SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
ELECTIVES
YEARS 9 and 10
2010 - 2011
SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
To receive the School Certificate each student must complete a minimum pattern of
study, which has been set by the NSW Board of Studies. The school's curriculum has
been arranged to make sure these legal requirements are met.
For example, the "Learning Areas" of English, Mathematics, Science and Human
Society and Its Environment are studied in each Year 7-10. Music, Creative Arts,
Languages and Technology Mandatory are timetabled into Years 7 and 8.
Students will undertake five external state-wide examinations for which each student
will receive his/her individual marks. The five external examinations are in the
subject areas of:
 English
 Mathematics
 Science and Technology
 Australian History, Geography and Civics
 Computer Skills
ALL students will undertake these subjects as part of their curriculum.
In years 9 and 10 the students have some choice within this pattern of study.
This choice becomes "THE ELECTIVES". Each "ELECTIVE" is timetabled for
six periods in a fortnight cycle. Students study three electives in both years 9 and 10.
ELECTIVE CHOICES FOR YEARS 9 & 10
Students completing School Certificate in 2011
Three electives MAY be chosen from the following
Agricultural Technology
Commerce
Design & Technology
Drama
Food Technology
Graphics Technology
History
Industrial Technology – Electronics
Industrial Technology – Metal
Industrial Technology – Timber
Information & Software Technology
Japanese
Music
Textiles Technology
Visual Arts
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
SELECTION OF ELECTIVES
 Students study THREE elective subjects
Before you make your choice think about:1. Which subjects could be useful in your future work?
2. Which subjects do you find interesting?
3. Which subjects can broaden your skills and interests?
4. Which subjects do you enjoy?
Other points to consider:1. Do not be influenced by the choice of your current friends.
Base your choice on what is best for YOU.
2. Class sizes are limited.
Too many (or too few) students choosing a subject may mean that it
is not possible to study all your first three choices.
Think carefully about your 4th, 5th and 6th choices.
3. No more than two (2) Industrial Technology subjects may be selected.
4. Some electives have compulsory charges of $30.00 or more a year.
Three such electives would involve $100 on top of other compulsory
school charges.
5. Families who have difficulty paying elective charges may need to
consider how they can manage the payment.
If there is a real problem then the available options are:
 consultation with the Principal re time payment, or other
possibilities
 balancing elective choices with funds available
 choosing other electives.
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
SELECTION OF ELECTIVES
1
Discuss your choices with your parents or guardians.
2
Fill in the electives selection form
When you have reached your considered decision, fill in the electives selection form
accompanying this booklet.
Check that your elective choices have been given in order of preference
 choice 1 - your most preferred subject
in order down to
 choice 6 - your least preferred subject
.
3
Return the completed form to Mrs Teasdale
Those who do not return the form by the due date will be slotted into electives where
there are available places.
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY
KLA: TAS
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Agriculture is aimed at developing individual students by involving them in the
practices of raising plants and animals. Skills to be developed include the ability to
research, design, collect and organise information, work in a team, plan and organise
activities, manage small enterprises, market products, solve problems, innovate, carry
out scientific experimentation and communicate. By observation, discussion,
reporting and study, students should come to understand many of the principles of
plant and animal production.
This is a course designed for pupils who are interested in the types of plants and
animals grown on farms. You DO NOT have to live on a farm to have this interest.
The school has developed outstanding facilities for teaching agriculture.
Resources include:
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Angus Stud Cattle (heifers, cows and bulls)
Equipment needed to prepare and show cattle
Sheep – breeding stock
Bee hives and honey extraction room
Laying hens
Tractors and associated farm machinery
3 ha irrigated pasture area
4 ha dry land pastures
1 ha vegetable production area
All the necessary equipment is available to carry out the management operations
associated with these resources.
You will learn how people fit into the balance of nature, and how people use
technology to improve production. You WILL NOT be an expert farmer at the end of
Year 10. You WILL have a lot of useful information and skills should you decide to
take up a rural vocation.
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
COMMERCE
KLA: HSIE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Commerce provides the knowledge, skills, understanding and values that form the
foundation on which young people make sound decisions on consumer, financial,
business, legal and employment issues. It develops in students an understanding of
commercial processes and equips them for making informed and responsible
decisions on personal finance and investment.
The content is organised into essential and additional content and information is
provided on structuring the content. The core and options may be studied in any order
or pattern.
Core
Part 1
(40 indicative hours)
Part 2
(40 indicative hours)
1.1 Consumer Choice
1.2 Personal Finance
2.1 Law and Society
2.2 Employment Issues
Options
(15-20 indicative hours each)
Note the options may be studied in any order or pattern.
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Investing
Promoting and Selling
E-commerce
Global Links
Towards Independence
Political Involvement
Travel
Law in Action
Our Economy
Community Participation
Running a Business
School-developed Option
The new Commerce Syllabus also has a major focus on information and
communication technology (ICT).
The Commerce course provides a solid basis for senior HSIE subjects like Business
Studies, Legal Studies and Work Studies.
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Offered in Years 9 to 10 and Years 11 to 12
KLA: TAS
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Design and Technology is a course that develops a student’s innovative and creative
thought into planning and development projects that meet real life needs and
situations. Students identify a need investigate existing solutions then generate new
ideas and test them by experimenting with tools, materials and techniques to develop
solutions to the need.
Students will study design in the focus areas, Digital Photography, Food, Interior
Design, Jewellery Design and a Student Choice. Within these areas students will
identify the work of current and past designers and the design process steps. They will
identify a need and apply the design process using materials, tools and techniques to
produce a project. During these steps students will document their ideas, experiments
and designs.
Design & Technology is a creative outlet for students to develop skills and talents
they could use in leisure activities. Students will learn to develop designs to solve
everyday problems they face such as decorating a room, designing a special piece of
jewellery using digital technology and storing the photo story.
Students will gain skills they could use in the selection of careers that involve design.
The list of careers is unlimited, some examples are jewellery making either as a home
based industry or on a professional level, interior design either working for a
company, reality TV or own business. Digital photography and storage of photos for
future generations or design layouts for use in magazines.
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
DRAMA
KLA: ENGLISH
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Drama is an exciting and challenging course that is designed to introduce students to
both performance and technical aspects of theatre production. It will enable students
to appreciate the processes involved in drama and understand the important place of
drama in our society and culture.
Practically it will allow students to learn dramatic skills, develop self-discipline,
confidence and communication skills which will assist them in many educational and
social settings. These skills will help them express themselves in an erudite and
articulate manner, and give them the confidence to challenge themselves and strive for
excellence.
The two year course will include improvisation, mime, play building, scripted and
student-written performances, Shakespearian readings, technical aspects of theatre,
and the opportunity to attend and perform at Regional and State Drama festivals.
Visits to live theatre will be an integral feature of the course, as will attendance at
theatrical workshops and performances at school. This will develop students' critical
understanding of the production and performance of theatre, film and video.
It is an expectation of the Drama course that a student selecting the subject will
commit to performing for the school at such events as SCADS and the Eisteddfod in
front of an audience. Drama is a highly practical subject and to pass, performance
both in class and on stage is required. Students choosing Drama must realise that
some after school and lunch times will be needed for rehearsals. The Syllabus also
requires that students of Drama critique and analyse live theatre. As part of the course
offered at Scone High School students will participate in an excursion to see live
theatre.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
An A4 visual arts log book.
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
FOOD TECHNOLOGY
Offered in Years 9 to 10 and Years 11 to 12
KLA: TAS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students develop food skills and an understanding of food properties, processing and
preparation. Practical experiences develop students’ practical skills in the preparing
and presenting food that will enable them to select and use appropriate ingredients,
methods and equipment. Opportunities are offered for students to express their
creativity and knowledge developing recipes from scratch and preparing them in
class.
Students study seven focus areas. These include: Food in Australia, Food Product
Development, Food Selection and Health, Food Service and Catering, Food for
Special Occasions, and New Food Trends.
Food Technology addresses the importance of hygiene and safe work practices and
legislation in relation to food. Students are provided with the skills and understanding
of a medium that can add richness, pleasure and variety to their life. Skills may be
used in everyday life and leisure to allow students to use their creativity and problem
solving ability to plan and prepare solutions to everyday meals through to entertaining
or their own business.
The Australian Food Industry is growing in importance providing numerous
employment opportunities. Food Technology provides the skills and knowledge for
students to pursue careers in the Hospitality industry, entertainment industry including
reality TV and their own production, media studies in a test kitchen food styling and
photography for magazines and newspapers, food companies including developing
new food products and food product testing.
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
GRAPHICS TECHNOLOGY
KLA: TAS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Graphics focus area provides opportunities for students to develop an
understanding of the significance of graphical communication and the techniques and
technologies used to convey technical and non-technical ideas and information.
Students will learn how the use of graphical images to communicate information
overcomes the barriers of time and linguistic, cultural and social differences.
Students will be exposed to a number of different media. In an age of globalised
industry and rapid technological development, where computer-aided design (CAD),
computer-aided manufacture (CAM), interactive graphic design (IGN) and
multimedia applications are widely used, the study of Graphics Technology is
particularly relevant.
Through the study of Graphics Technology students become increasingly productive,
creative, discriminating and confident in the development and use of a range of
technologies relevant to current practice in graphics and graphical-related industries.
The study of Graphics Technology develops in students an understanding of related
work environments while developing skills and understanding that will equip the for
potential vocational pathway, future learning and leisure and lifestyle activities.
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
HISTORY
KLA: HSIE
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Elective History enables students to appreciate and enjoy the human endeavours
and achievements of the past. It allows students to explore human actions in a
range of historical contexts and encourages them to develop an understanding of
motivation, causation, consequence and empathy. Students gain an understanding
of historical experiences of different cultural groups within society and how
various groups have struggled for citizen’s rights.
The study of History equips students with the knowledge and skills for their future
roles as active, informed citizens and advocates a fair and just society.
Topics:
Thematic Studies including topics like:
 Heroes and Villains
 World Myths and Legends
 Sport and Recreation in History
 Crime and Punishment
 Slavery
 Women in History
 History on the NET
Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern Societies
 Archaeology and Literature of the Ancient World
 Medieval and Early Europe
 Asia, Americas, Pacific
 19th or 20th Studies
Constructing History units including:
 Film as History
 Historical Fiction
 History and the Media
 Local History
 Family History
 Historical reconstruction
 Oral History
Elective History course provides a solid basis for senior HSIE subjects like Ancient
History, Modern History and Society and Culture.
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY ELECTRONICS
KLA: TAS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Electronics focus area provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge,
understanding and skills in relation to the electronics and associated industries.
Core modules develop knowledge and skills in the use of materials, tools and
techniques related to electronics, which are enhanced and further developed through
the study of specialist modules in:
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Circuits and Components
Computer Repair and Construction
Practical projects should reflect the nature of the Electronics focus area and provide
opportunities for students to develop specific knowledge, understanding and skills
related to electronic-related technologies. These may include:
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Electronic circuits and kits
Electronic controlled devices
Robotic projects
Computer systems
Work undertaken on isolated computer components
Projects should promote the sequential development of skills and reflect an increasing
degree of student autonomy as they progress through the course.
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY - METAL
KLA: TAS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Metal focus area provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge,
understanding and skills in relation to the metal and associated industries.
Core modules develop knowledge and skills in the use of materials, tools and
techniques related to metal or art metal which is enhanced and further developed
through the study of specialist modules in:
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Metal Machining
Fabrication
Practical projects should reflect the nature of the Metal focus area and provide
opportunities for students to develop specific knowledge, understanding and skills
related to metal-related technologies. These may include:
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Sheet metal products
Metal machining projects
Fabricated projects
Projects should promote the sequential development of skills and reflect an increasing
degree of student autonomy as they progress through the course.
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY - TIMBER
KLA: TAS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Timber focus area provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge,
understanding and skills in relation to the timber and associated industries.
Core modules develop knowledge and skills in the use of materials, tools and
techniques related to timber which are enhanced and further developed through the
study of specialist modules in:
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Cabinetwork
Wood machining
Practical projects undertaken should reflect the nature of the Timber focus area and
provide opportunities for students to develop specific knowledge, understanding and
skills related to timber-related technologies. These may include:
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Furniture items
Decorative timbers products
Storage and transportation products
Small stepladders or similar
Storage and display units
Projects should promote the sequential development of skills and reflect an increasing
degree of student autonomy as they progress through the course.
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
INFORMATION & SOFTWARE
TECHNOLOGY
KLA: TAS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
People can expect to work and live in environments requiring highly developed levels
of computing and technological literacy. Current technologies are becoming obsolete
at a rapid rate and new generations will need to be flexible to accommodate changes
as they emerge.
The study of Information and Software Technology assists students to develop the
knowledge, understanding and skills to solve problems in real life contexts.
Core content provides students with specialized knowledge of past, current and
emerging technologies, data, hardware, software and people involved in the field of
information and software technology. The core also includes legal, ethical, social and
industrial issues.
Options included in this study are:
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artificial intelligence
simulation and modelling
authoring and multimedia
database design
digital media
the Internet and website development
networking systems
robotics and automated systems,
software development and programming.
As a result of studying this course, students will be equipped to make appropriate use
of and informed choices about information and software technology both at a personal
level and in the workplace. Students will be prepared for future developments and
directions in the exciting and challenging field of information and software
technology.
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
JAPANESE
KLA: HSIE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
"Japanese is the language of one of Australia's largest trading partners, one of the
major industrial nations in the world, and is spoken by a population of 125 million."
So that students will be able to communicate in Japanese in simple everyday
situations, this course emphasises the development of practical skills:
listening to Japanese
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speaking Japanese
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reading Japanese
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writing Japanese
The culture and geography of Japan will also be studied, stressing the similarities and
differences between Japanese and Australian ways, in an attempt to fully understand
and appreciate the language.
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
MUSIC
KLA: CREATIVE ARTS
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to develop students’ talents in all aspects of music. Students
who have enjoyed the instrumental activities in years 7 & 8, those who are members
of the school band, the school choir and those who may be learning an instrument
privately, are encouraged to give serious consideration to music as an elective in years
9 & 10. Students need to be actively involved in performance. Membership of an
extra curricular music group is encouraged but not compulsory. Full participation in
class performance activities is necessary.
In addition to classroom activities students may participate in
 The school concert/variety night
 The Upper Hunter Eisteddfod in May each year.
 Other school and community functions.
All available instruments will be experimented with and performed on throughout the
course. However, students are to select one instrument as their major instrument for
performances.
Students can choose from the following:
 piano/electric keyboard
 guitar - acoustic and electric
 voice
 tune percussion - xylophone, glockenspiel
 band instruments (subject to availability)
 drums (must also be prepared to play keyboard or tuned percussion)
The course involves listening to, and performing music representing a wide variety of
styles. Students are encouraged to compose and arrange pieces for their own
instrument and for small groups within the class. Technology has a high profile with
the use of the computer programs and synthesizer in composition and aural activities.
Why Study MUSIC ? ? ? ?
 Develop your individual talent and self confidence
 If you enjoy a subject you will do well at it
 Entertainment and the Arts in Australia are a growing area of employment and
music can be a part of this.
 New tertiary courses, geared to modern music and the music industry are being
introduced every year. Music will be a pre-requisite for many of these.
 For students achieving a high standard - music education, private music teaching
and performance as a soloist or member of an orchestra are career options that can
be considered.
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
TEXTILES TECHNOLOGY
Offered in Year 9 to 10 and Years 11 to 12
KLA: TAS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Textiles is studied under five main focus areas to encourage students to engage in a
range of textile mediums and cater for a variety of student interests. Options are
provided to students to refine and develop their understanding of textiles and textile
designer’s work using a variety of materials and techniques.
Students design and produce a minimum of four textile projects from three of the
following focus areas: apparel including clothing and accessories, furnishings
including cushions, curtains, quilt covers and table linen, costume including theatre
costumes, masks and headdresses, textile arts including wall hangings, wearable art,
embroidery and fabric art works, non apparel including bags, sleeping bags and
backpacks.
With increasing leisure and free time students are provided with an outlet to further
their creativity in the exploration of the textiles focus areas. Textiles provides the
development of skills and inspiration that can be used as a leisure pursuit, decorating
the home or as an income earner or for further adult education study.
Textiles provides the knowledge and skills for students to follow further career paths
in: the entertainment industry in reality TV, costume, set design and construction,
clothing industry, soft furnishings interior design, opening their own business,
teaching at TAFE, school or private classes, art and the retail industry.
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
VISUAL ARTS
KLA: CREATIVE ARTS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Studying Visual Arts in Years 9 & 10 is both fun and challenging. The exciting
variety of topics encourages students to develop their imagination and conceptual
skills through developing ideas and resolving 2D and 3D artworks.
Students explore the expressive potential of a wide range of techniques and materials
including drawing, printmaking, painting, ceramics, wearable art, sculpture and
installation art. They learn about other artworks and artists and how to discuss
artworks articulately from different points of reference. Students learn about the
agencies of the artworks through developing an understanding of the roles of artists,
galleries and art critics. Excursions to both local and Sydney galleries help to further
this understanding.
Choosing Visual Arts as an elective is a rewarding experience for those students with
a genuine interest in art and in improving their techniques. The knowledge, skills and
values developed in this course provide a sound foundation for students electing to
study Visual Arts in Years 11 and 12.
Successful Visual Arts students will find their abilities in creativity, organisation and
resourcefulness enhanced, which will benefit them in any chosen career.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Students performing practical tasks must wear
enclosed leather shoes.
Paying fees is a requirement in Visual Arts, as this is an elective subject in which
students use a great deal of consumable resources
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SCONE HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS 9 & 10
ELECTIVES
Return No............
SELECTION OF ELECTIVES 2010 - 2011
This form must be returned to Mrs Teasdale at the TAS PDHPE staffroom
NO LATER THAN Friday 19th August 2009
Student Name.............................................................…………………………………
ELECTIVE
First Choice ...........................................................
Second Choice ........................................................
Third Choice ..........................................................
 Is First Choice the one you want to do the most?
YES / NO ?
 IF your answer is NO, you MUST alter your selection so that the choices are in
the right preference order,
Choice one is the one most important to you,
Choice two is the one second most important to you,
Choice three is the one third most important to you,
 Complete the remainder in exactly the same way
Fourth Choice ...........................................
Fifth Choice ..............................................
Sixth Choice ..............................................
Parent/Guardian's Signature ..............................................................................
Date .................................................
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