In Year 8, all students followed a fixed academic program which allowed them to experience a wide variety of subjects. In Year 9 and 10, students select two subjects from the Elective subjects on offer, to supplement the Core subjects that they all will be studying.
This handbook has been prepared to assist you in this decision-making process. Please read the contents of this handbook thoroughly, seek as much advice as you can from our teachers.
In making your choice of Elective subjects you should consider the following:
It is important that you consider your performance and efforts in the Year 8 subjects you have completed this year. The academic results and subject teacher’s comments on your College Academic Reports should be used as a guide to help you determine your subject choices for Years 9.
At this early stage in your secondary education, you should not be too concerned with prerequisite subjects for tertiary course entrance, as this over-emphasis on selection for a proposed career choice made now, could lead to a poor decision for the future. Many career-orientated courses in Years 11 and 12 can be chosen irrespective of the elective subjects studied previously. It is only in some cases, that certain senior subjects require pre-requisite study and a list of these subjects is provided in this handbook.
In conclusion, it is important that students and parents consider the following advice on choosing subjects:
There should be a balance in the type of Elective subjects chosen e.g. cultural and practical.
There is an opportunity for students to pursue their special interests or develop talents which they have e.g. Art, Drama, or to speak and write a foreign language fluently.
Choose Elective subjects that you know you will enjoy completing and can be successful at.
When choosing your Elective subjects for Year 9 do not let your choice of subjects be influenced by:
All students in Years 9 and 10 will complete all these subjects.
In Year 10, students will be placed into the appropriate level of English and Mathematics using evidence from NAPLAN, PAT-R, PAT-M and their previous results.
Elective Subjects
All students will initially choose three subjects from the group below. This information will then be used to formulate the lines for the Elective subjects. All students will then be able to choose two electives from the lines.
It is important to note that Elective subjects will be arranged in groups or “lines” to allow timetabling. Students will be able to select only one subject from each line.
Lines will be drawn to:
‘Lines’ will be drawn up after student subject requests are submitted.
Should the number of students wanting to complete a subject exceed the capacity of College facilities, the Deputy Principal in consultation with teachers of the subject areas will reserve the right to admit students to these Elective subjects in accordance with student needs and interest displayed in the subject during Year 8.
Similarly, if insufficient students nominate to take a subject, the subject may not proceed.
Student selections will be confirmed in Term 4.
In selecting your Elective subjects, you may need to consider whether you will be eligible to enrol in the senior level of studies of the course. As all students will be completing a wide range of core subjects in Years 9 and 10, many of you will not need to consider pre-requisite studies as they will be covered by your core subjects.
Students, who may have an idea of wishing to proceed to tertiary institutions, will need to peruse this checklist to understand the process of subject selection for Senior Pre-Tertiary subjects.
|
Subjects |
Lessons / Week |
| English | 5 |
| Maths | 5 |
| Science | 5 |
| Health & Physical Education | 3 |
| Humanities | 4 |
| Religious Education | 4 |
| Elective 1 | 4 |
| Elective 2 | 4 |
| WSA | 1 |
|
Total Periods per Week |
35 |
Summary of Year 11 & 12 Subjects and Subject Prerequisites and Recommendations
| Year 11/12 Subject | Related Year 9/10 Subject | Prerequisites | Recommendations |
| Accounting | H.A.S.S. - Economics and Business | Nil | At least a C in Yr 10 H.A.S.S. |
| Visual Art | Visual Arts / Media Arts | Nil | C in English and Art; folio of work |
| Visual Art in Practice | Visual Arts / Media Arts | Nil | Genuine Interest |
| Biology | Science | Nil | B in Mathematics & Science |
| Business | H.A.S.S. - Economics and Business | Nil | At least a C in Yr 10 H.A.S.S. |
| Chemistry | Science, Maths | Nil | B in Mathematics & Science |
| [5] Design | Art & ICT | Nil | Genuine Interest |
| Digital Solutions | ICT | Nil | B in Digital Technology (ICT) |
| Drama | Drama | Nil | C in English |
| English | English | Nil | C in English |
| Literature | English | Nil | C in English |
| Essential English | English/ Preparation for Essential English (Literacy Short Course run in Semester 2 of Year 10) | Nil | As advised by English Department |
| Economics | H.A.S.S. - Economics and Business | Nil | At least a C in Yr 10 H.A.S.S. |
| Industrial Graphics Skills | Graphics | Nil | C in Graphics |
| Modern History | H.A.S.S. - History | Nil | At least a C in Yr 10 H.A.S.S. |
| Cert II in Hospitality | Food Technology | Nil | Genuine Interest |
| Cert I in Construction | Design & Technology | Nil | Genuine interest |
| Cert II in Engineering Pathways | Design & Technology (Manual Arts) | Nil | Genuine interest |
| Information and Communication Technology | Digital Technology | Nil | C in Digital Technology (ICT) |
| Italian | Italian | Nil | C in Italian |
| General Mathematics | Preparation for General Mathematics | 10 PGM | As advised by Mathematics Department |
| Mathematical Methods | Preparation for Mathematical Methods | 10 PMM | At least a B in Prep for Mathematical Methods and as advised by Mathematics Department |
| Specialist Mathematics | Preparation for Mathematical Methods | 10 PMM | At least a B in Prep for Mathematical Methods and as advised by Mathematics Department |
| Essential Mathematics | Preparation for Essential Mathematics/Short Course Numeracy | 10 PEM/10 SCN | As advised by Mathematics Department |
| Physical Education | HPE | Nil | C in English & HPE |
| Physics | Science & Maths | Nil | B in Mathematics & Science |
| Religion & Ethics | Religious Education | Nil | Suitable for all students |
| Study of Religion | Religion & Humanities | Nil | C in English |
| Agricultural Practices | Science, English | Nil | C in Science and English |
Note: in Years 7, 8 and 9, all students are involved in an additional reading program for 1 period per week to support reading and literacy development
This is for students who have been identified as requiring additional support. This group is formed using data from PAT-R testing, NAPLAN testing if available and previous reports.
Note: in Years 7, 8 and 9, all students are involved in an additional reading program for 1 period/week to support reading and literacy development
This is for students who have been identified as requiring additional support. This group is formed using data from PAT-R and NAPLAN testing and Year 7 results
Note: in Years 7, 8 and 9, all students are involved in an additional reading program for 1 period/week to support reading and literacy development
All Year 10 students, based on results, are placed in either:
Movements between classes are possible during the year as required.
As Years 9 and 10 subjects provide the building blocks for a successful senior secondary education, it is important that all students cultivate a more positive approach to these two years of schooling.
The successful student:
To be a successful student you need to cultivate good study habits. You should consider the following hints for more effective study:
Religious Education at Gilroy Santa Maria College is an important area of human culture and thus worthy of study in its own right. Growth in faith can be nurtured by classroom teaching of Religion and is enhanced by a supportive home, school and church environment. Religious Education presents faithfully, and with integrity, the richness of the Catholic tradition and respectfully presents other faith traditions.
The classroom teaching of religion enables students to explore ways in which religion, and especially the Catholic tradition is related to their own lives and to the society and world in which they live.
Religious Education is a key learning area.
Students and parents must be willing to accept the Catholic ethos and positively support the right of the College to educate in faith.
Year 9
Year 10
Assessment will occur throughout the unit of work. It will be in the form of the work (in-class assignments, class work, reflections, etc.) which will be completed in their folders and notebooks.
In Year 10 students will be enrolled in the QCAA course, Religion and Ethics. They will complete four assessment tasks covering a project, extended response, and investigation. All assessments will occur in class time. At the satisfactory completion of this course students will obtain two (2) units points towards their QCE. Students will complete this course in Year 11.
The Years 9 and 10 English courses are designed to meet the requirements of the Australian Curriculum and are built around the three interrelated strands of language, literature, and literacy. Together, the strands focus on developing students' knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating. The course provides students with opportunities to engage with a variety of texts. These include various types of media texts, film, fiction, poetry, and multimodal texts, with themes and issues involving levels of abstraction, higher order reasoning and intertextual references.
Students will also engage with literary texts that support and extend them as independent readers. Such texts are drawn from a range of genres and involve complex and challenging structures that may serve multiple purposes. These texts explore several themes, including that of human experience and cultural significance. The texts represent: a variety of perspectives, a synthesis of technical and abstract information, and more complex text structures and language features that include a high proportion of unfamiliar and technical vocabulary, figurative and rhetorical language, and dense information supported by various types of graphics presented in visual form.
Students will create a range of imaginative, informative and persuasive types of texts including narratives, procedures, performances, reports, discussions, literary analyses, transformations of texts and reviews.
The Year 10 English course follows the Australian Curriculum program, although students are placed in classes, based on multiple forms of data including A-E results, NAPLAN and PAT data. Placement in these classes will allow increased opportunity for students to experience success with the Australian Curriculum whilst best preparing them for their perceived Senior English pathway. Students will complete Preparation for General English or Preparation for Essential English aligned learning experiences and assessment. There may be movement of students between classes across the year to find the best subject for their ability. In Semester 2, students studying Preparation for Essential English may complete the QCAA Short Course in Literacy if required.
To complete General English in Senior, (which are prerequisites for some University courses), It is advised that for students to experience success in General English through the course of Year 11 and 12, students should be achieving a ‘B’ or higher in their Prep for General English course.
Assessment:
In assessments students are provided with opportunities to comprehend, create and respond to a range of imaginative, analytical and persuasive texts. Assessments will take the form of:
All assessment items are fully explained by the classroom teacher and are detailed on the task sheet. All tasks are assessed against common criteria.
Students are expected to complete homework daily to consolidate classroom learning and develop good study habits. It is expected that students engage in:
Help your child to create regular routines and study habits.
Mathematics is an integral part of a general education. In all its aspects, Mathematics is valuable to people by providing important skills which can be used at the personal, civic, professional and vocational level.
In Year 9, the Mathematics classes are grouped to cater for the diversity of mathematical ability within the cohort. All Year 9 Mathematics classes will follow the Australian Curriculum that builds on previously learned skills.
It is important that students make a serious attempt at studying Mathematics in Year 9. Results will determine the Mathematics course studied in Year 10 and, therefore, Year 11 and 12.
The Year 10 Mathematics course follows the Australian Curriculum program, although students are placed in classes, based on results, that will best prepare them for their perceived Senior Maths pathway. Students will complete Preparation for Mathematical Methods, Preparation for General Mathematics or Preparation for Essential Mathematics. There may be movement of students between classes across the year to find the best subject for their ability. In Semester 2, students studying Preparation for Essential Mathematics may complete the QCAA Short Course in Numeracy.
To complete Mathematical Methods and/or Specialist Mathematics in Senior, (which are prerequisites for some University courses), students will need to achieve a B or better in the Preparation for Mathematical Methods course in Year 10.
Students will be assessed in the following criteria:
Assessment items each semester include:
Homework will be given each lesson to consolidate and reinforce concepts learned in class. It should range from 20 to 30 minutes of work on average per day.
Every opportunity is given to all students to make the most of their Mathematics studies. Teachers are willing to help students outside of class time at the tutoring sessions so that students are properly grounded in the skills required for Senior Mathematics.
Students (and parents) who are concerned about Mathematics results should approach the classroom teacher, the Mathematics HOD or College Administration to discuss.
The Science curriculum for Years 9 and 10 is designed to build on students' existing knowledge and skills, encouraging them to explore and understand the world through scientific inquiry and critical thinking. It aims to foster a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world and its processes. The curriculum emphasises the importance of scientific literacy, problem-solving, and the application of scientific knowledge to real-world situations.
Key aspects of the Science curriculum include:
Scientific Knowledge: Developing an understanding of fundamental concepts across various scientific disciplines, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth and Space sciences.
Scientific Inquiry: Encouraging students to ask questions, conduct investigations, and analyse data to draw evidence-based conclusions.
Application of Science: Applying scientific principles to solve problems and make informed decisions in everyday life and societal contexts.
Science as a Human Endeavor: Recognizing the role of science in society and its impact on technology, innovation, and ethical considerations.
Term 1 Chemistry: Inside the Atom, Everyday Reactions
Term 2 Physics: Light and Sound, Electrical Energy, Using Electricity
Term 3 Biology: Living with Microbes, Body Balance, Reproduction
Term 4 Earth & Space Science: Ecosystems and Biospheres
In Term 1 to Term 3, students rotate through Biology, Chemistry, and Physics with specialist teachers:
1) Biology: DNA, Inheritance and Evolution
2) Chemistry: Investigating and Explaining Reactions, Periodic Table
3) Physics:
Term 4 Earth & Space Science: Astronomy & Carbon Cycle.
Assessment in Science includes:
Exams to evaluate students' grasp of scientific concepts and principles.
Laboratory experiments where students design, conduct, and analyse experiments, culminating in written scientific reports that demonstrate their investigative skills and understanding.
Homework will be assigned each lesson to consolidate and reinforce concepts learned in class. On average, students should expect to spend 20 to 30 minutes per day on Science homework. This includes occasional independent research and work on assignments.
Students are encouraged to maintain neatness and thoroughness in all their tasks and to improve spelling and punctuation by proofreading their rough draft work.
All students are encouraged to fully engage with their Science studies. Teachers are available outside of class time during tutoring sessions to provide additional support and ensure students grasp the necessary skills for further Science education.
Students (and parents) who have concerns about Science results are encouraged to approach the classroom teacher, the Science Head of Department (HOD), or College Administration for further discussion and assistance.
As part of the Australian Curriculum the study of History is compulsory in Years 9 and 10. The aim of this course is to provide all students with a knowledge and understanding of:
Students also undertake studies in Geography, Economics and Business.
It is anticipated that after completing a two-year study of this course students will be more informed citizens and be able to take their place in society as aware and discerning adults. Humanities and Social Science will provide students with skills for living in the twenty-first century.
HISTORY:
Making a Nation – Australia (1750 –1918) - from Colonisation to Nationhood
World War I (1914-1918)
GEOGRAPHY:
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS:
HISTORY:
World War II (1939-1945)
Indigenous Rights and Freedoms
GEOGRAPHY:
ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS:
Each semester students will be required to complete a combination of the following tasks:
Students will be required to complete regular class and research work.
It is planned that students will obtain much of the information required for this course through library and computer technology such as:
Health and Physical Education is organised into two content strands: personal, social and community health and movement and physical activity. Each strand contains content descriptions which are organised under three sub-strands.
Focus areas |
Yr 9 and 10, Health and Physical Education includes both practical and theory components within this subject area. Topics covered in theory may include personal and community safety, energy systems and training programs, sustainable community health and wellbeing, cultural awareness and understanding and social responsibilities and relationships. Practical activities may include; invasion games and sports, net and court games, challenge and adventure activities and traditional games.
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Year 9 |
Year 10 |
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Theory:
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Term 3 |
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Term 4 |
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Students are involved in various learning experiences either within the classroom or by participating in practical activities using the facilities provided. The health and physical education emphasis is on learning about, through and with physical activity.
The practical elements included in the course are assessed according to personal performance against standards.
Students will be assessed in all theory areas in a variety of tasks, including exams, practical skills observation, multimodal assignments and research reports.
Worksheets and assignment work for theory components. Students are also encouraged to practise practical skills at home to consolidate what is being taught and developed at school. Parents may also assist by encouraging children to participate in sporting teams. Study for theory tests is also required.
Using a range of technologies including a variety of graphical representation techniques to
communicate, students generate and represent original ideas and production plans in 2-
dimensional and 3-dimensional representations. These techniques will be specific to the
technologies context and may include scale, perspective, orthogonal and production
drawings with sectional and exploded views. Students produce rendered, illustrated views
for marketing and use graphic visualisation software to produce dynamic views of design
ideas and designed solutions.
Students with aspirations to tertiary careers in Architecture, Engineering, Surveying and Graphic Design, and students with an interest in trade subjects or even practical construction, whether as a career or merely a hobby, would benefit from studying Graphics. The course uses AUTOCAD, INVENTOR and REVIT and Adobe Photoshop so the students can gain the necessary computer skills need for employment.
An interest in drawing is essential.
The course aims to develop an awareness of the importance of graphical communication and a knowledge and understanding of fundamentals in the following areas:
Homework is an integral part of the course. It may be given on a weekly basis and is assessed.
Each area of work is assessed upon its completion, either by a folio of drawings, short response test or a combination of both. A compilation of these assessment tasks, homework and assignments makes up the semester grade.
The students work will be assessed in the following criteria:
Tests are assessed only in the Knowledge and Understanding criteria of the course. All homework and assignments are assessed in all criteria.
Some basic equipment must be purchased. This includes a 12GB USB, range of pencils, an eraser, V liner pens and coloured pencils for rendering.
Learning in Digital Technologies focuses on applying computational thinking by defining and decomposing real-world problems, creating user experiences, designing and modifying algorithms, and implementing them, including in an object-oriented programming language. Students use techniques, including interviewing stakeholders to develop user stories, to increase the precision of their problem definitions and solution specifications. They verify their solutions solve the problem by validating their algorithms, represented as flowcharts and pseudocode, and using test cases to confirm the correctness of their solutions. Students develop their object-oriented programming skills, and apply them to
develop, modify and debug programs. They explain the importance of abstraction by representing online documents in terms of content, structure and presentation, as well as exploring simple data compression techniques and comparing their effectiveness.
Students will have opportunities to analyse problems and design, implement and evaluate a range of digital solutions, such as database-driven websites and artificial intelligence engines and simulations.
Students explore how bias can impact the results and value of data collection methods and they use structured data to analyse, visualise, model and evaluate objects and events.
They learn how to develop multi level abstractions, identify standard elements such as searching and sorting in algorithms, and explore the trade-offs between the simplicity of a model and the faithfulness of its representation.
Year 9
Year 10
Students are involved in a variety of assessment techniques with an emphasis on producing products that can be published globally. This includes creation of blogs, formal exams, production of mobile apps, development of graphic design folios and construction and management of websites.
Homework is given as required to ensure the principles being explored are understood.
Engineering & Construction Technology
Students use design and technologies knowledge and understanding, processes and production skills and design thinking to produce designed solutions to identified needs or opportunities of relevance to individuals and regional and global communities. Students work independently and collaboratively. Problem-solving activities acknowledge the complexities of contemporary life.
The course enables students to gain knowledge and skills in:
A hands-on approach is used in the making of artefacts which are designed to develop the skills previously outlined.
Assessment is determined using learning outcomes based on the student’s level of competence in the tasks and associated technology involved in making each project, including:
MSM20216 Certificate II in Manufacturing Technology
RTO code: 30033
The aim of this course is to provide the applicant with the best practical skills to improve manufacturing technology performance. It helps the applicant to use the right tools to work smarter and not harder.
This qualification provides a mixture of introductory and more advanced skills in manufacturing technology. The qualification packaging has been developed on an assumption that competency will be developed through a combination of off-the-job learning strategies. This qualification provides the skills needed to improve efficiency in a person’s own work role or the efficiency of a team or work area.
The MSM20216 Certificate II in Manufacturing Technology applies to a learning and assessment environment where access to normal production operations is not available. A typical environment will be for application in a VET in Schools delivery environment or other simulated or trial manufacturing environment where a high degree of supervision exists. The units are suitable for delivery in a school environment and for schools to contextualise the units to local manufacturing industry activities.
Cost: Students and parents are not required to pay a fee to complete this qualification.
Further Training Pathways:
MSMENV272 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
MSMWHS200 Work safely
MSS402001 Apply competitive systems and practices
MSS402051 Apply quality standards
MSS402080 Undertake root cause analysis
MSS402002 Sustain process improvements
MSMPCII298 Make an object from metal
MSMPCII296 Make a small furniture item from timber
MSMPCII295 Operate manufacturing equipment
MEM09002B Interpret technical drawing
This course takes place over a one-year period, with a range of assessment including observations of practical projects and written tasks throughout the year. There are no entry requirements.
Students identify the steps involved in planning the production of designed solutions. They develop detailed project management plans incorporating elements such as sequenced time, cost and action plans to manage a range of design tasks safely whilst focusing on the following contexts; Food and fibre production, Food specialisations and Materials. Students identify and establish safety procedures that minimise risk and manage projects with safety and efficiency in mind, maintaining safety standards and management procedures to ensure success. They learn to transfer theoretical knowledge to practical activities across a range of projects.
Nil, although an interest in food and practical skills is an advantage.
The Food Technology course will cover sections on:
Practical work will be an integral part of the course.
Assessment in Year 9 is formative. Written assessment will cover knowledge and application.
In Year 10, written assignments will be required as well as assessment of practical skills. In Term 3 Year 10 complete the Independent Living Skills program.
This will include completion of worksheets and learning theory associated with their cookery and nutrition. Students should be encouraged to practice skills learned at school by either repeating recipes used in class or applying these skills to similar recipes. A recipe book should be compiled.
Visual and Media Arts at GSMC draws on subject content from both Visual Arts and Media Arts.
In Visual and Media Arts students learn through direct engagement with two-dimensional, three-dimensional and four-dimensional art and design practices and concepts, theories, histories and critiques. They develop skills, knowledge, understandings and techniques as artists, designers, critics and audiences. Students learn to explore ideas through imaginative engagement, making and presenting art, craft and design works, and engaging critically with these works and processes.
In media arts, students develop knowledge, understanding and skills in the creative use of communications technologies and digital materials to tell stories and explore concepts for diverse purposes and audiences. Media artists represent the world using platforms such as television, film, video, newspapers, radio, video games, the internet and mobile media. Produced and received in diverse contexts, these communication forms are important sources of information, entertainment, persuasion and education and are significant cultural industries.
Unit 1: Making skills intensive
Unit 2: Contemporary Visions
Unit 3: Constructing Photographs
Unit 4: Spaces and Experiences
Year 10 Visual and Media Arts consists of two semester-long units.
Unit 1: I am…
Unit 2: They are…
Class time is allocated for both responding and making in Visual and Media Arts; however, some time outside of class is necessary to complete all tasks. It is not always possible to continue artworks at home if specialised equipment is used therefore it is necessary that students use class time effectively. The amount of homework varies depending on the assessment type and access to materials.
The Performing Arts course draws from Drama and, depending on staffing, Music.
For Drama, students will:
For Music, students will:
In 2024, Performing Arts units will undergo revision. Students will be directly consulted to gauge areas of interest.
We are in week 8 of Term 4
There are 10 weeks in Term 4
