Kanahooka High School Elective Choices

Kanahooka High School

Elective Choices

for Year 9 and 10 2015-2016

?

Phone: (02) 4261 4011 Fax: (02) 4261 4700 Email: kanahooka-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: kanahooka-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

"Towards a Better World" Kanahooka High School Robert Street Dapto NSW 2530

Kanahooka High School

In this book ...

Foreword ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Important Information .................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Compulsory Subjects ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4 English ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Geography ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 History ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 Mathematics ................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Personal Development, Health & Physical Education ...................................................................................................................... 6 Science ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Electives ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Aquaponics ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Child Studies .................................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Commerce ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Design & Technology ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Italian ..............................................................................................................................................................................................9 Drama ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 9 Japanese ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Food Technology ........................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Industrial Technology ? Metal ....................................................................................................................................................... 10 Music ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Industrial Technology ? Timber ..................................................................................................................................................... 11 Physical Activity & Sport Studies ................................................................................................................................................... 12 Visual Arts ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Creative Design ? Textiles .............................................................................................................................................................. 13 Work Education ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13 Photography & Digital Media ........................................................................................................................................................ 14 History's Greatest Mysteries ......................................................................................................................................................... 14 2015 Years 9 and 10 ? Elective Choice Sheet .................................................................................................................................. 15

Page 2

Kanahooka High School

Foreword

The selection of elective subjects for Years 9 and 10 is a very important decision time for students and parents. Students should select subjects they like and have an interest in and believe they will do well in for the Record of School Achievement (RoSA). It is important for students to select their most enjoyable subjects, as this will give them a positive attitude to all aspects of their studies and this positive attitude will then be carried on into the very important Years 11 and 12. Students should not select subjects based on what their friends are doing, the teacher they think might be teaching a certain subject and, to a lesser extent, as a pre-requisite to their Year 11 and 12 studies. It is also important to give your initial thoughts a lot of care; change of subjects is not impossible, but it does place the student at a distinct disadvantage as they will be behind the other students completing the course. It is also possible that the other classes are full. It is much better to choose carefully and correctly the first time. High demand electives will fill quickly, so it is important that Elective Choice Sheets are returned promptly. Students will be asked to complete an Elective Choice Sheet, a copy of which is included in this booklet. It is suggested that you record your choices here as a reminder for you. A Parent/Caregiver signature is required to indicate that students have discussed their choices.

Christine Toohey

Christine Toohey Principal

Important Information

All students entering Stage 5 at Kanahooka High School are required to study English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography and Personal Development/Health/Physical Education. Students are required to study three of the elective subjects listed. These subjects are listed on pages 7-14. We cannot guarantee that all elective subjects listed will actually run as this is dependent on sufficient students wanting to study a particular subject. We are therefore asking students to list their first five (5) preferences FROM THE SUBJECTS LISTED. Parents are urged to discuss the subject offerings with their child. Students should choose courses in which they are interested, and which will provide them with a sound preparation for the future. It is important to know too, that students need not limit their elective choices in Years 9 and 10 to areas which they think they might wish to pursue in senior years. Almost all subjects studied in Years 11 and 12 need not have been taken in the junior school. Please note that: These course expectations are set by the Board of Studies and the Department of Education and Communities. Satisfactory participation in electives is required for the Record of School Achievement. Students should ensure

that they choose carefully and wisely as there will be little or no opportunity to make changes to selections. Some electives have associated fees to pay for materials. These elective costs are compulsory.

STUDENT ASSISTANCE SCHEME: The Department of Education and Communities provides the school with a small amount of money to help students of families in need. Should parents have difficulty making payments for subject materials they should request a Student Assistance Application form from the front office. After all applications have been considered some assistance towards subject fees may be approved.

Page 3

Kanahooka High School

Compulsory Subjects

English

Contact: Mr J Philpot English in Years 9 and 10 develops skills which enable students to become critical communicators. They will learn to analyse how language is used to influence them and how to use language to influence the world around them. Students will respond to and create a wide variety of texts in a wide variety of ways. These include prose, poetry, drama, non-fiction, film, media, multimedia and Shakespearean texts from both the past and present and Australian and multicultural contexts. Through this study students also develop employment related skills such as: communication; teamwork; problem solving; initiative and enterprise; planning and organising; self-management; learning skills; information technology; and cross-cultural understanding. Student achievement over the two years will be based on ongoing class work and formal whole group assessment tasks; further developing essential literacy, organisational and time management skills. Stage 5 English provides students with important skills which are both vital for ongoing education and highly valued by employers.

Geography

Contact: Mr A Glasgow

Geography is about the world and how people live and work. The Year 9/10 Geography course allows students to enjoy and take an interest in their world and its future management. They achieve this as they develop geographic knowledge, understanding, skills and values, and become informed and active citizens. Topics: The unique features of the Australian environment, natural disasters in Australia, the changing nature of Australia's population and how people live, types of Australian communities and things that cause them to change.

Current issues in the Australian environment, management for future generations, Australia and its role in world affairs such as human rights, tourism, defence and trade. Local field studies allow students to collect information about issues such as urban salinity, water management, growth and changes in towns and give them the knowledge and skills to take action as active and informed citizens. Senior Studies: Geography provides an excellent preparation for aspects of HSC courses, such as Geography, Legal Studies (Environmental Law), Business Studies (Global Business) and Society and Culture. Careers: Geographers go into careers such as architecture, town planning, environmental science, park rangers, marine science, teaching, tourism, social work, international relations and overseas aid.

Page 4

Kanahooka High School

History

Contact: Mr A Glasgow

History is about people in the past. History students investigate the lives of people and the events they lived through, using different sources and artefacts that have been left behind. This allows us to look at our world today with an understanding of how events have unfolded over time. The Stage 5 History course explores the making of the Modern World and Australia. It was a period of industrialisation, change, imperialism and nationalism culminating in two world wars. The emphasis after 1945 is on Australia in its global context and provides an understanding of Australia's place within the Asia-Pacific region and the world. The study of history equips students with the knowledge and skills essential for their future roles as active, informed citizens and advocates for a fair and just society. Historical skills in critical thinking and independent inquiry-based learning enable and encourage students to become engaged in lifelong learning. There is one formal assessment task for each topic, such as a research assignment or source study exercise. In addition there will be a common test. It is essential to keep up-to-date with class tasks as these are relevant for each assessment task.

Mathematics

Contact: Mrs K Lowis

In Years 9 and 10, students are placed in one of three courses depending on their ability. The three courses are Stage 5.3 (Advanced), Stage 5.2 (Intermediate) and Stage 5.1 (Standard). In Stage 5 Mathematics students continue to build on their skills in each of the proficiency strands (Understanding, Fluency, Problem Solving and Reasoning) and content strands (Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, Statistics and Probability). The depth of study incorporating the process of questioning, reflecting, reasoning and proof depends on the course of Mathematics being studied. Students will be given the opportunity to solve meaningful and challenging problems in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts to develop their "mathematical thinking, understanding, competence and confidence in the application of mathematics." Assessment is carried out by class or course assignments, tests and formal examinations. The non-calculator component in the formal examination is common across all courses. It is important to note that: A scientific calculator is essential (Can be purchased from the front office for $20) The level of Mathematics studied in Years 9 and 10 may affect or limit a student's choice of Mathematics course for the HSC

Page 5

Kanahooka High School

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Contact: Mr P Kipp The focus of this course is to allow students to develop their own personal wellbeing, enjoy an active lifestyle, maximise movement potential and advocate lifelong health and physical activity. The students are encouraged to adopt a healthy, active and fulfilling lifestyle by developing skills in communicating, decision making, interacting, moving, planning and problem solving. Personal Development and Health is concerned with enhancing each student's sense of self, improving their ability to manage challenging circumstances and to develop caring and respectful relationships. It assists students to take action to protect, promote and restore individual and community health. Physical Education allows for students to develop individual and teamwork abilities through the medium of movement. Students are offered opportunities to participate in a variety of physical experiences. Assessment is conducted using a range of methods including: presentations, group work, written reports, topic tests, research projects, self-assessment, peer assessment and physical performances. Year 10 has a formal assessment schedule with common tasks across the year group.

Science

Contact: Ms C Dove The Stage 5 Science syllabus requires students to develop concepts and language skills taught in Stage 4. Students will be challenged in the various branches of Science in practical and theoretical tasks. Students will solve problems related to every day situations and be asked to think about challenges for their future. They will use technology to investigate problems in areas including gravity, evolution, chemistry, light, electricity, plate tectonic, inertia and heredity. As well, students will develop literacy, numeracy and presentation skills to enable them to successfully complete their own research project. Students will also learn to develop reseach skills to enable them to formulate questions that they can study. In Stage 5, students use their laptops for scientific practicals and research. Many students successfully engage in the Science and Engineering Challenge. Common assessments in Year 9 include an energy saving design, a body systems presentation, a materials timeline, a technology assessment, a disasters study, a common practical test and a field report about one ecosystem. In Year 10, the assessment schedule includes a model, a graph, an individual student research project, a chemistry practical report, a video analysis and common tests.

Page 6

Kanahooka High School

Electives

Aquaponics

Contacts: Mr J Higgins Marine and Aquaculture Technology The Marine and Aquaculture Technology elective is a highly practical and "hands-on" insight into farming and keeping of fish species for human consumption (aquaculture). The coursework will focus closely on the school's own 'Aquaponics' fish and vegetable farms, in addition to local examples of commercial scale aquaculture facilities. Students will learn methods of catching, keeping, breeding and cultivating edible fish species.

The Aquaponics course offers students opportunities to: Learn practical skills Undertake theoretical research and presentations Develop responsibility and independence Develop lifelong interest in the environment and living things Fish care

Course fee: $25 per year

Child Studies

Contact: Mrs C Powell Child Studies is an innovative course for both boys and girls to learn valuable skills for life. Child Studies looks at the fascinating and important world of the first 7 years of life. The course involves 2 years of study that is practically based, giving students a `taste' of the senior course "Exploring Childhood". The importance of the Family, Pregnancy and Childbirth, Effective Parenting, How a child grows and develops, Importance of play, Food and health issues, Behaviour Management and Child Care industry career choices. Materials/Equipment: A4 book, pens and pencils.

Course Fee: $10 plus project costs

Page 7

Kanahooka High School

Commerce

Contact: Mr A Glasgow Commerce gives students the knowledge to make more informed decisions in everyday life. It deals with people and how they make decisions about money, being consumers, being in business and using the law. Topics Consumer choice - learn to avoid the traps Personal finance - budgeting Employment issues ? rights and responsibilities at work Law and society ? how the law works for everyone Investing and making money ? share market game Travel ? getting the most for your money Government and politics ? being informed voters Running a business ? developing a hypothetical business Becoming independent ? it is cheaper to live at home Our Economy ? how interest rates, inflation and

unemployment is controlled Senior Studies: Commerce provides an excellent preparation for aspects of HSC courses, such as Economics, Business Studies, Legal Studies, and Business Services (VET). Careers: Commerce is an excellent start towards careers in business management, marketing, accountancy, human resources, investors, stock broking, banking, financial advising, law, tourism, politics, overseas work and travel, real estate, economics.

Design and Technology

Contact: Mr T Ivatt This course endeavours to develop the student's ability to respond to everyday design problems by applying creative and innovative thinking strategies whilst using a range of materials and technologies. The Structure of the course follows a learning continuum that builds on from the previous knowledge gained in Technology Mandatory.

Throughout this course students will select from a wide range of technologies to satisfy a variety of design briefs. Technologies can include: Art Metal, Electronics, Robotics (Lego Mindstorm), Computer Graphics, Additive Manufacturing (3D printing), Jewellery design, Furniture design, Transport systems and sustainable living. Students will learn to follow workshop safety protocol whilst working individually or as part of a group to create, evaluate and test their quality designed solutions.

Course fee: $35

Page 8

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download