Philosophy and Religious Studies – Being Human
How humans understand, believe and act
Prerequisites Nil
Course Description
Have you ever stopped to think about thinking? Or had an ethical dilemma? Or wondered why 85% of people on the planet are religious; and what it is they believe? This elective is structured around three key units of study, each relating to specific philosophical and religious understandings of what it means to be human: “body” “mind” and “spirit”. We will investigate the question of “being human” through the lenses of (i) contemporary understandings of personhood (ii) philosophy of religion and ethics (iii) teachings and practices of two major world religions: Buddhism and Christianity. This elective provides
pathways to IB Theory of Knowledge, as well as Year 11 History and English Literature courses.
Assessment:
- Independent research project (20%)
- Essay (20%)
- Collaborative research presentation (20%)
- End of semester in-class test (40%)
Commerce – Markets and Money
Course Study Either semester
Prerequisites Nil
Course Description
The Year 10 Commerce course is a semester length subject that focuses on two essential areas: Accounting and Economics. The curriculum emphasizes the application of command terms and a deep comprehension of mark structure, enabling students to effectively interpret and respond to various types of questions commonly encountered in VCE and IB commerce assessments.
In the Accounting component, students delve into the preparation and analysis of two key financial reports – income statements and balance sheets. Additionally, they use case study information to make recommendations to a business owner that reflects financial and ethical considerations. The Economics module provides students with a comprehensive introduction to microeconomics, delving into concepts such as opportunity cost, economic modelling, and the fundamental principles of supply and demand. Through interactive lessons and activities, students develop a solid understanding of economic theory and its practical application to real-world scenarios.
Through engaging lessons, self-paced activities and blended learning practices, students develop critical skills and gain practical knowledge essential for navigating the dynamic and evolving world of commerce with confidence. The Year 10 Commerce course offers a robust foundation for future studies in VCE and IB Economics, VCE Accounting and VCE Business Management, equipping students with the necessary tools for success in their academic and professional endeavours.
Geography – Environmental Change & Management
Course Study Semester One only
Prerequisites Nil
Course Description
If you want to better understand the factors that impact our environment, then this is a course for you. You will start by developing your Geography skills and then explore our local coastal environments. Students visit 13th Beach, Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove to learn about the natural and human impacts that effect the three beaches. Following this coastal study, you will undertake a brief overview of weather systems. You will then use your understanding of weather systems to explore climate change and how weather patterns have changed as a result. You will evaluate both the positive and negative impacts of climate change on our environment. An uplifting part of this course is the focus on responses to climate change on both global and local scales. In keeping with the course’s theme of environmental challenges and the ocean you will study a unit on marine pollution, looking at the causes and solutions to plastics in our oceans. By doing this course you will get a good taste of both IB and VCE Geography.
ASSESSMENT:
1. Classwork (20%)
2. Assignment (20%)
3. Field Report (20%)
4. Examination (40%)
Geography – Geographies of Human Wellbeing
Course Study Semester Two only
Prerequisites Nil
Course Description
If you ever wondered if Australia is the lucky country or which country or region of the world you should live in when you get older, then this is the course for you. This course focuses on investigating global, national and local differences in human wellbeing. There are many factors that impact wellbeing and while income is an important one there are many others. Wellbeing is also impacted by an individual’s perceptions and feelings about how well they are doing in life, contentment with material possessions and having relationships that enable them to achieve their goals. This unit examines these different concepts and measures of human wellbeing, and the causes of global differences in these measures. Students explore spatial differences in wellbeing within and between countries and evaluate the differences from a variety of perspectives. You will explore programmes designed to reduce the gap between differences in wellbeing. These distinctive aspects of human wellbeing are investigated using studies drawn from Australia, India and across the world. By doing this course you will get a good taste of both IB and VCEG Geography.
ASSESSMENT:
1. Classwork (20%)
2. Assignment (20%)
3. Field Report (20%)
4. Examination (40%)
History – Ancient Worlds
Course Study Either semester
Prerequisites Nil
Course Description
Ancient civilisations have had a significant influence on our modern world: our perceptions, systems, values, and culture. This semester-length course will explore a number of ancient societies: from Ancient Greece and Rome to Ancient China. If you are interested in different cultures and civilisations, if you like the idea of reading into the hidden meaning of historical artefacts and artworks, this course will suit you. You will have the opportunity to study the people, places, leaders, beliefs, and cultures of these ancient worlds through the artefacts that have been left behind and the work of archaeologists. You will learn how to interpret ancient cultures from a modern perspective, and how to trace fascinating links between ancient worlds and the world we live in now. During the semester, you will engage in a historical project of your own design which will encourage your own exploration and enhance the development of your research, communication and presentation skills.
This course is an excellent preparation for those students who wish to: study Ancient History VCE in Year 11; develop their historical and critical thinking skills relevant to further study of History and Global Politics in the VCE and IB; begin their journeys to tertiary study and future careers.
ASSESSMENT
1. Source Tasks 20%
2. Collaborative project 20%
3. Independent research project 20%
4. Examination 40%
History – Big Ideas
Course Study Either semester
Prerequisites Nil
Course Description
The period 1300 to 1700 AD witnessed the development of several major movements which brought about a shift in people’s perceptions of their place in the world and which went on to shape modern society. Ideas from the Scientific Revolution, the Renaissance and Humanism, the Reformation and the Enlightenment led people to depend less on faith and more on reason. New ideas based on observation and experimentation emerged about anatomy, astronomy, art and architecture as well as notions about how society should be organized and the nature of the universe This semester-long course will chart a path through the period investigating the key ideas and discoveries of the time to identify turning points in human thought and progress. Students will have an opportunity to consider the origins of these big ideas and the impact they had at the time and on our lives today.
This course provides students with the opportunity to build and develop historical and critical thinking skills crucial to the study of VCE and IB History and the Global Politics VCE course. Many of the themes studied in the elective will also provide excellent contextual knowledge for Senior studies in the Humanities, English Literature, the Arts and IB Theory of Knowledge.
ASSESSMENT
1. Research Assignments 40%
2. Class tests 30%
3. Examination 30%
History – The Modern World
Course Study Either semester
Prerequisites Nil
Course Description
The twentieth century was a critical period of social, cultural, economic and political development around the world. In this elective students will build on their knowledge from their studies in Year 9 and delve into this exciting period of change, from the end of WWI through to the modern world. There will be an opportunity to investigate two key themes: Conflict and Protest. The conflict unit initially explores the causes and nature of WWII before progressing to investigate a more recent conflict to compare to WWII. Students subsequently study the Civil Rights campaigns in Australia and the USA, before considering other protest movements in the modern world. Throughout the course students will deepen their capacity to critically analyse historical evidence and form coherent arguments. They will also strengthen their understanding of the key historical concepts of change and continuity, cause and consequence and significance. There are opportunities for students to enhance their self-directed learning skills through research projects which incorporate collaboration, creativity, research, and presentation skills. This course has further applications for study of History (IB and VCE) and Global Politics (VCE) and provides valuable context for Year 10 English.
ASSESSMENT
1. Research Assignments 40%
2. Class tests 30%
3. Examination 30%
Humanities – Politics and Law
Prerequisites Nil
Course Description
The “Introduction to Laws and Politics” elective offers Year 10 students an engaging introduction to the foundational concepts of Australian law and political systems. Students will be introduced to the complexity of political decisions, both in Australia and on the international stage. This course aims to develop students’ understanding of how laws are made, interpreted, and enforced, as well as how political systems operate and impact society. It further aims to introduce students to the political interests and perspectives of our major political parties, and the power of citizens in a democratic society. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and contemporary case studies, students will explore the dynamic relationship between laws, political institutions, and the citizens they serve.
This subject is an excellent precursor to the VCE Unit 1-4 Legal Studies and VCE Unit 1-4 Australian and Global Politics courses. It is also extremely valuable for students seeking to pursue an IB pathway through the development of critical thinking, source analysis and academic referencing skills which are required in group three subjects.