)

2

Girls entering Year 9 must choose two 100 hour electives from an expanded list. 100 hour elective subjects offered in Year 9 include:

• Classical Greek

• Contemporary Music Studies

• Data Science

• Design and Technology

• Digital Technologies

• Drama

• Elective Geography

• Elective History

• Food Technology

• Latin

• Literacy and Learning (by invitation only)

• Marine and Aquaculture Technology

• Photographic and Digital Media

• Textiles Technology

• Visual Arts

It is important to remember that if a student wishes to study a language, she must choose it in Year 8 as there is no beginner’s language starting in Year 9.

Students who join the College in Term 4 of Year 9 or at the start of Year 10 must complete the mandatory Stage 5 courses in Australian History and Geography to satisfy NESA requirements. These courses are timetabled in the new elective lines and they should select two electives from the Year 9 elective subjects list.

All continuing Year 10 students are expected to keep studying the two elective subjects they chose at the beginning of Year 9. In addition, students can choose two new elective courses, subject to the requirements as listed:

• Completion of the mandatory courses in Australian History and Geography by the end of Year 9 is a prerequisite for all new electives in Year 10.

• Students who have not completed these courses must undertake them in the new elective lines, in order to complete the mandatory Stage 5 requirements and continue with their Year 9 elective subjects.

• Students are required to choose either Elective History, Big History or Elective Geography and one other course from the subjects on offer.

• Students cannot choose a course they are already studying in Year 9.

• Students who have studied Classical Greek in Year 9 are automatically placed in the Year 10 class, which is timetabled as one of the electives. These students must choose Elective Geography, Elective History or Big History as their second elective.

• Entry into Big History is by application. Students who indicate they would like to be considered for this course will be contacted and invited to submit an application. Unsuccessful applicants will be required to choose either Elective History or Elective Geography instead.

• New elective courses will only proceed if the numbers are sufficient to form an appropriately sized class.

3

New electives in Year 10 (* Students can only select these subjects if they are not currently studying the course in Year 9.)

Group 1

• Elective Geography

• Elective History

• Big History

Group 2

• First Nations Studies

• Big History

• Commerce (100 Hour)*

• Dance

• Drama

• Design and Technology (100-Hour)*

• EAL/D (English as an additional language)

• Elective Geography

• Elective History

• Food Technology (100 Hour)*

• Literacy and Learning (by invitation only)

• Marine and Aquaculture Technology

• Philosophy

•

Photographic and Digital Media

• Physical Activity and Sports Studies (100 Hour)*

• Textiles Technology (100 Hour)*

• Visual Arts (100 Hour)*

4

Mandatory subjects

English

The study of English aims to guide students to grow as effective communicators and to foster a love of literature. Studying English develops students’ knowledge, understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the English language as an essential skill. Through their study of different lives, contexts and perspectives, students will develop empathy, compassion and integrity. Students will develop their skills to communicate for a range of purposes and audiences and in doing so will develop their personal voice and a greater understanding of themselves and their world.

Students explore a rich and diverse range of literature from past and contemporary societies, as well as a range of spoken, visual, media and multimedia texts. Students create their own content, learning how to communicate their message purposefully and to create an impact. Students will write imaginative, interpretive, and critical texts with clarity and accuracy for a range of purposes and audiences. Students learn to reflect on their own compositions and to analyse meaning, perspective and cultural assumptions. There is some variation in the texts studied in classes to accommodate for the different abilities and interests of each group.

Mathematics

Mathematics is a reasoning and creative activity employing abstraction and generalisation to identify, describe and apply patterns and relationships. The symbolic nature of mathematics provides a powerful, precise and concise means of communication. The study of mathematics provides opportunities for students to appreciate the elegance and power of mathematical reasoning and to apply mathematical understanding creatively and efficiently.

The study of the subject enables students to develop a positive self concept as learners of mathematics, obtain enjoyment from mathematics and become self-motivated learners through inquiry and active participation in challenging and engaging experiences. In Year 8, the syllabus followed in Mathematics is the same for all girls. In Years 9 and 10 there are three courses in Mathematics offered at Pymble: 5.1 to 5.3 Pathway, 5.1 to 5.2 Pathway and 5.1 Pathway Girls are placed into the appropriate course according to their ability and performance.

Science

The study of Science enables students to develop knowledge, understanding of, and skills in applying the processes of working scientifically. They will develop an appreciation of the contribution of science to finding solutions to personal, social and global issues relevant to their lives now and in the future and develop a willingness to use evidence and reason to engage with and respond to scientific and technological ideas as informed, reflective citizens. They will develop knowledge of the physical world, Earth and space, living world and chemical world, and understanding about the nature, development, use and influence of science.

Geography

Geography is the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. It is a rich and complex discipline that integrates knowledge from natural sciences, social sciences and humanities to build a holistic understanding of the world. Students learn to question why the world is the way it is, reflect on their relationships with, and responsibilities for the world, and propose actions designed to shape a socially just and sustainable future. Geographic education prepares students for effective participation in society. They learn to develop informed opinions on local and global issues like changing environments, and issues faced in the future world.

5

History

History gives a sense of perspective and offers us an insight into the past and into the world in which we live. In our information rich age, it teaches how to critically assess and evaluate sources of information. It aims to build in our students a sense of social justice and the responsibilities of global citizenship.

The Mandatory History course is based on the Australian Curriculum which has adopted the approach of World History; that is, it aims to give students an understanding of the broad sweep of world history with time allocated for the study of certain periods in depth. This course taught in Years 8 and 10 involves the study of Modern World, Australian, Ancient and Asian History providing a basic foundational tool upon which other subjects rest.

Music

All students will study Core Music in Year 7. They will explore and discover the concepts of music through the three learning experiences of performance, composition and listening. They will gain an understanding of different genres of music, including, but not limited to, film, pop, classical and musical theatre. With a focus on keyboard, guitar, percussion and technology (iPads, notation software and sequencing programs), students will engage in a variety of learning opportunities individually, as part of an ensemble, and through a transdisciplinary approach.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) contributes significantly to the cognitive, social, emotional, physical and spiritual development of students. It provides opportunities for students to learn about, and practice ways of adopting and maintaining a healthy, safe and active life. It also involves students learning through movement experiences that are both challenging and enjoyable, and improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence in a variety of contexts. PDHPE promotes the value of physical activity in students’ lives.

Religion and Ethics

As a school of the Uniting Church in Australia, Pymble Ladies’ College provides for the religious education of its students. It does this through a study of Christianity focusing on the person of Jesus the Christ, the importance of the Bible and God’s message of love and reconciliation. In line with the inclusive nature of the Uniting Church and its commitment to interfaith dialogue, Religion and Ethics also provides for the study and comparison of other faith traditions.

Religion and Ethics at Pymble Ladies’ College aims to help students:

• Develop an understanding of the beliefs of Christianity and other religions

• Reflect upon their own beliefs

• Examine the impact of beliefs in the world

• Develop tolerance, respect, understanding and compassion towards others.

Technology

This is a practical course designed to develop an understanding of a range of technological activities and their applications to the personal, commercial, industrial and global domains. A problem solving approach will be undertaken so that students will learn how to use various forms of technology to address design briefs. This will involve processes of researching, analysis of data and information, designing, making, evaluating, communicating, marketing and managing a range of projects. Throughout the mandatory program students will gain valuable transferable skills in communicating, collaborating, critical thinking, problem solving, digital literacy, project management, creativity and innovation.

6

Visual Arts

The mandatory Visual Arts course combines a practical and theoretical study of artmaking practices. Students engage in developing their skills using a range of media and techniques to explore practices in research, planning, problem solving and resolving, to create artworks independently. A visual diary is used to document learning about other artists and record planning and processes related to individual artmaking. Students’ artmaking experiences will include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and/or digital media throughout the mandatory program.

Languages

All Year 7 students study a language selected from Chinese, French, German or Japanese. In Year 8, students can change to or add the study of Latin and in Year 9, Classical Greek. The next opportunity to commence study of a language is in Year 11 when Italian Beginners is offered as an elective for the HSC. Students who do not continue with a language subject will not be able to recommence study of that language in later years. The Year 11 and 12 Continuers language subjects have the prerequisite that the language is studied throughout Years 8 to 10.

7

Elective subjects in Year 8

Girls entering Year 8 select two elective subjects. There is a wide range of subjects available which allows for a variety of student interests and abilities. The elective subjects offered for Year 8 are:

• Chinese Beginners*

• EAL/D (English as an additional language) (by invitation only)

• Financial Literacy

• First Nations Cultures and Histories

• French*

• German*

• Japanese*

• Literacy and Learning (by invitation only)

• Music

• Introduction to Philosophy

• Visual Arts

(* continued study from Year 7)

Chinese Beginners

Chinese is the language of communication of approximately one quarter of the world’s population. It is one of the official languages of the United Nations. Among the many spoken varieties of the language, Mandarin is pre eminent. Chinese is also recognised as one of the fastest growing languages in New South Wales and has one of the largest groups of non English background speakers in Australia.

In Year 8, the main aim is to continue to use Chinese as a method of communication with growing confidence in everyday situations within and beyond the classroom. Students find the lively approach of their textbook Easy Steps to Chinese 2 particularly enjoyable. Topics studied in Year 8 include school life, hobbies, food and drinks, Chinese cuisine and restaurants, house and

InneighbourhoodYears9and10,

students further their learning of Chinese using the textbook Easy Steps to Chinese 3 and 4 Topics include descriptions of people, weather and holidays, school facilities and events, shopping and travelling, festivals and celebrations. Chinese traditional and contemporary culture continue to play an important role and is integrated with language learning. For example, school excursions expose students to Chinese Art and History.

The relationship with our sister school in Beijing continues through electronic sharing of class work and face-to-face interaction whenever possible to allow our learners to interact with Chinese students. In Year 10, students can apply to take part in the Chinese exchange program with our sister school in Beijing.▲

EAL/D (English as an additional language) (by invitation only)

This course is designed to provide additional assistance in the development and consolidation of English language skills for students who study English as a second or third language. The underpinning goal of this program is to provide instruction and opportunities for each student to practise, and gain confidence and capability in reading and writing skills, as well as to develop an increased awareness of how to apply learning strategies effectively. The EAL/D elective also provides opportunities for academic support across a range of learning areas and provides students with cultural knowledge to assist them in their future studies in an Australian academic environment. This course requires a flexible approach to enable individual learners to reach personal targets.

8

Financial Literacy

This course introduces the knowledge and understanding and skills and values, which are essential for a young person to successfully participate in the commercial world. It provides a unique opportunity to gain the financial skills and competencies that will be required of an educated and responsible individual in modern society, no matter what career path they follow.

Students complete much of the course through engagement with digital technology, state and nationwide competitions and learning activities. Students also have the opportunity to showcase their IT skills and cross curricular learning.

Topics:

• Money management (including goal setting, entrepreneurship)

• Budgeting (saving and managing credit)

• Investing (including ASX Share Market Game) for future wealth

• Diversified investing (property, shares, $20 Boss)

• Global links (trade, aid, investment, employment)

• Travel (insurance, security, planning, budgeting)

First Nations Cultures and Histories

This exciting and important new course for Year 8 places emphasises of the importance of Dreaming, Country/Place, kin and language in First Nations cultures and histories. Students have an opportunity to learn about First Nations spirituality, art, sport and the histories of peoples and Place. This course also delves into the impact that colonisation has had upon First Nations peoples across the continent. Students will engage with First Nations local communities through excursions and meetings with Elders and community members. Students will focus on the development of research skills, oral and written communication skills, ethical practices when working with Aboriginal communities, developing an understanding of Country and Place and the analysis of sources of information.

French

French is one of the major languages in the world. It is spoken in parts of Europe, Canada, North America, the Middle East, the West Indies, the Indian Ocean and South Pacific regions. It is a language of international affairs, trade, and diplomacy.

In Years 8 to 10, the aim is to use French as a means of communication and so students are encouraged to use the target language in class, group and pair work activities. The course offers a variety of learner centered tasks and projects that provide the opportunity for development and consolidation of the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing Topic areas studied in Years 8 to 10 deal principally with the everyday life of young people in French speaking countries such as hobbies, home life, food, sport, entertainment, health, weather, clothes, shopping, and travel. Students also subscribe to a language learning website to extend their vocabulary and comprehension skills

Through their study of French, students learn to understand and appreciate the culture of France and French speaking countries. Documentary and feature films, mostly in the target language, are used to present these aspects of French life. A range of excursions and workshops is offered to students to supplement what they learn in class. The exchange program to France in Year 10, including homestay and attending school, presents learners with lifelong experiences and opportunities for personal contact and lessons in international understanding.▲

German

The German syllabus aims to motivate students to achieve high levels of competence in accessing and responding to information, composing texts and interacting in the target language, enabling them by the end of Year 10 to communicate with German speakers in day to day situations.

Students find the lively approach of the learner-centered course, Genau, enjoyable. It represents a refreshingly imaginative response to the needs of learners. Topics in Genau are selected for their

9

relevance to the experiences of teenagers. Beginning with a cartoon story, each chapter successfully integrates the communicative approach with a thoroughly planned program for the teaching of German grammar. Through familiar characters, the learning experience is enhanced, while also providing information on the culture and lifestyle of the German people. Lessons also make regular use of video clips, and there is the opportunity to use the online tools and, in some circumstances, social media, for extension work and further communicative activities Frequent visits from German exchange students provide extra enrichment in the classroom Students are encouraged to participate in our exchange program to Germany that is on offer each year.▲

German and English are based on the same linguistic roots and principles, sharing a common core of concepts and vocabulary. The focus is on similarity rather than difference. With Germany’s prominence as a major world industrial nation, the study of German has relevance in the pursuit of many future careers.

Japanese

Japanese is a culturally interesting and practical language relevant to Australia’s developing role in South East Asia. It is the language of one of our largest trading partners, spoken by about 123 million people.

The coursebook called ii Tomo focuses on intercultural awareness and offers interesting activities to support and reinforce the structures to be learned. A variety of role play situations provides the opportunity for developing the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing to a high degree.

Students begin immediately to learn the Japanese writing system, starting with Hiragana in Year 7, to which Katakana is added in Year 8 Kanji, a script comprised of the Chinese characters used in Japan, is introduced gradually throughout the course. Japanese culture plays an important role and is integrated with language learning. Students have opportunities to participate in cultural activities such as kimono dressing and obento making, calligraphy, etc. Cultural assignments are prepared on laptops enabling the students to write in Japanese on their computer and students are aware when seasons and festivals are taking place in Japan.

Students have opportunities to interact with Japanese exchange students. In Year 10, student exchanges to our sister schools in Nagoya and Osaka are very popular.▲

Literacy and Learning (by invitation only)

This course is designed to provide additional assistance in the development and consolidation of literacy and learning skills for students with identified learning needs. The underpinning goal of this program is to provide instruction and opportunities for each student to practise, and gain confidence and capability in reading and writing skills, as well as to develop an increased awareness of how to apply learning strategies effectively. This course requires a flexible approach to enable individual learners to reach personal targets. Literacy and Learning I also provides opportunities for academic support across a range of learning areas.

Music

The study of Music in Year 8 continues to explore the six musical concepts through development of the three core disciplines of performance, composition and listening.

It is expected that Elective Music students participate in at least one College ensemble where possible. This can be instrumental or choral. All students are encouraged to join the College choir as this will help develop their aural awareness and ensemble skills.

Each unit of work is an engaging exploration into a variety of musical genres ranging from the medieval period through to contemporary popular music. Activities in the course include:

• Singing or playing their chosen instruments as a class ensemble: these group performances will comprise the bulk of performance activities; there will also be ample opportunity to experience playing other instruments and to use various technological

10

resources as performance tools; plus students will also be given the chance to perform as a soloist

• Composing in various styles for different combinations of performing media using the latest software and equipment

• Developing listening skills that promote aural awareness, musical appreciation and analytical techniques.

Introduction to Philosophy

Introduction to Philosophy is a course which seeks to connect students to the great minds of the past so that they develop a rich appreciation of their intellectual heritage. Although Philosophy has been described as “as the discipline of disciplines, [and] as the science of the sciences”, NSW school students often do not have the opportunity to study it. In this course, students study seminal philosophical texts, such as Plato’s Dialogues, and ponder fundamental questions, such as “What is the nature of existence?”, “What is right and wrong?” and “Where does knowledge come from?” Using the tools of logic and reason, students analyse the complex conceptual, social and material nature of the world. They learn to formulate, articulate and defend their views, with the strong emphasis on critical thinking and communication skills setting them up for success in their Senior years of study and in the workplace.

Students who have a strong work ethic, enjoy reading and writing and demonstrate self autonomy will enjoy the opportunity Introduction to Philosophy provides for intellectual challenge, independent research and student choice. The discussion style nature of the lessons will also enable students to play an active role in their learning.

Visual Arts

Elective Visual Arts encompasses in depth experiences in both artmaking and the study of artists and artworks. In this way, students develop critical and creative thinking skills. The emphasis is on artmaking experiences with a 70% assessment weighting. Critical and Historical studies form 30% of this course. Students also use a visual arts diary to record their artmaking processes, and the study of artists and their work.

Artmaking is focused on the development skills with direct instruction using a range of approaches. A diversity of art forms is explored; painting, digital media, printmaking, drawing, ceramics and/or sculpture. Students develop confidence in the use of specific art materials and develop both traditional and innovative ways of expressing their ideas. They also develop an understanding of the process of making artworks through exploring various themes including portraiture, still life, landscape and interiors.

Critical and Historical Studies developsthe capacity to write about artists and artworks in an informed and articulate manner. Students learn to critically analyse artworks and examine works within a context of time and place. They also study artists and artworks to inform their own artmaking, using artists as ‘mentors’. Artists studied are from a range of cultures and include both contemporary and historical examples

11

Elective subjects in Year 9 (200-Hours)

Girls entering Year 9 may continue with one of their elective subjects, or they may choose one new elective from an expanded list. New 200 hour elective subjects offered in Year 9 include:

• Agriculture

• Commerce

• Data Science

• Design and Technology

• Drama

• Elective Geography

• Elective History

• Elective Music (new, if not chosen for Year 8)

• Food Technology

• Philosophy

• Physical Activity and Sports Studies

• Textiles Technology

• Visual Arts (new, if not chosen for Year 8)

Agriculture (200-Hours)

Agriculture is by nature a practical subject therefore there will be emphasis on practical work throughout the course. Practical tasks are carried out at the school Agriculture plot as well as on excursions. Excursions involve farm visits and hands-on practical work with animals.

The course will involve the study of:

• Farm animal enterprises with emphasis on management, nutrition, health and productivity

• Plant production including vegetable, crop and pasture plants; methods to maximise plant growth and plant products in a sustainable farming manner

• The relationships between soils, microbes, management style and climate and their influence on animal and plant production

• Farm management including farming as a business and the selling and marketing of farm products.

Commerce (200-Hours)

There are no prerequisites for Commerce in Year 9. Commerce develops the knowledge and understanding, skills and values that form the foundation for sound decision making in relation to consumer, financial, business, legal and employment issues

The syllabus is designed to allow students to develop:

• Knowledge and understanding of consumer, financial, business, legal and employment matters

• Skills in decision making and problem solving in relation to consumer, financial, business, legal and employment issues

• Skills in effective research and communication

• Skills in working independently and collaboratively

Year 9 core topics include: Consumer and Financial Decisions; Law, Society and Political Involvement Year 9 option topics include: Promoting and Selling; Running a Business

Year 10 core topics include: Employment and Work Futures; The Economic and Business Environment Year 10 option topics include: Investing; Commerce in a Connected World.

12

Data Science (200-Hours)

NOTE: the course is underpinned by the UCLA Introduction to Data Science curriculum (https://www.mobilizingcs.org/introduction to data science curriculum )

Introduction to Data Science at Pymble is a unique and innovative course that aims at developing a set of skills and habits of mind that will empower students to transform meaningless data into information allowing them to make decisions, take actions and form opinions.

Developing and investigating authentic data sets will expand and enrich their experience of the world. “Data Scientist” is currently one of the most in-demand jobs within Australia and internationally. In fact, most Universities are adapting their courses and subject designs to meet this increasing demand from industry, training graduates to be capable of uncovering patternsin data and to develop models that make accurate predictions.

Our Data Science course will give the students a head start in developing skills for any scientific or research based subject they study for the HSC and beyond. Being able to use the computational powerof digital devices will be particularly beneficial in the compulsory Chemistry, Physicsor Biology Depth Study assessment tasks, as well as in research-based courses such as Science Extension, in Years 11 and 12.

Our Data Science course will provide students an opportunity to build their problem and design thinking skills as well as their resilience by learning to code in R in a dedicated R studio environment. Our course has been designed to have a range of diverse and collaborative learning opportunities that will help our students of all ability levels to structure their ideas and become more confident and efficient thinkers, decision makers and communicators.

Design and Technology (200-Hours)

Design and Technology provides broad experience in a range of contexts and builds on the Technology (Mandatory) course. The design and development of quality projects gives students the opportunity to identify problems and opportunities, research and investigate existing solutions, analyse data and information, generate, justify and evaluate ideas and experiment with technologies to manage and produce design projects. The diversity of approaches to design projects provides the scope to develop high order thinking, future thinking and understanding of conceptual principles. The design process caters for a variety of student needs, abilities and interests. The flexible and creative consideration of parameters encourages students to take intellectual risks and experiment with resources when developing projects.

The development of functional and aesthetic design solutions allows students to be innovative and creative in their thinking and application. Students will develop the skills necessary for the safe use and maintenance of a variety of technologies in the production of their design projects. Information and communication technologies (ICT) are vital tools for this course. They are used to develop, communicate and research design solutions, communicate students’ design ideas and facilitate interactions with the wider community.

There is an annual fee for this course.

Drama (200-Hours)

Drama in Stage 5 engages and challenges students to maximise their dramatic abilities and enjoyment of drama and theatre through learning experientially.

The syllabus is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills, individually and collaboratively, through:

• Making drama that explores a range of imagined and created situations in a collaborative drama and theatre environment, with an emphasis on creating belief, clarity and tension in character, role, situation and action

• Performing devised and scripted drama using a variety of performance techniques, dramatic forms and theatrical conventions to engage an audience

13

• Appreciating the meaning and function of drama and theatre in reflecting the personal, social, cultural, aesthetic and political aspects of the human experience

• Designing for the theatre set, costume, lighting, promotional copy

• Reflecting on the process of skill development through the maintenance of a logbook

• Attending a range of theatrical experiences and participating in workshops.

Over the two years, students deeply learn and develop their curiosity as performers and theatre makers, enriching their understanding of dramatic forms and styles. Each year, students perform in a learning Drama showcase, which is held in the GMCPA theatre, as well as attending theatre incursions and excursions, which maximise the development of their skills in this Drama course.

Elective Geography (200-Hours)

Elective Geography explores contemporary geographic issues that confront an ever changing world. A student’s geographic knowledge will be broadened to give her the skills to analyse issues which are current, relevant and which will impact on their lives. Geographic issues presented may include:

• The changing role and status of women around the world

• Global variations in the level of development and associated impacts on quality of life

• Environmental management issues

• Terrorism causes and impacts

• Refugees Causes and impacts

• Australia's Asia pacific neighbors

• The urban living lab in partnership with Celestino

The Urban Living Lab Sydney Science Park program is a significant real world learning opportunity for students, which has been created and delivered in partnership with Celestino, the company responsible for the development of the Sydney Science Park CBD in Western Sydney, and their alliance partner CSIRO. This program requires students to develop their own solutions to complex challenges facing developers as they strive to make Sydney Science Park a smart and liveable city of the future.

There will be further development in research and analytical skills which will allow students to discover and understand issues in depth. Fieldwork to Cabramatta also forms part of this course. Elective Geography aims to encourage students to take a more active role as global citizens and to foster an appreciation of different cultures, environments and perspectives.

Elective History (200-Hours)

The Elective History 200 hour course allows students to explore their passion for History in further depth. It encourages students to explore the effect of human actions on the world around them, both past and present, and to give students the skills and knowledge essential for their future roles in an ever changing society. It seeks to help them develop an understanding of motivation, causation, consequence and empathy.

Over the course of the 200 hours, students will study topics from across ancient and modern history. They will first study the world of the Vikings, looking at their history, their expansion from Scandinavia into Britain. They will also look at ‘Bad Girls in History’, which explores a number of controversial women across history, with a case study on Cleopatra. Students will then have the opportunity to study the Holocaust, with a focus on how it came about and an excursion to the Sydney Jewish Museum. Further topics which will be studied is the History of Terrorism, Witch Hunts and Trials and the Cuban Revolution. As the students move into Year 10, they again look at an ancient case study of representations of Alexander the Great, The Wild West of America, Revolutions with a particular focus on the Chinese Cultural Revolution and the development of Cults. All these topics provide exciting glimpses into History for their Senior Studies.

The Elective History course aims to develop in students an understanding of the world around them, both past and present, and to give students the skills and knowledge essential for their future

14

roles in an ever changing society.

Elective Music (200-Hours)

The Elective Music course is designed for those students who have had, and are currently having, tuition either as a singer or on their chosen instrument and have undertaken studies in musicianship at a level necessary to match their performance capabilities.

As with all Stage 5 Music study there will be aspects of performance, composition and listening combined with an exploration of a variety of musical genres and topics ranging from the classic to the Technologycontemporary.andthe

role it plays in the composition, performance, recording and consumption of contemporary music will also be studied

• Performance activities will involve solo works, class performances and a focus on chamber music.

• Composition activities will look at the melodic, harmonic and structural conventions of specific genre based styles and cultivate the creative process

• Listening activities will develop the ability to critically evaluate musical works with or without a score. Dictation and sight singing skills will also be developed.

This course lays the foundation for the skills required in the study of HSC Music should a student wish to continue their studies beyond Year 10.

It is expected that Elective Music students participate in at least one College ensemble where possible. This can be instrumental or choral. All students are encouraged to join the College choir as this will help develop their aural awareness and ensemble skills.

Food Technology (200-Hours)

The Food Technology course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn about food in a variety of settings and equip them with the knowledge and skills to make meaningful connections between food, technology, nutritional status and the quality of life. Students will develop confidence and proficiency in practical applications and decisions regarding food.

The study of Food Technology provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of aspects of the Australian food industry, food properties, ethical issues related to food, nutrition, and the factors that impact on consumption patterns. The course addresses the importance of hygiene, safe work practices and legislation in the production of food.

Students spend at least two periods a cycle involved in practical work in our specialised Food Technology workroom. In these lessons, students develop practical skills in experimenting, preparing and presenting food that will enable them to select and use appropriate ingredients, methods and equipment.

There will be a charge at the end of each term to cover food costs.

Philosophy (200-Hours)

Philosophy is a course which seeks to connect students to the great minds of the past so that they develop a rich appreciation of their intellectual heritage. Although Philosophy has been described as “as the discipline of disciplines, [and] as the science of the sciences”, NSW school students often do not have the opportunity to study it. In this course, students study seminal philosophical texts, such as Plato’s Dialogues, and ponder fundamental questions, such as “What is the nature of existence?”, “What is right and wrong?” and “Where does knowledge come from?” Using the tools of logic and reason, students analyse the complex conceptual, social and material nature of the world. They learn to formulate, articulate and defend their views, with the strong emphasis on critical thinking and communication skills setting them up for success in their Senior years of study and in the workplace.

Students who have a strong work ethic, enjoy reading and writing and demonstrate self autonomy

15

will enjoy the opportunity Philosophy provides for intellectual challenge, independent research and student choice. The discussion style nature of the lessons will also enable students to play an active role in their learning.

Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS) (200-Hours)

The aim of PASS is to enhance students’ ability to participate effectively in physical activity and sport, leading to improved quality of life for themselves and others. PASS is a combination of practical and theory activities, which involve a comprehensive study of physical activity and sport in society. Students will investigate the way the body functions and how to prepare to move efficiently in a variety of contexts.

The course has a strong focus on learning through movement, offering students a variety of challenging practical experiences. The course contains three areas of study, which are:

• Foundations of Physical Activity

• Physical Activity and Sport in Society

• Enhancing Participation and Performance

Within these areas of study are modules such as:

• Australia’s Sporting Identity

• Fundamentals of Movement Skill Development

• Body Systems and Energy for Physical Activity

• Nutrition and Physical Activity

• Sport Coaching

• Participating with Safety

• Enhancing Performance Strategies and Techniques

• Event Management

• Issues in Sport.

Textiles Technology (200-Hours)

The study of Textiles Technology provides students with a broad knowledge of properties, performance and uses of textiles. Environmental and sustainable issues in the Textiles Industry are researched, along with quality and marketing strategies. Students will be encouraged to develop creativity and individuality by researching the work of textile designers.

Project work is developed through investigation and experimentation, with students documenting and communicating their design ideas using various mediums including digital presentations. Students will undertake a range of projects in various focus areas, such as apparel, costume, textile art, non apparel and furnishing. The completion of practical projects enables students to develop skills and confidence in the use of a range of textile materials, equipment and techniques. Students spend a minimum of three lessons per cycle working on individualised practical projects.

There is an annual fee for this course.

Visual Arts (200-Hours)

Visual Arts is an intensive course involving the artmaking and the study of images and objects. Artmaking classes allow all girls to develop their creative talents in a variety of media. Critical and historical writing activities develop their interpretive and written communication skills of art In the practical areas, Pymble has a policy of providing experience in specialist areas including Drawing, Digital Media, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Photography and Ceramics During Years 9 and 10, girls will have the opportunity to work in several of these areas. A wide range of historical and contemporary artworks from different cultures is studied, including:

• Australian art including Aboriginal art (Year 9)

• Development of 20th century artmaking (Year 10).

There is an annual fee for this course.

16

Elective subjects in Year 9 (100-Hours)

Girls entering Year 9 must choose two 100 hour electives from an expanded list. 100 hour elective subjects offered in Year 9 include:

• Classical Greek

• Contemporary Music Studies

• Data Science

• Design and Technology

• Digital Technologies

• Drama

• Elective Geography

• Elective History

• Food Technology

• Latin

• Literacy and Learning (by invitation only)

• Marine and Aquaculture Technology

• Photographic and Digital Media

• Textiles Technology

• Visual Arts

Classical Greek (100-Hours)

Classical Greek is the language of the ‘golden age’ of ancient Greece: a period which saw the beginnings of Western culture as we know it, including developments in democracy, drama, science, art and architecture, athletics and oratory.

In Year 9, students learn to read and write the distinctive Greek script (still used to write Modern Greek) and then read simple stories. They explore aspects of history, mythology and society and learn about the origins of many aspects of life today.

Greek classes are arranged off timetable in Year 10, so that gifted linguists have the opportunity to do an additional language course and a new Year 10 elective.

Contemporary Music Studies

The Contemporary Music Studies course is designed for those students who have a keen interest in, and an appreciation of, music. Students are not required to be taking private tuition on an instrument and there will be extensive opportunities for students to experience playing a variety of instruments such as keyboard, guitar, drums and percussion, as well as singing.

As will all Stage 5 Music study, there will be aspects of performance, composition and listening, combined with an exploration of a variety of music genres predominantly from the late 20th and 21st centuries. Genres studied in this course will include jazz, rock, pop, and music for film and television to name a few.

A key focus area of this course will be on technology and the role it plays in the composition, performance, recording and consumption of contemporary music

• Although there will be occasions where solo performance may be required, the bulk of performances will be group based and involve various combinations of instruments, singers and technology.

• Composition tasks will focus on songwriting and composing for film, television and multimedia.

• Listening tasks will develop skills in aural analysis of musical works using the concepts of music.

This course provides the skills required to study the HSC Music 1 course should a student decide to do so. Students may swap to the Elective Music course after Term 1 in Year 9, if the timetable

17

Itallows.isexpected

that Contemporary Music Studies students participate in at least one College ensemble where possible. This can be instrumental or choral. All students are encouraged to join College choir as this will help develop their aural awareness and ensemble skills.

Design and Technology (100-Hours)

This course aims to expand the realisation of concepts and promote visible thinking. This is achieved with the use of technical design that aligns to student interest while strengthening skills and content knowledge. The path of production mastery is explored with continued experimentation and testing of possible design solutions.

3D modelling is highly utilised with the integration of reductive machining to create final products. Students will have opportunities to pursue their interests and passions within each Design Brief. Student choice and justification of final designs are important components used to guide evolution of Theredesign.isan

annual fee for this course.

Elective Digital Technologies (100-Hours)

Digital Technologies introduces students to future ready skills in using various digital tools to develop solutions for a variety of problems. Students explore three domains of digital based solutions the Internet of Things, Mechatronics and Coding. Student learning within each of these domains is driven through a careful blend of explicit instruction, exploration and application.

At the end of this course, students use the skills and understanding they have developed to design and implement a solution for a real world problem.

The best solutions are always built on a deep understanding of the needs of their audience and requires a user based design approach built on empathy skills. Furthermore, any successful creation always requires multiple failures to learn from. This builds resilience and fuels creativity as students work together to resolve the problems to improve their prototypes on the quest for the ideal solution. As a result, during this course students will develop resilience, collaboration skills, creativity and empathy in the context of the digital domains they explore.

The Digital domains explored include:

Internet of Things (IoT): Students work together to design and create various ‘escape room’ style puzzles. This requires students to understand the fundamentals of sensors and output devices like actuators and also builds on Stage 4 Micro:bit coding skills

Mechatronics: Students are given a challenge and must design a robot and code to compete in this challenge. Example challenges include: guiding a robot autonomously through a maze; picking up a ball; autonomously moving a ball into a goal zone amongst gradually increasing challenges.

Coding: Students are introduced to a new app building platform that allows them to convert their dreams into an app that can be published onto various app stores. The students will write a brief of their app and identify the problem it is solving and the intended audience.

Final Project: The final project allows each student to increase and apply their skills across the digital domains. Students will have an opportunity design, build, test and finally market their product as part of an end of year digital celebration of ideas.

Throughout the unit, students will document their learning journey, celebrating not only the skills they have developed but also their journey, documenting their soft skills such as problem solving, resilience, communication and other dispositions important in any field.

18

Drama (100-Hours)