Stage 6 Course Information Booklet 2016
6-I
CONTENTS
Page
1. Principal’s Message to Students
2
2. The HSC Structure
3
3. The Senior College
4
4. What Type of Courses Can I Select?
5
5. Requirements for the Award of the HSC
7
6. Important Terms Relating to the HSC
8
7. Australian Tertiary Admission Rank
9
8. Assessment and Reporting
10
9. Subjects Offered at Billabong High School
11
10. Board Developed Courses
12
11. Board Endorsed Courses
40
12. Vocational Educational and Training (VET)
47
13. Life skills
50
1
1. PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE TO STUDENTS
You are about to make decisions that will have a significant impact on your future. It is up to
you to make the most of the challenges you will face and the opportunities you are given.
Students are required to stay at school until the end of Year 10 and then a student under 17
can only leave school to be in education or training (eg TAFE), employment (25 hours) or a
combination of these.
Billabong High School is able to offer you a range of subjects, as detailed in this booklet.
Take the time to read this booklet carefully, to learn about the HSC and what it means for you.
Talk to your teachers and ask questions. Discuss your choices with your parents/caregivers
before you make your final decision.
There is much to be learnt from students who have completed the HSC in previous years. Talk
to students who are currently in Years 11 and 12. Seek their advice. In the senior school, you
are expected to take an increasingly active role in your own learning. You must commit
yourself to the hard work necessary to gain a worthwhile HSC, with this hard work beginning
on Day 1.
Successful students think ahead, stay on task in class, study effectively and prepare well for
assessment tasks and exams. They have clear goals, are positive about themselves, their
school and their studies and are enthusiastic about their future.
When selecting your courses for 2016, you should:





ensure that you satisfy the requirements of the HSC [and an ATAR if you are thinking
of going to university]
be realistic about yourself and your abilities
recognise your skills and limitations and build on your strengths and interests
take into account your plans for the future
be well informed - read this booklet carefully, ask questions if you are unsure
I wish you all the best in your senior studies. Years 11-12 can be the best years of your school
life. They will certainly be easier for you if you have chosen your subjects wisely - make sure
you do so.
P Carroll
Principal
2
2. THE HSC STRUCTURE
The Higher School Certificate recognises 13 years of schooling. In the interests of greater
career choice and increased opportunities at university and TAFE, it offers you a full range of
study areas matching individual abilities, interests and goals.

Courses are linked to further education and training.
 Extension courses will enable students to undertake more in-depth study in areas
of special interest.
 Vocational Education and Training courses will count towards the HSC and will
also lead to qualifications recognised across a range of industries.

The HSC includes life skills courses for students with special education needs.

The HSC will fairly assess each student’s knowledge and skills.

If you meet the minimum standard expected in a course you will receive a mark of 50. If you
have a higher standard of performance you will receive a higher mark. All subjects
distribute their marks to students in the range of 50 to 100. A score in the 70’s is only an
average mark over the full candidature. Students should be aiming at marks in the 80’s and
90’s to be in the top group of students.

For each course you will receive easy-to-understand reports which contain much more
information. These reports provide clearer indications of what you have demonstrated you
know, understand and can do in each course.
3
3. THE SENIOR COLLEGE
The Senior College has been fully implemented at Billabong High School. Students in Years
11 – 12 combine for classes to ensure that we maximise our curriculum offerings. Students
have twice the number of subjects to choose from in Senior College selections. Students have
already had experience of stage groupings through the Stage 5 electives which sees Years 9 –
10 in class together.
In the Senior College, students complete three courses each year. They will sit the HSC
Exams in these subjects at the end of the year as normal. This is different to the traditional
system offered at many schools where students study six courses concurrently for two years
and then sit for examinations in all the subjects during the HSC period at the end of the Year
12.
In 2016 there will be a full range of subjects being offered for Stage 6. Student choice will
dictate what subjects appear on the initial line structure that will be offered to the students.
Reminder, English is the only compulsory subject that has to be studied in order to qualify for
the HSC.
Please note that the information contained in this booklet is current and accurate as at July
2015.
4
4. WHAT TYPES OF COURSES CAN I SELECT?
There are different types of courses that you can select in Years 11 and 12.
Board Developed Courses
These courses are developed by the Board of Studies. There is a syllabus for each course
which contains:

the course objectives, structure, content and outcomes

specific course requirements

assessment requirements

sample examination papers and marking guidelines

the performance scale (except for Vocational Education and Training Courses)
All students entered for the HSC who are studying these courses follow these syllabuses.
These courses are examined externally at the end of the HSC course and can count towards
the calculation of the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
Board Endorsed Courses
There are two main types of Board Endorsed Courses – Content Endorsed Courses and
School Designed Courses.


Content Endorsed Courses (CECs) have syllabuses endorsed by the Board of
Studies to cater for areas of special interest not covered in the Board Developed
Courses.
Schools may also design courses to meet student needs. The Board of Studies must
approve these courses. Once approval is granted, schools offer selected courses to
senior students as part of the Higher School Certificate. At this stage Billabong High
School does not offer any School Designed Courses.
Some Board Endorsed Courses are one-year only courses.
There is no external examination for any Content Endorsed Course or School Designed
Course, but all Board Endorsed Courses count towards the Higher School Certificate and
appear on your Record of Achievement. Board Endorsed Courses do not count in the
calculation of the ATAR.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses
Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are offered as part of the Higher School
Certificate. They enable students to study courses which are relevant to industry needs and
have clear links to post-school destinations. These courses allow students to gain both Higher
School Certificate qualifications and accreditation with industry and the workplace as part of
the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF). The national framework is recognised across
5
Australia and helps students move easily between the various education and training sectors
and employment. These courses each have a specific workplace component and a minimum
number of hours students spend in the workplace or a simulated workplace at school.
Students receive special documentation showing the competencies gained. Some of these
courses will be delivered by schools, while others will be delivered by TAFE or other providers.
Further information about VET courses appears in the section listing the Higher School
Certificate Courses available.
Life Skills Courses as part of a special pattern of study
Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12) Life Skills courses are available for students following a Special
Program of Study for the Higher School Certificate. The school’s Learning Support team will
make decisions about placements in Life Skills courses. Participation in a Special Program of
Study will be based upon an individual Learning Support Plan which will occur for both the
Preliminary and HSC years.
Life Skills courses will have Board Developed status and can be used in place of other Board
Developed Courses to meet requirements for the award of the Higher School Certificate. Each
Life Skills course comprises a 2 unit Preliminary course and a 2 unit HSC course. There is no
ATAR available for students completing Life Skills courses
6
5. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE HSC
If you wish to be awarded the HSC:

you must have satisfactorily completed courses that meet the pattern of study
required by the Board of Studies for the award of the Higher School Certificate. This
includes the completion of the practical, oral or project works required for specific
courses and the assessment requirements for each course.

you must have sat for and made a serious attempt at the Higher School Certificate
examinations.

you must study a minimum of 12 units in the Preliminary course and a minimum of
10 units in the HSC course. Both the Preliminary course and the HSC course must
include the following:
 at least 6 units from Board Developed Courses including at least 2 units of
a Board Developed Course in English
 at least three courses of 2 units value or greater
 at least four subjects
At most 6 units of courses in Science can contribute to Higher School Certificate eligibility.
Additional information:

The Board of Studies publication, Studying for the New South Wales Higher School
Certificate – An Information Booklet for Year 10 Students, contains all the HSC rules
and requirements you will need to know.

The Board of Studies (BOS) Website: http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au
contains information about courses and the HSC.

If you wish to receive the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), you must
study a minimum of 10 Board Developed units in the HSC Course. The booklet,
University Entry Requirements - Year 10 Booklet, published by UAC and available
from the Careers Adviser, contains important information about entry to university
courses, course prerequisites and other information to assist your choice of HSC
courses for study in Years 11 and 12 in preparation for university entry.

If you do not wish to receive an ATAR, the rest of your courses may be made up
from Board Endorsed Courses once you have studied six units from Board
Developed Courses.
7
6. IMPORTANT TERMS RELATING TO THE HSC
What Are Units?
All courses offered for the Higher School Certificate have a unit value. Subjects may have a
value of 1 unit or 2 units. Most courses are 2 unit.
Each unit involves class time of approximately 2 hours per week (60 hours per year). In our
College method of delivery, students will study each subject 16 periods each 10 day cycle.
In the HSC each unit has a value of 50 marks. Hence a 2 unit course has a value of 100
marks.
2 units = 4 hours per week (120 hours per year) = 100 marks
2 Unit Courses
This is the basic structure for all courses.
Extension Courses
Extension study is available in a number of subjects and will available in 2016.
A Preliminary course must be satisfactorily completed before students are able to begin
the HSC course.
What Are Exclusions?
In general, students may not study concurrently two courses in the one subject area. The
exclusions that are most likely to apply to students at our school are in Senior Science which
cannot be studied with any other Science course in the Preliminary Year. However, there are
other potential exclusions that apply to a range of courses; these are indicated at the top of
each course’s description.
8
7. AUSTRALIAN TERTIARY ADMISSION RANK (ATAR)
Applications for each university course are ranked in order of merit using the ATAR. The ATAR
is a scale between 0 and 99.95 which indicates your placing in the state, relative to all other
candidates for the HSC. The ATAR will compare Year 12 students against all the students who
entered Year 7 with them.
AUSTRALIAN TERTIARY ADMISSION RANK (ATAR) RULES
Rule 1 – Eligibility for an ATAR
To be eligible for an ATAR a student must complete at least ten units of Board Developed HSC
courses (including at least two units of English and at least eight units of Category A courses).
The Board Developed courses must include at least three courses of two units or greater and
at least four subjects; see (a) below.
Rule 2 – Calculation of the ATAR
The ATAR will be based on an aggregate of scaled marks in ten units of Board Developed
courses comprising:

The best two units of English

The best eight units from the remaining units, subject to the provision that no more
than two units of Category B courses be included
Important notes
a)
A subject is the general name given to an area of study. A course is a branch of study
within a subject. A subject may have several different courses, for example, with the
subject English the course will include English Standard, English Advanced, HSC
English Extension 1, etc.
b)
Students who are eligible for an ATAR under Rule 1 need to have completed at least
eight units of Category A courses for their ATAR to be based on ten units.
Category A and Category B Courses
Universities determine which courses they believe are the most effective preparation for a
tertiary education. Those courses that have been given a ‘Category A’ status are deemed to be
more appropriate academic preparation for university study.
Those courses that have been allocated a ‘Category B’ status are not recognised as being as
appropriate preparation for university study. Universities allow the study of only ONE Category
B course that has been approved by the Board of Studies, for the calculation of an ATAR.
9
8. ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING

The HSC reports provide you with detailed descriptions of the knowledge, skills and
understanding you have attained in each subject.

Teachers have a syllabus and standards package for each course. The packages include
the syllabus content which teachers use to develop teaching programs, examination
specifications, sample examination papers, sample marking guidelines and a performance
scale.

The syllabuses, along with assessment and examination information and a performance
scale will be used to describe your level of achievement.

School-based assessment tasks contribute to 50% of your HSC mark. Your school
assessment mark will be based on your performance in assessment tasks you have
undertaken during the course.

The other 50% will come from the HSC examination.

Your HSC mark for 2 unit courses will be reported on a scale of 0 to 100. A mark of 50 will
represent the minimum standard expected. If you achieve the minimum standard expected
in a course you will receive a mark of 50. There will be five performance bands above 50
that correspond to different levels of achievement in knowledge, skills and understanding.
The band from 90 – 100 will correspond to the highest level of achievement.

On satisfactory completion of your HSC you will receive a portfolio containing:
 The HSC Testamur
(The official certificate confirming your achievement of all requirements for
the award.)
 The Record of Achievement
(This document lists the courses you have studied and reports the marks
and bands you have achieved.)
 Course Reports
(For every HSC Board Developed Course (except VET courses) you will
receive a Course Report showing your marks, the Performance Scale and
the band descriptions for that course. A graph showing the state-wide
distribution of marks in the course is also shown.)
10
9. SUBJECTS OFFERED AT BILLABONG HIGH SCHOOL
Board Developed Courses:
Page No
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Design & Technology
Drama
English:
Standard
Advanced
Extension
Geography
History:
Ancient
Modern
Extension
Industrial Technology
Japanese Continuers
Legal Studies
Mathematics:
General
Mathematics
Extension 1
Extension 2
Music
PD/H/PE
Physics
Senior Science
Society & Culture
Textiles & Design
Visual Arts
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
Board Endorsed Courses:
Computing Applications
English Studies
Exploring Early Childhood
Maths General 1
Marine Studies
Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies
41
42
43
44
45
46
Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses:
Hospitality – Kitchen Operations
Primary Industries
Life Skills Courses
48
49
50
11
10.
BOARD DEVELOPED COURSES
Board Developed Courses have syllabuses endorsed by the Board of Studies.
Every Board Developed Course has an external examination and there is also an internal
assessment program.
All Board Developed Courses count towards the Higher School Certificate and appear on the
student’s Record of Achievement. All Category A Board Developed Courses count towards the
of Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
12
SUBJECT: Biology
Contact: Mrs Torocsik
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed Course
Exclusions: Senior Science (Preliminary Only)
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Preliminary and HSC Course Description:
Biology is the study of living organisms, life processes and interactions between organisms
and their environment.
The Preliminary course incorporates the study of the mechanisms and systems that living
things use to obtain, transport and draw on materials for their own growth and repair; biotic and
abiotic features of the environment and the interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem;
the evolution of life on Earth; and the effects of global changes on the diversity of Australian
biota during the formation of the Australian continent.
The HSC course builds upon the Preliminary course. It examines the processes and structures
that plants and animals use to maintain a constant internal environment and the way in which
characteristics are transmitted from generation to generation. The options cover a variety of
interest areas and draw on the increased information and understanding provided by improved
technology to examine areas of current research.
Topics Covered
Preliminary Course




A Local Ecosystem
Patterns in Nature
Life on Earth
Evolution of Australian Biota
HSC Course




Maintaining a Balance
Blueprint of Life
The Search for Better Health
Option topic: Communication
Particular Course Requirements:
Students MUST complete 80 indicative hours of practical/field work during the Preliminary and
HSC courses, with no less than 35 hours of practical experiences in the HSC course.
Practical experiences MUST include at least one open-ended investigation integrating the
knowledge and understanding and skill outcomes in the HSC course.
Assessment:
Typical assessment tasks include formal examinations, first hand investigation report, a
practical examination, a research report and / or oral presentations.
13
SUBJECT: Business Studies
Contact: Mrs Mackinlay
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed Course
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Preliminary and HSC Course Description:
Business Studies investigates the role, functions and processes of businesses within our
society. Analysing the nature, responsibilities and strategies of management and judging
business performance are integral to this course. Students develop research, critical thinking
and independent learning skills. In addition, analytical and problem solving competencies are
taught throughout the course.
The Preliminary Course:



Nature of business (20%) – the role and nature of business
Business management (40%) – the nature and responsibilities of management
Business planning (40%) – establishing and planning a small to medium enterprise
The HSC Course:




Operations (25%) – strategies for effective operations management
Marketing (25%) – development and implementation of successful marketing strategies
Finance (25%) – financial information in the planning and management of business
Human resources (25%) – human resource management and business performance
Course Requirements:
In the Preliminary course students examine contemporary business issues and aspects using
hypothetical situations and small to medium businesses as case studies.
In the HSC course students investigate case studies of large and global businesses in relation
to all topics. There is a focus on contemporary business issues and strategies businesses
implement to develop a competitive edge in the global market place.
Assessment Procedures:
Students develop research and independent learning skills and problem solving competencies
through ongoing assessment for learning. Assessment tasks include the writing of Business
Reports, researching case studies, financial analysis, tests and examinations.
14
SUBJECT: Chemistry
Contact: Mr Campbell
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed Course
Exclusions: Senior Science (Preliminary Only)
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Preliminary and HSC Course Description:
Chemistry is the study of the physical and chemical properties of substances, with a focus on
substances and their interactions. Chemistry attempts to provide chemical explanations and to
predict events at the atomic and molecular level.
The Preliminary course develops knowledge of atomic structure, chemical changes, rates of
reaction and relationships between substances by focusing on increasing students’
understanding of the Earth’s resources, the development of increasingly sophisticated methods
to extract and use metals, the importance of water on Earth and high energy carbon
compounds.
The HSC course builds on the concepts developed in the Preliminary course, expanding on
areas such as the search for new sources of traditional materials, the design and production of
new materials, the type and effect of chemicals that have been released as a result of human
technological activity and the way in which environmental problems could be reversed or
minimised. The Industrial Chemistry options covers a variety of interest topics and draw on the
increased information and understandings provided by improved technology to examine areas
of current research.
Topics Covered
Preliminary Course




The Chemical Earth
Metals
Water
Energy
HSC Course




Production of Materials
The Acidic Environment
Chemical Monitoring & Management
Option topic: Industrial Chemistry
Particular Course Requirements:
Students MUST complete 80 indicative hours of practical/field work during the Preliminary and HSC
courses, with no less than 35 hours of practical experiences in the HSC course. Practical
experiences MUST include at least one open-ended investigation integrating the knowledge
and understanding and skill outcomes in the HSC course.
Assessment:
Typical assessment tasks include formal examinations, first hand investigation report, a
practical examination, a research report and / or oral presentations.
15
SUBJECT: Design and Technology
Board Developed Course
Contact: Mr Duke
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Course Description:
The Preliminary course involves the study of both designing and producing. This is explored
through areas such as design theory and practice, design processes, environmental and social
issues, communication, research, technologies, and the manipulation of materials, tools and
techniques. The course involves hands-on practical activities which develop knowledge and
skills in designing and producing. The Preliminary course includes the completion of at least
two design projects. The design folio can take a variety of different forms.
The HSC course applies the knowledge and understanding of designing and producing from
the preliminary course. It involves the development and realisation of a Major Design Project, a
case study of an innovation, along with the study of innovation and emerging technologies.
The study of the course content is integrated with the development of a Major Design Project,
worth 60% of the HSC mark. This project requires students to select and apply appropriate
design, production and evaluation skills to a product, system or environment that satisfies an
identified need or opportunity. The case study of an innovation requires students to identify the
factors underlying the success of the innovation selected, analyse associated ethical issues
and discuss its impact on Australian society.
Main Topics Covered:
Preliminary Course
Involves both theory and practical work in designing and producing. This includes the study of
design theory and practice, design processes, factors affecting design and producing, design
and production processes, technologies in industrial and commercial settings, environmental
and social issues, creativity, collaborative design, project analysis, marketing and research,
management, using resources, communication, manufacturing and production, computerbased technologies, occupational health and safety, evaluation, and manipulation of materials,
tools and techniques.
HSC Course
Involves the study of innovation and emerging technologies, including a case study (20%) of
an innovation and the study of designing and producing including a Major Design Project. The
project folio addresses three key areas: project proposal and project management, project
development and realisation, and project evaluation.
Particular Course Requirements:
In the Preliminary course, students must participate in hands-on practical activities and
undertake a minimum of two design projects. The projects will develop skills and knowledge to
be further developed in the HSC course. Students will develop their knowledge of the activities
within industrial and commercial settings which support design and technology and relate
these processes to the processes used in their own designing and producing. Each project will
place emphasis on the development of different skills and knowledge in designing and
producing. This is communicated in a variety of forms, but students should be encouraged to
communicate their design ideas using a range of appropriate media.
In the HSC course the activities of designing and producing that were studied in the
Preliminary course are synthesised and applied. This culminates in the development and
realisation of a Major Design Project and a case study of an innovation. Students should select
and use the wide range of skills and knowledge developed in the Preliminary course,
appropriate to their selected project. They must also relate the techniques and technologies
used in industrial and commercial settings to those used in the development of design projects.
16
SUBJECT: Drama
Contact: Mrs Phillips
(This course will be offered in 2016)
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed Course
This course not only builds upon Drama courses in Years 9 & 10 but also caters for students
with limited experience in Drama. You should be willing to work in groups as well as an
individual performer becoming actively involved in the study of theatre and the creative
process.
Exclusions: Projects developed for assessments in other subjects may not be used for
assessment in Drama.
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Preliminary Course Description:
Students in Drama study the practices of Making, Performing and Critically Studying. You will
learn about and develop skills in Improvisation, Playbuilding and Acting, Performance styles
and the technical aspects of theatre through exposure to a variety of both performance and
theatrical tasks.
HSC Course Description:
Australian Drama and Theatre Studies in Drama and Theatre involves the theoretical study
through practical exploration of themes, issues, styles and movements of traditions of theatre,
exploring relevant activity techniques, performance styles and spaces.
The Group Performance (3-6 students) involves creating a piece of original theatre (8-12
minutes duration). It provides the opportunity for each student to demonstrate his or her
performance skills.
For the Individual Projects, students demonstrate their expertise in a particular area. They
choose one project from Critical Analysis, Design, Performance, Script-writing or Video Drama.
Course Requirements:
In the Preliminary Year, Drama students are required to study:
 Making Theatre
 Performing Theatre
 Evaluating Theatre
In the HSC Year Drama students are required to study:
 Australian Drama and Theatre (Core Content)
 Studies in Drama and Theatre
 Group Performance (Core Content)
 Individual Projects
Assessment Procedures
Assessment in the Preliminary course is based on the components listed above. Students will
participate in both ‘The Suitcase Festival’ in Wagga Wagga and the Creative Arts Week. They will be
required to perform a monologue and be an active participant in the organisation of a ‘miniperformance’ project with one of our local primary schools.
HSC Assessment involves a group performance, an Individual Project and a study of Australian Drama
and Theatre and Studies in Drama and Theatre.
17
SUBJECT: English
COURSE: Standard
2 units for each Preliminary and HSC
Contact: Mrs Phillips
Board Developed Course
Exclusions: English Advanced, English Extension, English ESL
2 Units of English must count towards your ATAR
Preliminary and HSC Course Description:
A common ‘Area of Study’ is set for both Standard and Advanced comprising 40% of the
course content. In the Preliminary course this is based upon the concept of ‘Personal
Journeys’ whilst the HSC course will be based around the concept of “Discovery”. Students will
be expected to read widely and make connections between the set class texts and texts of
their own choosing.
Three electives are also selected for study comprising 60% of the course content. In Year 12
these will include the study of Experience Through Language, a Close Study of Text and a
thematic study, Texts and Society. Each of these electives is based around the study of a set
class text. Students are also expected to undertake their own wide reading and viewing of
related materials to support their knowledge and understanding of the key issues and
concepts.
Course Requirements:
In the Preliminary and HSC English Standard course students are required to:





study Australian and other texts
study a range of texts from prose fiction, drama, poetry, non-fiction, film, media and
multi media texts
undertake individual wide reading to support the texts and electives studied in class
complete set tasks and develop skills in writing, reading, listening, speaking viewing
and representing
develop skills in the analysis and integrated study of language and texts
Assessment Procedures:



The ‘Area of Study’ unit will be assessed by way of a portfolio of analytical and creative
writing. In addition there will be both oral and listening tasks.
Formal exams form part of the assessment (or English Standard).
Other assessment tasks include activities such as speeches, role-plays, representation
tasks, note-taking, film and visual text analysis as well as formal tasks such as exams or
other forms of written texts.
18
SUBJECT: English
COURSE: Advanced
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Contact: Mrs Phillips
Board Developed Course
Prerequisites: Students must apply to the Head Teacher to study this course.
Exclusions: English Standard, Fundamentals of English, English ESL
2 Units of English must count towards your ATAR
Preliminary and HSC Course Description:
English Advanced is designed for students who have a particular interest and ability in this
subject. The course offers students challenging opportunities to develop a critical and
sophisticated understanding of the texts and issues studied.
A common ‘Area of Study’ is set for both Standard and Advanced comprising 40% of the
course content. In the Preliminary course this is based upon the concept of ‘Personal
Journeys’ whilst the HSC course will be based around the concept of “Discovery”. Students will
be expected to read widely and make connections between the set class texts and texts of
their own choosing.
Three electives are also selected for study and comprise 60% of the content. These will
include the Comparative Study of Texts, the Critical Study of Texts and a thematic unit,
“Representation and Text”. Each elective is based upon the close study of set class texts.
Students are also expected to undertake their own wide-reading to support their knowledge
and critical analysis of the central texts and their own appreciation of the central concept of
each elective.
Course Requirements
In the Preliminary and HSC English Advanced course students are required to:





study Australian and other texts.
undertake the close analysis of a range of texts from prose fiction,
drama (including Shakespeare), poetry, non-fiction, film, media and
multi-media texts.
undertake individual wide-reading to support the texts and electives
studied in class.
complete set texts and continue to develop skills in the integration of
writing, reading, listening, speaking, viewing and representing.
develop skills in the critical analysis and integrated study of language
and texts.
Assessment Procedures:
 The ‘Area of Study’ unit will be assessed by way of a portfolio of analytical and creative
writing. In addition, there will be both oral and listening tasks.
 Formal exams form part of the assessment.
 Other assessment tasks include activities such as speeches, role-plays, representation
tasks, note-taking, film and visual text analysis as well as formal tasks such as exams
other forms of written texts.
19
SUBJECT: English
COURSE:
Preliminary English Extensions
HSC English Extension 1
HSC English Extension 2
Contact: Mrs Phillips
Board Developed Course
1 unit of study for each of Preliminary and HSC Application for enrolment in these courses are
subject to an interview
Prerequisites:



English (Advanced)
Preliminary English Extension is a prerequisite for
HSC English Extension 1
English Extension Course 1 is a prerequisite for
English Extension Course 2.
Exclusions: English Standard: Fundamentals of English, English ESL
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Preliminary Course Description - This course is designed for students with a particular
interest and ability in English. Students explore how and why texts are valued and
appropriated into a range of contexts. They consider why some texts may be perceived as
culturally significant.
HSC English Extension 1 - Students explore ideas of value and consider how cultural values
and systems of valuation arise.
HSC English Extension 2 - Students develop a sustained composition and document and
reflect on this process.
Course Requirements
Preliminary Extension Course
 Course must include the mandatory section
Module: Texts, Culture and Value
HSC Extension Course 1 - this course has one section. Students must complete an
elective chosen from one of the three modules offered for study based on the prescribed
texts.
 Module A: Genre
 Module B: Texts and Ways of Thinking
 Module C: Language and Values
HSC English Extension Course 2
 Completion of a Major Work and a statement of reflection.
Assessment
Preliminary English Extension
 An oral presentation on a prescribed text and / or literary movements
 Three literary reviews/essays of prescribed and student choice texts
 A short story and journal documenting the and process
 Formal examination
20
HSC English Extension 1
Internal Assessment - across the language modes
 Speaking and Listening
 Reading and Writing
 Viewing and Representing
External Assessment: - a written exam of two hours duration
HSC English Extension 2 This Course is offered based on a written application
Internal Assessment:



Proposal for Major Work
Viva Voce: Interview and discussion / exploration of the work in progress
Report: the impact of independent investigation on the development of the Major
Work
External Assessment:
Submission of Major Work including a 1000 – 1500 word reflection statement
21
SUBJECT: Geography
Contact: Mr Iszmail/Mr Schneider
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed Course
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Preliminary and HSC Course Description:
The Preliminary course investigates biophysical and human geography and develops students’
knowledge and understanding about the spatial and ecological dimensions of Geography.
Enquiry methodologies are used to investigate the unique characteristics of our world through
fieldwork, geographical skills and the study of contemporary geographical issues.
The HSC course enables students to appreciate geographical perspectives about the
contemporary world. There are specific studies about biophysical and human processes,
interactions and trends. Fieldwork and a variety of case studies combine with an assessment
of the geographers’ contribution to understanding our environment, and demonstrate the
relevance of geographical study.
Preliminary Course:



Biophysical Interactions
Global Challenges
Senior Geography Project
HSC Course



Ecosystems at Risk
Urban Places
People and Economic Activity - Viticulture
Course Requirements:
Students complete a Senior Geography Project (SGP) in the Preliminary course and must
undertake 12 hours of fieldwork in both the Preliminary and HSC courses. Students will be
required to submit both oral and written geographic reports based on this fieldwork.
Fieldwork may vary from year to year, but typically includes:


Year 11: local fieldwork focusing on the Billabong Creek catchment.
Year 12: a study of the Wonga Wetlands (approximate cost $15), Viticulture tour to
Rutherglen Estates (approximate cost $15), Geography Study Day (approximate cost
$20).
Assessment Procedures:
Students develop research, independent learning, geographical and fieldwork skills through
ongoing assessment for learning. Assessment tasks include written geographical reports,
research case studies, interpretation of geographical data and examinations.
22
SUBJECT: History
COURSE: Ancient History
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Contact: Mrs Colley
Board Developed Course
‘Ancient History’ is the period from about 3000BC to the fall of the Roman Empire in AD 476.
Prerequisites: Students should have an interest in and enthusiasm for exploring a variety of
ancient societies, events and personalities in depth, developing and applying skills in the use
of different types of evidence. They will examine the past in order to more fully comprehend
the structure of our world and the lessons we can learn. Students will be expected to read,
evaluate, research and view historical material including films, websites independently.
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Preliminary Course Description:

Introduction: Students learn about how archaeologists work to locate, excavate,
interpret and report on societies, personalities and events in the past; conduct at
least one Case Study of real sites and to put this knowledge and understanding
into action.
Studies of Ancient Societies: Conduct two studies from a variety of Ancient
Societies. Areas for selection are Egypt, Greece, the City of Rome and the Near
East. For example Alexandria, Greek Drama, and Tutankhamun’s Tomb.

HSC Course




Core Study - Cities of Vesuvius – Pompeii and Herculaneum
One Ancient Society
One Personality in Their Times
One Historical Period
Assessment Procedures
Preliminary




Historical investigation / oral presentation
Source Analysis
Research Task
Examination / test items
HSC




Oral Presentation
Research Task
Source Analysis
Examination / test items
23
SUBJECT: History
COURSE: Modern History
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Contact: Mrs Phillips
Board Developed Course
‘Modern History’ is the period from about the 15th Century to today
Students should have an interest in and enthusiasm for exploring a variety of modern events
and personalities in depth, developing and applying skills in the use of different types of
evidence. They will examine the past in order to understand and more fully comprehend the
structure of our world and the lessons we can learn. Students will be expected to read,
research, evaluate and analyse historical materials including films, websites and
documentaries independently.
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Preliminary Course:


Complete three in depth Studies (Case Studies and Historical Investigation) from a wide
variety listed in the Syllabus. Two of these will lay the foundations for further study in the
HSC course.
The World at the Beginning of the Twentieth Century
HSC Course:



Core Study: World War 1: 1914-1919
National Studies (including the study of one related personality in depth) selected from a
variety offered in the Syllabus such as Russia/Soviet Union
International Studies in ‘Peace and Conflict’ selected from a variety offered in the
Syllabus such as Indo China.
Assessment Procedures
Preliminary Course: Research Project exploring one of the Depth Studies; Historical
Investigation undertaken as a group with an oral component to present findings and Source
Analysis related to The World at the Beginning of the Twentieth Century.
HSC




Two Research Projects (one with an oral component)
Source Analysis
Examination and test items
A three hour written exam
24
SUBJECT: History
COURSE: Extension
1 unit HSC
Contact: Mrs Phillips
Board Developed Course
Prerequisites: HSC Modern or Ancient History Application for this course requires an
interview
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course .
HSC Course Description:
Designed for students who enjoy in depth examination of History with a keen interest and
enthusiasm to explore and investigate the past working independently to further develop their
knowledge of and interest in the historical process and the role history plays in our world.
Course Requirements
Part I:
Students investigate the question ‘What is history?’ through readings
compiled in a source book and through one case study.
Part II:
Students design, undertake and communicate their own personal History
Project.
Assessment Procedures:
Internal:
Part 1:
Media Analysis.
Part II:
History Project made up of:




Proposal
Essay
Bibliography
Process Log
External: A two hour written examination
25
SUBJECT: Industrial Technology
Contact: Mr Duke
Focus area: Timber Products and Furniture Technologies
* NB: Students can only study one of the Industrial Technology options
Course: Industrial Technology
Course No: 15200
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC Board Developed Course
Exclusions: Some Industry Focus areas with similar VET Curriculum Framework streams and
Content Endorsed Courses
Course Description
Industrial Technology at Stage 6 will develop a student’s knowledge and understanding of a
selected industry and its related technologies highlighting the importance of design, management
and production through practical experiences. Industrial Technology Stage 6 consists of project
work and an industry study that will develop a broad range of skills and knowledge related to
Timber Products and Furniture Technologies.
Main Topics Covered:
Preliminary Course
The following sections are taught in relation to the relevant focus area:
 Industry Study – structural, technical, environmental and sociological factors, personnel
issues, Occupational Health and Safety (25%)
 Design – elements and principles, types of design, quality, influences affecting design
(10%)
 Management and Communication – development of practical projects; research, analysis
and evaluation; skills in managing a project and developing and presenting a management
folio; computer based technologies (10%)
 Production – display a range of skills through the construction of a number of projects
(15%)
 Industry Related Manufacturing Technology – understanding of a range of materials,
processes, tools and equipment, machinery and technologies (40%)
HSC Course
The following sections are taught in relation to the relevant focus area through the development of
a Major Project (60%) and a study of the relevant industry:
 Industry Study (15%)
 Major Project (60%) [Design, Management and Communication/Production]
 Industry Related Manufacturing Technology (25%)
Particular Course Requirements
In the Preliminary course, students must design, develop and construct a project. The project will
include a management folio. The project may emphasise different areas of the preliminary course
content. Students also undertake the study of an individual business within a focus area industry.
In the HSC course, students design, develop and construct a Major Project with a management
folio. They will also undertake a study of the overall industry related to the specific focus area
industry.
Subject Fees $75.00 for the Preliminary course, and
You pay for the major project costs in HSC (will depend on your project)
26
SUBJECT: Japanese COURSE: Continuers
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Contact: Ms Fischer
Board Developed Course
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Prerequisites: 100 hours Stage 4 Japanese, 200 hours Stage 5 Japanese
Exclusions: Japanese Beginners, Japanese Background Speakers
Course Description:
The Preliminary Course (120 indicative hours)
The Preliminary course has, as its organisational focus, themes and associated topics.
Students’ skills in, and knowledge and understanding of, Japanese will be developed through
tasks associated with a range of texts and text types that reflect the themes and topics.
Students will also gain an insight into the culture and the language of Japanese-speaking
communities through the study of a range of texts.
The HSC Course (120 indicative hours)
The HSC course focuses on the three prescribed themes and associated topics. Students will
gain a broader and deeper understanding of Japanese and will extend and refine their
communication skills in the language. As they expand the range of tasks, texts and text types
studied, students’ knowledge and understanding of the culture and the language of Japanesespeaking communities will develop further.
Main Topics Covered:
The theme, the individual, enables students to explore aspects of their personal world, for
example, sense of self, aspirations for the future, personal values, opinions, ideas, and
relationships with others. At the same time, this theme also enables the student to study topics
from the perspective of other individuals.
The theme, the Japanese-speaking communities, explores topics from the perspective of
groups within those communities or the communities as a whole and encourages students to
reflect on their own and other cultures.
The theme, the changing world, enables students to explore change as it affects aspects of the
world of work and other topics such as current issues.
Subject Materials Contribution:
Wakatta Textbook
Japanese-English Dictionary
Assessment Procedures:
Assessment in the Preliminary course consists of school tasks. In the HSC students are
assessed both within the school and externally through an HSC examination, which comprises
of both a written examination (with a listening component) and a speaking examination.
27
SUBJECT: Legal Studies
Contact: Mr Schneider
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed Course
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Preliminary and HSC Course Description
Legal Studies is designed to foster intellectual, social and moral development by empowering
the student to think critically about the role of the law and legal institutions in society.
The Preliminary course develops students’ knowledge and understanding of the nature and
functions of law and law–making, the development of Australian and international legal
systems, the Australian constitution, the role of the individual and the state and disadvantaged
groups within the community. This is achieved by investigating legal issues from a variety of
perspectives.
The HSC course investigates the key areas of Law and Justice and Human Rights, Criminal
Law and two focus studies which consider the effectiveness of the law in relation to each and
how changes in society influence law reform.
Legal Studies enables students to have confidence in approaching and accessing the legal
system and provides them with a better appreciation of the relationship between social and
legal structures. The Legal Studies Stage 6 course also provides learning that prepares
students for further education and training, employment and full and active participation as
citizens in Australia and in the global society. Students gain the skills of critical analysis,
independent research, collaboration, and effective communication.
Preliminary Course:



The Legal System (40%)
The Individual and the Law (30%)
The Law in Practice (30%)
HSC Course:



Crime (30%)
Human Rights (20%)
Two options: World Order and Indigenous Peoples (50%)
Course Requirements:
As part of the course, students may be required to attend excursions to Albury/Wagga and/or
Canberra to observe the operations of a range of courts.
Assessment Procedures:
Students develop research, independent learning skills, analytical and problem–solving
competencies through ongoing assessment. Assessment tasks include research tasks, oral
tasks, a media file and examinations
28
SUBJECT: Mathematics General (Preliminary) / General 2 (HSC) Contact: Mrs Tooney
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed Course
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Prerequisites: This course assumes that students have achieved the outcomes of the Mathematics 7-10
Syllabus and up to, and including, the content and outcomes of Stage 5.1; however, it is recommended that they
have studied at least some of the Stage 5.2 content, particularly Algebra and Trigonometry.
Exclusions: Students may not study any other Stage 6 Mathematics course in conjunction with General /
General 2 Mathematics.
Preliminary and HSC Course Description:
The Preliminary Mathematics General course and the HSC Mathematics General 2 course are designed to
promote the development of knowledge, skills and understanding in areas of mathematics that have direct
application to the broad range of human activity. The Preliminary Course is written in five Strands and two Focus
Studies. The HSC Mathematics General 2 course content includes the same five strands and a further two Focus
Studies. As well as introducing some new mathematical content, the Focus Studies give students the opportunity
to apply and develop, in contemporary contexts, the knowledge, skills and understanding initially developed in the
study of the Strands. The Preliminary Mathematics General/HSC Mathematics General 2 pathway provides
students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of and competence in further aspects of mathematics
for a range of concurrent HSC studies, such as in the life sciences, the humanities and business studies. The
pathway also provides a strong foundation for students entering the workforce and/or undertaking further training,
and for university courses in the humanities, nursing and paramedical sciences.
Students will complete the Preliminary Mathematics General Course and then move to either the Board
Developed HSC Mathematics General 2 Course (HSC examinable) or the Content Endorsed HSC
Mathematics General 1 Course (internal assessment only, not a formal HSC examination).
The Preliminary General and the HSC General 2 Courses cover the following strands:





Financial Mathematics (money – earning, spending, investing)
Data and Statistics (statistics, graphs and tables)
Measurement (area, volume, Pythagoras’ theorem, trigonometry)
Probability (chance, combinations, permutations)
Algebra and Modelling (rules of algebra, equations, modelling of graphs)
The Preliminary General Course covers the following Focus Studies:


Mathematics and Communication
Mathematics and Driving
The HSC General 2 Course covers the following Focus Studies:


Mathematics and Health
Mathematics and Resources
Particular Course Requirements:
Students will require the use of a board approved scientific calculator throughout the course. Graphics calculators
are not permitted.
Assessment:
Four tasks in each of the Preliminary and HSC Courses will be used to determine a student’s school based
assessment. These tasks will include a formal examination, two in-class tests and one research/practical task.
Once the assessment of the HSC course has commenced, some Preliminary Course work (no more than 30%)
can be included in assessment tasks (this also applies to the external HSC Examination). The external HSC
Examination will be of two-and-a-half hours duration and will consist of two sections (Section 1- twenty five
multiple choice questions of equal value and Section 2 – five questions consisting of a number of parts requiring
free response answers, each question worth 15 marks). A formulae sheet is included in the HSC Examination
paper.
29
SUBJECT: Mathematics
Contact: Mrs Tooney
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed Course
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Prerequisites: This course assumes that students have achieved at least the outcomes of the Stage
5.2 pathway of the Year 9 and Year 10 Mathematics Course and preferably some of the Stage 5.3
outcomes. Students should consult their Mathematics teacher to verify their suitability for this course.
Exclusions: General Mathematics
Preliminary and HSC Course Description:
This course is intended to give students who have demonstrated competence in the skills of Stage 5
Mathematics an understanding of some further mathematical concepts. It is designed for those wanting
to study mathematics as a minor discipline at University. It is useful for concurrent studies in science
and commerce. Students who require substantial mathematics at a tertiary level, supporting the
physical sciences, computer science or engineering, should undertake the Mathematics Extension 1
course.
The Preliminary Course covers the following topics:
 Basic Arithmetic and Algebra
 Real Functions
 Trigonometric Ratios
 Linear Functions
 The Quadratic Polynomial and the Parabola
 Plane Geometry – geometrical properties
 Tangent to a curve and derivative of a function
The Mathematics Preliminary Course must be completed before the Mathematics HSC Course is
begun.
The HSC Course covers the following topics:
 Coordinate Methods in Geometry
 Applications of Geometrical Properties
 Geometrical Applications of Differentiation
 Integration
 Trigonometric Functions
 Logarithmic and Exponential Functions
 Applications of Calculus to the Physical World
 Probability
 Series and Series Applications
Particular Course Requirements:
Students will require the use of a board approved calculator throughout the course. Graphics
calculators are not permitted to be used in the HSC Examination.
Assessment:
Three tasks in the Preliminary and four tasks in the HSC Courses will be used to determine a student’s
school based assessment. These tasks include one formal examination and two/ three in-class topic
tests. Once the assessment of the HSC course has commenced, some Preliminary Course work (no
more than 20%) can be included in assessment tasks (this also applies to the external HSC
Examination).
The external HSC Examination will be of three hours duration and will consist of ten multiple choice
questions of equal value and six free response questions of 15 marks each.
30
SUBJECT: Mathematics
COURSE: Extension 1
1 unit for each of Preliminary and HSC
Contact: Mrs Tooney
Board Developed Course
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Prerequisites: This course assumes that students have achieved the outcomes of the Stage 5.3 pathway of
the Year 9 and Year 10 Mathematics Course. It must be studied in conjunction with the Mathematics Course.
Students should consult their Mathematics teacher to verify their suitability for this course.
Exclusions: General Mathematics
Preliminary and HSC Course Description:
This course is intended for students who have demonstrated a mastery of the skills of Stage 5 Mathematics and
are interested in the study of further skills and ideas in mathematics. The course is intended to give these
students a thorough understanding of and competence in aspects of mathematics, including many which are
applicable to the real world. It has general educational merit and is also useful for concurrent studies of science,
industrial arts and commerce. The course is a recommended minimum basis for further studies in mathematics as
a major discipline at a tertiary level and for the study of mathematics in support of the physical and engineering
sciences. Although the course is sufficient for these purposes, students of outstanding mathematical ability should
consider undertaking the Mathematics Extension 2 course.
As well as studying the Mathematics Extension 1 syllabus topics below, students study the entire Mathematics
Course.
The Preliminary Course:











Other inequalities
Further geometry and circle geometry
Further trigonometry
Angles between two lines
Internal and external division of lines into
given ratios
Parametric representation
Permutations and combinations
Polynomials
Harder applications of the Mathematics
Preliminary course topics
The HSC Course:


Methods of integration
Primitive of sin2x and cos2x

Equation




Velocity and acceleration as a function of x
Projectile motion
Simple harmonic motion
Inverse functions and inverse trigonometric
functions
Induction
Binomial theorem
Further probability
Iterative methods for numerical estimation of the
roots of a polynomial equation
Harder applications of Mathematics HSC course
topics





dN
 k( N  P)
dt
Particular Course Requirements:
Students will require the use of a board approved calculator throughout the course. Graphics calculators are not
permitted to be used in the HSC Examination.
Assessment:
Four tasks in each of the Preliminary and HSC Courses will be used to determine a student’s school based
assessment. These tasks include one formal examination and three in-class topic tests. School assessment for
the Mathematics Extension 1 HSC Course can be based on the whole of the Mathematics Extension 1 course
(Preliminary and HSC). School based assessment for the Mathematics Extension 1 component requires a single
mark out of 50 (as does the external HSC Examination) and for the Mathematics component a single mark out of
100 (as does the external HSC Examination).
Students will sit for two external HSC Examinations; one of three hours duration for the Mathematics Course and
one of two hours duration consisting of ten multiple choice questions of equal value and four free response
questions of 15 marks each based on the Extension 1 Course.
31

SUBJECT: Mathematics
COURSE: Extension 2
1 unit for the HSC only
Contact: Mrs Tooney
Board Developed Course
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Prerequisites: This course is designed for students with a special interest in and aptitude for
mathematics. It must be studied in conjunction with the Mathematics Extension 1 and
Mathematics Courses.
Exclusions: General Mathematics
HSC Course Description:
The course offers a suitable preparation for study of mathematics at tertiary level, as well as a
deeper and more extensive treatment of certain topics than is offered in other mathematics
courses. It represents a distinctly high level in school mathematics involving the development
of considerable manipulative skill and a high degree of understanding of the fundamental ideas
of algebra and calculus. These topics are treated in some depth. Thus, the course provides a
sufficient basis for a wide range of useful applications of mathematics as well as an adequate
foundation for the further study of the subject.
As well as studying the Mathematics Extension 2 syllabus topics, students study the entire
Mathematics and Mathematics Extension 1 Courses. The Mathematics Extension 2 Course
involves 4 units of mathematics in the HSC year (Mathematics – 2 units, Mathematics
Extension 1 - 1 unit, Mathematics Extension 2 – 1 unit).
The Extension 2 topics studied in the HSC Course are:








Graphs
Complex Numbers
Conics
Integration
Volumes
Mechanics
Polynomials
Harder Mathematics Extension 1 topics
Particular Course Requirements:
Students will require the use of a board approved calculator throughout the course. Graphics
calculators are not permitted to be used in the HSC Examination.
Assessment:
A number of tasks will be used to determine a students’ school-based assessment, including
formal examinations. School-based assessment for the Mathematics Extension 1 component
of this course requires a single mark out of 100 in the HSC year and for the Mathematics
Extension 2 component a single mark out of 100 (the external HSC Examination has the same
requirements).
The external HSC Examination for this course involves two written examination papers. One
paper is the Mathematics Extension 1 Course examination (of two hours duration) and a three
hour paper based on the Mathematics Extension 2 Course consisting of ten multiple choice
questions of equal value and six free response questions of 15 marks each.
Students do not sit for the Mathematics Course HSC Examination paper.
32
SUBJECT: Music
COURSE: Music 1
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Contact: Ms Taylor
Board Developed Course
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Prerequisites: While the course builds on Music courses in Stages 4 and 5, it also caters for
students with more limited experience in Music. Students must be willing to perform and either
be able to play an instrument or be willing to develop vocal skills.
Exclusions: Music 2
Preliminary and HSC Courses learning opportunities focus on:
Concepts of music through the learning experiences of performance, composition, musicology
and aural within the context of a range of styles, periods and genres.
Main Topics Covered:
Students study three topics in each year of the course. Topics are chosen from a list of 21.
Examples of the topics include: Australian music, Jazz, Popular music, Rock music, Music of a
culture, Technology and its influence on music. Topics are selected based on the expertise of
the teacher and the interests of the students.
Particular Course Requirements:
HSC course
In addition to core studies in performance, composition, musicology and aural, students select
three electives from any combination of performance, composition and musicology. These
electives must represent each of the three topics studied in the course.
Students selecting Composition electives will be required to compile a portfolio of work as part
of the process of preparing a submitted work. The portfolio may be requested by the Board of
Studies to validate authorship of the submitted work.
Subject Materials Contribution:
Preliminary Course $50
HSC Course $50
Assessment Procedures:
Assessment in the Preliminary course is based on the components listed above. In the HSC
students will do a Core Study and three electives, these are assessed both within the school
and externally through a HSC examination.
33
Course: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Contact: Mr Mackinlay
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed Course
Exclusions: Nil
Course Description:
The Preliminary course examines a range of areas that underpin health and physical activity.
This includes how people think about health and physical activity, the management of personal
health and the basis for how the body moves. Students have the opportunity to select from a
range of practical options in areas such as first aid, outdoor recreation, composing and
performing, and fitness choices.
In the HSC course, students focus on major issues related to Australia's health status. They
also look at factors that affect physical performance. They undertake optional study from two
topics which focus on improved performance and safe participation by learning about
advanced approaches to training or sports medicine concepts.
Preliminary Course
Core Topics (60%)

Better Health for Individuals

The Body in Motion
Optional Component (40%)
Students study the following two:

First Aid

Fitness Choices
HSC Course
Core Topics (60%)

Health Priorities in Australia

Factors Affecting Performance
Optional Component (40%)
Students will complete the following two:

Sports Medicine

Improving Performance
34
SUBJECT: Physics
Contact: Mr Campbell
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed Course
Exclusions: Senior Science (Preliminary Only)
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Preliminary and HSC Course Description:
Physics investigates natural phenomena, identifies patterns and applies, in a wide range of
interesting contexts, models, principles and laws to explain their behaviour.
The Preliminary course develops a knowledge of waves, motion, forces, fields, electricity and
magnetism by focusing on increasing students’ understanding of current communication
technologies, the use of electricity in the home, interaction involving vehicles (such as car
crashes) and the mechanisms that maintain the physical conditions of planet Earth.
The HSC course builds on the concepts of the Preliminary course by expanding on areas such
as relativity, the motor effect and solid state physics, and by focusing on space flight, motors
and generators and the scientific advances involved in the development of semi-conductors
and electronics.
An option will also be studied relating the impact of Physics on society.
Topics Covered
Preliminary Course
 The World Communicates
 Moving About
 Electrical Energy In The Home
 The Cosmic Engine
HSC Course
 Space
 Motors and Generators
 From Ideas To Implementation
 Option topic: Quanta to Quarks,
Medical Physics or Astrophysics
Particular Course Requirements:
Students MUST complete 80 indicative hours of practical/field work during the Preliminary and
HSC courses, with no less than 35 hours of practical experiences in the HSC course.
Practical experiences MUST include at least one open-ended investigation integrating the
knowledge and understanding and skill outcomes in the HSC course.
Assessment:
Typical assessment tasks include formal examinations, first hand investigation report, a
practical examination, a research report and / or oral presentations.
35
SUBJECT: Senior Science
Contact: Mrs Godde
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed Course
Exclusions: Preliminary courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course
Preliminary and HSC Course Description:
The Preliminary course incorporates study of the collection, storage and conservation of water
resources, and the structure and function of plants, with an emphasis on Australian native
plants. It discusses issues associated with the protection of the body in the workplace and the
interactions between organisms in local ecosystems.
The HSC course examines the range and importance of biological molecules found in humans
and other organisms, the physical and chemical properties of chemicals used by people on
and in their bodies, and information systems. The options draw on increased information and
understanding provided by improved technology to examine a variety of interest areas.
The Senior Science course caters for students requiring a broad overview across all disciplines
of science and focuses on encouraging them to become scientifically literate citizens. The
course emphasises skill development and is particularly suited to students who have achieved
Elementary to Substantial Achievement in the School Certificate in Science. In the HSC study
pattern students who have completed the Preliminary course in Biology, Chemistry, Earth and
Environment Science or Physics and who discontinue that course may replace it with the HSC
course in Senior Science. These students may study HSC Senior Science in combination with
the HSC course in Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science or Physics.
Topics Covered
Preliminary Course




Water For Living
Plants
Humans At Work
The Local Environment
HSC Course




Lifestyle Chemistry
Medical Technology – Bionics
Information Systems
Option - Disasters
Particular Course Requirements:
Students MUST complete 80 indicative hours of practical/field work during the Preliminary and
HSC courses, with no less than 35 hours of practical experiences in the HSC course.
Practical experiences MUST include at least one open-ended investigation integrating the
knowledge and understanding and skill outcomes in the HSC course.
Assessment:
Typical assessment tasks include formal examinations, first hand investigation report, a
practical examination, a research report and / or oral presentations.
36
SUBJECT: Society and Culture
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Contact: Mr Schneider
Board Developed Course
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Preliminary and HSC Course Description:
Society and Culture develops a student’s knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes
essential to achieving social and cultural literacy by examining the interactions between
persons, societies, cultures and environments across time. It is cross-disciplinary and draws on
anthropology, communication, cultural studies, media studies, philosophy, psychology and
sociology.
Society and Culture helps students to better understand:



themselves
their own society and culture
the society and culture of others
Particular Course Requirements:
There is no prerequisite study for the 2 unit Preliminary course. Completion of the 2 unit
Preliminary course is a prerequisite to the study of the 2 unit HSC course.
For the Preliminary Course students will study three topics:
1. The Social and Cultural World
2. Personal and Social Identity
3. Intercultural Communication
The HSC Course is organised:
1. Core Topic 1: Personal Interest Project
2. Core Topic 2: Social and Cultural Continuity and Change
3. Two Depth Studies chosen from:
 Popular Culture
 Belief Systems and Ideologies
 Social Inclusion and Exclusion
 Social Conformity and Nonconformity
Assessment:
Assessment will include research, presentations in-class tests and exams in Preliminary and
HSC courses. There is a final HSC examination and a Personal Interest Project (PIP) is
submitted to the Board of Studies for marking. Please note that the PIP is a challenging
research task of approximately 5,500 words.
Subject fees:
There are no subject fees
SUBJECT: Textiles and Design
Contact: Mrs Dengate
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed Course
This course may count towards your ATAR as it is a Category A course.
Preliminary and HSC Course Description:
The Preliminary course involves the study of design, communication techniques, manufacturing
methods, fibres, yarns, fabrics and the Australian Textile Clothing, Footwear and Allied
Industries. Practical experiences are integrated throughout the content areas and will include
two preliminary textile projects.
The HSC course builds upon the Preliminary course and involves the study of historical design
development, the influence of culture on design, contemporary designers, end-use applications
of textiles, innovations and emerging technologies, appropriate textile technology and
environmental sustainability, current issues and the marketplace. This course involves the
development of a Major Textiles Project, which is specific to a selected focus area and which
includes supporting documentation and textile item/s.
Preliminary Course



Design (40%)
Properties and Performance of Textiles (50%)
The Australian Textiles, Clothing, Footwear and Allied Industries (10%).
HSC Course




Design (20%)
Properties and Performance of Textiles (20%)
The Australian Textiles, Clothing, Footwear and Allied Industries (10%)
Major Textiles Project (50%)
Particular Course Requirements:
In the Preliminary course students will undertake two preliminary textile projects. Preliminary
Project 1 will be drawn from the area of study Design. Preliminary Project 2 will be drawn from
the area of study of Properties and Performance of Textiles. In the HSC course, the Major
Textiles Project allows students to develop a textile project from one of the following focus
areas: apparel, furnishings, costume, textile arts, non-apparel. The selected focus area allows
students to explore in detail one area of interest through a creative textile design process that
integrates the areas of Design, Properties and Performance of Textiles and the Australian
Textiles, Clothing, Footwear and Allied Industries.
Subject Materials Contribution: $40 Preliminary, $40 HSC and Practical Work at individual
expense.
38
SUBJECT: Visual Arts
Contact: Mr Torocsik
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed Course
This course may count towards your UAI as it is a Category A course.
Prerequisites: This course builds on Visual Arts courses in Stages 4 and 5 although they are
not prerequisites.
Exclusions: Projects developed for assessment in one subject are not to be used either in full
or in part for assessment in any other subject.
Preliminary and HSC Course Description:
Visual Arts involves students in art making, art criticism and art history. Students develop their
own artworks, culminating in a ‘body of work’ in the HSC course. Students critically and
historically investigate artworks, critics, historians and artists from Australia as well as those
from other cultures, traditions and times.
The Preliminary course is broadly focused, while the HSC course provides for deeper and more
complex investigations.
The Preliminary Course learning opportunities focus on:





the nature of practice in art making, art criticism and art history through different investigations
the role and function of artists, artworks, the world and audiences in the art world
the different ways the visual arts may be interpreted and how students might develop their own
informed points of view
how students may develop meaning and focus and interest in their work
building understandings over time through various investigations and working in different forms.
The HSC Course learning opportunities focus on:




how students may develop their practice in art making, art criticism, and art history
how students may develop their own informed points of view in increasingly independent ways
using the frames (perspectives, ways of looking at the subject matter)
how students may learn about the relationships between artists, artworks, the world and
audiences within the art world and apply these to their own investigations
how students may further develop meaning and focus in their work.
Particular Course Requirements:
Preliminary Course:
 artworks in at least two expressive forms and use of a process diary
 a broad investigation of ideas in art making, art criticism and art history
HSC Course:
 development of a body of work and use of a process diary
 a minimum of five Case Studies (4–10 hours each)
 deeper and more complex investigations in art making, art criticism and art history.
The Preliminary Course fee is $40 to cover the cost of some materials. For the HSC Course,
contributions will be determined according to the materials used in the process of developing
the HSC body of work.
Assessment:
The components of this course are equally weighted: 50% art making and 50% art criticism and
history. These weightings apply to both internal and external assessment.
39
11.
BOARD ENDORSED COURSES
There are two types of Board Endorsed Courses – Content Endorsed Courses and School
Developed Courses. The Board Endorsed Courses at Billabong High School are all Content
Endorsed Courses; they have content that has been endorsed by the Board of Studies to cater
for areas of special interest not covered in Board Developed Courses.
There is no external examination for Board Endorsed Courses. Assessment is school based.
All Board Endorsed Courses count towards the Higher School Certificate and appear on the
student’s Record of Achievement. However, Board Endorsed Courses do not count in the
calculation of the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
Board Endorsed Courses may be studied as 1 or 2 units and as Preliminary and/or HSC
courses.
40
COURSE: Computer Applications
Contact: Mr Nelson
1 or 2 Unit(s) for each of the Preliminary and HSC
Content Endorsed Course
Board Endorsed Courses cannot be used in the calculation of the ATAR
Content Endorsed Course
Exclusions (you cannot study any of the following with this subject):
Board Developed Courses – Information Processes and Technology; Software Design and
Development and courses within the Information Technology Curriculum Framework.
Course Description
Computers and related information technology permeate all aspects of contemporary life.
Computer technology has become an integral part of the workplace and it has also become an
increasingly obvious part of our entertainment and recreation.
Computing and related information is a ‘hands-on’ skills based course aimed at developing the
student’s abilities to utilise hardware and software to complete a range of practical experiences
in a broad range of topic areas. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the
role of computing in completing tasks and enable them to be confident users of the technology.
Students will also develop skills in evaluation and be able to discriminate in the use of this
technology to accomplish a defined task.
It is expected that the target group for Computing Applications is those students who have had
little practical experience in using computers and wish to study another one unit course or to
align with a one unit extension subject.
.
Modules that can be studied
Hardware and Software Skills
Graphics II
Spreadsheets II
Desktop Publishing II
Communications I
Multimedia I
Graphics I
Spreadsheets I
Desktop Publishing I
Databases
Communications II
Multimedia II
Assessment of Stage 6 Content Endorsed Courses
There are no external examinations of students in Stage 6 Content Endorsed Courses.
Assessment provides a measure of a student’s achievement based on the range of syllabus
content and outcomes. The assessment components, weightings and task requirements to be
applied to internal assessment will vary depending on the modules studied. They ensure a
common focus across schools for internal assessment in the course, while allowing for flexibility
in the design of tasks. A variety of tasks will be used to give students the opportunity to
demonstrate outcomes in different ways and to improve the validity and reliability of the
assessment.
At least one assessment task will be project-based.
41
Course: English Studies
Contact: Mrs Phillips
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
years
Content Endorsed Course
Exclusions: English (Standard); English
(Advanced); English (ESL); English (Extension)
Course Entry Guidelines
This course is designed to meet the specific needs of students who are seeking an
alternative to the English (Standard) course and who intend to proceed from school
directly into employment or vocational training.
Students considering choosing the course should be advised that:



English Studies is a Stage 6 Content Endorsed Course with no HSC examination.
Satisfactory completion of English Studies as part of the pilot program will fulfil English
pattern-of-study requirements for the Higher School Certificate. English Studies will also
count towards the six units of Board Developed Courses required for the award of the
Higher School Certificate.
Students who complete the course are not eligible for the calculation of an Australian
Tertiary Admission rank (ATAR).
Course Description
In the English Studies course, students explore the ideas, values, language forms,
features and structures of texts in a range of personal, social, cultural and workplace
contexts. They respond to and compose texts to extend experience and understanding,
access information and assess its reliability, and synthesise the knowledge gained from a
range of sources for a variety of purposes.
Main Topics Covered
Preliminary Course (120 indicative hours):


The module ‘Achieving through English – English and the worlds of education, careers and
community’ is mandatory in the Preliminary course.
Students will study a total of 3-5 modules (including the mandatory module), 20-40
indicative hours per module.
HSC Course (120 indicative hours):


The module ‘We are Australians – English in citizenship, community and cultural identity’ is
mandatory in the HSC course.
Students will study a total of 3-5 different modules (including the mandatory module), 20-40
indicative hours per module.
The additional modules for both the Preliminary and HSC courses are selected from a list
of elective modules within the syllabus. The elective modules may be studied in either
course, but with an increasing level of challenge as students advance into the HSC
course. Schools may develop and offer one 20-hour module of their own design for the
Preliminary year.
Particular Course Requirements
In each of the Preliminary and HSC courses students are required to:





read, view, listen to and compose a wide range of texts, including print texts and multimodal texts
undertake study of at least one substantial print text and at least one substantial multimodal text
be involved in planning, research and presentation activities as part of one individual and/or
one collaborative project
engage with the community through avenues such as visits, surveys, interviews, work
experience, listening to guest speakers and/or excursions
develop a portfolio of texts they have planned, drafted, edited and presented in written,
graphic and electronic forms across all the modules undertaken during the year.
42
Course: Exploring Early Childhood
Contact: Mrs Baker
Content Endorsed Course
Exclusions: Nil
Our society is increasingly recognising children's experiences in the early childhood years as
the foundation for future growth, development and learning.
This course explores issues within an early childhood context and considers these in relation to
the students themselves, their family and the community.
The study of this course will enable students to:








develop an awareness and understanding of the growth, development and learning of young
children and the importance of the early childhood years
recognise the uniqueness of all children, including those who have special needs
become aware of the value of play in the lives of children, and consider means of providing safe
and challenging environments for play
identify the range of services developed and provided for young children and their families
consider the role of family and community in the growth, development and learning of young
children
reflect upon potential implications for themselves as adults, in relation to young children
understand and appreciate the diversity of cultures within Australia and the ways in which this
influences children and families
become aware of the work opportunities available in the area of children's services.
Exploring Early Childhood comprises a compulsory common core and optional modules. The
core comprises 45 indicative hours of study. The optional modules expand on the issues
introduced in the compulsory core component. Fourteen optional modules are included in this
document.
A range of courses may be offered as follows:
Course
2 units/ 1
year
Hours
240
Preliminary/HSC
120 hours Preliminary
&
120 hours HSC
Structure
45 hour
Core
yes
Number of Optional
Modules
3-6
43
SUBJECT: Mathematics General 1
2 units for the HSC
Contact: Mrs Tooney
Content Endorsed Course
Content Endorsed Courses cannot be used in the calculation of the ATAR.
Prerequisites: This course assumes that students have achieved the outcomes of the Stage 5.1
pathway of the Year 9 and Year 10 Mathematics Course and completed the Preliminary General
Mathematics Board Developed Course.
Exclusions: Students may not study any other Stage 6 Mathematics course in conjunction with
General1Mathematics.
The Preliminary Mathematics General course and the HSC Mathematics General 1 (Content Endorsed)
course (CEC) are designed to promote the development of knowledge, The HSC Mathematics General
1 course content is written in five Strands and includes a further four Focus Studies. As well as
introducing some new mathematical content, the Focus Studies give students the opportunity to apply
and develop, in contemporary contexts, the knowledge, skills and understanding initially developed in
the study of the Strands.
The Preliminary Mathematics General course is the same preliminary course that forms part of the
Preliminary Mathematics General/HSC Mathematics General 2 pathway. The Preliminary Mathematics
General/HSC Mathematics General 1 pathway provides students with the opportunity to develop an
understanding of and competence in further aspects of mathematics for concurrent HSC studies, such
as in vocational education and training courses, other practically oriented courses, and some humanities
courses. It also provides an appropriate mathematical background for students entering the workforce
and/or undertaking further training.
Note: As for other Content Endorsed Courses, the HSC Mathematics General 1 course will be subject to
internal assessment only, and not formal examination at the HSC. Also, the two units of study for the
HSC Mathematics General 1 course cannot be counted in the 10 units required for the calculation of an
ATAR.
The HSC Course covers the following Areas of Study:





Financial Mathematics
Data and Statistics
Measurement
Probability
Algebraic Modelling
In addition to the above areas of study, the following Focus Studies are covered:




Mathematics and Design
Mathematics and Household Finance
Maths and the Human Body
Maths and Personal Resource Usage
Particular Course Requirements:
Students will require the use of a board approved scientific calculator throughout the course. Graphics
calculators are not permitted.
Assessment:
A number of tasks in the HSC Course will be used to determine a student’s school based assessment.
These tasks may include formal examinations, in-class tests and research/practical tasks. Once the
assessment of the HSC course has commenced, the Preliminary Course is assumed knowledge. This
course is subject to internal assessment only.
There is no external examination of students in Stage 6 Content Endorsed Courses.
44
SUBJECT: Marine Studies
Contact: Mr Iszmail
1/2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Content Endorsed Course
Course Description
Marine Studies provides an opportunity for the future custodians of this environment to study it
and to appreciate its value. It gives them the opportunity to develop the necessary knowledge
and skills to use and protect its unique ecosystems, and at the same time communicate their
appreciation to the community. Marine Studies provides an educational context, linked to the
needs of a population based very much on its coast and waterways and which fosters links to
tertiary study and vocational pathways. Further, this course brings a wide range of marinebased leisure experiences to students in a safe setting. Marine Studies provides for both
practical and theoretical learning, honing students’ acquired skills to solve real life problems. In
Marine Studies students undertake core modules and a selection of the optional modules.
Students will have input on what optional modules are selected.
Core Modules:
Marine Safety and First Aid
The Marine Environment
Life in the Sea
Humans in Water
Marine and Maritime Employment
Optional Modules:
Resuscitation and First Aid Certificate
Dangerous Marine Creatures
Estuarine Studies
Coastal Studies
Coral Reef Ecology
Oceanography
Local Area Study
Sea Birds of Our Coast
Commercial and Recreational Fishing
Aquaculture
Marine Resource Management
The Marine Aquarium
Anatomy and Physiology of Marine Organisms
Seafood Handling and Processing
Marine Engineering
Marine Archaeology
Boating and Seamanship
Pilotage and Navigation
Personal Interest Project
Assessment:
There is not a formal exam for this subject. Assessment will be negotiated with the group
depending on the modules being studied. Some assessment tasks may have a practical;
component.
Particular Course Requirements:
There will be excursions associated with some of the modules and there will be costs
associated with this. Wherever possible, costs will be kept to a minimum.
45
SUBJECT: Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies
Contact: Mrs Terlich
Content Endorsed Course
Exclusions: Students studying Board Developed PDHPE must not study CEC modules which
duplicate PDHPE modules.
Students will learn about the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle and recognise the
need to be responsible and informed decision-makers.
This course enables students to further develop their understanding of and competence in a
range of sport and recreational pursuits. They are encouraged to establish a lifelong
commitment to being physically active and to achieving movement potential.
Through the course students will develop:




knowledge and understanding of the factors that influence health and participation in
physical activity
knowledge and understanding of the principles that impact on quality of performance
an ability to analyse and implement strategies to promote health, activity and enhanced
performance
a capacity to influence the participation and performance of self and others.
The course provides the opportunity to specialise in areas of expertise or interest through these
four optional modules:





Aquatics
Fitness
Specific Sports
Resistance Training
Coaching
The course can be studied in the following patterns:
Units and
Years of Study
Hours
Preliminary / HSC
2 units / 1 year
240
120 hours Preliminary
Number of Modules
3–6
&
120 hours HSC
46
12.
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (VET) COURSES
VET courses have syllabuses endorsed by the Board of Studies.
Every VET course has an optional external examination and there is also an internal
assessment program.
All VET courses count towards the Higher School Certificate and appear on the student’s
Record of Achievement. All VET courses (as long as the student sits the external examination
part of the course) can contribute up to 2 Units towards the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank
(ATAR).
47
Wagga Wagga RTO - 90333
Hospitality - Certificate II in Kitchen Operations – SIT20312
Course: Hospitality (240 indicative hours)
4 Preliminary and/or HSC units in total
Board Developed Course
Category B status for Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)
Students must complete a minimum of 70 hours work placement to meet HSC requirements.
Course Description
This curriculum framework course is accredited for the HSC and provides students with the opportunity to obtain nationally recognised vocational
qualifications. This is known as dual accreditation. This qualification reflects the role of individuals working in kitchens who use a defined and limited
range of food preparation and cookery skills. They work under direct supervision and involved in mainly routine and repetitive tasks.
This qualification provides a pathway a for commercial cooks into Cert III in Commercial Cookery.
Job roles: provides a pathway to work in kitchen operations in restaurants, hotels, catering operations, clubs, pubs, cafes, coffee shops & institutions
such as aged care, hospitals, prisons, schools.
Possible job titles: breakfast cook, catering assistant, fast food cook, sandwich hand, take-away cook.
Core Units of Competency
BSBWOR203 Work effectively with others
SITHCCC101
Use food preparation equipment
SITHCCC201
Produce dishes using basic methods of cookery
SITHCCC207
Use cookery skills effectively
SITHKOP101
Clean kitchen premises and equipment
SITXFSA101
Use hygienic practices for food safety
SITXINV202
Maintain the quality of perishable items
SITXWHS101 Participate in safe work practices
Elective Units of Competency
SITHIND201 Source & use information on the hospitality industry
SITXFSA201 Participate in safe food handling practices
SITHCCC204 Produce vegetable, fruit, egg and farinaceous dishes
SITHFAB203 Prepare and serve non-alcoholic beverages
SITHFAB204 Prepare and serve espresso coffee
Students may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning or be granted credit transfer provided suitable evidence is submitted.
Qualifications:
Students who are assessed as competent in the above units of competency will be eligible for a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations (SIT20312)
Students who do not achieve competency in all the above units will be eligible for a Statement of Attainment towards Certificate II in
Kitchen Operations (SIT20312)
Foundation skills- describe language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for
competent performance. Foundation skills can be found in each unit of competency downloaded from http://training.gov.au/
Competency- Based Assessment: Students in this course work to develop the competencies, skills and knowledge described by each unit of
competency above. To be assessed as competent a student must demonstrate to a qualified assessor that they can effectively carry out tasks to
industry standards. Students will be progressively assessed as ‘competent’ or ‘not yet competent’ in individual units of competency.
N Determinations: Where a student has not met Board of Studies course completion criteria, including meeting the mandatory work placement
requirement, they will receive an “N” determination (course not satisfactorily completed). The course will then not count towards the HSC although
units of competency achieved will still count towards an AQF qualification.
External Assessment (optional HSC examination): Students completing this course are eligible to sit a written HSC examination which may be
used in the calculation of an ATAR. The examination is independent of the competency-based assessment undertaken during the course and
has no impact on the eligibility of a student to receive an AQF VET Statement of Attainment.
Appeals: Students may lodge an appeal about assessment decisions through their VET trainer.
Resources costs:$75 for Prelim and $75 for HSC
Discuss payment options with your trainer
Refund Arrangements: on a pro – rata basis
Delivery Arrangements: Normal timetabled class
Exclusions: Nil however students may not undertake the same unit of competency in more than one VET course.
A school-based traineeship is available in this course, for more information: http://www.sbatinnsw.info/
48
SUBJECT: Primary Industries
Contact: Mrs Toogood
Course: Primary Industries (240 indicative hours)
4 Preliminary and/or HSC units in total
Board Developed Course
Category B status for Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)
Students must complete a minimum of 70 hours work placement to meet HSC requirements.
Course Description
This curriculum framework course is accredited for the HSC and provides students with the opportunity to obtain nationally recognised vocational
qualifications. This is known as dual accreditation. This qualification provides an entry level occupational outcome in agriculture. Students will be able
to gain skills and knowledge in a range of activities and functions in the production and care of livestock and/or plants, safety, maintaining and using
equipment such as tractors, chemical use, interpreting weather and sustainability. Skills gained in this industry transfer to other industries. Job roles
and titles vary across different industry sectors. Possible occupations in this industry include farm or station hand/labourer, shearer, livestock
breeder/attendant/ stockperson, horticultural assistant and farmer/farm manager.
Units of Competencies
Qualification Core - 40hours
AHCOHS201A
Participate in OHS processes
AHCWRK209A Participate in environmentally sustainable work
practices
Qualification Electives – 115 Hours
AHCMOM202A Operate tractors
AHCMOM304A Operate machinery and equipment
AHCCHM201A Apply chemicals under supervision
AHCWRK201A Observe and report on weather
AHCPMG201A
Treat weeds
AHCWRK204A Work effectively in the industry
AHCWRK205A
Participate in workplace communications
Livestock Cluster - 65 hours
AHCLSK202A
Care for health and welfare of livestock
AHCLSK205A
Handle livestock using basic techniques
AHCLSK204A
Carry out regular livestock observation
AHCLSK206A
Identify and mark livestock
Fencing Cluster – 30 hours
AHCINF202A
Install, maintain and repair fencing
AHCINF201A
Carry out basic electric fencing operations
Feeding & Watering Stock Cluster
Extensive livestock operations – 25 hours
AHCLSK211A
Provide feed for livestock
AHCLSK209A
Monitor water supplies
And/Or any one of the following via Credit Transfer
HLTFA301C
Apply first aid
HLTFA201A
Provide basic emergency life support
AHCMOM212A
Operate quad bikes
AHCMOM201A
Operate two wheel motor bikes
20
15
15
15
Students may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning or be granted credit transfer provided suitable evidence is submitted.
Qualifications
Students who are assessed as competent in the above units of competency will be eligible for a Certificate II in Agriculture AHC20110.
Students who do not achieve competency in all the above units will be eligible for a Statement of Attainment towards Certificate II in
Agriculture AHC20110.
There are eight Employability Skills: communication, teamwork, problem solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, self-management,
learning and technology. A summary of the employability skills developed through this qualification can be downloaded from http://training.gov.au/
Competency- Based Assessment : Students in this course work to develop the competencies, skills and knowledge described by each unit of
competency above. To be assessed as competent a student must demonstrate to a qualified assessor that they can effectively carry out tasks to
industry standards. Students will be progressively assessed as ‘competent’ or ‘not yet competent’ in individual units of competency.
N Determinations: Where a student has not met Board of Studies course completion criteria, including meeting the mandatory work placement
requirement, they will receive an “N” determination (course not satisfactorily completed). The course will then not count towards the HSC although
units of competency achieved will still count towards an AQF qualification.
External Assessment (optional HSC examination): Students completing this course are eligible to sit a written HSC examination which may be
used in the calculation of an ATAR. The examination is independent of the competency-based assessment undertaken during the course and
has no impact on the eligibility of a student to receive an AQF VET Statement of Attainment.
Appeals: Students may lodge an appeal about assessment decisions through their VET trainer.
Resources costs: $100 for equipment
Discuss payment options with your trainer
Refund Arrangements: on a pro – rata basis
Delivery Arrangements: Billabong High School + accessing local farms
Exclusions : A school-based traineeship is available in this course, for more information: http://www.sbatinnsw.info/
49
HSC Life Skills Courses
Contact: Mrs Morgan and Mrs Taylor
What are Life Skills Courses?
Life skills courses are provided for students who have experienced significant difficulty in
learning. Students study their HSC through a Special Program of Study. Each Life Skills course
comprises a 2 Unit Preliminary and a 2 Unit HSC course.
Students who study Life Skills course do not receive an ATAR.
Purpose of Life Skills Courses
Life Skills courses provide a more flexible structure for students with specific educational needs
to prepare for further education and training, employment and full and active participation in
their community. The courses challenge students according to their individual needs and
abilities.
Who is eligible to study a Life Skills course?
Students who access Life Skills courses have been assessed by the School Counsellor and
have an Individual Plan. Most students who enrol in Life Skills courses have already completed
some Life Skills courses for their School Certificate. Students will only be enrolled in a Life
Skills course after careful planning. The planning process involves the student, parent or
caregiver and relevant school personnel.
Students who are eligible to study Life Skills courses may combine these with Board Developed
or Board Endorsed courses to study as part of their HSC. Students are also able to access the
industry Curriculum Framework Access program Courses (VET Frameworks) that are offered
by either TAFE or the school. As with all HSC programs, students must study a minimum
of 12 Units in Preliminary and 10 Units for the HSC.
At Billabong High School 2 Unit Life Skills courses are offered in:
1. English
2. Mathematics
3. Science
4. Citizenship and Society
5. Work and the Community
6. Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
7. Creative Arts
8. Technology and Applied Studies
Assessment
There is no external examination for a Life Skills course. Students studying Life Skills courses
are working toward achieving outcomes specified for each course. The Student Profile of
Achievement lists the outcomes that the student demonstrates that they have achieved.
What do Life Skills students receive on successfully completing the HSC?

The Higher School Certificate Testamur. This shows the name of the student, the
school and a statement that the student has successfully completed the HSC.

Record of Achievement. This lists all the courses satisfactorily completed and the
result of each course.

Profile of Student Achievement. This is a list of the learning outcomes achieved by the
individual student in each Life Skills course studied. The profile is a report prepared by
the school.
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