curriculum handbook - st mark's college - port pirie | home

www.smc.catholic.edu.au

10Curriculum Handbook

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

It is my pleasure to present to you the Year 10 Curriculum Handbook, which is a comprehensive guide to the breadth of curriculum we offer here at St Mark’s College.

The purpose of this publication is to assist students and their families to complete their subject selections for the coming school year. Our Curriculum Handbook thus becomes a document for the future.

Our Curriculum Handbook is a publication that understands that we live in a world that will continue to be a rapidly changing one. A good Curriculum such as ours at St Mark’s prepares for this change. We develop our St Mark’s students to be independent learners, self-directed, ethical, spiritually centred and emotionally intelli-gent. After the six years of the secondary education described in this publication our students become focussed scholars, compassionate humans and skilled citizens. In selecting subjects and embracing the learning at St Mark’s students become effective communicators who are literate and numerate and able to operate confident-ly in the information technology landscape. For our world to survive and thrive we need St Mark’s students who will be responsible citizens and global contributors ready to act for a just and caring society. So looking through this document takes on a significance.

Our students will access subject descriptions and will use a range of aptitudes, talents and intuitions to make sense of it all and to make plans. Our students will take a little of their hope for a career, a lot of love of a subject discipline, and then the trust that they have in faculty members. They will then create for themselves a pathway of scholarship. I want them to use their imagination as they study this document. I want them to construct all that they could become. I want them not fear the unknown but embrace the opportunities.

When students progress through our College, a huge range of program offerings is available to them to cater for their many different learning styles and interests. This provides our students with a pathway to a multitude of career options as they complete their schooling. I would encourage families to take the opportunity to speak to our teachers to ensure that the options chosen by each son or daughter will allow them to achieve their person-al best. That’s what we expect after the subject decisions have been made ‘a personal best’ and a pathway to a fulfilling future.

Our aim in the Middle School is to provide a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for senior secondary study.

I extend my best wishes on the journey and the decisions for subjects being considered. This is very exciting and will bring together a love of learning, curiosity and a foundation for the future. You will be fully supported by the academic staff and we’ll look forward to watching your growth.

Greg HayPrincipal

YEAR 10 SUBJECT AREASCOMPULSORY SUBJECTS:• Religion• English• Mathematics• Science• History• Personal Learning Plan (PLP)

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS:• Agricultural Studies• Art• Dance• Design• Design and Technologies - Food Technology• Design and Technologies - Metal Technology• Design and Technologies - Textiles Technology• Design and Technologies - Wood Technology• Drama• Economics and Business• Graphic Design• Health and Physical Education• Music• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths)

Students in Year 10 study the Australian Curriculum (ACARA) this incorporates eight learning areas:English, Mathematics, Science, Health and PE, History, Technology, The Arts and Humanities.

Each learning area includes opportunities to apply the seven general capabilities in the Australian Curriculum:Literacy, Numeracy, Information and Communication Technology Capability, Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal and Social Capability, Ethical Understanding, and Intercultural Understanding.

RELIGIONDuration : Full Year Availability: Semester 1 and 2

Religious Education makes a distinctive contribution to the school curriculum by developing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of religion, religious beliefs, practices, language and traditions and their influence on individuals, communities, societies and cultures. All students are expected to fully participate in the Religious Education Program. Content:• Relationships • Community Service• The Eucharist and the Mass • Indigenous Spirituality• The Bible • Moral Decision Making• MITIOG - Human Sexuality • Social Justice

Assessments:• Knowledge and understanding • Personal reflection• Critical reflection• Research• Role play• Collaboration• Problem solving• Communication

Back to subject listing.

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

Year 10

ENGLISHDuration : Full Year Availability: Semester 1 and 2

Receptive Mode : Listening, reading and reviewing.

In Year 10, students develop and explain their own interpretations of texts, such as poetry, visual texts and novels. They will read a range of literature, both for personal enjoyment and to develop analytical skills.

Productive Mode : Speaking, writing and creating.

Students create a wide range of texts to communicate increasingly complex ideas by experimenting with language, text structure and images.

Content:• Read a range of challenging fiction that explores themes and issues

• Compare and contrast ideas in different texts, justifying their own interpretations

• Refine the use of language features and vocabulary when creating texts

• Select evidence from texts, to explain and justify different view points

• Create texts for different purposes and audiences

• Explain different viewpoints and factual information and use persuasive language to build logical arguments

• Edit and refine their own written work

• Talk about why and how they select language features and vocabulary when creating texts

• Use ICT to create and present texts

• Recognise and use a range of language features

• Know and use a wide range of words for different purposes

• Engage in some aspects of The Child Protection Curriculum through reading and analysing texts

• Develop and demonstrate a range of ACARA General Capabilities

Assessments: Students will be assessed on a folio of work demonstrating skills in both productive and receptive modes.


COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

Year 10

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

Year 10

MATHEMATICSDuration : Full Year Availability: Semester 1 and 2

Students in Year 10 study the Australian Mathematics Curriculum. This program provides students with the opportunity to develop and study a wide range of mathematical concepts, skills, and processes with the idea of equipping them to become lifelong learners who will use mathematics confidently in their lives. Students are encouraged to develop the ability to understand, critically respond to and use mathematics in different social, cultural and work contexts. This course of study is for preparation for Year 11 Mathematics, General Mathematics or Essential Mathematics. The use of technology is encouraged and incorporated into the learning process whenever possible.

All the topics in Year 10 belong under the strands of: Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, Statistics and Probability.

Content:• Algebraic Expansion and Factorization • Pythagoras and Trigonometry• Financial Mathematics • Algebraic Fractions• Linear and non Linear Relationships • Further Measurement• Systems of Equations • Geometric Reasoning• Statistics and Probability

Assessments:Skills and Application Tasks and Investigation Folios

Technology Required: TI – 84 Plus or TI – 84 CE Plus Graphics calculator


COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

Year 10

SCIENCEDuration : Full Year Availability: Semester 1 and 2

Students analyse how the periodic table organises elements and use it to make predictions about the properties of elements. They explain how chemical reactions are used to produce particular products and how different factors influence the rate of reactions. They explain the concept of energy conservation and represent energy transfer and transformation within systems. They apply relationships between force, mass and acceleration to predict changes in the motion of objects. Students describe and analyse interactions and cycles within and between Earth’s spheres. They evaluate the evidence for scientific theories that explain the origin of the universe and the diversity of life on Earth. They explain the processes that underpin heredity and evolution. Students analyse how the models and theories they use have developed over time and discuss the factors that prompted their review.

Students develop questions and hypotheses and independently design and improve appropriate methods of investigation, including field work and laboratory experimentation. They explain how they have considered reliability, safety, fairness and ethical actions in their methods and identify where digital technologies can be used to enhance the quality of data. When analysing data, selecting evidence and developing and justifying conclusions, they identify alternative explanations for findings and explain any sources of uncertainty.

Students evaluate the validity and reliability of claims made in secondary sources with reference to currently held scientific views, the quality of the methodology and the evidence cited. They construct evidence-based arguments and select appropriate representations and text types to communicate science ideas for specific purposes.

Advice to Students:Many of the key concepts presented in Year 10 Science have been explored in both Year 8 and Year 9 Science. Furthermore, these key concepts are integral to undertaking further studies in Biology, Physics and Chemistry in Year 11.

Content:• Lab Safety and Working as a Scientist • Objects in Motion• Organising Elements • Genetics• Global Systems • Forces and Energy• Origins: The Universe • Origins: The Origin of Species• Using Chemistry • Forensic Sciences

Assessments:Students complete the following assessment tasks:• Skills and Applications Tests• Practical Reports• PowerPoint Presentations• Research Assignments• End of Semester ExamsBack to subject listing.

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

Year 10

HISTORY

Duration : One Semester

The Year 10 curriculum provides a study of the history of the modern world and Australia from 1918 to the present, with an emphasis on Australia in its global context.

The content provides opportunities to develop historical understanding through key concepts, including evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy, significance and contestability. These concepts may be investigated within a particular historical context to facilitate an understanding of the past and to provide a focus for historical inquiries.

Content:• Overview: The modern world and Australia• World War II• Rights and Freedoms• The Environment movement

Assessments: Students Undertake a minimum of one assessment task per topic covered.


COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

Year 10

PERSONAL LEARNING PLAN (PLP)Duration : One Semester SACE Stage One Credits: 10

The Personal Learning Plan (PLP) is the entry to the SACE. It is a Stage 1 subject that will help students to plan their personal and learning goals for the future using the seven general capabilities of the SACE. Students will make informed decisions about their personal development, with a focus on identifying their personal skills and attributes and potential career pathways they would like to explore.

Students will participate in a one-week block of work experience, which will form the basis of assessment tasks.

Students must achieve a C grade of higher to complete PLP successfully as a compulsory subject within the SACE.

Content:PLP learning is centred around the seven general capabilities. A good understanding of these is essential as they are re-visited in the Research Project.

During work experience,students will keep evidence of the activities they participate in during the week. Students will develop goals for the future, investigate possible career choices and learning goals. They will demonstrate learning through a range of mediums, including written, oral and multimodal.

Assessments:Students will complete between four and five assessment tasks (context depending) through two assessment types.• Assessment Type 1- Folio• Assessment Type 2- Review


ELECTIVE SUBJECTS

AGRICULTURAL STUDIESDuration : Full Year OR One Semester Availability: Semester 1 and 2

This course gives students the opportunity to enquire into activities which are associated with the production of food and fibre, and which are fundamental to the lives of human beings as well as to the sustainable use of the environment. Students are given the opportunity to appreciate the importance of Agricultural and Horticultural practices and to develop relevant practical skills. This is an applied science subject designed to introduce students to a diversity of plant and animal enterprises commonly undertaken in South Australia. Theory work is complemented by a rigorous practical component. This fosters a greater appreciation of management practices but also gives scope to develop initiative, problem solving and a positive work ethic. This unit includes basic animal handling techniques associated with cattle and sheep, garden plot skills, winemaking processes, aquaculture and general maintenance skills.

Advice to StudentsMany of the key concepts in Year 10 Agriculture are further explored in Year 11 and 12 Agriculture.

Content:The areas of study are:• Introduction to Agriculture/Sustainability• Winemaking• Operating Basic Machinery• Cattle Handling• Move and Muster Sheep• Aquaculture

Assessments:Students complete the following assessment tasks:• Skills and Application Tests• Practical Reports• Research Assignments• Practical Skills


Year 10

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS

ARTDuration : Full Year OR One Semester Availability: Semester 1 and 2

Students expand upon their prior learning in preparation for Stage One and Two study, expanding their skills in a variety of media and application techniques.

Advice to Students: Interest in exploring a variety of different styles and techniques, building skills that can be applied to SACE level Art or Design. The ability to work self-directed and develop ideas independently is encouraged. Reasonable literacy skills required to complete written components.

Content:Students will undertake larger units of work and develop more in-depth understandings of the genres covered as well as the conceptualisation of ideas. Theoretical understanding is entwined with practical work to develop stronger connections between student’s own works and those of practicing artists through the Folio and the Visual Study. Students will also develop practitioner’s statements explaining their artworks and personal journey.

Assessments: • Painting • Printmaking • Mixed Media • Indigenous Art • Abstract Art • Conceptual Art


Year 10

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS

DANCEDuration : One Semester Availability: Semester 2 only

Dance has its own specific language and processes that students learn in theory and practice through the study of technique, composition, choreography, performance, and critical analysis.

Advice to Students:Students must be involved in an external dance school to have the best opportunity for success in this subject. The assignments are recommended to be submitted in a multi-modal format that includes video, photography and text based documents. Dance offers opportunities for the development of students’ creativity, self-discipline, self esteem, personal identity, and confidence. This is achieved through experiences that encourage collaboration and creative problem-solving, the acquisition of skills, knowledge, and understanding, and the development of aesthetic awareness.

Content Assessments:Assignment 1 is focused on skill development to further student understanding of technical and expressive dance skills in a style of dance of their choice (Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary). These dance skills support the concept and processes needed to create and communicate choreographic meaning. (400 words +recordings). Assignment 2 allows students to dance or choreograph a 3 minute routine in a style of dance of their choice.

This dance can be a solo, duo, trio or troupe and can be presented as a live performance, art installation, film or multimedia presentation.

The final assignment is a 400 word investigation of a dance practice and performance from a specific culture to analyse dance the function of dance within that context.


Year 10

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS

DESIGNDuration : Full Year OR One Semester Availability: Semester 1 and 2

Students expand upon their prior learning in preparation for Stage One and Two study, exposing them further to different areas of design.

Advice to Students: Interest in exploring a variety of different styles and techniques, building skills that can be applied to SACE level Art or Design. The ability to work self-directed and independently throughout the Design Process is encouraged. Reasonable literacy skills required to complete written components.

Content:Students will undertake larger units of work and develop more in-depth understandings of the design process while using a range of development and production techniques. Theoretical understanding is entwined with practical work to develop stronger connections between student’s own works and those of practicing designers using their Folio and the Visual Study. Students also develop practitioner’s statements, evaluating the success of their design products and their use of the design process.

Assessments: • Visual Communication (Illustration, Typography)• Product Design (Glass Bowls, Fashion)• Environmental Design (Architectural Rendering or Model Making)


Year 10

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGIES - FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Duration : One Semester only Availability: Semester 1 and 2

The program provides an opportunity for an active process of learning through practical experiences. Students will work independently and collaboratively to achieve goals, record relevant information and measure success through personal evaluation. Food technology supports students to extend their functional literacy and apply numeracy. Students work with foods to investigate and make judgements on ethical and sustainable production and making of food.

Advice to Students: Students undertaking this course should have an interest in food, nutrition, and food enterprise. Basic practical skills in food preparation and recipe analysis are an advantage. This is a practical based course where 50% of the mark is achieved from practical application.

Content:• Food Safety, Sustainability and the Consumer• Nutrition and Food Selection• Food Enterprise

Assessments:Students at Year 10 will undertake a range of 3 assessments aimed at developing their skills in both the making and responding to practical work. Each unit of work will be weighted as:

• Practical Activities 50%• Research / Work Plans 25%• Evaluations 25%


Year 10

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGIES - METAL TECHNOLOGY

Duration : Full Year OR One Semester Availability: Semester 1 and 2

Students work individually and collaboratively in the development of solutions and products.

Students work with materials, systems and information in developing ideas and products in response to short design briefs. Computer Aided Drawing is incorporated into the course, and written evaluations are presented using relevant information technology programs. Students will analyse the ethical and sustainability considerations of materials used in production processes.

Content:• Sheet Metal: Storage Trays• Metal Machining: Screw Driver• Electric Arc Welding• Design Brief: Free Choice (negotiated)• Sheet Metal: Tool Box• Metal Machining: Punch• Design Brief: Metal Bending• CAD

Advice to Students: Student undertaking these courses should have an interest in Design and Making practical projects. This is a practical based course where 50% of the marks come from designing and making Projects. Good practical skills and technical drawing skills are an advantage, as is a sound knowledge and understanding of the computer drawing program QIKDRAW. Reasonable literacy skills are required to complete the written tasks. Those students who wish to study Material Products at Stage 1 should complete both semesters of study.

Assessment:Four assessment items will be undertaken during the semester for the list above and they will have equal weighting of 25%. Each will be assessed on:

• Designing (Investigation and Communication)• Making (Skills and Construction)• Critiquing (Evaluation)


Year 10

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGIES - TEXTILE TECHNOLOGY

Duration : One Semester OR Full Year Availability: Semester 1 and 2

This program provides opportunity for innovation and creativity using a range of resources and management strategies. Students will use the design process to produce a skills and application task and a major project using a commercial pattern. Students are encouraged to modify designs in response to the design brief. Students produce a photographic folio of techniques, procedures and technology used during construction. Textile Technology supports students to extend their functional literacy and numeracy skills. Students work with textile materials in developing articles in response to a design brief. Students will investigate factors that influence the design of products including sustainability considerations.

Content:Semester 1: Semester 2:• Skills and Application Task: Pin Cushion • Skills and Application Task: Tote Bag• Major Project: Quilt • Major Project: Negotiated ( Use of commercial

pattern using a range of textile techniques)• Research : Recycling, refurbishing and

sustainability of clothing• Research: Sustainable fibres in the textile industry

Advice to Students:Students undertaking this course should have an interest in textiles design and construction processes. They should have basic skills in the operation of the sewing machine. Evaluating skills are an advantage.

Assessments:Each unit of work will be weighted as:

• Major Project (including folio): 70%• Skills and Application Task: 20 %• Research: 10%


Year 10

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGIES - WOOD TECHNOLOGY


Students work individually and collaboratively in the development of solutions and products.

Students work with materials, systems and information in developing ideas and products in response to short design briefs. Computer Aided Drawing is incorporated into the course, and written evaluations are presented using relevant information technology programs. Students will analyse the ethical and sustainability considerations of materials used in production processes.

Content:• Carcass Construction: Hobby Case• Wood Turning• Digital Photography• Solar Energy Car• CAD• Design Brief: Wood Turning Blow Moulding• Leg and Rail Construction

Advice to Students: Student undertaking these courses should have an interest in Design and Making practical projects. This is a practical based course where 50% of the marks come from designing and making Projects. Good practical skills and technical drawing skills are an advantage, as is a sound knowledge and understanding of the computer drawing program QIKDRAW. Reasonable literacy skills are required to complete the written tasks. Those students who wish to study Material Products at Stage 1 should complete both semesters of study.

Assessment:Four assessment items will be undertaken during the semester for the list above and they will have equal weighting of 25%. Each will be assessed on:

• Designing (Investigation and Communication)• Making (Skills and Construction)• Critiquing (Evaluation)


Year 10

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS

DRAMA Duration : Full Year OR One Semester Availability: Semester 1 and 2

This course has a practical emphasis giving students the opportunity to develop their improvisation skills andstagecraft as they present a performance involving the whole class.

Content (may include):• Expression (voice and facial) • Aboriginal Storytelling • Improvisation • Commedia Dell’Arte • Group Performance and Reflection • Movement • Tableau • Monologue• Commedia Masks Workshop

Assessments:Students are assessed on Making and Responding.


Year 10

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS

ECONOMICS AND BUSINESSDuration : Full Year OR One Semester Availability: Semester 1 and 2

Year 10 Economics and Business gives students the opportunity to develop their understanding of economics and business concepts by investigating and researching Australia’s economic performance and standard of living. Students also look at ways in which the government intervenes in the economy to ensure that resources and infrastructure are in place so that the economy can be a success and Australian citizens have the services they require. Students also examine the changing business environment to understand trends and conditions that impact Australia’s economy, including looking at the managing of the workforce.

Content:• Indicators of economic performance• Links between economic performance and living standards • Managing the Australian economy to improve performance• Factors and trends that influence consumer’s choice• Managing the workforce and improving productivity

Assessments:Students undertake a maximum of five assessment tasks. They are complete these assessment tasks in a range of formats including tests, essays and oral presentations.


Year 10

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS

GRAPHIC DESIGNDuration : Full Year OR One Semester Availability: Semester 1 and 2

The Graphic Design course is different to the Visual Arts – Design course in that it focuses explicitly on the role of software in creating a wide range of digital and printed products.

Advice to Students: Interest in developing skills in relevant Design software to expand and building skills that can be applied to SACE level Design or Information Processing and Publishing. The ability to work self-directed and independently throughout the Design Process is encouraged. Reasonable literacy skills required to complete written components.

Content and Assessment:Students expand upon their prior learning in preparation for Stage One and Two Visual Arts – Design or Information Processing and Publishing. During the semester students will respond to tasks briefs and follow the design process to produce creative and unique solutions. This will include a Visual Study where students analyse and practically respond to the works of a Graphic Designer from historical or contemporary contexts and draw connections between key ideas and themes.

Assessments: • Advertising• Branding• Packaging Design• Information Processing and Publishing• User-Interface Design (Application and Website layout)


Year 10

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATIONDuration : Full Year or One Semester Availability: Semester 1 and 2

The Physical Education program provides students with the opportunity to extend their skills and abilities. It also provides students with a theoretical health component, which looks at exploring different health related concepts that are beneficial for their own health and if students chose to move into senior physical education. They are encouraged to create an active, healthy future for themselves, and to maintain and improve fitness. Personal and social skills are developed to build a range of relationships with others.

Content:Over the year students will participate in a range of practical and theoretical topics which could include some of the following:• Archery • Athletics• Badminton • Basketball• Cricket • Dance• European Handball • Field Invasion Games• Flag Football • Gaelic Football• Gymnastics • Golf• Hockey • Lawn Bowls• Minor Games • Soccer• Sofcrosse • Softball / Baseball• Table Tennis • Tennis• Touch Football • Biomechanics• Drugs in Sport • Fitness and Condiitoning• Fitness Components • Energy Systems• Exercise Physiology • Nutrition

Assessments:• Practical Skills and Techniques• Health Tasks Folio


Year 10

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS

MUSIC

Duration : Full Year Availability: Semester 1 and 2Duration : One Semester Availability: Semester 1

The Music program is a practical based subject with all students participating in class band on an instrumentof their choice. Students will expand their knowledge and skills with studies in Musicianship (theory and aural),responding to music performances, music styles and arranging.

Advice to Students:Students will be required to own, or have access to their chosen instrument, and preferably be receiving instrumental tuition. It is recommended that students choosing this subject should have completed a full year of music in Year 9, however this can be negotiated with the Arts Coordinator.

Content:• Semester 1: Theory Skills, Class Ensemble and History of Rock Music, 1970s and 1980s Music Analysis• Semester 2: Class Ensemble, Solo Performance, Theory Skills, Basic Songwriting and Arranging Assessments:Students are assessed on Making and Responding. This includes theory tests and performances.


Year 10

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS

STEM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHS)


With society and the world changing rapidly the importance of critical and creative thinking has never been so high. In STEM students are exposed to long term project based learning that develops key skills in research, problem solving and evaluation. Students are offered the freedom of choice in a range of assessment pieces, allowing them to take charge of their learning and delve deeper into areas of interest. They will become familiar with the engineering design process, gaining valuable skills that will aid students are they move higher in their education. Projects of interest may include: electronics, space exploration, building design, community minded projects and robotics.

Note: In Semester 2, STEM students will have the opportunity to complete 10 Stage One SACE credits through the subject area of Scientific Studies.

Content:• Design and Engineering Process• Research and Communication Skills• Robotics and Coding• Mathematical Modelling and Budgeting • Sustainability

Assessments:• Structural Engineering • Virtual Robotics • Real World Problems Solving • Group Presentation on Design Choices • Individual Research Design


Year 10

For enquiries please contact:

St Mark’s CollegeBosco Campus

The Terrace, Port Pirie

P: (08) 8633 8800E: [email protected] .auW: www.smc.catholic.edu.au

Information correct at time of publication, August 2019. For the most up to date information, visit our website.

R:\Bosco Admin\BoscoMarketing

curriculum handbook - st mark's college - port pirie | home

Documents