Course Selection
Handbook
Year 10
2013
Great School! Great Students! Great Results!
Telephone: (+61 3 8804 6464) Fax (+61 3 88046499)
E-mail: blackburn.hs@edumail.vic.gov.au
Internet Web Site: http://www.blackburnhs.vic.edu.au
1
Table of Contents
Contents
Preamble
The Process
Rules for selecting a
course
Year 10 Subject
Offerings
Sample Courses
Studying VCE Units 1and
2 in Year 10
Subject Descriptions
Appendix
2
Preamble
Year 10 at Blackburn High School attempts to give students choice as each Key
Learning Area offers electives. Our intention is to motivate and prepare students for the
Victorian Certificate of Education (hereafter VCE) by offering some choices at Year 10.
Furthermore, there are careers advice strategies in place to help students develop a
Year 10 course which will lead to a VCE pathway that is relevant to the student’s
interests and strengths but has some flexibility. Like all elective systems, there will be
choice but that does not mean all subjects will run or that students will always
get their first preference.
We also encourage all students who wish to complete a VCE subject early, that is
undertake a Unit 1 and 2 in Year 10 and complete a Unit 3 and 4 in Year 11, to submit
an Early Start VCE application form when they enrol. Approximately forty percent of
students undertake an early VCE subject in Victoria. However, the school is aware that
not all students are ready for this study commitment so certain requirements need to be
met. Students need to provide reasons for wishing to complete an Early VCE subject
and be able to demonstrate that they have the commitment, enthusiasm and skills to
complete the subject. A panel will be set up to interview some students, if necessary.
Students should be selecting a Year 10 course on the basis of interests and future
pathways. It is necessary, therefore, that students read the Appendix which has
information on VCE subjects and Assessment and Reporting processes in order to be
informed of VCE guidelines and processes. Students should discuss selections with
parents and teachers and, if necessary, seek professional careers advice.
The process





Students select subjects on the basis of interests and possible career pathways.
Students need to follow the rules for selecting an Year 10 Course.
Students place their selections in preferential order. This is vital to ensure
student gain their most preferred course.
Students wishing to enrol in a VCE subject in Year 10 should select the
appropriate subject, in preferential order, when completing their web preferences.
At Blackburn High School students are encouraged to consider enrolling in a
Year 11 subject in Year 10 once they are aware of the study demands of the
course. We strongly advise all our Year 10 students to seek out this challenge.
Students make their subject selections using “web preferences”. This is an online program which has step by step instructions on how to complete this task
and will not allow students to break the selection rules.
3
The Rules for Selecting a Year 10 Course
Students select twelve (12) Semester length Units as well as two “reserve’ Units from
this Handbook. These Electives have been developed by the Key Learning Areas.
All students must select a minimum of two (2) English AND two (2) Maths Units within
their twelve (12) Units.
Once students have selected the English and Maths Units, they may select subjects
that will interest them and provide them with a pathway. They may seek the advice of
the Pathways Director, teachers and parents.
Students may select a maximum of three (3) Units from any of the Key Learning Areas.
However, ESL students and Music students are exempt from this rule: these students
may select more than three (3) Units in the English and Arts Key Learning Areas. For
example, ESL students who need the immersion in English may choose to select four
(4) Units of English. Music students who wish to specialise in Music may also choose
four (4) Arts Units.
Subjects (Elective Units) offered to Year 10
students for 2013. Please read through relevant
sections of this handbook for detailed
information on Elective Units.
KLA Area
Minimum
no. of
units
English
2
Mathematics
2
The Arts-Visual
Choose semesters length subjects from the following list of choices
Subject Name
Texts and Issues, Journalism,
Literature, Film as Text and Issues
Enhanced Literature (Advanced course)
Semester 1: Maths Methods
Semester 2: Maths Methods or VCE General Maths
Art, Visual Communication, Multimedia, Ceramics,
Music Techniques Units 1 and 2
(if selecting both Music subjects they will be done in succession, if
choosing one choose semester 1)
The Arts- Music
Materials, Food, Wood/Metal, Textiles,
Systems,, Photography, Music Technology, Information Technology
Technology
Humanities
PE/Health/Spor
t
Science
Language
0 or 2
Economics
Geography
History
General Humanities
Recreation and Health Trends, Fitness and Weight training
Boys Team Sports and Tactics/Girls Team Sports and Tactics,
Sports Leadership, Sport Science,
Aviation, Biology A, Biology B, Chemistry A, Chemistry B, Environmental
Science, General Science, Physics A, Physics B
French 1 and 2, German 1 and 2
4
Sample Program 1 – For an Engineering, Medicine and/or Science pathway
Unit
No.
Subject
Unit
No.
Subject
1
English Journalism
7
PE/Health Core Dance
2
English Elective Literature
8
Science Elective Chemistry A
3
Maths Methods
9
Early Start VCE Biology
4
Maths VCE General Maths
10
Early Start VCE Biology
5
Art/Tech Visual Art
11
Visual Communication
6
Humanities
12
Chemistry B
Sample Program 2 – For a Law, Humanities, Arts, Social Science pathway
Unit
No.
Subject
Unit
No.
Subject
1
English Texts and Issues
7
E/Health Core Team Sports
2
English Elective Enhancement
Literature
8
Science Elective Biology A
3
Maths Methods
9
French OR German
4
Maths Methods
10
French OR German
5
Art/Tech Food
11
Early Start VCE History
6
VCE History
12
Humanities/Economics
Sample Program 3 – For the Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Music pathway
Unit
No.
Subject
Unit
No.
Subject
1
English Film as Text and Issues
7
PE/Health Core Dance
2
English Enhancement Literature
8
Science Elective General Science
3
Maths Methods
9
Music Technology
4
Maths Methods
10
Technology – Photography
5
Art/Tech Visual Art
11
Early VCE – Solo Performance
6
Humanities
12
Early VCE – Solo Performance
5
When applying to study a VCE Unit 1 & 2 in Year
10 the following criteria will apply:




Academic performance across subjects
Organisational Skills
Ability to meet deadlines
Attendance
Teacher recommendations (whether the student has the skills and motivation to
meet VCE requirements)
Year 10 students, at Blackburn High School, are strongly encouraged to undertake the
challenge of a VCE subject: however, students must be prepared to meet the study
demands of a VCE subject.
All VCE Units 1 & 2 Subjects Offered at
Blackburn High School
(Year 10 students can apply to study only those
subjects in bold italics)
KLA Area
Arts
English
Humanities
VCE Subjects
Art, Studio Art, Visual Communication, Music (Solo)
Performance
English, ESL, Literature,
LOTE
History, Geography, Accounting, Business Management, Legal
Studies, Philosophy
French, German,
Mathematics
General Maths, Maths Methods
PE/Health/Sport
Physical Education, Health and Human Development
Science
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology
Technology
Food and Technology, Production Design and Technology
(Wood), IT Systems Engineering,
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THERE MAY BE SOME CHANGES TO THE ENGLISH,
MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES
COURSES NEXT YEAR AS AUSVELS WILL BE
INTRODUCED. THESE COURSES ARE CURRENTLY
BEING DEVELOPED.
PLEASE CONTACT ARLENE ROBERTS, TEACHING
AND LEARNING LEADER AT THE SCHOOL IF YOU
HAVE ANY ENQUIRIES IN RELATION TO
IMPLEMENTATION OF AUSVELS.
7
English - Texts and Issues
Key Learning Area - English
In this unit students will study texts, discuss and write about themes and issues relevant
to today’s society. Students will be encouraged to think critically and write about their
ideas using a range of persuasive techniques. Newspapers, novels and plays will be
studied in this unit.
Topics to be studied:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Writing for audience and purpose
Personal writing
Study of Text – Merchant Of Venice/ Second
novel to be announced
Oral Presentations
Enrichment Activities
Attend performance of a Shakespeare Play. Guest speakers.
Homework and Home study
Regular Completion of homework
Reading of Set Texts,
Regular wide reading of newspapers
Completion of unfinished class work
Research for class assignments
Viewing news items on multimedia
Oral presentations.
Assessment
Participation in class discussions and oral presentations
Assignments on Shakespeare’s Theatre and plays
Text responses
Writing folio
Analysis of language responses
Resources
Student Texts: Merchant of Venice, , second text book TBA, Persuasive Language
In MediaText
Film Text.
Merchant of Venice
8
English – Journalism
Key Learning Area - English
The Journalism Unit focuses on reading, writing and issues in the media. Students will
be introduced to a number of texts types and journalistic styles. Students will be given
the opportunity to experiment with different text types and produce well written and
highly structured pieces on issues of interest to the students.
Topics to be studied:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Writing for audience and purpose
Writing in various journalistic styles
Study of Text – newspapers and media
programs
Production of a small newspaper
Issues Responses – Language Analysis tasks
Oral Presentations
Enrichment Activities
Guest Speaker – Journalist from a newspaper
Producing a small newspaper
Homework and Home study
Regular Completion of homework
Regular wide reading of newspapers
Completion of unfinished class work
Research for class assignments
Viewing news items on multimedia
Oral presentations.
Assessment
Participation in class discussion, Oral presentations- response to an issue
Text responses
Writing folio
Analysis of language responses
Resources
Student Texts:
Persuasive Language Text
Journalism Booklet
9
English – Film as Text and Issues
Key Learning Area - English
Using film, students will investigate, how filmmakers perceive issues which are of
interest to society. Students will view a range of film genres covering various themes
and issues. Comedy will be studied to shed light on serious issues. Students will
develop critical thinking skills and learn about persuasive techniques used by the media
to create impressions. Students will study film composition and film techniques.
Topics to be studied:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Writing for audience and purpose
Study of film text may include Gattaca, Harvey
Krumpet, Freedom Writers, Avatar, Up
Film Studies – Responses to themes and
issues covered in the films.
Issues Responses – Language Analysis tasks
Oral Presentations
Enrichment Activities
Guest speaker to talk about a film.
Homework and Home
study
Regular Completion of homework
Viewing of Set Texts,
Regular wide reading of newspapers on related themes and issues in film
Completion of unfinished class work
Research for class assignments
Viewing news items on multimedia
Oral presentations.
Assessment
Participation in class discussion, Oral presentations
Assignments on various films
Writing folio
Analysis of language responses
Resources
Student Texts: , Persuasive language text book
Film Texts Possibilities include: Gattaca, Avatar, The Blind Side,
10
Literature
Key Learning Area - English
Topics to be studied
1.
2.
3.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Writing for different audiences and purposes
Studying and performing Greek myths and
plays
Studying film as text: Troy
Reading various novels from different periods
Text responses – An Ancient Greek text and
To Kill a Mockingbird
Poetry folio and recitation
Novel writing
Enrichment Activities
Mask Making In ceramics,
Play production to be held at school or production of Audio Book on Medea
Homework and Home study
Reading of set texts,
Regular wide reading
Completion of unfinished class work.
Research for class assignments,
Preparation for Oral Presentations
Assessment
Participation in class discussion
Greek theatre Research Assignment
Responses to texts- (TBC) Ancient Greek text and To Kill a Mockingbird
Novel project
Research author or project
Oral Presentations
Resources
Student Texts: Ancient Greek Text(TBC), To Kill A Mockingbird
Library research on different assignments
11
Enhancement Literature
Key Learning Area - English
Topics to be studied:
Study of set texts: Catcher In the Rye and a study of heroes and villains in Shakespeare
texts (extracts from various plays).
Reading Project – student choice
Writing in a range of text types for different audiences
Elements of creative writing
Passage Analysis – in preparation for VCE Literature
Reading short stories, poetry and non-fiction
Extension and Enrichment Activities
Reading project – student choice
A study of heroes and villains in Shakespeare
Opportunities for deep learning
Attend Melbourne Writers Festival
Homework and Home study
Extensive reading and writing tasks
Completion of tasks from class work
Development of written work as required
Assessment
Oral Presentation of Reading Project
Writing Folio – creative, imaginative and persuasive
Reading for Project
Exam
Texts
Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye
Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
12
German A & B (must be studied over both semesters)
Key Learning Area – Languages
The course is designed to extend students’ knowledge
and provide a step-up to VCE.
We will encourage you to continue to VCE, but it is not a
pre-requisite for this course.
Topics to be studied include:
Free time activities
The world of work
Germany and Australia
German music and film
Holidays
Berlin and Melbourne
Youth issues
Extension Activities
Excursions in Melbourne
Film competition
Song competition
Trips to the movies to see German films
German cooking
School website uploads
Contact with our sister school in Germany
Homework & Home study
Revision of class work at home on a regular basis.
Preparation for ongoing vocabulary tests.
Learning of grammatical structures for assessment.
Revision for topic tests.
Completion of tasks commenced in classroom.
Assessment
Topic tests
Vocabulary and Grammar tests
Specified assignments for the assessment of the skills of listening, speaking, reading
and writing
Project work
Research Tasks including using ICT
13
Resources
To be confirmed
Additional Notes
As you have spent a number of years learning German it makes sense to continue.
There are many benefits to taking German at Year 10 and beyond:






Your VCE score is awarded “bonus points” giving you a higher ATAR score.
You never know when it will come in handy.
German is a world language and can be used in many places – not everyone
speaks English!
You will be able to establish contact with students of your own age in our sister
school in Germany.
A trip to Germany, in 2013, might be a possibility if there is sufficient interest.
Employers increasingly value people who can communicate in other languages.
14
French A & B – (must be studied over both semesters)
Key Learning Area – Languages
The course is designed to extend students’ knowledge and provide a step-up to VCE.
We will encourage you to continue to VCE, but it is not a pre-requisite for this course.
Topics to be studied
Free time activities
The world of work
France and Australia
French music and film
Holidays
Paris and Melbourne
Youth issues
Enrichment Activities
Excursion to the French Film Festival.
Excursions in Melbourne
French film competition
French song competition
French cooking
School website uploads
Contact with a sister school *
*We are hoping to have a French sister school by the start of next year so that our
students can make contact with French students of their own age.
Homework & Home study
Revision of class work at home on a regular basis.
Preparation for ongoing vocabulary tests.
Learning of grammatical structures for assessment.
Revision for topic tests.
Completion of tasks commenced in classroom.
Assessment
Topic tests
Vocabulary and Grammar tests
Specified assignments for the assessment of the skills of listening, speaking, reading
and writing
Project work
Research Tasks including using ICT
Term projects (including using ICT):
15
Resources
To be confirmed
Additional notes
As you have spent a number of years learning French it makes sense to continue.
There are many benefits to taking French at Year 10 and beyond:






Your VCE score is awarded “bonus points” giving you a higher ATAR score.
You never know when it will come in handy.
French is a world language and can be used in many places – not everyone
speaks English!
You will be able to establish contact with students of your own age in our sister
school in France which is currently under development
A trip to France might be a possibility, in 2013, if there is sufficient interest.
Employers increasingly value people who can communicate in other languages.
16
Maths Methods
Key Learning Area - Mathematics
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
(xi)
(xii)
(xiii)
Number and Surds (Number)
Linear relations & graphs (Structure)
Trigonometry (Measurement Chance & Data)
Circle Geometry (Space)
Factorisation (Structure)
Measurement (Measurement Chance & Data)
Factorisation (Structure)
Index Laws (Number)
Quadratic Functions (Structure)
Statistics (Measurement Chance & Data)
Linear relations (Structure)
Probability (Measurement Chance & Data)
Variation (Structure)
Extension Activities
Mathematics competitions
Problem solving tasks
Challenge activities from the textbook
Enrichment tasks from the textbook
Homework & Home study
Maths Quest homework program.
Completion of class work.
Completion of project and problem solving tasks.
Preparation for topic tests and common tests
Regular revision of class work
Assessment
Topic tests
Project/Problem Solving
Common Semester Test (held twice yearly in June and November).
Homework program.
Resources
Student owned textbook – Maths Quest 10 Casio Classpad Edition (3rd edition)
Scientific calculator
School supplied Mathematics equipment
Essential Items Levy and Voluntary School Levy to pay for additional Mathematics
materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Mathematics excursions or activities in which they participate.
Dimensions: Number(N); Space (Sp); Measurement, Chance & Data (MCD); Structure (St) and
Working Mathematically (WM: reasoning, investigating & applying technology to other
dimensions)
17
Mathematics – General Unit 1, Semester 2 only
Key Learning Area - Mathematics
Topics to be Studied
(xiv)
(xv)
(xvi)
(xvii)
(xviii)
(xix)
(xx)
Simultaneous equations (Structure)
Trigonometry (Measurement Chance & Data)
Solving quadratic equations (Structure)
Quadratic graphs (Structure)
Statistics (Measurement Chance & Data)
Indices (Number)
Vectors (Space)
Extension Activities
Mathematics competitions
Problem solving tasks
Challenge activities from the textbook
Enrichment tasks from the textbook
Homework & Home study
Maths Quest homework program.
Completion of class work.
Completion of project and problem solving tasks.
Preparation for topic tests and common tests
Regular revision of class work
Assessment
Topic tests and SACs
Project/Problem Solving
Common Semester Test (in November).
Homework program.
As a VCE subject all outcomes must be satisfactorily completed to obtain an S for the
unit.
Resources
Student owned textbook – Maths Quest 10 Casio Class pad Edition (3rd edition)
Student owned CAS calculator – Casio Class Pad (300 or higher)
School supplied Mathematics equipment
Essential Items Levy and Voluntary School Levy to pay for additional Mathematics
materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Mathematics excursions or activities in which they participate.
Dimensions: Number(N); Space (Sp); Measurement, Chance & Data (MCD); Structure (St) and
Working Mathematically (WM: reasoning, investigating & applying technology to other
dimensions)
18
Art
Key Learning Area – The Arts
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
(xi)
The elements and principles of
art and colour theory
Exploration of drawing media
Figure and portraiture drawing
Painting techniques and
projects
Mixed-media artwork
Relief printing
Self analysis of artwork
Group project
Research assignments
Design and development work
in visual art diary
Weekly sketches in visual art
diary
Extension Activities
Lunchtime classes for interested students.
Art competitions – Run by the school and the wider community.
Involvement in group activities for community projects.
Homework & Home study
Collection of images and sketches in art diary.
Worksheets as set by the classroom teacher.
Completion of some tasks commenced in the classroom.
Completing assignment/research work.
Assessment
Folio
Design Process (Visual Arts Diary)
Research Projects
Resources
Student owned book – Visual Arts Diary
School supplied Art and ICT equipment
Essential Items Levy and Voluntary School Levy to pay for Art materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Visual Art excursions or activities in which they participate.
19
Ceramics
Key Learning Area – The Arts
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
Revision of hand-building
techniques – coil, pinch and slab.
Instructions on the use of kilns
Glazing and surface decoration
techniques
Slip casting techniques
Non-functional sculptures using a
variety of construction techniques
Functional sculptures – e.g.
teapots
Slip cast plates, decorated using
coloured slips and under glazes
Research assignments based on
practical work
Sketches and development work
in visual art diary
Using the Internet for written
assignments
Extension Activities
Lunchtime classes for interested students.
Art competitions – Run by the school and the wider community.
Involvement in group activities for community projects.
Homework & Home study
Collection of images and sketches in art diary.
Worksheets as set by the classroom teacher.
Completion of some tasks commenced in the classroom.
Completing assignment/research work.
Assessment
Folio
Design Process (Visual Arts Diary)
Research Projects
Resources
Student owned book – Visual Arts Diary
School supplied Art and ICT equipment
Essential Items Levy and Voluntary School Levy to pay for Art materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Visual Art excursions or activities in which they participate.
20
Multimedia
Key Learning Area – The Arts
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
(xi)
Digital drawing and painting
techniques- Illustrator and
Photoshop
Animation – Flash and Pivot
Image distortion and
manipulation
Product design (t-shirt, car, CD
Cover)
Video editing - Movie Maker
Create music tracks - Audacity
Web page design
Digital Portfolios
Group project
Email etiquette, Blogs,
Hypertext, Copy Right issues.
Research assignments
Extension Activities
Lunchtime classes for interested students.
Competitions – Run by the school and the wider community.
Involvement in group activities for community projects.
Homework & Home study
Worksheets as set by the classroom teacher.
Completion of some tasks commenced in the classroom.
Completing assignment/research work.
Assessment
Design Process
Multimedia Production
Research Project
Resources
Student owned book – Display book
School supplied ICT equipment
Essential Items Levy and Voluntary School Levy to pay for software and printing
costs
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for excursions or activities in which they participate.
21
Visual Communication
Key Learning Area – The Arts
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
The Design Process
The designer/client
relationship (design brief)
Para line drawings.
Perspective drawings.
Rendering techniques
Digital drawing and 3D
rendering techniques
Image distortion and
manipulation – Photoshop
and Illustrator
Product design - packaging
3D model making
Analysing Visual
Communication
Extension Activities
Lunchtime classes for interested students.
Art competitions – Run by the school and the wider community.
Involvement in group activities for community projects.
Homework & Home study
Collection of images and sketches in art diary.
Worksheets as set by the classroom teacher.
Completion of some tasks commenced in the classroom.
Completing assignment/research work.
Assessment
Design Process
Production
Analysis
Resources
Student owned book – Visual Arts Diary
School supplied Art and ICT equipment
Essential Items Levy and Voluntary School Levy to pay for Art materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Visual Art excursions or activities in which they participate.
22
Music Techniques Unit 1
Key Learning Area - Music
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
Music Analysis
Arranging Music for a small
group
Solo Performance
Group Performance
Aspects of Performance
Aural Training
Music Theory
Extension Activities
Music composition competitions
Music Eisteddfods
Homework & Home study
Practise on chosen musical instrument
Regular completion of theory questions.
Completing assignment/research work.
Revision for topic tests.
Assessment
Theory and Aural Tests
Solo and group performances
Self assessment
Research Tasks including using ICT
Resources
USB key/memory stick
Headphones
School supplied handout sheets
Essential Items Levy and Voluntary School Levy to pay for additional Science
materials
Students may be asked to pay for excursions or activities in which they participate.
23
Music Techniques Unit 2
Key Learning Area - Music
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
Music Analysis
Styles of Popular Music
Solo Performance
Group Performance
Aspects of Performance
Aural Training
Music Theory
Extension Activities
Music composition competitions
Music Eisteddfods
Homework & Home study
Practise on chosen musical instrument
Regular completion of theory questions.
Completing assignment/research work.
Revision for topic tests.
Assessment
Theory and Aural Tests
Solo and group performances
Self assessment
Research Tasks including using ICT
Resources
USB key/memory stick
Headphones
School supplied handout sheets
Essential Items Levy and Voluntary School Levy to pay for additional materials
Students may be asked to pay for excursions or activities in which they participate.
24
Food
Key Learning Area – Technology
Topics to be studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
(xi)
Hygiene
Safety
Investigating
Designing
Production - a range of products
Evaluation
Design Brief Investigation
Christmas Food Hamper
Role of diet and nutrition in healthy
eating
Complex processes in food
preparation
Labelling
Extension Activities
Whole school Healthy Eating Day
Homework & Home study
Research ideas, seek information, ideas related to design brief
Complete a detailed report on an investigation related to the focus of Foods.
Assessment
Production
Journal
Investigation
Resources
Student owned textbook – – ‘Food by design’ by Heath, McKenzie and Tully
School supplied – Food technology equipment and materials.
Essential Items Levy of $150 and Voluntary School Levy to pay for Technology
materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Technology excursions or activities in which they participate.
25
Music Technology
Key Learning Area – Technology
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
Performance Audio
(setting up a PA system)
Creating a radio
advertisement
Using computer software as
an aid to composing music
Intermediate level recording
skills using the recording
studio
Film Music Soundtrack
Extension Activities
Involvement in Tech crew to set up for school concerts
Use of recording studio for own recordings
Differentiated learning activities
Homework & Home study
Completing assignment/research work.
Revision for topic tests.
Assessment
Audio Compositions
Performance Audio
ICT Skills
Research
Resources
Student owned: Workbook of teacher handouts
Good quality Audio Headphones (with a 3.5mm plug)
USB key/memory stick
School supplied music equipment
Essential Items Levy of $30 and Voluntary School Levy to pay for upkeep of sound
equipment
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Technology excursions or activities in which they participate.
26
Photography
Key Learning Area – Technology
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
(xi)
The camera and taking
photographs
Elements & principles of
design
Using digital software
Downloading & saving images
Scanners
Editing images and special
effects - Photoshop
Design process –
photographic project
Studio Lighting
Research projects
Journal documenting
production
Design Brief & Self Analysis
Extension Activities
Participate in competitions
Use of darkroom at lunchtimes for enrichment work
Homework & Home study
Collection of images in journal.
Worksheets as set by the classroom teacher.
Completion of some tasks commenced in the classroom.
Completing assignment/research work.
Assessment
Production
Journal
Investigation
Resources
Student owned book – A display book of notes and production work (Journal)
School supplied – Photographic equipment, text books and computers.
Essential Items Levy and Voluntary School Levy to pay for Technology materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Technology excursions or activities in which they participate.
27
Programming and Web Design
Key Learning Area – Technology
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v
(vi)
Structural programming
Object orientated programming
Game Maker
MSExcel VBA
Research on ICT based
technologies
Journal which discusses
achievements, problems and
solutions.
Extension Activities
Project management
Database design and construction
I.T based competitions
Homework & Home study
Regular completion of journals linked to projects.
Completion of programming project work.
Completion of assignment and research work.
Assessment
GameMaker Production
Dreamweaver Production
Production Journal
Resources
Student owned textbook – Display book (Journal)
School supplied – Tutorials in GameMaker and MSExcel.
Essential Items Levy of $25 and Voluntary School Levy to pay for ICT and
Technology materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Technology excursions or activities in which they participate.
28
Systems
Key Learning Area – Technology
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
Investigating, producing and
evaluating process in a number
of technological applications,
including electronics
Construction and design of an
electronic project.
Electronic and mechanical
systems.
Build a model operated by
batteries or solar panel.
Design and record the
development of the design
briefs.
Computer-aided design briefs
Word processing and accessing
internet websites for
investigations.
Extension Activities
Students have a number of projects to suit their interests.
Solar Car Challenge
Homework & Home study
Students to research and seek information on ideas for design projects
Research for an investigation related to systems.
Assessment
Production
Journal
Investigation
Resources
Student owned book – Display book of notes and production work development
School supplied – Systems and electronic equipment and computers
Essential Items Levy of $65 and Voluntary School Levy to pay for Technology
materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Technology excursions or activities in which they participate.
29
Textiles
Key Learning Area – Technology
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
Use of Sewing Machines
Pattern cutting
Construction techniques
Garment (pyjamas)
Green bag
Printing & fabric manipulation
techniques
Fashion Design Projects
Historical research assignments
Journal documenting production
Design Brief & Self Analysis
Extension Activities
Participate in competitions
Use of Textiles room at lunchtimes for enrichment work
Homework & Home study
Collection of images in journal.
Worksheets as set by the classroom teacher.
Completion of some tasks commenced in the classroom.
Completing assignment/research work.
Assessment
Production
Journal
Investigation
Resources
Student owned book – A display book of notes and production work details (Journal)
School supplied – Textile equipment, text books and computers.
Essential Items Levy of $40 and Voluntary School Levy to pay for Technology
materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Technology excursions or activities in which they participate.
30
Wood
Key Learning Area – Technology
Topics to be studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
Tools and safety
Investigating - timber
Designing
Production: students will make a range
of products.
Evaluating
Use of ICT for word processing and
accessing websites for investigations
Extension Activities
Excursion to Meat Market
Homework & Home study
Students to research and seek information on ideas for design projects
Research for an investigation related to woodwork.
Assessment
Production
Journal
Research Project
Resources
Student owned book – Display book of notes and production work development
School supplied – Woodwork equipment and computers
Essential Items Levy of $90 and Voluntary School Levy to pay for Technology
materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Technology excursions or activities in which they participate.
31
General Humanities: Political, Social & Economic Issues in
Twentieth Century Australia
Key Learning Area - Humanities
Topics to be studied
(i)
( ii )
( iii )
( iv )
(v)
( vi )
( vii )
( viii )
The Great Depression
Australia and the Great Depression,
causes and impact
World War 2
Australia’s involvement in World War
2 and alliance with Britain
Population
Population profiles of first and third
world countries
Field work
Changing populations in suburbs
Extension Activities
Fieldwork\Observation
Differentiated learning activities
Research
Visual Interpretation
Homework & Home study
Topic tests
Specific class exercises
Practical work
ICT related tasks
Resources
Student text-Jacaranda essentials Humanities 4
Handouts provided by the teacher
Class sets
Atlas
DVDs
Pictures
Posters
32
Economics
Key Learning Areas – Humanities
Topics to be studied
(i)
( ii )
( iii )
( iv )
(v)
( vi )
( vii )
( viii )
( ix )
(x)
Personal finance
The Smart Consumer
Markets
Resource Allocation
Price Mechanism
The Australian Economy
Unemployment
Inflation
Distribution of wealth
Globalisation
Extension Activities
Differentiated Learning Activities
Research
Spread Sheet Analysis
Graphing
Case Studies
Homework & Home Study
Topic tests
Class exercises
Practical work
ICT related tasks
Resources
Handouts provided by the teacher
Class sets
Internet
Newspapers
DVDs
33
History
Key Learning Areas - Humanities
Topics to be studied
1.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
2.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(vi)
(v)
3.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
VIETNAM WAR
Background, origins and causes
Australia’s involvement in Vietnam
Media, perceptions of the war
Experience of soldiers in Vietnam
and back home
ABORIGINAL CIVIL RIGHTS
First contact, initial reactions and
conflict
Stolen Generation
Integration & Referendum 1967
Land Rights-Mabo
Reconciliation and the value of
symbolism
RIGHTS OR WOMEN &
OTHER MINORITY GROUPS
Women’s suffrage
Women’s liberationists
Current abuse of women’s rights
Extension and Enrichment Activities
Analysis of Data
Visual Interpretation
Research
Guest speaker (Vietnam Veteran)
Differentiated Learning Activities
Homework & Home study
Topic tests
Specific class exercises
ICT related tasks
Resources
Student text: Jacaranda essentials Humanities 4
Handouts provide by the teacher
Class sets
Atlas
DVDs
34
Geography – Global Issues
Key Learning Areas- Humanities
Topics to be studied
(i)
( ii )
( iii )
( iv )
(v)
( vi )
Global Warming
Causes of Global Warming
Impacts on people and the environment
Future scenarios – planning for climate
change
Land Degradation/Destruction
Causes of land degradation
Effects on people and the environment
Future scenarios
Individual Research Investigation from
topics below:
World tourism
The Great Barrier Reef
The Amazon
Polar Regions
World’s Oceans
Refugees
Food Production
Impact of natural disasters
Tropical rain forests
Extended Activities
Analysis of Data
Visual Interpretation
Research
Differentiated Learning Activities
Homework & Home study
Topic tests
Specific class exercises
Research Project
ICT related tasks
Exam
Resources
Student text: Jacaranda Essentials Humanities 4
Handouts provided by the teacher
Class sets
35
Sport Leadership
Key Learning Area – Health and Physical Education
Approximate Cost of Unit : $220 approximately (including uniform)
Topics to be studied:
Health
Drug Education – Drugs in Sport
Fitness
Exploring Training Methods and Principles
Energy Systems
Sport
Leadership
A selection based unit. A coaching course and go on to coach at
local primary schools.
Sports Studies with guest speakers in areas such as; Nutrition,
Sports Psychology, Sports Medicine, Goal Setting and Training.
Students attend excursions to the MCG, Etihad Stadium, Tennis
Centre and Monash University Fitness Testing Facility.
3 Day sailing camp (Optional) – Approx $120
Extension and Enrichment Activities
3 day sailing camp – $110 approximately (optional)
Interschool Sporting Teams
Lunchtime Sport – Assisting with organisation and umpiring
Hockey Gala Day – Primary Schools
Homework and Home Study
Completion of assignments and research work
Worksheets set by the classroom teacher
Revision of work.
Assessment
Research Assignment – Drugs in Sport
Participation in coaching course and undertaking coaching in local Primary Schools.
Exam
Resources
Essential Items Levy
Uniform
36
Dance
Key Learning Area – Health and Physical Education
Approximate Cost of Unit : $160
Topics to be studied:
Health
Drug Education – Drugs in Sport
Fitness
Exploring Training Methods and Principles specific for dance.
Energy Systems
Dance
Students participate in and learn a range of dancing styles. Students
investigate different cultural dances and choose one style to perform.
Sessions are run at Toepaz Dance Studio and are taken by qualified
instructors.
Extension and Enrichment Activities
Dance sessions with qualified instructors
Homework and Home Study
Completion of assignments and research work
Plan and rehearsal of dance.
Assessment
Research Assignment
Performance
Resources
Essential Items Levy
PE Uniform
37
Sport Science
Key Learning Area – Health and Physical Education
Approximate Cost of Unit: to be confirmed
Topics to be studied:
Health
Drug Education – Identifying and classifying different drugs
Fitness
Fitness Testing
Exploring Training Methods and Principles OR/
Designing and implementing a basic weight training program
Sport
Science
Explore the interrelationships between sport and science, using a
variety of different methods and techniques including;
Biomechanics, Experiments to monitor and analyse physical activity,
Sports Psychology methods, Film Analysis, Analysis of new
technologies (eg. The swimsuit used in international swimming
competitions),
This subject will incorporate both theory and practical classes.
Excursion to Deakin University (cost to be confirmed)
Extension and Enrichment Activities
Excursion to Deakin University
Interschool Sporting Teams
Homework and Home Study
Completion of assignments and research work
Worksheets set by the classroom teacher
Revision of work.
Assessment
Research Assignment
Exam
Resources
Essential Items Levy
PE Uniform
38
Girls Team Sports and Tactics
Key Learning Area – Health and Physical Education
Approximate Cost of Unit : Nil
Topics to be studied:
Health
Drug Education – Identifying different types of drugs and safe
partying.
Fitness
Fitness Testing
Exploring Training Methods and Principles OR/
Designing and implementing a basic weight training program
Team
Sports and
Tactics
Students play a variety of team sports, learning and analysing
tactical strategies.
Students organise a sporting competition for the class; including a
draw, ladder, teams, scoring, umpiring and marketing.
Students prepare and teach a class to their peers.
Extension and Enrichment Activities
Interschool Sporting Teams
Coaching Junior Sports Teams
Homework and Home Study
Completion of assignments and research work
Worksheets set by the classroom teacher
Revision of work.
Assessment
Research Assignment
Organisation of a sporting competition
Exam
Resources
Essential Items Levy
PE Uniform
39
Boys Team Sports and Tactics
Key Learning Area – Health and Physical Education
Approximate Cost of Unit : Nil
Topics to be studied:
Health
Drug Education – Identifying different types of drugs and safe
partying.
Fitness
Fitness Testing
Exploring Training Methods and Principles OR/
Designing and implementing a basic weight training program
Team
Sports and
Tactics
Students play a variety of team sports, learning and analysing
tactical strategies.
Students organise a sporting competition for the class; including a
draw, ladder, teams, scoring, umpiring and marketing.
Students prepare and teach a class to their peers.
Extension and Enrichment Activities
Interschool Sporting Teams
Coaching Junior Sports Teams
Homework and Home Study
Completion of assignments and research work
Worksheets set by the classroom teacher
Revision of work.
Assessment
Research Assignment
Organisation of a sporting competition
Exam
Resources
Essential Items Levy
PE Uniform
40
Fitness and Weight Training
Key Learning Area – Health and Physical Education
Approximate Cost of Unit: $115
Topics to be studied:
Health
Drug Education – Identifying different types of drugs.
Drugs in society, Harm Minimisation, Peer Pressure, Safe Partying.
Fitness
Weight
Training
Fitness Testing
Students explore the components of fitness, methods of training and
principles of training and design a 6 week fitness program,
incorporating pre and post fitness testing.
Students will go to the Global One Fitness Club for the double period
each week for the semester to carry out their fitness training which
will include fitness circuits and weights. These will be supervised and
instructed by both the classroom teacher and the qualified fitness
instructor at the gym.
Students learn the benefits, components and applications of weight
training.
Extension and Enrichment Activities
Interschool Sporting Teams
Homework and Home Study
Completion of assignments and research work
Worksheets set by the classroom teacher
Revision of work.
Assessment
Research Assignment
6 week fitness program
Exam
Resources
Essential Items Levy
PE Uniform
41
Aviation
Key Learning Area – Science
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
Aircraft materials
Aircraft structure
Forces of flight
Engine Operation
Aircraft instrumentation
Navigation
Air traffic control – pilot
Air traffic control – en route
Extension Activities
Differentiated learning activities
Homework & Homestudy
Regular completion of theory questions.
Completing assignment/research work.
Revision for topic tests.
Assessment
Topic Tests & Examination
Specified class exercises
Practical work (flight and air traffic control computer simulation)
Research Tasks including using ICT
Resources
Students are required to purchase a booklet for the unit, cost $5.00
Student owned textbook - NIL
School supplied ICT resources
Essential Items Levy and Voluntary School Levy to pay for additional Science
materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Science excursions or activities in which they participate.
42
Biology A
Key Learning Area - Science
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
Cell Structure
Structure of DNA
Genes & Genetic Inheritance
Genetic Issues
Reproduction
Evolution
Extension Activities
Differentiated learning activities
Homework & Home study
Regular completion of theory questions.
Completing assignment/research work.
Revision for topic tests.
Assessment
Topic Tests & Examination
Specified class exercises
Practical work
Research Tasks including using ICT
Resources
Students are required to purchase a booklet for the unit, cost $5.00
Student owned textbook optional - Pearson – Science Dimensions 4
School supplied ICT resources
Essential Items Levy and Voluntary School Levy to pay for additional Science
materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Science excursions or activities in which they participate.
43
Biology B
Key Learning Area - Science
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
Cell Structure
Homeostasis(Responding to
change)
(iii)
(iv)
Micro-organisms
Diseases and biochemistry
Extension Activities
Differentiated learning activities
Homework & Home study
Regular completion of theory questions.
Completing assignment/Research work
Revision for topic tests.
Assessment
Topic Tests & Examination
Specified class exercises
Practical work
Research Project on diseases including using ICT
Resources
Students are required to purchase a booklet for the unit, cost approximately $5.00
Student owned textbook optional - Pearson – Science Dimensions 4
School supplied ICT resources
Essential Items Levy and Voluntary School Levy to pay for additional Science
materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Science excursions or activities in which they participate.
44
Chemistry A
Key Learning Area - Science
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Reactions and equations
The Periodic Table
Chemical bonding
Analysis of consumer
products
Extension Activities
The course curriculum investigates areas of study normally associated with content at
and beyond year 10 level
Differentiated learning activities
Homework & Home study
Regular completion of theory questions.
Completing assignment/research work.
Revision for topic tests.
Assessment
Topic Tests & Examination
Specified class exercises
Practical work
Research Tasks including using ICT
Resources
Students are required to purchase a booklet for the unit, cost approximately $5.00
Student owned textbook optional – Pearson – Science Dimension 4
School supplied ICT resources
Essential Items Levy and Voluntary School Levy to pay for additional Science
materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Science excursions or activities in which they participate.
45
Chemistry B
Key Learning Area - Science
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
Carbon bonding
Organic chemicals
Reaction pathways
Nuclear chemistry
Nanotechnology
Extension Activities
The course curriculum investigates areas of study normally associated with content at
and beyond year 10 level
Differentiated learning activities
Homework & Homestudy
Regular completion of theory questions.
Completing assignment/research work.
Revision for topic tests.
Assessment
Topic Tests & Examination
Specified class exercises
Practical work
Research Tasks including using ICT
Resources
Students are required to purchase a booklet for the unit, $5.00
School supplied ICT resources
Essential Items Levy and Voluntary School Levy to pay for additional Science
materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Science excursions or activities in which they participate.
46
General Science
Key Learning Area - Science
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
Body Systems
Reproduction
Atomic Symbols
Chemical Equations
Motion and Acceleration
Extension Activities
Differentiated learning activities
Homework & Home study
Regular completion of theory questions.
Completing assignment/research work.
Revision for topic tests.
Assessment
Topic Tests & Examination
Specified class exercises
Practical work
Research Tasks including using ICT
Resources
Students are required to purchase a booklet for the unit, cost approximately $5.00
School supplied textbook - Pearson – Science Dimensions 4 purchase optional School supplied ICT resources
Essential Items Levy and Voluntary School Levy to pay for additional Science
materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Science excursions or activities in which they participate.
47
Physics A
Key Learning Area - Science
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(v)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
(xi)
Electronic symbols
Ohm’s law
Basic circuits
Logic gates
Circuit design
Circuit simulation
Circuit construction
Circuit testing
Modification considerations
Extension Activities
Differentiated learning activities
Homework & Home study
Regular completion of theory questions.
Completing assignment/research work.
Revision for topic tests.
Assessment
Topic Tests & Examination
Specified class exercises
Practical work
Application of ICT such as Crocodile Physics and Proteus ISIS
Resources
Students are required to purchase a booklet for the unit, cost approximately $5.00
School supplied textbook - Pearson – Science Dimensions 4
School supplied ICT resources
Essential Items Levy of $20 and Voluntary School Levy to pay for additional Science
materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Science excursions or activities in which they participate.
48
Physics B
Key Learning Area - Science
Topics to be Studied
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
Vectors
Forces
Motion
Energy
Momentum
Rockets
Extension Activities
Differentiated learning activities
Homework & Home study
Regular completion of theory questions.
Completing assignment/research work.
Revision for topic tests.
Assessment
Topic Tests & Examination
Specified class exercises
Practical work
Application of ICT such as Crocodile Physics and Bridge Builder.
Resources
Student owned textbook - Pearson – Science Dimensions 4
School supplied ICT resources
Essential Items Levy of $20 and Voluntary School Levy to pay for additional Science
materials
Students may be asked to purchase materials of which they take possession and to pay
for Science excursions or activities in which they participate.
49
School Programs - Enrichment and Extension Programs
(other than Instrumental and Ensemble Music)
General
At Blackburn High School we have programs which address the intellectual, physical
and social needs of all our students, and this includes helping them to extend
themselves to their full potential. This recognises that even the most talented students
do not fulfil their potential unaided.
Our general curriculum already recognises a number of factors critical to student
success:
(a.)
Equality of educational opportunity.
(b.)
A content that embraces fully all Learning Areas and is sufficiently
differentiated to offer challenges to the more talented students
(c.)
Instructional processes that recognise the need for critical and creative
thought.
(d.)
The opportunity to interact with talented students at an appropriate agegroup.
An Extension program is where additional, more challenging problems are encountered
that seek to apply knowledge and skills from a given topic in a manner that requires
greater use of higher order thinking skills. Related skills from other areas of study or
other subject areas may also be involved.
An Enrichment program delivers aspects of acceleration, extension and enhancement,
and is designed to enable students to maximise their learning opportunities and
potential.
Our overall policy favours extension within a year level rather than acceleration through
year levels. It is clear that students benefit from a full exploration of educational
possibilities within their own peer groups - something made more difficult if students are
promoted beyond these groups. We ensure that all students in Years 7 to 10 enjoy
unrestricted exposure to all Learning Areas.
Classroom Enrichment and Extension
Teachers are fully aware of the principles for classroom provision for all students who
may be classified as having special talents. These principles include:
a) Concentrating on open-ended tasks.
b) Accommodating a range of learning styles.
c) Allowing deeper study in an area or in areas of interest.
d) Emphasising research opportunities, including extensive Internet provision.
50
Classroom Examples
English
Humanities
Physical
Education and
Health
Attendance at:
Melbourne
Writers Festival
Melbourne
Theatre
Company
Shakespeare in
the Gardens
Guest speakers
Medieval Day
Professional storytellers
10
Sports
Leadership
Training of future leaders in areas of
sport and sport management
9
Bronze
Medallion
“BEEM”
Lifesaving award (as part of student
selection in years 9 & 10 program)
10
8
7
Blackburn’s
Enhancement and
Extension in
Mathematics
Mathematics
7-10
Science
Students learn about and experience the
trials of Medieval life and activities
Opportunity for students to engage in
challenging maths tasks specifically
geared to their level of understanding
and ability
Introducing students to the use of
graphing calculator technology (via class
sets)
Students are able to undertake VCE
General Maths Unit 1 in Semester 2
A celebration of language and culture
10
Early Start VCE
8
Language
Week & Cultural
Excursion
Poetry or Song Competitions to enhance the students’
use and understanding of LOTE
Competitions
Competitions run by the school and
Competitions
LOTE
Art
Graphing
calculators
Excursion to view professionally
produced plays
7-10
8
Rocket launch
wider community
Students assemble and launch their own
rockets
Competitions
Competitions offer extension opportunities for an individual or entire class. Some are
short-term, while others involve an extensive commitment. Among those currently being
offered are:
(i.)
Westpac Mathematics Competition.
(ii.)
Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians.
(iii.) Australian Schools Computer and Science Competitions.
(iv.) Tournament of Minds.
(v.)
Language and poetry competitions
(vi.) UNSW English and Maths Competitions
as well as numerous competitions in Music and Sport (as described under those
sections). Participants in these competitions earn points towards the school House
Competition Aggregate annual trophy.
Structured Extension Groups
There are many activities that take place outside normal tuition time, which allow
students to pursue their interests in many areas.
51
 Instrumental and Ensemble
(see School Programs - INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)
 Peer Support
This program offers Year 11 students training and experience in interacting with
and mentoring students in Year 7.
 Debating
Blackburn High School has an enthusiastic involvement in inter-school Debating.
Students from Years 8 to 12 have the opportunity to participate in teams that
compete in the Debaters' Association of Victoria which is a statewide competition.
The school has enjoyed great success in this activity for many years. Participation
is voluntary and non-selective. Training is provided and its own coach - normally a
member of the teaching staff, guides each team.
Camps/Excursions
 The school conducts regular camps at year 7, 8, 9 and 11.
Year 7
Orientation camp at Mt. Martha
Year 8
Adventure camp at Camp Coonawarra
Year 9
Queensland Tour
Year 11
Central Australia trip
 In addition, there are trips overseas linked to the three languages taught in the
school. Blackburn High school has partnership arrangements in place with
Hamburg (Germany) and France if there are sufficient students to run a
cultural program.
52
APPENDIX
VCE GUIDELINES AND PROCESSES
V.C.E. – Years 11 and 12 (Thinking and planning ahead!)
At the V.C.E. (Victorian Certificate of Education) level (Years 11 and 12) the school
provides a choice of over one hundred semester length units in the eight Key Learning
Areas according to the guidelines stated by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment
Authority (VCAA).
Each unit is allocated 9 periods in each 10-day cycle at the Unit 1-2 (normally Year 11)
and at the Unit 3-4 level (normally Year 12). Students generally take 12 units in Year
11 and 10 units in Year 12, taking half that number in each semester. Students may
negotiate the number of units to be studied in order to meet their specific educational
and vocational needs.
LEARNING AREAS
Arts
English
Language other than
English
(LOTE)
Mathematics
Health and Physical
Education
Science
Humanities
STUDIES
Art
Visual Communication
Music: History and Styles
Music Performance: Solo
Music Performance: Group (Units 3 & 4)
Studio Art
English
Literature
E.S.L.
French
German
General Mathematics (Units 1 & 2)
Further Mathematics (Units 3 & 4)
Mathematical Methods
Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4)
Physical Education
Health and Human Development
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Psychology
Accounting
Business Management
Geography
Legal Studies
History: Twentieth Century (Units 1 &2)
History: Revolutions (Units 3 & 4)
Philosophy
53
LEARNING AREAS
Technology
Note:
STUDIES
Design and Technology: Wood/Metal
Food Technology
Systems Engineering
Information Technology (Units 1 and 2)
Information Technology: IT Applications (Units 3
and 4)
Information Technology: Software Development
(Units 3 and 4)
All studies are offered at Unit 1, 2, 3, 4 unless otherwise stated.
54
Assessment and Reporting
The assessment of students in Year 10 is reported in writing to parents at the end of
every semester. The following grades and descriptors will be used when assessing
work requirements:
EX
VG
G
S
L
NS
NA
2.
Reports
Reports at Year 7-10 will be based on VELS and will tell parents how their child is
progressing against the expected standard. During 2013, it is anticipated that AusVels
will be implemented in English, Maths, Science and Humanities. All other subjects will
be assessed against the Victorian Essential Learning Standards. If a student receives a
rating of A or B, they have generally achieved at above the expected level. If they
receive a ‘C’ rating, this means that they are at the expected standard and their learning
is on track. If a student receives a rating of D or E then he or she has not achieved at
the expected level. The following ratings will be used on Student Reports for Year 7-10:
A
B
C
D
E
3.
Excellent understanding of content, skills, processes, and their appropriate
applications
A very good understanding of content, skills, processes, and their
appropriate applications.
A good understanding of content, skills, processes, and their appropriate
applications
Satisfactory understanding of content, skills, processes and their
appropriate applications
Limited understanding of content, skills, processes and their appropriate
applications
Not satisfactory
Not able to be assessed
Well above the expected standard at this time
Above the standard at this time of year
At the standard expected at this time of year
Below the standard at this time of year
Well below the standard at this time of year
Examinations
Examinations will be progressively introduced across the year levels. The following
Learning Areas will hold examinations at the levels and semester as indicated in the
table below.
Learning Area
Mathematics
English
Science
Languages Other Than
English
Humanities
Semester 1
Year 8, 9, 10
Year 10
Year 10
Year 10
Semester 2
Year 7, 8, 9, 10
Year 9, 10
Year 9, 10
Year 9, 10
Year 10
Year 9, 10
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In the case of Year 10, examination days will replace the normal timetable for a specific
number of days at the end of each semester.
The assessment for each of these examinations will be stated as a separate item
among those included in the Assessment Tasks area on the Student Report, using the
same grades and descriptors.
The purpose of these examinations is to strengthen the development of study skills
(including the thinking skills of knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis,
synthesis and evaluation) and examination skills so that each student can achieve the
best possible learning outcome in VCE.
.
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Middle School Student Support
Planning for future careers and VCE subject selection
Year
Level
9
When?
Term 4
(towards
the end of
year)
Process



9
Term 4
End of
Year
Program




10
Term 1





Create an awareness of skills, abilities and possible
career futures. Students complete “Careers Workshop”
inventory which includes a “Skills and Abilities”
inventory. These are provided by the Pathways
Coordinator completed during Humanities classes.
Students are also introduced to the government
provided “Job Guide” to assist them. (They receive
their own current copy in Year 10, term 2).
The inventory booklets are collected and given back
during the end of year program, when the last section,
involving the investigation of a number of careers, is
begun. A copy of the summary page for each student is
filed in individual Pathways folders at school.
Students are also given copies of the Work Experience
Guide, prepared by the Pathways Coordinator, as
encouragement to start planning for Year 10 Work
Experience program (last week of Term 3 for all
students 15 and over).
Students undertake “Safe@work” OHS training in
preparation for Work Experience. Certificates of
Attainment (General and Job Specific) are completed.
These hold for 12 months. Copies are kept by the
school and passed to the Pathways Coordinator.
Students are encouraged to prepare a Resume for use
the following year.
Students are also encouraged to refer to the earlier
completed inventories and to start thinking about future
career possibilities.
Students are referred to the Work Experience Guide,
distributed at the end of Year 9. Copies of this and all
paperwork/forms relevant to Work Experience are kept
outside the Pathways office.
Students are encouraged to organize placements and
paperwork for Work Experience, which takes place in
the last week of Term 3.
Parents/Guardians receive information in the mail re
the program and also at the Year 10 Information
Evening, held early in Term 1.
Students are offered individual support by the
Pathways Coordinator.
Paperwork is passed onto the Pathways Coordinator
for processing once complete sets of the paperwork
are submitted. These are due by the end of Term 1.
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Year
Level
When?
Process

10
Term 2




10
Term 3





10
Term 4



Students have the opportunity to complete more than
one week at specific times in line with the school policy.
Tertiary Open Days are advertised in the school
newsletter and all Year 10 students are given their own
copy by the Pathways Coordinator.
Students are encouraged to investigate possible future
courses with their parents/guardians.
The “Job Guides” are given to all Year 10 students as
soon as they arrive in the school.
Students are given the chance to experience a
job/career aptitude/interest testing and individual
interview program via the Careers Workshop program.
A copy of “ATAR 2013” (is dated according to when
students would enter Tertiary study) is distributed to all
Year 10 students by the Pathways Coordinator, as
soon as it is published in the daily newspapers. This
provides students with information regarding entry
requirements for Victorian Tertiary Institutes for the
year following their completion of VCE, and assists
them in selecting VCE subjects. This must be kept right
through VCE, as it needs to be referred to if any
subject changes are considered.
Parents/Guardians are also notified via the newsletter.
A VCE Information evening is run by the Assistant
Principal and Pathways Coordinator. Students and
parents are given information and have a chance to
discuss individual subjects with teachers.
All Year 10 students must complete their VCE subject
selection during Term 3. Paperwork is distributed
during the term and students submit at least three
possible course selections with appropriate subject
selections. These are checked and collected in a one
on one staff interview.
Students wishing to do a Unit 3 / 4 in Year 11 are
counselled and Semester 1 results checked and
teacher recommendations are obtained to ensure that
students have an understanding of the commitment
and study skills required to undertake an early VCE
subject.
VCE Subject Blocks are produced that accommodate
the maximum number of students. Any students with
programs that do not fit are consulted and counselled
and changes are made. This also happens with
students wanting to do a Unit 3 / 4. These students
may also have to attend a staff panel interview.
Students have their courses confirmed at the end of
Term, when they re-enrol for the next year. This is
usually around early December.
A VCE Orientation program is also run at this time.
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Work Experience Information
The following is some basic information re the Work Experience Program that I hope
you will find useful.
The Year 10 students participate in a compulsory Work Experience Program during
the last week of Term 3, with another extra week offered in December, once Year 10
has officially finished. Students are expected to find their own placements and are given
support to do this. However, they also need some family assistance. Placements need
to be organized by the beginning of Term 2.
Students will be given a yellow booklet this year that contains relevant information and
guidelines. Please ask your child to show you this booklet and go through it with them.
Spare copies are available from outside the Pathways Office.
I would also like to draw to your attention a number of important points.
 It is essential to get onto the placement early as many students throughout
Melbourne are seeking Work Experience opportunities.

Work Experience runs in the last week of term in September 2011.

Students must have the Work Experience Forms completed with all signatures
and details and then return them to the Pathways office. Make sure that their
details, (their name, your name, address etc) are also completed. This form
needs the signature of the Principal and is to be returned to the Pathways
Coordinator. These forms are available outside the Year 10 Office.

The ORIGINAL copy (NO FAXES or EMAILS please) is to be returned to the
school before the students commence the placement, as this ensures their Work
cover insurance.

Students are not allowed to do placements in private homes, interstate or in
industries deemed to pose health and safety risks.

Students are discouraged from doing a placement with a close family member
(as they can usually get this experience at other times) or at their old school. See
the booklet for further details.
If you have any questions about the program contact the Director of Pathways, Terry
McGann, whose office is located in the Library.
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