st joseph's regional college_year 9 2014 elective
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Year 9 2014 ElectivesTRANSCRIPT
St Joseph’s Regional CollegePort Macquarie
2015A GUIDE TO ELECTIVE OFFERINGS
Read this booklet carefully before completingyour subject choices
Dear Parents,
Over the coming week your son or daughter is being asked to make choices about subjects for the next stage of their education. There are 14 elective choices on offer in Year 9. Students must select two. The courses are all designed around a two-year timeframe and therefore correct, informed decisions at this stage form the platform for a cohesive education through to Year 10. Important decisions like these should not rest with the student alone. We ask that you guide your son or daughter through this booklet, helping them to acquire the knowledge to make informed and well weighted decisions.
Use the following points as considerations as you read and make choices:
ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU DECIDE
Am I comfortable with the practical aspects of a course, for example fees, special equipment or clothing required?
Base your selection on your talents. What am I good at? Does the course cater to my strengths? Does the course outline appeal to me? If I like a subject wouldn’t I feel more like giving it the time and effort required for a good pass?
Please note: New syllabus guidelines for most elective courses emphasise two distinct sections of work to be covered over the 200 hrs of study for Years 9 and 10. These are ‘Essential Content’ and ‘Additional Content’. In general the essential content component is covered in Year 9 programs, making it increasingly difficult for students to change course at the end of Year 9. It is important to be aware of this when making course selection decisions.
A well-rounded education is a positive outcome. Think carefully about your decisions.
If you have any further enquiries over the next week please feel free to contact us at the College, or alternatively contact the course teachers as listed on the next page.
Cath Eichmann Ian LuttonAssistant College Principal Leader of Curriculum
COURSE CONTACT TEACHERS
Commerce Mr Hollis, Mr Jennings
Drama Mrs Stace, Mrs Harris
Food Technology Mrs Daley, Mrs VonHoldt
French Mrs Reilly, Miss Wright
Graphics Technology Mr Pares, Mr Mackay
Industrial Technology - Metal Mr Mackay
Industrial Technology - Timber Mr Pares, Mr Moore, Mr Kalchbauer
Information and Software Technology Mr Watson
Marine & Aquaculture Technology Mr Battiston, Mr Cooper
Music Mrs Johnson, Mr Blackmore
Physical Activity & Sports Studies Mr Kelly
Physical Activity & Sports Studies Dance Mrs Croft, Miss O’Brien
Textile Technology Mrs Shipton, Mrs Walsh
Visual Arts Mrs Pares, Mrs Williams, Mrs May
YEAR 9 & 10 CURRICULUM
Compulsory Subjects
Religious Education English Mathematics Science PD/H/PE Australian Geography and History Sport
Electives
Two Elective subjects
The following pages contain outlines of course content and relevant information regarding the elective subjects.
Read these pages thoroughly before completing your selections online.
NOTE THE DEADLINE FOR YOUR CHOICES IS 9.00AM
MONDAY, 1st SEPTEMBER.
COMMERCECommerce is a part of everyday life; how we interact with others in society. The study of commerce has been designed to assist students to learn about their changing commercial environment so that they gain a greater understanding of how to live and work in modern society.
By completing this course, students will be better equipped for: Continuing education;
Participating in commercial society;
Employment;
Leisure.
Year 9 Commerce1. Consumer Choice: How to solve consumer problems and issues;
2. Promoting and Selling: How advertising affects your choices;
3. Personal Finance: How to achieve financial independence;
4. Travel: Planning their travel and solving problems when traveling;
5. Running a Business: All you ever wanted to know about planning, organising and running a business.
Year 10 Commerce1. Law & Society. Learn about how the Australian Legal system works.
2. You and the Law: Know your rights and responsibilities;
3. Our Economy: A basic introduction to all aspects of the Australian economy;
4. Employment Issues: Learn about your rights and responsibilities in the workplace;
Assessment Topic Tests;
Semester Examinations;
Media Files;
Assignments;
Field study reports.
Commerce gives students the opportunity to be involved in the running of a business, an election and various other simulations, including the Australian Stock Exchange Competition.
DRAMADrama is a dynamic learning experience that caters for a diverse range of students. The study of Drama engages and challenges students to maximize their individual abilities through imaginative dramatic experiences created in cooperation with others. (Drama Syllabus, 2003)The Drama Course enables students to be involved in:
Making; Performing, and Appreciating Drama.
Students will engage in activities such as: Playbuilding Improvisation Studying Dramatic Forms and
Performance Styles Reading scripts Writing scripts Individual and group performances
Design – set, costume, publicity Characterisation Writing a dramatic essay Viewing and appreciating
productions
The Course Outline is:Year 9 Drama
Introduction to Shakespeare Playbuilding Character Development Scripted Drama Physical Theatre
Year 10 Drama Shakespeare Scripted Drama – Absurd Theatre Commedia dell `Arte Playbuilding – Group Performance Improvisation / Theatresports
Students are required to keep a logbook. In this they will record, describe and evaluate workshop practicals and other Drama experiences. This will also be used for class notes and handouts. The logbook will cost $5.
Excursions will be offered to students each year to give them the opportunity to view theatre performances and participate in workshops. The cost for each excursion will vary depending on the distance travelled and the nature of the excursion.
Assessment is weighted: Workshops / Practical 60% Written 40%
discussions surveys assignments design exercises
FOOD TECHNOLOGY
In the Food Technology course, students will explore food related issues through a range of practical experiences, allowing them to make informed and appropriate choices with regard to food and nutrition.
Food Technology is important because.......... There are increasing community concerns about food issues including hygiene and
safety, nutritional claims and the nutritional quality of food and the environmental impact of food production and processing.
In Australia consumers are confronted by an ever increasing array of food products. Making informed decisions and developing sound food habits requires an understanding of nutrition principles.
Food is important in the Australian economy and provides numerous employment opportunities in the ever expanding hospitality industry and the food manufacturing industry.
Students gain knowledge and skills in the areas of.......... food properties, preparation and processing; hygienic and safe work practices and the provision of quality food; nutrition and food consumption; food choices and the consequences for health.
Students are involved in a wide range of activities including.......... research analysis of data ICT exercises case studies video reports visits to industrial and commercial venues hands-on practical activities including food preparation, experiments, taste testing etc.
Topics for study include.......... Food Selection and Health - “Eat Well, Live Well” Food Trends - “Fashionable Food” Food For Special Needs - “Food For All” Food in Australia - “Aussie Tucker” Food For Special Occasions - “Let’s Party” Food Service and Catering - “Are You Being Served?”
The course contributes to both vocational and general life experiences and results in skills that are transferable to other study including HSC and University courses, work and life contexts that students may encounter.
Students pay an annual fee of approximately $70 to assist in covering the cost of ingredients used in practical lessons.
FRENCH
In Years 9 and 10 students of French will build on what they have learned in their first two years of French.
We focus primarily on developing the students’ ability to operate as a ‘traveller abroad’. Students learn how to use public transport in France and get around, how to explain to a doctor or pharmacist what is wrong with them, how to purchase clothing, how to order food and drink and how to talk about their families.A wide variety of resources are used to explore these themes. Interactive websites, online resources and other multimedia complement the textbooks and teacher resources.
By combining the above resources, a balanced program of activities and exercises is developed to assist improvement in the four skill areas of listening, reading, writing and speaking. Some of the tasks which are used to achieve this include reading, translation, quizzes, vocabulary exercises, worksheets, games, dialogues and film making. Important grammatical concepts will be introduced throughout the course to enable enhanced communication and to build the foundations for future French study.
French culture remains an important and integrated aspect of these courses. Exposure to French multimedia and current affairs is provided, some research is undertaken and there are occasional opportunities to partake of French cuisine in class. Studying this course could lead to participation in foreign exchange programs and the skills learnt in becoming proficient in a second language are beneficial in many careers, including journalism, hospitality and international relations.
This course is also a requirement for studying French Continuers in Years 11 and 12.
GRAPHICS TECHNOLOGY
The Graphics Technology course aims to develop in students the ability to think creatively, devise solutions and communicate information to a range of audiences using a variety of graphical techniques and media.
The study of Graphics Technology as an elective course enables students to sketch, and accurately draw shapes and objects to communicate information and to interpret design and produce a variety of graphical presentations using a range of manual and computer based techniques.
Course Content
The course consists of two Core modules and four Option modules. The option modules come from such areas as:
Architectural Drawing; Cabinet and Furniture Drawing; Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CAD); Computer Animation; Engineering Drawing; Graphic Design and Communication; Product Illustration.
In each module students will develop knowledge, understanding and skills related to the following key areas:
Graphics principles and techniques; Design in graphics; Planning and construction; Presentation.
This course develops in students an understanding of related work environments while developing skills and understanding that will equip them for potential vocational pathways, future learning and leisure and lifestyle activities.
Students selecting Graphics Technology will need basic Graphics equipment, some of which students will need to buy and some of which will be available for lease through the school.
A fee of $5 and a $60 payment for equipment leasing is required for the course. $30 of this payment is returned as it is a deposit for the equipment.
INFORMATION & SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY – MULTIMEDIA
The study of Information and Software Technology enables students to use the latest in digital and web-based technologies to create state-of-the-art multimedia presentations in all their forms. Through practical involvement in projects, individually and in groups, students engage in the processes of analysing, designing, producing, testing, documenting, implementing and evaluating Information and Software Technology-based solutions.
Option topics include: Authoring and Multimedia
Digital Media
The Internet and website development
Software Development and Programming
The course outline for Year 9 is: Game Making - involves the design and software components of making an
interactive game, idea sharing and team building. Game building gives students the chance to challenge their imaginations and develop vital life-skills, such as cooperation with others and understanding new concepts.
Graphics - Students will use image editing software (Paint Shop Pro) to manipulate various images as well as creating their own graphics.
Animation and Audio - Students produce animations for use in multimedia presentations.
Authoring and Multimedia - Students will combine text and sound with graphics and animation to make an interactive multimedia presentation using the SwishMax flash production program.
The course outline for Year 10 is: Web Site Design - An Introduction - Students will learn the features of website
creation using CoffeeCup Visual Site Designer program, and produce an informative and interactive website
Programming - Students will explore the Qbasic programming language and then program the computer to develop solutions to given problems.
Information Kiosk Major Project – Students will work in groups to design a presentation to be used as an information kiosk.
Video Production - Students will create videos of major school events such as athletics and swimming carnivals using Corel Video Studio.
Assessment for Information and SoftwareTechnology includes both practical and written tasks.
THERE IS NO FEE FOR THIS SUBJECT
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY - METALThe major emphasis in this elective course is on students being actively involved in the planning, development and construction of quality metal projects. The course provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge and skills in relation to metals and associated industries.
The course aims to:
develop knowledge, skills and appreciation of quality in the design and production of practical projects;
develop the ability to investigate practical solutions to problems;
encourage a sense of purpose, enjoyment and personal satisfaction through the production of practical projects;
develop knowledge and understanding of traditional, current and emerging technologies in industry.
Course ContentIn core modules, students learn about the materials, tool techniques and safety issues related to metal as they manufacture a variety of practical projects. This is further enhanced and developed through the study of specialized modules in Metal Machining and Metal Fabrication. The practical projects may include:
Sheet Metal products eg. Toolboxes, BBQ Carry Case;
Metal machining projects eg. nutcrackers, Quick action clamps;
Fabricated projects eg. candelabras, scroll mirrors, BBQ’s, coffee tables and patio heaters
Through these projects students will learn about:
WHS;
Materials, tools and techniques used when working with metals;
Designing with metals;
Workplace communication skills;
Links to industry;
Environmental impact.
The study of Industrial Technology – Metal will develop a range of skills that will equip students for further leisure and lifestyle activities, vocational pathways and transferable skills to other study including HSC and University courses.
The fee for materials in Year 9 will be approximately $70 and in Year 10 is dependent upon the projects undertaken.
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY - TIMBERIn our ever-changing technological society, Industrial Technology – Timber provides a variety of activities, mainly practical, in which students develop the basic concepts, knowledge, skills and techniques relating to timber and associated industries.
The course aims to:
develop knowledge, skills and appreciation of quality in the design and production of practical projects;
develop the ability to investigate practical solutions to problems;
encourage a sense of purpose, enjoyment and personal satisfaction through the production of practical projects;
develop knowledge and understanding of traditional, current and emerging technologies in timber industries.
Course ContentIn core modules, students learn about the materials, tools, techniques and safety issues related to timber as they manufacture a variety of practical projects. This is further enhanced and developed through the study of specialized modules in Cabinetwork and Wood Machining.
The practical projects may include:
Furniture items e.g. beach seat and display cabinets
Decorative timber products e.g. turned bowls; antique clocks
Entrance mirrors & Breakfast Bar stools
Through these projects students will learn about:
WHS;
Materials, tools and techniques used when working with timber;
Designing with timber;
Workplace communication skills;
Links to industry;
Environmental impact.
The study of Industrial Technology – Timber will develop a range of skills that will equip students for further leisure and lifestyle activities, vocational pathways and transferable skills to other study including HSC and University courses.
The fee for materials in Year 9 will be approximately $70 and in Year 10 is dependent upon the projects undertaken.
MARINE & AQUACULTURE TECHNOLOGYMarine & Aquaculture Technology is an exciting subject where theoretical classroom lessons are complimented with a ‘hands-on’ and ‘feet-in’ approach to learning.
Students will study a range of marine environments and marine biology.
Much of the learning in this subject will take place in the classroom. Equally, lessons will be conducted at the beach and down at the river to discover first-hand the marine environment and man’s interaction with it. Due to these off-campus activities, there will be ongoing expenses which are listed below. This extra cost will be invoiced at the beginning of each term.
Please note you need to be confident in the water, a capable swimmer and be prepared to handle fish in order to fulfill many of the requirements of this course.
Areas of study may include: Water safety and general first aid; Marine environments and ecosystems; Fish and marine mammals; Marine and fishing equipment; Commercial and recreational fishing; Boats, kayaking and canoeing; Basic Snorkeling; Aquaculture and aquariums.
As part of the Marine & Aquaculture Technology program students may gain several awards, e.g. The Senior First Aid Certificate, Boating License and Snorkelling Certificate. These awards are not a mandatory part of the subject, but they are highly regarded and students may have the opportunity to complete these awards, at an extra cost, whilst enrolled in Marine & Aquaculture Technology. These costs are payable to the appropriate organisations.
This course aims to develop in students: An appreciation of the complexity and fragility of our
coastal ecosystems as well as their value to the local community;
An appreciation of the potential impact of marine ecosystems on the lifestyles of people in the Greater Port Macquarie Region;
An interest in oceanography, marine biology and leisure activities that are compatible with responsible management of the marine environment.
Assessment is based on; acquisition of skills, assignments, experiments, practical projects, examinations and written and oral displays of related knowledge and understanding. FEESSubject Fee $60Bus Levy $160 per yearYear 9 Activity costs $80 (approximately)Year 10 Activity costs $36 (approximately)
Some students may require a wetsuit and/or fins forsnorkelling and ‘aquashoes’ for rock platform fieldwork.
Year 10 Music Decomposing composers
20th Century Art Music and Jazz
Australian Music
‘Live and Loud’
MUSICThe stage 5 School Certificate Music course provides the opportunity for students to develop their musical abilities and potential. As an art form Music pervades society and occupies a significant place in world cultures. Music plays important roles in the social, cultural, aesthetic and spiritual lives of people. At an individual level, music is a medium of personal expression. It enables the sharing of ideas, feelings and experiences. (Music Syllabus, 2003.)
The Elective Music Course enables students to be involved in: Performance;
Listening, and
Composition.
Students will engage in activities such as: Playing an instrument or singing
Solo performances
Group performances
Music analysis
Developing aural skills
Creating music
Arranging music
Using technology in performing and composing activities
Utilising music software such as Sibelius. Acid and Audacity
The Course Outline includes:Year 9 Music
The Musical
Music of a Culture
Film Music
Small Ensembles
ASSESSMENT: Performance 35% Composition 30% Listening 35%In addition, opportunities for workshops, performances and excursions are provided throughout the year. The cost of visiting performance is approximately $5.00, and workshops approximately $10. A day trip to a musical performance is also offered. The cost for this excursion is approximately $95.00 for the day. These opportunities are not compulsory.
The College has available vocal and instrumental tuition and many ensembles that elective students are encouraged to utilise. While it is not mandatory, it is an advantage for elective
students to have individual music tuition and to participate in a music group such as a band, choir or other ensemble.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & SPORTS STUDIESPhysical Activity and Sports Studies is designed to utilise the skills and extend on the content taught in PD/H/PE. It is for those students with a particular interest in the areas of the human body, health & fitness and the social aspects of sport and physical activity. The course comprises of 12 Core Modules which are taught over the two years.
Whilst each module includes a theoretical component, there is an emphasis on learning through movement throughout the course. The course structure is outlined below.
COURSE STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Year 9Modules: 1. Movement systems-Muscular and Skeletal
2. Sports Injuries
3. Physical Activity for Health and Fitness
4. Moving with Skill
5. Australia’s Sporting Identity
6. Strategies in Team Games
Year 10Modules: 1. Create-a-Game
2. Issues in Sport
3. Coaching in Practice
4. Energy Systems for Physical Activity
5. Movement Composition
6. Senior First Aid
Student assessment will include movement tasks, presentations, group work, written reports, diaries, journals and log books, as well as semester exams.
As Physical Activity and Sports Studies aims to take advantage of the many facilities in our community some costs may be involved.
Students may attend an overnight excursion in Sydney exploring sport facilities and major events.
During term four Year 10 students will complete a First Aid Certificate course at a cost of approximately $50.
Students who undertake Physical Activity and Sports Studies will:
Have a better understanding of how to live a healthy lifestyle.
Be provided with the necessary skills to participate actively in sporting activity.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & SPORTS STUDIES DANCEThis course is for students with a particular interest in dance. It will incorporate many opportunities for practical applications as well as theoretical aspects of how and why the body moves.
By focusing on dance, this course incorporates lifelong physical activity for recreational and leisure pursuits, individual and group dances that promote physical fitness. as well as movement for performance.Students will:
be encouraged to work towards specific performance goals
learn about movement and will be given opportunities to analyse and appreciate the different forms of dance and the traditions and special characteristics of these. This will also promote cultural awareness and understanding
learn valuable skills in organisation, enterprise, leadership and communication through their participation in school and community performances
Course Structure and OverviewYear 91. The body in action-basic anatomy2. Safety and Injury management for Dancers3. Fit to dance 4. Dance Skills5. Moving with Rhythm 16. Dancing for Fun
Year 101. Learning to Dance2. Energy for dance3. Nutrition for Dance 4. Moving with Rhythm 2 5. Appreciating Dance 6. Senior First Aid
Student assessment will include movement tasks, presentations, group work, written reports, diaries, journals and log books, as well as semester exams.
As Physical Activity and Sports Studies aims to take advantage of the many facilities in our community some costs may be involved.
Students may attend an overnight excursion in Sydney exploring sport facilities and major events.
Students who undertake Physical Activity and Sports Studies will:
Have a better understanding of how to live a healthy lifestyle.
Be provided with the necessary skills to participate actively in a variety of dance and fitness activities.
TEXTILE TECHNOLOGYThe Textile Technology course caters for the student who has an interest in all aspects of clothing and fashion, in interior design and in textile technology.
AREAS OF STUDY The course aims to develop confidence and proficiency in the design, production and evaluation of textile items. Students are actively engaged in learning about:
The properties and performance of textiles;
Textiles design and the role of designers;
The role of textiles in society.
They also develop skills in creative documentation, communication and presentation of design ideas and in the critical selection and creative use of textile materials.
Units of work are based on the following focus areas:
Apparel; Furnishings; Costume; Textile Arts; Non-apparel.
Each unit of work includes a project where students develop their practical skills to produce a textile item and complete documentation of their work in a folio.
Specific Units of WorkCould include:
Below the Belt - constructing a current skirt/pant fashion
Inspirational Textiles - creating a textile item using machine embroidery
Toy World - making a large or small toy for a young child
The Inside Story - creating a soft furnishing article
Fashion Forecast - designing and constructing casual, work or formal clothing
In Year 9 and 10 students will produce approximately 3 projects per year and fabrics, patterns etc for each project could cost approximately $25. A Textile fee of approximately $25.00 per year covers the cost of a project diary, over-locking thread, marking pens, interfacing etc.
FOR THE FUTURE Students who study Textile Technology:
become well informed consumers of textile products and equipment
develop creativity and a sense of achievement through designing and constructing with textiles
develop skills which lead to enjoyable and profitable leisure activities
have a basis for further study in HSC courses, TAFE fashion courses and University textile science courses
VISUAL ARTSThe study of Visual Arts places great value on the development of student’s intellectual and practical autonomy, reflective action, critical judgment and understanding of art in art-making, and in critical and historical studies of art. Visual Arts plays an important role in the social, cultural and spiritual lives of students. (Visual Arts Syllabus, 2003.)
The Elective Visual Arts Course enables students to be involved in: Art Making;
Critical studies;
Historical studies.
Students will engage in activities such as: Drawing
Painting
Photography
Sculpture
Research
Digital Media
Design
Documentation
Writing essays
Discussion
Ceramics
Viewing and appreciating art works
The Course Outline is:Year 9 Visual Arts
Essentially Me – Portraiture
Engineer or Artist
Sculpture
Australiana
Year 10 Visual Arts A Window to the Frames – looking at art
through the eyes of the syllabus
The Subconscious and Beyond
Body of Work – The Artist Within
PoMo Merchandise
Students are required to maintain a Visual Arts Process Diary. In this they complete all class work plus they record, document and evaluate all of their art making experiences.
Approximate cost for general materials needed in Visual Arts, including paints is $40 and an additional $10 for a VAPD. Further costs may apply to the Year 10 Body of Work unit.
Assessment is weighted:
60% art making 40% critical and historical study
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR
YEAR 9 2015 ELECTIVES
How to choose your Year 9 electives?
1. Visit the SJRC Moodle site: http://moodle.pmreglism.catholic.edu.au/
2. Login using your school username and password.
3. On the right side of the screen, click the icon under the heading ‘Yr 9 Electives’.
4. Carefully read all of the on-screen instructions.
5. Select your preferences from the drop down list.
6. Once completed, click ‘Submit Questionnaire’.
IMPORTANT: Failure to submit your choices by the due date and time may result in you not receiving your preferences
Step 3
Step 5
Please Note: Yr 9 Elective preferences will be completed online. Please follow the instructions below.
Preferences can be selected between: Thursday 28th August (8pm) and Monday 1st September (9am)
NOTES