English

In Year 10, the course aims to further develop already existing skills in expression and prepare students for the VCE. A range of writing activities are undertaken as well as activities and tasks designed to increase the student's knowledge of and competence in vocabulary, spelling, grammar and comprehension. The study of literature is continued: several novels will be read, as well as a selection of plays, short stories and poetry. Media and visual texts are also studied. Students are required to develop the skills of language analysis. There is a strong oral component in the work, and the use of the College's Learning Technologies facilities is encouraged. Assessment tasks allow reporting on students' levels of performance in Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing.

English as an Additional Language 

Students whose first language is not English may choose to take English as an Additional Language (EAL). Please note that those who are eligible are students who have been in Australia for less than seven years and who come from a non-English speaking country. These students are strongly advised to select this subject for both Semester One and Two. This subject is instead of core English studies. 

The focus of EAL at Year 10 is to equip students with the skills needed for VCE. A range of reading and writing activities are undertaken with tasks designed to improve students’ knowledge of and competence in vocabulary, spelling, grammar and comprehension. The language of persuasion is studied, building students’ ability to analyse media texts. Assessment tasks allow reporting on students' levels of performance in Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing.

Mathematics

Mathematics is a compulsory study in Year 10. Year 10 students must undertake either Mathematical Methods, General Mathematics, or Foundation Mathematics. 

Mathematic pathways in Year 10

Mathematical Methods

Overview

Year 10 Mathematical Methods is recommended for students who intend on undertaking VCE Mathematical Methods (or VCE Mathematical Methods and VCE Specialist Mathematics) in Years 11 and 12. 

This subject is best suited to students who have achieved excellent results in Year 9 Mathematics. Algebra knowledge and skills are essential for success. Students can expect to work at a faster pace; they will need to complete regular homework to keep up with coursework. 

Topics

Semester 1 will be common to both Mathematical Methods and General Mathematics. Topics will include: Algebra, Equations and Linear Relationships; Simultaneous Equations; Geometry; Measurement; Trigonometry; Probability; and Statistics.

Semester 2 will focus on developing the knowledge and skills required for success in Mathematical Methods. Topics will include: Indices; Exponentials and Logarithms; Surds; Quadratic Expressions; Quadratic Equations; Unit Circle and Circular Functions; Parabolas; Rates of Change and Variation; Counting Techniques; Polynomial Expressions and Equations; Polynomial and Other Graphs.

Technology

TI-Nspire CAS Calculators will be used to develop mathematical models and explore new concepts. Students will also be encouraged to use their Scientific Calculators (retained from previous years).

Assessment

Students will be assessed against the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 Mathematics continuum. Assessments will feature a range of skill levels and question styles (multiple-choice, short-answer, extended-response, application, modelling, and problem-solving). 

Mathematical Methods students will complete assessments with and without the use of technology (calculators). Notes will not be permitted in most assessments. 

General Mathematics

Overview

Year 10 General Mathematics is recommended for students who intend on undertaking VCE General Mathematics in Years 11 and 12. 

This subject is designed so that students can continue to develop skills across a range of mathematical topics and strands. Students can expect to complete regular homework.

Topics

Semester 1 will be common to both General Mathematics and Mathematical Methods. Topics will include: Algebra, Equations and Linear Relationships; Simultaneous Equations; Geometry; Measurement; Trigonometry; Probability; and Statistics.

Semester 2 will focus on developing the knowledge and skills required for success in General Mathematics. Topics will include: Bivariate Data; Financial Modelling; Networks; Matrices; Indices; Exponentials and Logarithms; Quadratic Expressions; Parabolas and Other Graphs.

Technology

TI-Nspire CAS Calculators will be used to develop mathematical models and explore new concepts. Students will also be encouraged to use their Scientific Calculators (retained from previous years).

Assessment

Students will be assessed against the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 Mathematics continuum. Assessments will feature a range of skill levels and question styles (multiple-choice, short-answer, extended-response, application, modelling, and problem-solving).

General Mathematics students can expect to complete most assessments with technology (calculators) and notes.

Foundation Mathematics

Overview

Year 10 Foundation Mathematics is recommended for students who intend on undertaking the VCE VM (Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major) or the VPC (Victorian Pathways Certificate) in Years 11 and 12. 

Year 10 Foundation Mathematics may also be suitable for students who intend on undertaking the VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education), provided they are not planning on completing additional VCE Mathematics Studies (General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics) in Year 11 or Year 12.

Year 10 Foundation Mathematics students will be enrolled to complete VCE Foundation Mathematics Units 1 & 2. This study will provide students with the opportunity to start accumulating units towards their chosen senior certificate (VCE, VCE VM, or VPC).

This subject is designed for students who prefer to apply their mathematical skills to real-life and practical contexts.

Topics

VCE Foundation Mathematics Unit 1 & 2 Areas of Study include:

• AOS 1 Algebra, number and structure

• AOS 2 Data analysis, probability and statistics

• AOS 3 Financial and consumer mathematics

• AOS 4 Space and measurement

Technology

Scientific Calculators will be used to develop mathematical knowledge and explore new concepts. 

Assessment

Students will be assessed against the VCE Foundation Mathematics Study Design. Assessment will include coursework, skill tests, investigations, assignments, and projects.

Foundation Mathematics students can expect to complete assessments with and without the use of technology (calculators). Notes will be permitted in most assessments.

Commerce

Global Consumers and Citizens 

This course covers commerce related curriculum and explores what it means to be a consumer in the 21st Century. Students will develop an understanding of key concepts in various areas. In a unit on Legal Studies, students understand the rights that are entitled to all Australians and how these are protected. In an Economics unit,  they consider the concept of opportunity cost and examine housing affordability and how to conduct a cost-benefit analysis. In a Business Management unit, students will design a disruptive business to consider the qualities of enterprising behaviour. In an Accounting unit, students will look at financial literacy and how taxes work as they explore the strategies and tools needed to set financial goals. Throughout the course, there will be opportunities for students to develop their critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills. This will ensure that each student understands the demands of being a modern-day citizen and consumer. 

Humanities

History: The Inter-war years and WWII 

Students investigate wartime experiences through a study of World War II in depth. This includes a study of the causes, events, outcomes and broader impacts of the conflict as an episode in world history, and the nature of Australia’s involvement in World War II (1939-45). Students investigate struggles for human rights in depth. This will include how rights and freedoms have been ignored, demanded or achieved in Australia and in the broader world context. Students investigate one major global influence that has shaped Australian society in-depth, including the development of the global influence during the twentieth century. 

In addition, the study will cover areas of Australian and European Nationalism. There will be excursions to the Shrine where students will have the opportunity to be involved in a remembrance service. 

Physical Education/Health

Year 10 Physical Education/Health offers students a balanced blend of classroom learning and practical experiences that promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and social responsibility. This subject empowers students to take greater ownership of their health, wellbeing, and physical development through a range of engaging topics and active learning opportunities. Students participate in a variety of physical activities designed to enhance fitness and teamwork. They also take on leadership roles through peer teaching of minor games, developing skills in communication, organisation, and collaboration. Practical sessions aim to improve students' understanding of movement, game strategies, and performance, while promoting inclusivity and participation. Students explore key issues relevant to their age group, including road safety, nutrition, fitness components, energy systems, and discrimination in sport. These topics encourage critical thinking and personal reflection while building knowledge that supports lifelong health and wellbeing.

Science

All year 10 students will take one semester of Core Science, after which they can choose to take either further studies in Physical Sciences (Chemistry and Physics) or Life Sciences (Biology and Psychology). Core science comprises three units.

In the Physics unit, students will use Newton’s Laws of Motion to analyse the relationship between force, mass and acceleration of objects. They will examine how these forces affect their daily lives, focusing on their impact on cars and driving.

In the Chemistry unit, students will study how an atom’s atomic structure determines how it will chemically react. They will examine how the organisation of the periodic table is related to the structure and properties of atoms. They will examine different types of chemical reactions and model these using words and chemical equations.

In the Biology unit, students will study genes and heredity. They will explore the role of DNA and genes in the production of proteins and the determination of patterns of inheritance. They will learn about how cells produce new cells and will learn to predict the outcomes of genetic crosses.