Curriculum at Mac.Rob.
This page contains information about the curriculum and subjects taught in each Year level at Mac.Rob, including links to handbooks, study guides, and information session videos. To learn more about courses of study or particular subjects, contact the Heads of School listed below, or our Careers Coordinator, Tarsha Mautone.
Year 9 Curriculum.
Mac.Rob is a vibrant learning community where students are supported and guided in making autonomous decisions about their study choices. A central aim of the school curriculum is to provide students with relevant and challenging educational opportunities enhanced by the incorporation of learning technologies and rigorous teaching.
In Year 9, a combination of core studies and elective studies enable students to both consolidate learning in key areas and investigate new areas of study. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and to start thinking about subjects and areas of study they may wish to pursue in later Years.
For Year 9 subject information, please consult the Subject Guide below.
Year 9 Core Studies
All students must undertake the core studies:
English
Geography (a semester study)
Health & Physical Education
History (a semester study)
Languages
Mathematics
School Singing
Science
Year 10 Curriculum.
A central aim of the school curriculum is to ensure every student achieves success through a rigorous, innovative and broad curriculum. At Year 10, a combination of subject choices enables students to consolidate learning and investigate new subjects in a range of learning areas.
The Year 10 curriculum for 2023 is designed to provide students with a broad range of subjects that support breadth of knowledge, essential skills and deep learning opportunities. Students are encouraged to pursue their interests and passions in Year 10 while still considering their VCE or IB pathway for 2024.
For Year 10 subject information, please consult the Subject Guide below.
Year 10 Core Studies
All students must undertake a full year of studies within each of these domains:
Arts & Technology
English
Health & Physical Education
Humanities
Languages
Mathematics
Science
There are a combination of full-year and semester units to choose from across each Domain, including opportunities for acceleration
VCE Curriculum.
The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is mostly studied over two years (Year 11 and Year 12), however there are a number of opportunities to study VCE units in Year 10. For information about those opportunities, please refer to the Year 10 Subject Guide (linked above).
Below are some frequently asked questions about undertaking VCE study.
How do you submit your course, and when?
Students will submit their course selection online.
What if you change your mind?
You can request limited changes for your Year 11 course at these times:
Before the VCE Orientation Program
At the end of the VCE Orientation Program
Day 1 of Term 1, 2023
In late May 2023, for Semester 2
In each case, there will be limitations caused by timetable, staffing and availability of space in classes. It may be that requested changes are not possible and so the course you select in August may be the one you have to study. It is therefore very important that you consider your course very carefully before submitting your subject selections this year.
How is the VCE organised?
A VCE study is made up of units, each unit lasting one semester. Most studies offer four units, but you don’t have to take all four units.
There are two levels of units within the VCE:
Units 1 and 2, which are usually taken in the first year of VCE. Most students take both units in a study, but it is possible in Year 11 (if the timetable allows) to take only one unit of a particular study. All units which are part of the Mac.Rob Year 10 course are either Units 1 or 2 level.
Units 3 and 4, which are more advanced, are mostly taken in the final year of VCE. Units 3 and 4 must be studied as a sequence - that is, if you take Unit 3 of any study, you must also take Unit 4.
Students at Mac.Rob will normally be expected to take 20 or 22 units in their Year 11 and 12 program at this campus. This is in addition to any units studied while in Year 10. This means:
12 units (usually 6 subjects) at this campus while in Year 11;
Either 8 or 10 units (either 4, or 5, subjects) at this campus while in Year 12.
"Year 11 Information Webinar"
Online Information Night | 2024
Ms. Talia Hobbs, Year 11 Coordinator, and Mr. Daniel Crowe, the Senior School Leader, host the 2024 Year 11 Information Webinar for students and families. Pathway information is provided by Ms. Tarsha Mautone, Careers Coordinator.
Topics include: Introductions to the Senior School Team; key events; strategies for maximising success in the Senior Years; ways families can provide support to students; an overview of the attendance policy; how to apply for special consideration; and careers support available at Mac.Rob.
"Year 12 Information Webinar"
Online Information Night | 2024
Ms. Steph Ruth, Year 12 Coordinator, and Mr. Daniel Crowe, the Senior School Leader, host the 2024 Year 12 Information Webinar for students and families. Pathway information is provided by Ms. Tarsha Mautone, Careers Coordinator.
Topics include: Introductions to the Senior School Team; key events; strategies for maximising success in the Senior Years; ways families can provide support to students; an overview of the attendance policy; how to apply for special consideration; and careers support available at Mac.Rob.
I.B. Diploma.
The IB is an internationally recognised programme of education for students in Years 11 and 12. Recognising service and the importance of a holistic approach to student learning and development, the programme offers a broad, personalised “learner-centred” education, fostering international understanding and preparing students for life beyond school.
Highly regarded by both Australian and international universities, the IB DP is recognised worldwide as an excellent tertiary preparatory course. The IB aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge and to grow students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.
Research demonstrates that an IB education has a positive impact on students and the schooling communities that they are a part of. Past students have commented on their sense of preparedness, self-confidence, research skills and their ability to manage their time after engaging in the IB Diploma Programme.
IB Mission Statement:
“The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.”
Students who wish to undertake the IB Diploma should speak with Mac.Rob’s Careers Coordinator, Ms. Tarsha Mautone, or IB Coordinator, Mr. Shungo Sawaki.
Click here for more information on the IB.
Co-Curricular Program.
Being involved in the co-curricular program at Mac.Rob will bring you many things: friendships, leadership skills, laughter, confidence, the chance to meet people and do things you haven’t done before, opportunities to think and act creatively, and the reward and satisfaction of having taken a risk and faced a challenge.
Doing just one thing – taking part in a debate, joining a sporting team, dressing up in a ridiculous outfit for Swimming Sports, being part of a club, becoming an SRC representative, volunteering through our GIV program, all of these will show you how welcoming and inclusive our school community is. It will help you to make friends and feel settled and connected, and may set you on a path to doing and being more than you ever imagined.
Check out the Co-Curricular Handbook for a full list of activities available in 2024.
Subject Selection Information Sessions.
"Supporting Year 9s through Subject Selections"
Online Information Night | Tuesday, June 6th
This information session was presented on Tuesday, June 6th, 2023, regarding subject selections for 2024. During the information session, members of the school leadership team provided students and families with information to assist 2023 Year 9 students in making informed decisions regarding their subject selection for 2024, talking through the curriculum structures, support and resources available, and key dates. Presenters and topics that were covered include:
The Foundations for Success | Samuel Crocker (Assistant Principal)
VCE Overview | Daniel Crowe (Senior School Leader)
IB Overview | Shungo Sawaki (IB Leader)
The Year 10 Program + Selecting Subjects | Robert Corr (Teaching and Learning Leader)
Careers and Pathways Planning Support | Tarsha Mautone (Careers Coordinator)
Subject Selection Timeline | Josie Phillips (Middle School Leader)
"Subject Info Session | Year 9 into Year 10 in 2024"
Filmed Information Session | Tuesday, June 20th
This information session was presented on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023, regarding subject selections for 2024.
During the information session, current Year 9 students were presented with information from subject and faculty leaders to help inform their choices of subject selection for Year 10 in 2024.
"Supporting Year 10s through Subject Selection"
Online Information Night | Tuesday, June 6th
This information session was presented on Tuesday 6th June regarding subject selections for 2024. During the information session, members of the school leadership team provided students and families with information to assist 2023 Year 10 students in making informed decisions regarding their subject selection for 2024, talking through the curriculum structures, support and resources available, and key dates. Below is an overview of the presenters and topics that were covered:
The Foundations for Success | Samuel Crocker (Assistant Principal)
IB Next Steps | Shungo Sawaki (IB Leader)
VCE Overview | Daniel Crowe (Senior School Leader)
Selecting Subjects | Robert Corr (Teaching and Learning Leader)
Careers and Pathways Planning Support | Tarsha Mautone (Careers Coordinator)
Subject Selection Timeline | Josie Phillips (Middle School Leader)
Learning Well: Student & Parent Handbook
Welcome to our Learning Well resource.
This document has been created by Mac.Rob’s Learning Specialists, Heads of Domain, teaching staff, and counselling staff, to provide students and parents/carers with information about how students can learn well in their specific subject areas.
We encourage you to read the sections for each relevant subject in preparation for 2024, and to revisit this document throughout 2024. As you approach your studies, check in with the recommendations made in this document, and ensure that you are following the advice and guidance of your teachers. This resource is one of many supports that are available to you at Mac.Rob; we encourage you to talk to your teachers regularly regarding your learning and progress, and to utilise their expertise in your ongoing development.
Staff answer a range of frequently asked questions about subject selections here: