Year 10 

Subject Choices

Students in Year 10 who are completing a Three Year VCE sequence of study should select one VCE subject.

English Curriculum

10 English

Year 10 English aims to further develop students’ critical understanding and competency in the use of the English language. Students explore a wide range of issues and ideas in the world, and express their own using written and verbal language. Students will study and respond to a range of texts, both creatively and analytically, and expand their knowledge of real-world contexts and conceptual ideas within the study of fictional texts. Over the year they develop an analysis of a single text, and make personal connections to a range of texts. They study texts in the media, considering how language is used to persuade. Student develop their written expression, aiming to draw on the language and structural conventions of various text types, including analytical essays. Students also develop their ability to speak through oral presentations, class discussion and debate. 

What students will learn:

Responding analytically to texts:

Crafting texts: 

Analysing and using persuasive language: 

10 English Advanced

English Advanced is for students who love to read, are competent writers and enjoy speaking and debating in front of an audience. English Advanced offers students opportunities to challenge and extend their thinking skills through the critical analysis of complex texts. Students will engage with stimulating material that will inform their writing and reading, preparing them for their role in a global community. Students will expand their knowledge of the world through various thought-provoking learning activities. There will be a focus on topical issues in the Australian media and students will present their views orally to persuade their audience. The course will align with Victorian English Curriculum through the content offered and will encourage independent learning in preparation for VCE and university studies. Enrolment in this subject is dependent on teacher recommendations and student reports.

What students will learn:

Text Study

Writing Styles

Expanding Ideas

The Art of Persuasion

10 Literature

Literature is all about a love of books, of reading, writing and discussion. Students who take this subject at Year 10 will develop the skills needed for the ongoing study of Literature at VCE as they explore the ways that texts can represent and reflect the human experience. The study of Literature at Year 10 involves the critical evaluation of characters, setting and themes, reflection on the way texts reflect and subvert their historical, cultural and social contexts, analysis of the structural, linguistic and literary features of texts, and strategies for developing an informed response to texts of different forms, drawing from different interpretive lenses. This course embodies the philosophy that by learning to interpret what we read in an astute and conscientious manner, and by engaging meaningfully with interesting and complex ideas in texts, we become adept thinkers.

What students will learn:

Introduction to literary theory

Literary movements

The language of interpretation

The writing process

10 English Language

English Language is for students who are fascinated by the intricacies and mechanics of language.  In this subject, students explore the ways in which language is used by individuals and groups and reflects our changing thinking and values. Informed by the discipline of linguistics, it provides students with metalinguistic tools to understand and analyse language use, variation, and change. In English Language, students will develop knowledge of key linguistic concepts and learn to unpack the way meaning is constructed in, and informed by, a range of influences. Through the lens of a historical text, they will study changes to the structure and meaning of words from the Middle English period to our modern language. Students will also study a variety of literary and non literary texts and produce a range of text types, including investigative reports, analytical commentaries, speeches, and essays. 

What students will learn:

Language Change Over Time

The Language of Analysis 

Text Study

Argument Analysis

Mathematics Curriculum

VCE VM Mathematics (previously known as Year 10 Foundation Maths)

This subject caters for students not intending to continue with Mathematics beyond Year 10. The subject does, however, further develop the mathematical skills of students to support them during their VCE, VCE VM and VET studies. The focus of this subject will be the mathematics of the everyday and applied maths for life, including the use of maths in business, manufacturing, construction and the environment.

10 Mathematics 

Year 10 Mathematics builds upon the ideas and techniques developed in previous years. This subject places a strong emphasis on the effective communication of mathematical ideas and processes, where students must outline the steps used to reach an answer. This encourages reasoning processes that can be utilised in many fields, including mathematics. During the course, students learn to move confidently between textual, visual, graphical, algebraic and numerical representations of mathematical concepts. They will critique the work and logic of others as well as reflect on their own practice. This subject is targeted at students wanting to take VCE General Mathematics in following years.

What students will learn:

Mathematical Relationships

Chance and Data

Geometry and Measurement

Application Mathematics

10 Mathematics Advanced

Year 10 Mathematics Advanced is offered to students with a genuine passion and aptitude for mathematics, whilst placing importance on producing clear, detailed solutions. This subject challenges students to explain the concepts behind a formula or process. This ranges from impromptu discussions to formal derivations and/or proofs, fostering an environment of curiosity as well as clear mathematical communication. Students will build upon prior knowledge and skills and begin to bring previously separate ideas together in new contexts. A key component of this year will be using technology to explore concepts in greater depth. In particular, students will become familiar with the Computer Algebraic System (CAS) calculators as a tool to enhance understanding and prepare students for VCE or IB studies. Enrolment in this subject is dependent on teacher recommendations and student reports. This subject is preparation for VCE Mathematical Methods and IB Mathematics

What students will learn:

Functions

Chance and Data

Graphs and Geometry

Applied Mathematics

Science Curriculum

10 Environmental Science 

In this course, students have the opportunity to further develop an understanding of the natural environment and how humans interact with it. Students will build on the knowledge developed during Environmental Inquiry and be challenged by investigating ways in which they can apply this knowledge to the world around them. This subject is targeted at students wanting to take VCE Environmental Science or VCE Geography in following years. It also supports students who want to undertake the IB senior years pathway with its strong focus on inquiry.

What students will learn:

Environmental concepts


Inquiry Skills


10 Science 

In this course, students have the opportunity to develop an understanding of how scientific theory can be applied to practical problems. Students extend their knowledge of the scientific method and apply this to the world around them. They examine a range of real-life contexts in a topic-based course. Students use practical work to investigate the behaviour of materials and the way different substances interact to make up the world as we know it. The various topics covered include genetics, evolution, atomic structure and bonding, chemical reactions, energy transfer and transformation, motion, human stress response, sleep and memory.

What students will learn:

Chemistry

Biology

Physics

Psychology

10 Science Advanced

In this course, students will extend their knowledge of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology and Environmental Science to prepare them for the VCE or IB sciences. They will be challenged to apply their knowledge to real-life through various practical investigations. The topics covered include genetics, evolution, atomic structure and bonding, chemical reactions, energy transfer and transformation, motion, environmental health and the human stress response. Enrolment in this subject is dependent on teacher recommendations and student reports.

What students will learn:

Chemistry

Biology

Physics

Psychology

Environmental Science

Humanities Curriculum

10 International Economics and Law

This subject gives students a grounding in the ideas and concepts of both Economics and Law in preparation for further study. 

In the Economics units, students will investigate introductory microeconomic concepts, as well as macroeconomic indicators of performance such as employment, inflation, and growth. In addition, students will investigate global economics, including international trade, ethics, sustainability, and globalisation. 

In the Law units, students will develop a greater understanding of the foundations of the Australian legal system, and look closely at both theoretical principles and recent cases in both criminal and civil law. Students will also investigate the protection of rights in a national and international context. 

What students will learn:

Economics

Legal Studies

10 History and Geopolitics

This subject provides students with a grounding in the ideas and concepts relevant to further study of History, Geography and Politics in the VCE or the IB. In the History units, students will further develop their understanding of historical concepts and Australia’s role in the Twentieth Century. In the Geopolitics unit students will investigate how geopolitical factors influence and shape conflict and cooperation in a global context.

What students will learn:

History

Geopolitics

10 Liberal Arts (Sociology and Philosophy)

Students of Liberal Arts study a semester of Sociology and a semester of Philosophy in a curriculum that allows early introduction to some of the fundamental skills, themes, and ideas present in the VCE courses. 

Students are introduced to philosophical and sociological thinking and are given the opportunity and skills to critically assess the behaviour of individuals, groups, and themselves. By studying Sociology, students will start to develop a sociological understanding that allows an insight deeper and more complex issues.

The study of Philosophy focuses on honing critical thinking skills by learning to identify logical fallacies and cognitive biases and then applying this to topical issues, such as conspiracy theories and fake news, as well as critically assessing arguments for and against the logical possibility of God. 

The study of Liberal Arts will demand independent thinking, the ability to research independently, as well as good writing and presenting skills. 

What students will learn:

Sociology

Philosophy

Create Curriculum

10 Art

This subject introduces students to traditional and contemporary art-making techniques such as printmaking, drawing, and painting, as well as methods commonly seen in contemporary art. Students develop their own artworks and are encouraged to take a creative and original approach to making art. Students look to other artists for inspiration and will learn about some of the key 20th century art movements and styles. They also visually analyse works of traditional and contemporary art, and reflect upon and evaluate their own work.

What students will learn

10 Sculpture and Ceramics

In this subject, students will be introduced to a range of skills and techniques required in both Sculpture and Ceramics. Students will explore historical and contemporary design movements related to the two disciplines and will choose to focus on specific sculptors and ceramicists to analyse in depth. In Ceramics students will have the opportunity to experience wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques and students will create both artistic and functional pieces. Students will be exposed to the oeuvres of professionals artisans through excursions and will undertake a breadth of tasks inspired by significant sculptors designed to deliver specific sculptural skills in construction and assemblage.

Students will implement the Design Process to guide their artmaking and will be expected to maintain a thorough, reflective record of their research and designs in a Visual Diary.  Students will also document the progress of and the range of final artworks in an e-folio.

What students will learn:

10 Computing

In Computing (Digital Technology), students will be encouraged to use Information Communication Technologies to further their knowledge of the engineering design process. Engineers follow the steps of the problem-solving methodology to help them arrive at the best possible solutions in response to real-world problems. This subject is designed to build on the skills and knowledge learnt in Year 7 and 8 STEM, and Year 9 Game and Web Design, and would lead into VCE Applied Computing (Unit 1 and 2) and VCE Software Development (Unit 3 and 4).

What students will learn:

10 Dance

In this course, students study anatomy, physiology, and training principles and apply this knowledge to their dance practice. They focus on extending and refining technical and expressive skills in a range of dance styles. Through the manipulation of the elements of movement and choreographic devices, students produce two choreographic projects throughout the year. They extend their understanding and appreciation of the artform through the analysis of various contemporary dance works.

What students will learn:

Performance

Safe Dance Practice

Composition

Dance Analysis

10 Drama

In Year 10 Drama, students will write a play under the guidance of a professional artist in residence. This will then be directed, performed and stage managed by the class. Students will be introduced to eclectic theatre, preparing them for a smooth transition into the VCE curriculum. They will explore a number of theatrical styles through the creation of both solo and ensemble performances, and through the study of preexisting play scripts. They will use music, theatrical conventions and prescribed stimuli as inspiration for theatre-making. All performances will require students to work to their strengths, with the potential to incorporate dance, music and production elements. Students will explore how society/audience is impacted by drama, and devise works that will be presented to a wider audience.

What students will learn:

Drama Practice

Stagecraft

Dramatic Elements

10 Food

Year 10 Food is structured to reflect and prepare students for the VCE Program. It features 150 minutes per week of theory-based learning and 90 minutes of practical work each week. Practicals are not always limited to cooking recipes but include taste-tests and sensory evaluations. Students study safe and hygienic food handling and storage practices to prevent food spoilage and food poisoning and apply these practices in the preparation of food. They consider food preparation practices suitable for use in a small-scale food operation, such as in the home, a school setting or in a small food business. Students consider the selection and use of a range of tools and equipment suitable for use in food preparation. Students examine the links between classification of foods and their properties and examine changes in properties of food when different preparation and processing techniques are used. Students apply this knowledge when preparing food. They investigate quality and ethical considerations in food selection. Students study the influence of celebrity chefs on Australian food culture.

What students will learn:

Hospitality Operations and Sustainable Food Production

Types of Food production and Environmental Impact

Product Development

Influences on Australian Food Culture

10 Makerspace

Combining art and technology, this subject will allow learners to plan, create, refine and revisit making techniques as active, collaborative makers. Connections to community industries will be a feature of student collaborations and working within real contexts is essential. Developing critical and creative thinking alongside design process skills are key theoretical understandings covered in Makerspace. Empowering learners to discover new and creative uses for tools such as laser cutters, heat presses, 3D printers, Adobe Illustrator and Autodesk (CAD) alongside traditional art skills such as sculpting, textiles and technical drawing enable students to blend traditional skills with new applications and ideas. Year 10 Makerspace will provide preparation for further study in Visual Communication Design, Studio Arts and engineering fields.

What students will learn:

Wearable Art

Architecture

Design Challenge

Create Something That...

10 Media

This subject introduces students to the senior Media curriculum and draws from both the study of film/cinema and new media technologies. Students will begin with a study of the Horror genre, with a focus on the conventions of horror and suspense in film, which leads to the production of their own short film. Students learn about media spin and bias in documentary and advertising and apply this knowledge when creating their own digital advertising suite. Students interact with a range of digital technologies, implementing developed skills to engage their audience. Students continue to build their analytical skills by recognising and commenting on media codes and conventions as they are used in professionally created feature films of various genres.

What students will learn:

Film Genre: Horror

Digital World

Documentary

My Story

10 Music

Year 10 Music builds on Middle Years performance, creativity and musicianship knowledge and skills. Students continue to develop their skills in performance, responding to music, music language and creative responses. Students choose instruments to focus on (including voice) and work towards new interpretations of songs individually and in groups. Other aspects of the course include creative, industry-based tasks including composition and music technology, analysing a wide range of music, practice approaches and musicianship (theory and aural skills). Students are expected to rehearse and perform on a regular basis. 

Enrolment in this subject is dependent on prior experience with playing an instrument and teacher recommendation. It is recommended that students enrol in individual extra-curricular instrumental lessons.

What students will learn:

10 Photography

This subject introduces students to a range of photographic practices, both historical and contemporary. Students will develop their own artworks based on a range of themes and starting points, and will be encouraged to develop a personal photographic style. Students will look to other artists such as commercial and fine art photographers for inspiration and will learn about some of the major 20th century art movements. They will also analyse works of traditional and contemporary photographic practice, and reflect upon and evaluate their own work. Students require a DSLR camera to use in this class. 

What students will learn:

10 Textiles

In Textiles students refine their skills in fashion illustration to develop a design inspired by Alexander Mcqueen. This project encourages students to learn about the fashion industry and the creative process of a designer to inspire their work. Students develop an illustrated design in response to a brief to hone their fashion illustration skills. In the second half of the semester, students explore a range of fabric manipulation techniques to create a product. Students are able to develop their knowledge of fabrics and refine their skills in interpreting patterns and using a sewing machine.

In Semester 2, students will experiment with a range of design and sewing techniques to produce a finished product that meets the requirements of a design brief. Students will further expand on their illustration skills and develop a greater understanding of the design process to produce their own original and unique products. 

What students will learn how to:

10 Visual Communication Design

In this subject, students study the ways in which designers work in three main design fields - environmental, communication and industrial design. Students learn to communicate using a personal visual language comprised of icons, pictures, moving images and typography. Visual Communication Designers use images to illustrate ideas and create design work using a range of digital and manual media. In Visual Communication Design students explore the practices of contemporary designers through case studies and work on real-world design briefs that ask them to grapple with complex global issues. Specifically, students work in furniture design, publication design, social media campaigns and landscape architecture. This subject is suitable for students who enjoy working creatively and are interested in improving their drawing, multimedia and design skills and who may be interested in pursuing a career in the creative industries.

What students will learn:

Languages

10 French

Year 10 French will provide students with an opportunity to put all of their prior French learning into practice and to improve their understanding of the French language. Students will develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in French by learning to express their opinions and feelings, and to reflect on their experiences in the past, present and future. In Year 10, students will study all of the key vocabulary and grammar to prepare them to confidently undertake the VCE or IB. By studying Year 10 French students will also become more informed global citizens, developing an understanding of cultures beyond their own. Students will continue to enhance their first language literacy via explicit study of grammar and language patterns.

What students will learn:

Skills and techniques:

HAPE

10 Health and Physical Education

This subject introduces students to concepts covered in VCE Physical Education, Health and Human Development and Outdoor and Environmental Studies. Students will learn about the physiological responses to exercise, body systems, and game and movement analysis in relation to sport and exercise. Students explore how to eat well to live well, and what affects well-being. They will also learn about outdoor recreation, safety and the qualities needed for leadership in the outdoors. Students can expect to participate in a minimum of one hour of practical activity each week.

What students will learn:

10 Outdoor and Environmental Studies

This subject is intended to provide students with the opportunity and pathway to begin developing the observation, evaluation & analysis skills required for VCE OES.  Students continue to spend time connecting experience in natural outdoor environments with theory, reflecting on their relationships with natural places through outdoor experiences.  The subject challenges students to think about the ways in which they interact, impact and perceive natural places and teaches them the appropriate skills to experience recreational activities in a safe and sustainable manner.


Through the course of the subject students will have the opportunity to undertake excursions, class time field trips and, one learning away experience each semester.

What students will learn:

Pre-IB Program

Pre-IB Biology

This subject is designed to equip students with the knowledge, conceptual understanding, research and experimental skills needed for success in the two-year IB DP Biology course or VCE Biology. Biology is the study of life. In this subject, students will explore the dynamic relationships between organisms and their interactions with the non-living environment at a range of different levels. There is a strong emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work.

What students will learn:

Pre-IB Environmental Systems and Societies

This subject is designed to equip students with the knowledge, conceptual understanding, research and experimental skills needed for success in the two-year IB DP Environmental Systems and Societies course or VCE Environmental Science. Environmental science is an interdisciplinary science that explores the interactions and interconnectedness between humans and their environments and analyses the functions of both living and non-living elements that sustain Earth systems. The subject promotes holistic thinking about environmental issues and approaches to problem solving. Students will consider examples from both local and global contexts and strive to develop solutions.

What students will learn:

Pre-IB Global Politics

This subject is designed to equip students with the knowledge, conceptual understanding, theories and research skills needed for success in the two-year IB DP Global Politics course or VCE Australian and Global Politics. Students will explore fundamental political concepts such as power, equality, sustainability and peace in a range of contexts. Students will develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity and processes, while also exploring the political issues affecting their own lives.

What students will learn:

Pre-IB History

This subject is designed to equip students with the knowledge, conceptual understanding and research skills needed for success in the two-year IB DP History course or a range of VCE Humanities subjects. The study of history involves inquiry into human action in the past, to make meaning of the past using primary sources as evidence. It is also an interpretive discipline, allowing opportunity for engagement with multiple perspectives and a plurality of opinions. In this subject students will examine people, groups, events, ideas and movements.

What students will learn:

Pre-IB Language and Literature

This subject is designed to equip students with the reading and communication skills needed for success in the two-year IB DP Language and Literature course or VCE English/EAL, Literature or English Language. It supports students to develop an appreciation and understanding of how language is used across a variety of literary and non-literary texts, as well as across a range of cultural contexts. Students will examine different text types and literary forms and will also consider how language use is influenced by identity and culture. 

What students will learn:

Pre-IB Psychology

This subject is designed to equip students with the knowledge, conceptual understanding, theories and research skills needed for success in the two-year IB DP Psychology course or VCE Psychology. Students will be introduced to the research methodology of Psychology, the most famous theories and theorists as well as an in-depth exploration of the social, cognitive and biological components of mental illness. They will also develop a range of inquiry skills involving practical experimentation and research, analytical skills including critical and creative thinking, and communication skills. 

What students will learn:

Vocational Education and Training

VET Delivered to Secondary Students

Vocational Education and Training (VET) as part of the VETDSS (VET Delivered to Secondary Students) Program, allows students to undertake a VET qualification, such as a Certificate II or Certificate III course, as part of their Year 10, VCE or VCE Vocational Major studies. 

For more information about VET at Albert Park College click here