Sydney Secondary College
BALMAIN CAMPUS
RECORD OF
SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT
COURSES OFFERED
2014 – 2015
for subject selection by Year 8 2013
1
Eligibility for the RoSA
The eligibility requirements for the RoSA are essentially unchanged from the School
Certificate, except for the deletion of the School Certificate tests. Requirements relating
to curriculum, school attendance and the completion of Year 10 are identical to those
that previously applied for the School Certificate.
In summary, to qualify for the award of a RoSA, a student must have:
 attended a government school, an accredited non government school or a
recognised school outside of NSW;
 undertaken and completed courses of study that satisfy the Board’s curriculum
and assessment requirements for the Record of School Achievement;
 complied with any other regulations or requirements (such as attendance)
imposed by the Minister or the Board; and
 completed Year 10
Students must complete their mandatory curriculum requirements which are divided into
two sections, see below.
1. Mandatory curriculum requirements
Students are required to complete the following mandatory curriculum for the RoSA.
Studetns are automatically enrolled in these courses at Balmain Campus.
English
The Board Developed syllabus to be studied substantially throughout
Years 7-10. 400 hours to be completed by the end of Year 10.
Mathematics
The Board Developed syllabus to be studied substantially throughout
Years 7-10. 400 hours to be completed by the end of Year 10.
Science
The Board Developed syllabus to be studied substantially throughout
Years 7-10. 400 hours to be completed by the end of Year 10.
Human
The Board Developed syllabus to be studied substantially throughout
Society and Its Years 7-10. 400 hours to be completed by the end of Year 10 and
Environment
must include 100 hours of each History and Geography in Stage 4 and
100 hours each of Australian History and Australian Geography in
Stage 5.
Languages
100 hours to be completed in one language over one continuous 12
Other than
month period between Year 7-10 but preferably in Years 7-8.
English
Technological The Board’s Technology ( Mandatory) Years 7-8 syllabus to be studied
and Applied
for 200 hours.
Studies
Creative Arts
200 hours to be completed, consisting of the Board’s 100 hour
mandatory courses in each of Visual Arts and Music. It is the Board’s
expectation that the 100 hour mandatory courses in these subjects will
be taught as coherent units of study and not split over a number of
years.
Personal
The Board’s mandatory 300 hour course in personal Development,
Development, Health and Physical Education. This integrated course is to be studied
Health and
in each of Years 7-10.
Physical
Education
2
2. Elective subjects to be studied in both Year 9 and 10.
Students must also study THREE elective courses from the list below.
Aboriginal Studies
Agricultural Studies
Big picture
Child Studies
Commerce
Dance
Drama
Eco Rangers (Geography elective)
English Elective
Food Technology
Graphics Technology
History Elective
Industrial Technology – Multimedia
Industrial Technology – Wood
Languages
French
Italian
Japanese
Marine & Aquaculture Technology
Music
Photography & Digital Media
Physical Activity & Sports Studies
Textiles Technology
Visual Arts
Work Education
School attendance
Rules relating to school attendance remain unchanged. Under these rules, the Board
does not set a minimum attendance for the satisfactory completion of a course.
However, the principal may determine that, as a result of absence, course completion
criteria might not be met.
As was the case with the School Certificate, a requirement for the award of the RoSA is
that students attend until the final day of Year 10 as determined by the school system
concerned or by the principal of non-systemic schools. In all cases, schools are to
ensure that syllabus outcomes and course study requirements, including indicative
hours of study as specified by the Board are met.
http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/rosa/
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CONTENTS
A.
B.
CORE SUBJECTS:
English
Mathematics
Science
Australian Geography
Australian History
PD/Health/PE
Special Program of Study Generic Life Skills
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7
8
9
10
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ELECTIVE SUBJECTS:
200 Hour Elective Subjects – Year 9 & 10
C.
4
Aboriginal Studies
Agricultural Studies
Big picture
Child Studies
Commerce
Dance
Drama
Eco Rangers (Geography elective)
English Elective
Food Technology
Graphics Technology
History Elective
Industrial Technology – Multimedia
Industrial Technology – Timber
Languages
French
Italian
Japanese
Marine & Aquaculture Technology
Music
Photography & Digital Media
Physical Activity & Sports Studies
Textiles Technology
Visual Arts
Work Education
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15
16
17
18
19
20
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24
25
26
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SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS
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Record of School Achievement
2014 - 2015
Compulsory Core Subjects
English
Mathematics
Science
Australian History
Australian Geography
PD/Health/PE
Life Skills Courses
5
English
Students will study an integrated course of:
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening and Viewing and Representing
Students will be actively involved, experiencing Units of Work that include
the study of:
Fiction
Poetry
Drama
Mass Media, including multimedia texts and the internet
Film
Everyday and Workplace texts
Students will develop skills facility in self-expression and critical analysis in
the various media through talking, listening, writing, reading and viewing.
Students will be awarded a Record of School Achievement on the basis of
a school assessment mark and the results of an external Record of School
Achievement Literacy Test.
Failure to satisfy requirements for the award of a grade in English will result
in the withholding of the Record of School Achievement.
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Mathematics
There are three graded levels of mathematics which are offered in Stage 5 (Years 9 and
10). The arrangement of this Stage 5 content acknowledges the wide range of
achievement of students in mathematics as they enter the last two years of their
compulsory years of schooling.
Your progress in Stage 4 Mathematics largely determines which of these three courses
is most appropriate for you.
There is a degree of commonality between the three courses providing some flexibility
for movement between them especially, in Year 9. The RoSA assesses the progress in
meeting outcomes which are common to the three courses.

Stage 5.1 content is designed to meet the needs of students who expect to achieve Stage 4
outcomes during Year 9 or Year 10. It aims to encourage the development of basic mathematical
skills and is designed for students who need more time to develop these skills for everyday life.
High achieving students in this course are provided with an appropriate pathway for the General
Mathematics course in Stage 6.

Stage 5.2 content builds on and includes the content of Stage 5.1 and is designed for students
who have achieved Stage 4 content generally by the end of Year 8 or early in Year 9. It is for
those students who require some time to develop their mathematical ideas while still developing a
more abstract approach to mathematical thinking. Successful students of this course are
provided with an appropriate pathway for the General Mathematics course in Stage 6.

Stage 5.3 content includes the content for 5.1 and 5.2 and is designed for students who have
achieved Stage 4 outcomes probably before the end of Year 8. Very successful students of this
course are provided with an appropriate pathway for the Stage 6 Advanced Mathematics course
in some instances. It is the most abstract of the three pathways. The course emphasises
algebraic processes, graphical techniques, interpretation, justification of solutions and application
of reasoning. This course provides an appropriate pathway for the Mathematics, Extension 1 and
Extension 2 courses in Stage 6.
For Stage 5.1 students who intend to study the Stage 6 General Mathematics course, it
is recommended that they experience at least some of the 5.2 content, particularly the
Patterns and Algebra topics and Trigonometry, if not all of the content.
For Stage 5.2 students who intend to study the Stage 6 Advanced Mathematics course,
it is recommended that they experience the topics Real Numbers, Algebraic Techniques
and Coordinate Geometry as well as at least some of Trigonometry and Deductive
Geometry from 5.3, if not all of the content in class.
For Stage 5.3 students who intend to study the Stage 6 Mathematics Extension 1
course, it is recommended that they experience the optional topics: Curve Sketching
and Polynomials, Functions and Logarithms, and Circle Geometry whether or not there
is sufficient time to cover all of this content in class.
Students should be aware that the Board of Studies has published a Syllabus for Stage
6 Mathematics (General 1, General 2, Advanced Mathematics, Extension 1
Mathematics and Extension 2 Mathematics). These syllabuses are available online at:
http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/mathematics.html
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Science
Studying science helps students understand the nature of the world around
them and their place in that world. It promotes the development of personal
attributes such as perseverance, cooperation, collaboration and creativity and engages
students in distinctive ways of thinking about and explaining events and phenomena.
Through participation in authentic, ‘real world’ science experiences, students develop
the essential knowledge, attitudes and skills that help them become active and informed
citizens, capable of making personal decisions.
In the Science learning area students learn to investigate, understand and communicate
about physical, biological and technological world and value the processes that support
life on our planet. Science helps students to become critical thinkers by encouraging
them to use evidence to evaluate the use of science in society and the application of
science in daily life.
Science is a mandatory course studied over two years for the Record of School
Achievement.
Concepts covered in both years 9 and 10 are examinable in the school
certificate exam and are the basis for the band allocated by the Board of
Studies on the Record of School Achievement. Course content covered in year 10 only,
is assessed by the science department and is the basis for the formation of the
grade awarded on the Record of School Achievement. The grades are based on a set
of
Course Performance Descriptors developed by the Board. They indicate a
student’s full range of achievements in science, providing a detailed report of the
student’s overall performance.
Practical experiences which emphasise hands on activities will occupy a
substantial amount of course time. All students will be required to undertake at least
one research project during Stage 5 and this takes place in year 10.
 This is a take home project and will involve ‘hands on’ practical investigation.
 This project will be an individual task.
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Australian Geography
Some reasons to study geography:



Mother Teresa, one of the most admired women in history, went to India as a
Geography teacher.
You won’t embarrass yourself incorrectly pronouncing Phuket, Thailand.
You will know why “Surf’s up.”
Students undertake one semester of mandatory Geography in both Year 9 and 10.
Geography Mandatory Stage 5 has been designed to provide students with an
understanding of Australian geography and civics and citizenship. Students will also
develop the skills, in areas such as Integrated Computer Technology (ICT) required for
the effective study of Geography. Students are required to complete Mandatory
Fieldwork studying a site relevant to one of the focus areas.
The content is divided into four focus areas, which are further broken down for more indepth study.
Focus areas studied
in Year 9
1. Investigating Australia’s Physical Environments
2. Changing Australian Communities
Focus areas studied
in Year 10
3. Issues in Australian Environments
4. Australia in Its Regional and Global Contexts
Students in Stage 5 have opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of:
 a sense of place about Australian environments
 the processes that form and transform Australian environments
 the interrelationships between people and Australian environments
 the physical and human elements of Australian environments
 the location of Australian environments
 environmental management, biodiversity and ecological sustainability
 the responsibilities and responses of individuals, groups and different levels of
government to issues in the environment
 informed and active citizenship in relation to Australian environments.
Australia has a very dramatic landscape. Australia is
famous for its "outback," the remote lands of the interior.
The Blue Mountains, on the south-eastern end of Australia,
get their name from the blue haze caused by oil droplets
given off from the eucalyptus trees.
Students will be awarded a school Descriptor Grade based
upon their application to the two years of study in the mandatory Geography course.
They will be awarded a Record of School Achievement Grade based upon the formal
Record of School Achievement Examination.
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Australian History
‘How can we live together if we don’t appreciate our own and others’ histories?’
(Holocaust survivor Hadasa Rosenbaum)
Students undertake one semester of mandatory History in both Year 9 and 10.
History Mandatory Stage 5 has been designed to provide students with an
understanding of Australian history and civics and citizenship. Students will also
develop the skills required for the effective study of History.
The content is divided into topics. Most topics have internal choice to allow for studies in
more depth. Inquiry questions are provided to define the scope of inquiry for each area
of study.
Topics studied in
Year 9
Topics studied in
Year 10
Topic 1: Australia to 1914
Topic 2: Australia and World War I
Topic 3: Australia between the Wars
Topic 4: Australia and World War II
Topic 5: Australia in the Vietnam War Era
Topic 6: Changing Rights and Freedoms
Topic 7: People Power and Politics in the Post-war
Period
Topic 8: Australia’s social and cultural history in the
Post-war Period
Students study such aspects of Australian History as the 1954 Petrov Spy
scandal. This scandal involved Australia in the worldwide network of Cold
War Soviet Union spying.
The picture on the left shows Mrs Petrov, the wife of USSR Ambassador
to Australia, being kidnapped publicly by KGB agents at Sydney Airport,
to be taken against her will back to Russia.
Students will be awarded a school Descriptor Grade based upon their application to the
two years of study in the mandatory History course. They will be awarded a Record of
School Achievement Grade based upon the formal Record of School Achievement
Examination in Australian History.
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Personal Development,
Health and Physical
Education
PD/H/PE
The Board of Studies has developed a Personal Development, Health and
Physical Education course for all students in Years 7-10. It is compulsory for all
students to complete this course to receive a Record of School Achievement.
Students must complete 200 hours of study in this area over year 9 and 10.
The PDHPE program utilizes four content strands to assist students to adopt a
healthy, active, fulfilling lifestyle.




Self and Relationships
Movement Skill and Performance
Individual and Community Health
Lifelong Physical Activity
The PDHPE program is an important course for students because it develops the
ability to:





Communicate effectively and solve problems creatively.
Make informed decisions about important health issues.
Interact positively with others in groups and teams.
Participate in and promote enjoyable lifelong physical activity.
Devise and implement plans to achieve personal goals.
Students will receive a grade A to E (or N) for the Record of School Achievement.
The grades will be awarded by the school on the basis of Course Performance
Descriptors developed by the Board of Studies. These grades indicate the
student’s level of achievement relevant to the knowledge and skills objective of
the course. Participation in PE lessons is compulsory to complete the course
satisfactorily. Students are expected to bring a change of attire and wear suitable
footwear for all PE lessons.
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Special Program of
Study Generic Life Skills
Course Co-Ordinator: Head Teacher Support Unit – Ms Kim Moddel
Head Teacher Welfare
- Ms S Hinchey
and STLA – Mr Roger Bourne
Special Program of Study Description
Students with diagnosed Special Education needs presenting for the Record of
School Achievement can meet the Board of Studies in the following ways:
 Applying for Special Provisions for exams and assessment tasks while
studying Board Developed Syllabuses and/or Board Endorsed Courses.
or

Choosing a combination of courses at the above levels and Life Skills
level. The package of courses will be decided in consultation with Year 8
teachers and the course coordinator with the family and student at the
annual ITP/review (Individual Transition Plan).

Electing to study all courses at a Life Skills Level. These can be accessed
within regular classes or in discrete Life Skills classes in the Support
faculty.
or
Description of Life Skills Courses:

All Life Skills courses are designed to ensure each student can be extended in
subject areas.
English Life Skills
Mathematics Life Skills
Science Life Skills
Human Society and Its Environment Life Skills
Technological and Applied Studies Life Skills
Creative Arts Life Skills
Personal Development, Health and Physical
Education Life Skills
Languages Other Than English
Assessment:
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Study should develop in students the skills of
communication.
Study should develop in students basic
mathematical skills for daily living.
Study should provide students with knowledge
and understanding of their physical
environment, the living environment and
people’s interaction with the environment.
Study should develop students’ knowledge and
understanding of the interrelationship between
people and the environment
Study should enable students to develop
confidence, competence and a sense of control
for living in our increasingly technological world
Study should provide opportunities for students
to develop skills in and knowledge and
understanding of the visual arts, music, drama
and dance.
Study should provide opportunities for students
to participate in a range of activities that foster
personal development, health and physical
education
Study should provide opportunities for students
to develop awareness and understanding of
languages and cultures other than their own.
Students will receive a Record of School Achievement Testamur, Record of Achievement
and a Student Profile in his or her individual achievements
Elective Subjects
YEAR 9 & 10 – 200 Hours
All of these courses run for two years i.e. students stay in the
same subjects for both year 9 & 10.
Aboriginal Studies
Agricultural Technology
Big Picture
Child Studies
Commerce
Dance
Drama
Eco Rangers (Geography)
English elective
Food Technology
Graphics Technology
Interest Based Elective History
Industrial Technology – Multimedia
Industrial Technology - Wood
Languages French
Italian
Japanese
Marine & Aquaculture Technology
Music
Photography & Digital Media
Physical Activity & Sports Studies
Textiles Technology
Visual Arts
Work Education
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Aboriginal Studies
Aboriginal Studies aims to develop in students an
understanding of Aboriginal Peoples, Cultures and
lifestyles and their contributions to Australian society.
They will get to research and evaluate the
achievements of legends like myself.
Some of the options covered include
Aboriginal:
 Sports achievers
 Enterprises
 Visual Arts
 Performing Arts
 Peoples and the media
 Film and televisions
Choosing Aboriginal Studies will
allow you to find out more about my
culture, through completing the
Individual Research Project.
I’m glad I chose
Aboriginal Studies;
I have gotten to
create my own art.
Aboriginal Studies gives you a definite edge in
mandatory Record of School Achievement History and
Geography. It is also a course which provides strong
cultural knowledge and therefore excellent work based
skills for government jobs.
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Agricultural Technology
Design and cultivate a
kitchen garden on
school grounds.
Agriculture is the study of how
plants and animals are used to
produce food, fibre and other
materials.
Learn how farmers use
technology to manage
day to day operations.
Understand sustainable and ethical
practices that support productive
profitable agriculture.
Cost: $60
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Complete personal
interest projects on
areas related to
agriculture.
BIG PICTURE ELECTIVE
This course is for those of you who would like the opportunity to explore your own
interests through project based learning. It is based on the Big Picture Australia’s
fundamentals and has a maximum of 15 students to one teacher.
Qualifications Needed:
 Able to work in a self-directed manner and keep motivated
 Attend school regularly and use class time effectively
 Willing to put in a lot of time at home and at lunch
 Interested in establishing an internship and connections with community
mentors
 Open to exhibiting your project and receiving feedback from a panel
Application Process:
A. See Ms Wolf for an application booklet
B. Complete it carefully -like a job application
C. Submit it by the due date: _______________
D. Your application will be reviewed by Ms Wolf, senior staff and Mr Wright
E. You will be notified if you have been successful or not
F. You place in the Big Picture class may be reviewed if you are not meeting
the expectations of the course.
Materials needed:
 Big Picture Diary ($20 course fee)
 Exhibition binder (3 ring, 2 to 3 inches)
 Page protectors and dividers
 A4 exercise book
 USB key
Feel free to see Ms. Wolf for further details. Visit www.bigpicture.org.au to get an
understanding of the background to this course.
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CHILD STUDIES
If you are interested on the following topics, then
Child Studies might be for you:
· Preparing for parenthood
· Conception to birth
· Family interactions
· Newborn care
· Growth and development
· Play and the developing child
· Health and safety in childhood
· Food and nutrition in childhood
· Childcare services and career opportunities
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Commerce
The study of Commerce is an essential part of learning at school as it
helps prepare students for their roles as future income earners and
consumers operating in a complex commercial environment.
Commerce
involves the
study of
business,
consumers,
government,
labour, law and
money.
You will get to
create surveys,
design
businesses and
play the ASX
share market
game.
Thinking of a career in
photography, law, banking, data
entry, advertising, marketing or
even town planning?
Choose Commerce, as it will
give you the edge in
understanding what it is all
about.
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Dance
“The Dancer believes that their art has something to say which cannot be
expressed in words or in any other way than by dancing... there are times
when the simple dignity of movement can fulfil the function of a volume of
words.”
Doris Humphrey (1895-1958)
Dance has existed as a vital part of every known culture throughout time. It is
universally recognised as a form of non-verbal communication which utilises the
body as an instrument of expression.
Throughout this 200 hour course, students
will learn about dance as an art form and the
processes involved in composing,
performing and appreciating a work of art.
They will also acquire a range of
fundamental skills from the course that will
contribute in all subject areas, such as:






Performance and movement
Discipline and focus
Collaboration and management skills
Creativity and improvisation
Multimedia and technology
Research, analysis and critical thinking
In addition to these essential skills, students will also learn and observe a variety
of dance styles, as well as receive a range of opportunities to perform at school,
regional and state events.
Cost $30
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Drama
Acting for Stage and Screen
Games
Script
writing
Movement
Impro
Directing
Filming
Script
analysis
Acting
Use of
Voice
Video
making
Join in the fun of studying Drama, theatre and acting at SSC Balmain
Campus. The course is designed to develop students’ confidence
and self esteem in a supportive and safe environment.
Perform the Classics from
Chekhov
Miller
Pinter
Beckett
Albee
Coward
Williamson Stoppard
Mamet
Others
Drama Night
At the end of term two all drama students gather at BWB for the day
in preparation for the evening performances of Drama Night.
Quotes from recent Drama students
‘It was scary acting in front of all those people sir but I did …
wow it feels fantastic’
‘Mum and Dad said our group was the funniest …. Who
wrote that play ‘Faulty Towers’ … it’s brilliant’
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Eco-Rangers
(Geography Elective)
What is an Eco-Ranger?
An Eco-Ranger is an individual who cares about our environment & the diversity
of life forms that share it. Being an Eco – Ranger is to simply care for our
environment in our daily activities and decision making.
Some reasons to study Eco Rangers:




You’ll understand the reasons why “Water flows downhill” and
“Environmental Audits.”
You will get outside!!!!! Discover and explore the local community!!!!!!!!
Be an Active citizen in the community through the Student Volunteering
Program.
Sustainability !!!!!
Eco-Rangers is an elective geography course which provides students with
the opportunity for additional learning over years 9 and 10 where they will
expand their skills in researching and communicating, especially with Integrated
Computer Technology, an understanding of the nature of geography,
geographical processes and world environments and contemporary world
events.
Units of work covered include:
 Shake, Rattle and Roll, includes a study of earthquakes, volcanoes,
tsunami, floods droughts, cyclones and tornadoes. The natural causes and
effects of such features will be considered using topical examples from
around the globe.

An Australian
warship off the
coast of
Solomon Islands
East is west investigates the environments of Australia’s neighbours including a link with a village in East Timor which has connections with
Sydney Secondary College. Development Geography
 Oceanography – The Deep Blue Sea investigates the physical features of
the oceans, ocean ecosystems, climatic impacts on oceans, El Nino and La
Nina, ownership and control, nuclear testing, tourism, waste disposal and
oil/ mineral exploitation of oceans.
 Outdoor Education – gives students the opportunity to use geography to
study a particular aspect of the environment by getting out in the field. May
involve hiking and navigating around Sydney.
Eco-Rangers will appear on your Record of School Achievement. It is a perfect
complement to Mandatory Geography, giving students an edge in their Record of
School Achievement..
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English Elective Course:
An Introduction to Senior Advanced, Extension I and II English
In this elective course, passionate, committed and gifted students of English will
be introduced to the core concepts of the senior Advanced, Extension 1 and
Extension 2 English Courses that are offered in Stage 6.
Terms 1, 2 and 3 of the Year 9 elective course will focus on the concept of
transformation. Students will study a range of text types, from a variety of genres,
modes and time periods. They will examine texts drawn from the classics of
English literature, to contemporary film texts from popular culture. These texts will
broaden students’ appreciation and exposure to the rich world of literature and
texts. Students will compose critical, interpretive and creative pieces of writing to
demonstrate their understanding of concepts.
During Term 4 of Year 9, students will compose a major work such as a suite of
poetry, a short story, a script for a play or a short film. This will be a smaller scale
project, similar to that composed by students who undertake the Year 12
Extension 2 course offered only in Year 12.
Those who pursue the English elective course into Year 10 will be introduced to
the idea of “genre” and the appropriation of varied ideas, concepts and
conventions across the Gothic Horror genre. Students will be required to
supplement their study of set texts through selecting and analysing a variety of
related texts of their own choosing, drawn from the Gothic Horror genre.
Texts for Year 9 include:
“Othello” by William Shakespeare
“O” directed by Tim Blake Nelson
“Emma” by Jane Austen
“Clueless” directed by Amy Heckerling
Texts for Year 10 include:
“Dracula” by Bram Stoker
“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
“Psycho” directed by Alfred Hitchcock
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Food Technology
Learn how to
prepare food
from all around
the world!!
This is a 200
hour course so if
you choose Food
Technology you
will do it for both
Year 9 and Year
10
Learn about:
Food in Australia: Early Settlement through to Multiculturalism
Food Product Development: learn about commercial, new technologies,
food production and develop your own new products
Food and Health: What food is made of and how it works in your body
Food Equity: How food is distributed around the world and what people eat
around the world, food and the economy and food and the environment
Food for special needs: Groups who have special needs and how they
relate to food
Food Presentation: Cook and present food for photography
PLUS COOK FOOD THAT RELATES TO EACH TOPIC AND LEARN NEW
te the pull quote text box.]
SKILLS!!
You must bring
your apron, tea
towel and
container for
practicals & wear
enclosed leather
shoes!
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Food Technology has a Fee of
$80 per year which is used
to pay for consumables.
Graphics Technology
Graphics Technology is an elective 200-hour course that develops
an understanding of the significance of graphical communication as a
universal language and the techniques and technologies used to
convey technical and non-technical ideas and information. Graphics
Technology develops in students the ability to read, interpret and
produce graphical presentations that communicate information using
a variety of techniques and media.
Students may focus further on this subject matter in Years 11-12
through subjects such as: Design and Technology, Engineering
Studies, Industrial Technology, Textiles and Design, Technology and
Applied Studies Life Skills.
The major emphasis of the Graphics Technology syllabus is on
students actively planning, developing and producing quality graphical
presentations. Students will learn to design, prepare and present
graphical presentations using both manual and computer-based
drafting technologies. The content of the core includes graphics
principles and techniques, design, planning and construction, and
presentation. After completing the core students will explore specific
graphics related fields.
Graphics technology incurs a
subject fee of $20.00 for
consumables and maintenance
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History Elective
Did you enjoy Ancient History in Year 7? Do you want to go way beyond
what you learned with the Vikings and the middle ages in Year 8? Then the
popular Elective History course is for you!
Why should I choose Elective History?
1. “It’s interesting and fun to explore!” – A quote from a current Year 9 Elective History
student.
2. Gain essential research and thinking skills that WILL help you in your other high school
subjects!
3. Elective History will give you an edge on your mandatory history Record of School
Achievement studies!
4. Essential for careers in journalism, research, teaching, archaeology, politics, law, travel
etc.
What topics do I study?
Rock through history
For music lovers! A look at 1980s protest songs to get into the politics and world
events of the time!
American and South African civil rights
What was the role of Martin Luther King in bringing about civil rights to black
Americans? This topic compares the US movement to that of South Africa.
The Crusades
What was the role of Richard the Lion heart, Peter the hermit, Saladin and Hugh the
great in this series of blood-thirsty wars? This topic includes a film study.
Marvellous monarchs
Why did my father, Henry VIII execute my mother? How did I defeat the Spanish
Armada? What real influence did Victoria and Elizabeth II have? This topic
includes two film studies and a personal monarch research study.
Journalism and media history
A topic for those looking at a possible career in journalism or the communication industries. This
topic explores the newspaper, advertising, radio, television and internet media types. This topic
involves research and working on computers.
The Incredible Incas
If you loved learning about the civilisations in Year 7, you will be fascinated by this one! Learn of
the origins of the South American Incan world. Did you know that when a new king took the
throne, to honour the sun good Inti, as many as 200 children would be sacrificed and buried with
gold and silver!
Tomb raiders
What was found in the most famous tombs of the world? Why was the Taj Mahal built? Why is it
one of the Seven Wonders of the World? This topic includes a film study and a personal tomb
research study.
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Industrial Technology Multimedia
Industrial Technology Multimedia provides opportunities for students
to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to
multimedia, and associated industries.
Core modules develop knowledge and skills in the use of Adobe
Illustrator, Photoshop, Flash, Dreamweaver and movie editing
software. Related technologies such as digital cameras, video
cameras, and scanners are used to input materials for multimedia
presentations.
Practical projects reflect the nature of Multimedia and provide
opportunities for students to develop specific knowledge,
understanding and skills related to multimedia and related
technologies. These will include:
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photographic presentations
brochures incorporating photographic images
photo journals
computer animations
Webpage authoring and design
File protection
Projects and experiences will promote the sequential development of
skills and reflect an increasing degree of student autonomy as they
progress through the course.
This course can be further pursued at Blackwattle Bay campus with
Industrial Technology Multimedia stage 6, a category "A" HSC course
that further enhances student’s skills and abilities in Multi-media.
Multimedia is the communication tool for the 21st century and will
complement and enhance any student’s ability to cope with the rigors
of University, TAFE or any vocational or business pursuit.
Cost $30 – covers special print materials and laminating.
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Industrial Technology
Timber
Years 9 &10 course fees - $40.00 PER COURSE PER
YEAR
Industrial Technology Metal or Timber are elective 200-hour
courses that develops students’ knowledge and understanding of
either Metal or Wood working and processes. They both develop
knowledge and skills relating to the selection, use and application of
materials, tools, machines and processes through the planning and
production of quality practical projects. All experiences in both
courses are conducted in a safe environment to
current WH&S practice.
Students may focus further on this subject
matter in Years 11-12 through subjects such as:
Design and Technology, Technology and
Applied Studies Life Skills, Industrial
Technology, Engineering Studies, Metal and
Engineering VET, Construction VET, Electro
technology CEC.
During the 200-hour course students will be involved in the planning,
development and construction of quality practical projects, experience
skills in various relevant fabrication techniques and the writing of
project reports as well as studying the industrial processes and
vocational opportunities in each materials based area.
Students can study either one or both Industrial Technology courses.
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French
FRENCH – the language of diplomacy, law
and poetry.
Balmain Campus offers French as an elective in Years 9 and 10. We
use a variety of resources with the core textbook being
Allons – Y! To complement the textbook students have CDs, videos,
both cultural and linguistic, songs, web sites, penfriends, dictionary
skills and fun games. We teach all European languages using mainly
the communicative approach with real-life simulations and role-plays.
Through speaking, we explain the language and its functions, always
linking to English and other European languages.
At Balmain Campus, we offer poetry, art competitions, and
scholarships for the short term or the long term to French speaking
countries. The school organises excursions to the Alliance Francaise,
the International School of French Cooking and New Caledonia!
Students are assessed after each unit in all skills, that is, listening,
speaking, reading and writing.
Vive la France!
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Italian
ITALIAN – the language of art, music,
architecture and history.
Balmain Campus offers Italian as an elective in Years 9 and 10. We
use a variety of resources with the core textbooks being
Forza Ci Siamo! To complement the textbooks students have CDs
and videos, both cultural and linguistic, songs, web sites, penfriends,
dictionary skills and fun games. We teach European languages using
mainly the communicative approach with real-life simulations and
role-plays. Through speaking, we explain the language and its
functions, always linking to English and other European languages.
At Balmain Campus, we offer poetry, art competitions and
scholarships for the short term or the long term to Italy. The school
organises excursions, for example, to the Italian Forum for the
students to learn how to cook pizza, make gelato and also for cooking
lessons in Balmain.
Students are assessed after each unit in all skills, listening, speaking,
reading and writing.
Forza Italia!
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Japanese
JAPANESE - Samurai and cherry
blossoms, Buddhist temples and Shinto
shrines, animé, high tech and big business
Japan’s got it all.
At the end of this course you’ll be able to read and write in hiragana,
katakana and at least 30 kanji (Chinese characters) on a computer
and by hand/brush.
This is serious stuff. Don’t try this course unless you’re really
prepared to work hard!
You’ll be covering topics like:
Me, myself and I
Sports and hobbies
Ordering food
What to wear
My family
Shopping
Directions around town
How to meet friends
And many more!
After each unit of work you’ll be assessed on how well you read, write,
speak and understand Japanese.
Are you smart enough? Take the Challenge!
行きましょう (ikimashyoo)– let’s go!
(Student exchange opportunities will be offered
during Year 10.)
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Marine and Aquaculture
Technology
An exciting new course being offered as an elective by the Science Department
which will utilise the beautiful waterways surrounding the Balmain Campus site.
This course fits into an emerging field of study relating to the sustainability of
marine and related environments. It also brings a wide range of marine-based
leisure experiences to students in a safe setting.
The course consists of two mandatory units –
CORE 1 - Introduction to Marine and Aquaculture Technology (Year 9)
CORE 2 - Skills Management and Employment (Year 10)
with 5 option modules to be studied in Year 9 and 6 option modules to be studied
in Year 10.
Modules have been grouped into Focus Area and the class in consultation with
their teacher will be able to choose the modules to be studied (dependant on the
resources available).
Over the 2 year program students may be involved in a variety of experiences
such as:
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Estuary study of Iron Cove
Rock platform excursion
Swimming & water survival skills
Aquarium establishment & maintenance
Year 9
 Aquariums
 Living in the Sea
 Dangerous Marine Creatures
 Temperate & Antarctic Marine Environments
 Rock Platforms
Year 10
 Estuaries
 Saving Aquatic Environments
 Tides and Currents
 Personal Interest Project (PIP)
Cost per year: $50
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Music
You do not need an instrument or any previous music experience to do elective
music.
If you would like to play an instrument or sing, you would enjoy the Performance
side of this course.
If you are not sure about performance you may enjoy making up your own songs
and tunes. This is Composition.
You may enjoy listening to different types of music and learning more about them.
This is called Musicology.
Whatever your likes and abilities, there are sure to be several aspects of music to
appeal to you and an exciting array of equipment for you to use including:
guitars, drums, synthesizers or computer and multi-track recording equipment.
Music is a 200 hour, Year 9 and 10 course. Music can also be studied for the
HSC and as a University subject or as a Music Degree.
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Please note that students intending to study Music 2 in the HSC will find it
beneficial to choose Music as an Elective in year 9.
Course cost: $25.00
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Photographic & Digital
Media
Photography and Digital Media is a very challenging course that is both practical
and theoretical.
Do you want to develop your own black and white film and print in the darkroom?
You will study analogue and digital photography including:
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Using SLR cameras and digital cameras
Taking black and white photos
Printing black & white photographs in the darkroom
Photoshop image manipulation
Installation artwork
Film and video work
Photography history and appreciation
Students will need to bring their own digital or analogue – SLR camera
The course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to understand
and explore the nature of photography and related digital media as an important
field of artistic practice and technological procedure. Students will learn to use
and understand Photoshop elements and/or CS4.
Course fees: $100 annually (costs cover consumables and maintenance)
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Physical Activity &
Sports Studies
Physical Activity and Sports Studies aims to enhance students’ capacity to
participate effectively in physical activity and sport, leading to improved quality of
life for themselves and others.
What will students learn about?
The course includes modules selected from each of the following three areas of
study:
Foundations of physical activity
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Body systems and energy for physical activity
Physical activity for health
Physical fitness
Fundamentals of movement skill development
Nutrition and physical activity
Participating with safety
Physical activity and sport in society
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Australia’s sporting identity
Lifestyle, leisure and recreation
Physical activity and sport for specific groups
Opportunities and pathways in physical activity and sport
Issues in physical activity and sport
Enhancing participation and performance
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Promoting active lifestyles
Coaching
Enhancing performance – strategies and techniques
Technology, participation and performance
Event management
What will students learn to do?
Throughout the course students will develop skills that develop their ability
to:
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Work collaboratively with others to enhance participation, enjoyment and
performance in physical activity and sport
Display management and planning skills to achieve personal and group
goals in physical activity and sport
Perform movement skills with increasing proficiency
Analyse and appraise information, opinions and observations to inform
physical activity and sport decisions
Textiles Technology
This is a design based
course which teaches
students valuable skills
such as time management
and visually pleasing
presentation of written
work.
Both male and female
students gain valuable life
skills and experience in
this subject area.
Learn how to
design and
make your own
clothes and
other textile
creations!!
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This is a 200 hour
course so if you
choose Textiles
Technology you
will do it for both
Year 9 and Year
10
Learn about:
 The history of Textiles,
 Textiles and the environment,
 Working in the Textiles
Industry,
 Textiles in world cultures,
 Textile fibres and their
properties
 Decorating and embellishing
textiles
Make things like:
 Quilts
 Toys
 Clothing for you and your
friends
 Formal gowns
 Art
pieces has
Textiles
Technology
a fee of $40 per year
which covers machine
maintenance and some
consumables.
Students must supply
their own materials for
the main design projects
Visual Arts
Year 9 is the first year of a two-year course
which is both self contained and progressive. It
builds on the Year 7 and Year 8 mandatory
Visual Art Course which is primarily skills
based. The increased lesson allocation (5
periods per cycle) allows us to look at additional
areas and in greater depth. Some of the areas
which are investigated include:
 Painting and Drawing
 Sculpture – including ceramics
 Graphics - Print-making lino, embossing, dry point
Photography
 Computer graphics
 Mixed Media
This course allows for a deeper theoretical and historical appreciation
of art making, art writing and assignments complement each theme.
Homework is a regular feature, extending work done in class.
This course provides an excellent foundation for Visual Arts based
courses at Blackwattle Bay.
Cost per Year - $50
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Work Education
Work Education focuses on ‘understandings’
and ‘skills’ that will assist students seek out
and find satisfying work.
It is practical and personal in its emphasis with
students engaged in a variety of work related
activities.
By undertaking this course students will be
better equipped to work in a changing world.
The Work Education course involves studying:
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The nature of work and the workplace
Generic Work and Enterprising skills
Introduction to Industry/ Finance/ Technology
Workplace learning/ options for the future
Activities include:
 Workplace visits and
experience
 Creating personal C.V’s
and resumes
 Workplace scenarios
and role-plays
 Researching different
industries and
qualifications required
 Interview practice
 First Aid
 Running a small
business
Students will gain improved skills relating to
workplace communication, working in
teams, planning for a working life and consequently more able to search out work
opportunities. A must for those wanting guidance for their future!
Course Cost: $20 - TAFE fees are additional
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School Contributions 2013
SUBJECT
YEAR 9
YEAR 10
School Contribution
104
104
P & C Contribution
50
50
Text book fee
50
50
Sport levy
25
25
Agricultural Studies elective
60
60
Big Picture elective
20
20
Dance elective
30
30
Drama elective
30
30
Food Technology elective
80
80
Graphics Technology elective
20
20
Industrial Technology Multi Media elective
20
20
Industrial Technology Timber elective
40
40
Marine & Aquaculture Technology elective
50
50
Music elective
25
25
100
100
Physical Activity & Sports Studies elective
50
50
Textiles Technology elective
40
40
Visual Arts elective
50
50
Photography & Digital Media elective
Work Education elective
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20 plus
TAFE fees
20 plus
TAFE fees
Sydney Secondary College
Balmain Campus
Terry Street Rozelle 2039
Phone: 9810 0471
Fax: 9555 7340
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