Year 9&10 Subject Descriptions -  Elective Blocks

Block F1 (2 periods) - SEMESTER 1 2025

Block F2 (2 periods) - SEMESTER 2 2025

Music Group Performance                      Areas of study

• How do musicians play music together as a group?

• How do bands/groups learn new songs?

• How do bands/groups engage their audience?

• How can we make our band play better?

• What makes a band successful?

Learning program:

• Students develop ability to play music as part of a band/group

• Students develop understanding of what it takes to be a successful group

• Students develop understanding of how musicians can work together

• Students will explore how successful bands/groups work

Music Song Writing and Recording      

Areas of study

• What techniques do songwriters use? 

• How can we write our own songs? 

• How can we make our songs better?

• What tools are used to record music?

• How can recording techniques enhance a song?

Learning program:

• Students develop their ability to write and perform songs

• Students learn how to record their music using studio equipment

• Students learn about tools and techniques used by songwriters

• Students will explore how successful songs are created and recorded

Forensic Science

Forensic Science is a multidisciplinary science that combines physics, chemistry, biology and psychology to investigate and analyse evidence. It involves the application of scientific principles and techniques to gather, interpret, and present evidence. Forensic science students discover what crucial information and techniques are needed in forensics as well as develop their ability to communicate scientifically. 

Areas of study

• What effect does biological decay have on evidence at a crime scene?

• How can we apply the principles of genetics and inheritance to solve crimes?

• How can we establish the reliability of psychological motives and eye-witness testimony?

Learning program:

• This will culminate in a final project.

Forensic Science 

• Forensic Science is offered in Semester 1 and Semester 2

• Students can complete the subject in either semester, but not in both

Personal Training                               

Personal training involves students developing their own personal fitness programs that will be completed in class time in the fitness centre with an aim to improve their own physical fitness. 

Areas of study

• What are the foundations of an effective training program?

• How can I apply the correct technique, training methods and training principles to my training to optimise the benefits of training?

Learning program:

• All classes will be run in the Fitness Centre

• Sessions will mainly be practical with a fitness focus however small theory tasks will be incorporated to further learning.

Personal Training                               

• Personal Training is offered in Semester 1 and Semester 2

• Students can complete the subject in either semester or in both semesters

• Students will also be able to complete Personal Training in Cycle 2 (2025)

Video Game Studies                           

Areas of study:

• What makes a good video game?

• Why have video games become the most profitable media industry in the world?

• How do video games relate to our real world issues?

• How do we use interactive games to tell great stories?

• How do we design a great video game?

Learning program:

• Students will play and review video games

• Students will analyse how video games engage with real world issues

• Students will design their own video game and present on how it will engage players

Media Studies                                       

Areas of study:

• What makes a film/TV show good or bad?

• How do films and TV shows create engaging stories?

• How can we understand film and TV shows better?

• How do media texts use editing, sound, framing, and design to tell a story?

• How can we make our own media texts?

Learning program:

• Students will reflect on their own film and TV show viewing habits

• Students will explore media techniques in film and TV

• Students will film their own music video

Creating Drama                          

Areas of study

• How can we use drama to communicate ideas and explore different viewpoints about the world around us?

• How can we develop skills in the use of voice, body language, gesture and movement to express those ideas?

• How can we develop skills to create out own drama works?

• How can we develop our self confidence through Drama?

• How can we develop and improve our performance skills

Learning program:

• Students explore and express ideas through play making techniques to shape devised drama works

• Students practice and refine expressive skills to communicate ideas in a range of performance styles.

• Students create and perform their own drama worlks

• Students evaluate their own drama works and the works of other including professional performance.

Creating Drama                          

• Creating Drama is offered in Semester 1 and Semester 2

• Students can complete the subject in either semester or in both semesters

• Students will also be able to complete Drama subjects in Cycle 2 (2025)

See & Sew                                               

In See & Sew students develop textile skills in order to design and produce a range of products from a range of materials including wool, cotton and felt. Students may choose to produce clothing, textiles accessories such as bags as well as a range of other products.

Areas of study

• What are safe practices in a Textiles room?

• How do you master the sewing basics, skills, and techniques?

• How to design, create and make textile items?

Learning program:

• Students complete training in how to work safely with textiles and textile equipment.

• Students will explore the different basic skills in textiles and how to produce products.

• Students will research and design simple textile products

Rags to Riches                                       

In Rags to Riches students develop textile skills in order to design and produce a range of products from a range of recycled and repurposed materials including wool, cotton and felt. Students may choose to produce clothing, textiles accessories such as bags as well as a range of other products.

Areas of study

• What are safe practices in a Textiles room?

• How do you master sewing basics, skills, techniques and using sewing machines?

• How to design, create and make textile items from clothes, blankets, etc?

Learning program:

• Students complete training in how to work safely with textiles and textile equipment.

• Students will explore what you can make out of old textiles items and how to turn them into new products.

Society & Culture                                

Areas of study

• What are the social and cultural factors that affect the world?

• How do social and cultural factors influence your personal and social identity?

• What dictates social conformity and nonconformity?

Learning program:

• Students trace the social and cultural factors that shape the world we live in over different periods of time

• Students identify and analyse the social and cultural factors that shape their personal and social identities of their generations

• Students research past and present social conformities and unconformities

Geographical Science                        

Areas of study

• What are landforms and how does land mass change over time?

• What is continental drift and how does it effect place?

• How do natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions form?

Learning program:

• Students will research what effects land mass and the makeup of the earth's crust and mantle

• Students will research the changes in continents over time both human and natural

• Students will investigate a type of natural disaster of their choice

Pedal Program                                

Areas of study

• What skills are required to repair and maintain bicycles?

• How can the program contribute to our community?

Learning program:

• Students work to refurbish and rebuild second hand bicycles

• They develop skills in bike maintenance and repairs

• Students develop teamwork and leadership skills, contribute positively to their community

• Students develop skills in organising a work area and working safely

Pedal Program                                

• Pedal Program is offered in Semester 1 and Semester 2

• Students can complete the subject in either semester or both semesters

Block G1 (2 periods) - SEMESTER 1 2025

Block G2 (2 periods) - SEMESTER 2 2025

Casting & Moulding                            

Areas of study

• How are objects made?

• What is the importance of objects in our everyday lives?

• Which objects are made from cast and moulded components?

• How many objects that we interact with throughout the day are made using casting or moulding?

• What materials are used to cast objects?

• How does casting and moulding relate to the objects we interact with and use daily?

• How has casting and moulding shifted the means of production throughout the past century?

Learning program:

• Students will analyse how they use and interact with objects daily. 

• Students will research and deconstruct the process of making objects utilising casting and moulding methodologies.

• Students will explore materials used in casting and moulding. (ceramics, plaster, concrete, resin, silicone, etc). 

• Students will design their own objects and artworks to cast themselves.

• Students will analyse the political, economic, and environmental impact of moulding and casting. 

Art in a Public Space                          

Areas of study

• What is the difference between public and private art?

• How does public art influence, impact, and shape the way a public space is used?

• How do people interact with public art?

• What makes good public art?

• How do we create public art that is effective in bringing the community together?

• How is art in a public space made?

• Why make art in a public space?

Learning program:

• Students will research Art in a Public Space throughout Australia and expanding to international public art.

• Students will develop their understanding of how art impacts a public space.

• Students will explore creating their own piece of public art in the local context. 

Made for Stage                                

Areas of study

• What makes a play a performance?

• How does the history of theatre influence productions and audiences?

• How do we "put on a play"?

• How do we use production areas to make a play successful?

• How do we develop our acting skills to effectively portray role and character in a scripted work?

• How can we develop our skills in acting and performance?

Learning program:

• Students develop and understanding of Theatre History

• Students develop skills in acting, performance and productions areas

• Students explore a range of performance styles and expressive skills

• Students develop their understanding of how a play transforms from a script to a performance.

Made for Stage                           

• Made for Stage is offered in Semester 1 and Semester 2

• Students can complete the subject in either semester or in both semesters

• Students will also be able to complete Drama subjects in Cycle 2 (2025)

Outdoor Activities                                       

Students will participate in a range of lifestyle physical activity sessions that could include; tennis, golf, lawn bowls, recreational walking, pickle ball and table tennis

Areas of study

• What are the rules and scoring systems utilised in different lifestyle physical activities?

• How can tactics and strategies be successfully implemented to improve performance in different lifestyle physical activities?

Learning program:

• Students will participate in practical activities both on school grounds as well as different facilities in the community

• Students will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of rules and scoring methods mainly from a practical sense

Coaching and SEPEP                                  

Students will discover and participate in a range of sports or recreation-based activities with an international focus. The focus will on participation in sports that are practical to play in the school setting as well as increasing knowledge and understanding of different sports from around the world 

Areas of study

• What are the rules and scoring systems utilised in different sports from around the world?

• What tactics and strategies can be implemented to improve both individual and team success in different international sports?

Learning program:

• Students will participate in practical activities on school grounds.

• Students will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of rules and scoring methods mainly from a practical sense. 

Literature                                               

Areas of study:

• What makes an excellent text?

• How do writers make us want to keep reading? 

• How do writers lead us to explore the important questions of life?

• How do writers bring worlds and characters to life in the mind of the reader?

Learning program:

• Students will read and identify meaning in novels, plays, poems and short stories.

• Students will engage in group discussions around their interpretations of texts

• Students will craft their own short texts based on their reading

Journalism                                             

Areas of study:

• How is information spread around the world?

• What is fake news? 

• How to write in a trustworthy way? 

• How can news be fun for all ages? 

• How to write a review? 

• How to effectively interview people? 

Learning program:

• Students will design a school paper

• Students will film their own news program

Coding 1                                                  

Areas of study

• How can we use computational thinking and programming skills to solve a range of problems?

• How can we decompose problems, recognise patterns, and create algorithms to solve problems using flow charts and pseudocode?

• How can we program using a range of languages (Python, JavaScript, Ruby etc), working collaboratively to design, create, and evaluate a solution?   

Learning program:

• The learning program is a combination of theory and practical. 

• Students are assessed through completion of set tasks as well as a major project. 

Coding 2                                                  

Areas of study

• How can we use computational thinking and programming skills to solve a range of problems?

• How can we decompose problems, recognise patterns, and create algorithms to solve problems using flow charts and pseudocode?

• How can we program using a range of languages (Python, JavaScript, Ruby etc), working collaboratively to design, create, and evaluate a solution?

Learning program:

• The learning program is a combination of theory and practical.

• Students are assessed through completion of set tasks as well as a major project.

Creating with Materials                    

In Creating with Materials students will design and produce a product of their choice from a material of their choice. Students may elect to use timber, plastic, paper/cardboard or textile.

Areas of study

• How can we maintain a safe working environment?

• What design and construction techniques can be used to create a range of products?

• How can we best meet our end users' needs?

Learning program:

• Students complete training in the safe operation of tools, equipment, and machinery

• Students will use their imagination and creativity to produce a range of items from a variety of different materials.

• Students follow the design process from start to finish; design brief, evaluation criteria, research, visualisations and working drawings, production, and evaluation. 

Creative Crafts                                      

In Creative Crafts students will design and produce a product of their choice from a material of their choice. Craft products students may elect to product include ceramics, fibre and textile, flower crafts, leatherwork, houseware, needlework and paper crafts.

Areas of study

• How can we maintain a safe working environment?

• What design and construction techniques can be used to create a range of products?

Learning program:

• Students complete training in the safe operation of tools, equipment, and machinery

• Students will use their creativity to produce a range of items from a variety of different materials.

• Students follow the design process from start to finish; design brief, evaluation criteria, research, visualisations and working drawings, production, and evaluation. 

Financial Literacy & Budgeting     

Areas of study

• What is the importance of setting financial goals for the sake of monetary success? This includes good/bad credit rating and debt. 

• What are the career choices a financially literate person may make in order to meet their financial goals?

• What are the basic budgeting strategies that can help overcome contextual obstacles to meeting financial goals?

Learning program:

• Student will develop short and long term financial goals using S.M.A.R.T 

• Students will research different careers that can ensure that their monetary goals can be achieved

• Students will complete basic budgeting ensuring simulated barriers can be overcome through the implementation of budgeting including savings

Community Service                                

Areas of study

• How can we utilise our skills and resources to contribute to our community?

Learning program:

• Students will complete a range of community service activities which could include working in the school farm garden, volunteering with other community groups and assisting with events and program

• Students develop teamwork and leadership skills, contribute positively to their community

Community Service                                

• Community Service is offered in Semester 1 and Semester 2

• Students can complete the subject in either semester or both semesters

Block H - (1 period) - SEMESTER 1 2025

Block H - (1 period) - SEMESTER 2 2025

3D Printing & Design                         

Areas of study

• What is 3D Printing? 

• How does 3D Printing work and why do we 3D Print?

• What materials do we use in 3D Printing and what are their environmental impacts?

• How has 3D printed changed the way we make things?

• What problems does 3D Printing solve and create?

Learning program:

• Students will investigate the contemporary advancement of 3D Printing and how it impacts various areas of art and design.

• Students will explore materials used in 3D Printing. 

• Students will design their own objects and artwork to 3D Print.

Mosaic Design & Construction      

Areas of study

• What is mosaic art and design?

• How are mosaics constructed?

• How do we design and assemble mosaics using small tiles of glass, stone and other materials?

Learning program:

• Students will design and create their own mosaic art projects.

• Students will learn about significant stylistic and cultural mosaic works.

• Students will explore a variety of materials and surfaces to create mosaic art.

Astronomy/Space Science               

Astronomy/Space Science is an exciting subject that explores the wonders of the universe. Students use scientific skills and tools to gather information about stars, planets, galaxies, and the mysteries of outer space. By applying scientific principles, they observe and analyse celestial phenomena, such as the properties of stars, planetary motion, and galaxy formation. Fascinating topics like the Big Bang theory, black holes, and the search for extra-terrestrial life are also explored. Through this subject, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills as they uncover the mysteries of the universe.

Areas of study

• How are celestial bodies like planets, stars and galaxies formed within our universe?

• What difference celestial bodies exist beyond our solar system?

• How do we examine astrophysical concepts such as black holes and the big bang theory?

Learning program:

• Students will complete a research project into a major astronomical concept

Engineering Science                          

Engineering is an exciting subject that applies scientific principles to design and create practical solutions for real-world problems. Students learn how to use their scientific knowledge and mathematical skills to invent, improve, and optimise various systems and structures. They explore different engineering disciplines and gain hands-on experience through projects and prototypes.

Areas of study

• What are current real world problems that science can solve?

• How do engineers solve problems in the real world?

• How are these solutions communicated with stakeholders?

Learning program:

• Students will undertake multiple projects, where they will use a cycle of design, testing, and improvements to solve practical problems.

Minor Games                                         

Students will participate in a range of minor games. The focus will be on participation, fair play and sportsmanship, teamwork and cooperation as well as implementing different tactics. 

Areas of study

• How can tactics and strategies be successfully implemented to improve performance in different minor games?

• How can teamwork and cooperation improve the performance in different minor games?

Learning program:

• Students will participate in practical activities on school grounds.

• Students will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of rules and scoring methods mainly from a practical sense. 

Mind, Body & Soul                               

Students will learn and explore a range of different strategies that can improve overall health and wellbeing from a holistic and mindful approach. Students will participate in practical activities such as yoga, meditation, pilates and breathing and relaxation which are aimed to increase connectivity of the mind, body and soul. 

Areas of study

• How can the holistic and mindful approach improve overall wellbeing?

• What different approaches or activities can be implemented and adapted into individual lifestyle?

Learning program:

• Students will participate in a range of different practical activities aimed at improving overall wellbeing.

• Students will reflect and evaluate the effectiveness of different holistic and mindful strategies and justify how these may be useful in everyday life. 

Creative Writing                                  

Areas of study

• How do writers craft their text? 

• How do writers plan and edit and publish creative texts?

• How do writers collaborate in the crafting of texts? 

Learning program:

• Students will participate in writing  workshops in groups 

• Students will craft their own written texts

Debating & Public Speaking           

Areas of study

• What makes a good public speaker? 

• How are debates structured? 

• What makes an argument persuasive?

• How do debate teams collaborate? 

Learning program:

• Students will participate in structured group debates 

• Students will construct and present their own opinions and arguments

Maths Tutoring                                    

Areas of study

• Do you need help to complete your Maths homework tasks?

• Are there areas in your Maths course that you are struggling with? 

• Are you interested in improving your Maths results?

Learning program:

• Student will be able to work on their Maths work during this time and get assistance from a Maths teacher. 

Maths Tutoring                                    

• Maths Tutoring is offered in both semesters

• Students can complete the subject in either semester or both semesters

• Students will also be able to complete Maths Tutoring in Cycle 2 (2025)

Recycle, Reuse & Refashion            

Areas of study

• How can we maintain a safe working environment?

• What design and construction techniques can be used to Recycle, Reuse, Refashion materials?

• How can we best meet our end users' needs?

Learning program:

• Students complete training in the safe operation of tools, equipment, and machinery

• Students follow the design process from start to finish; design brief, evaluation criteria, research, visualisations and working drawings, production, and evaluation.

Old is New Again                                  

Areas of study

• How can we maintain a safe working environment?

• What design and construction techniques can be used to create a range of products from old pieces to create modern pieces?

Learning program:

• Students complete training in the safe operation of tools, equipment, and machinery

• Students will use their creativity to produce a range of items from old products.

• Students follow the design process from start to finish; design brief, evaluation criteria, research, visualisations and working drawings, production, and evaluation. 

Studies of Religion                               

Areas of study

• What are the major religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism?

• How have religious beliefs changed over time? 

• How have religions influenced individuals and society?

Learning program:

• Students will research a major religion and participate in a structured discussion

• Students will investigate how religions have changed from ancient times to today  

• Students will evaluate how religions have influenced individuals and society, including how attitudes have evolved over time

Introduction to Ancient History   

Areas of study

• Why did groups form cities, and what influenced early humans out of villages or nomadic lifestyles?

• How did ancient civilisations develop the places they lived in? What kind of technologies were developed by our earliest societies, and how did this impact their living conditions?

• What are the key concepts and ideas that influenced the thoughts of ancient peoples? What are the impacts of philosophy, religion, and literature in the earliest forms of society?

Learning program:

• Students will complete a project based on an ancient civilisation

• Students will learn to make historical inquiries 

• Students will analyse primary and secondary sources  through fieldwork and object-based analysis.