Elective Units at Melrose
Elective Selections
Students will select their elective preferences through an online portal called Web Preferences. Through this program, students will complete their elective class preferences, ensuring they follow the instructions to fill in each component. Web Preferences will allocate elective classes to students based on their preferences, the preferences of their peers and works to establish the best outcome for each student. We offer a range of subjects however only those with enough engagement and where we can cover with staff will run. Each student will be sent instructions to their schoolsnet email address when Web Preferences is available. The information in the email will outline the requirements to complete the preference choices. Students having issues with the elective selection process should come to the Library so that we can assist you or reply email from the Web Preferences email.
ACE and special application classes
There are a number of extension elective classes offered in the Arts, Technology and PE faculties for Year 9 & 10 Students. While these are listed in the handbook, application to these classes is separate to the Web Preferences selection form. Students wishing to undertake ACE elective units will need to complete the ACE application form emailed to them in Term 4, Week 4 (For Semester 1) or Term 2, Week 4 (for Semester 2). Information will also be included in the Daily Announcements and be displayed on the internal electronic notice boards. See the ACE Elective units HERE
Unit cost
The School Board allocates government funding for the purchase of new high quality resources such as IT hardware and software, books and equipment. The School Board also asks parents to make a voluntary financial contribution towards the purchase of student consumable items each semester. Items such as paper, internet downloads, cooking ingredients, art and wood supplies, chemicals and subscriptions are used to enhance the range of learning experiences. Some units require additional charges to cover the cost of excursions, programs and memberships, these are noted next to the unit descriptions.
Requirements
Year 7 & 8
Students in Year 7 and 8 will rotate through Arts and Technology units in addition to their core subjects. Students will be allocated to a class rotation and over the two years will study units in Digital Technology, Visual arts, Performing Arts and Design Technologies.
Language is selected in Year 7 and is continued through to the end of Year 8.
Year 9 & 10
Students in Year 9 & 10 select two elective units per semester. Physical Education will be automatically allocated on the third line.
Time lines
Term 2: Week 4 - Applications for ACE and other special units for Semester 2
Term 2: Week 4 - The Web Preferences form opens for Yr 9 & 10 students to select Semester 2 units. The form closes at the end of Week 4.
Term 2: Week 9 - Students are informed of their successful selections. Students who did not receive their first preferences will be able to review their allocations however the opportunity to make changes may be limited.
Term 4: Week 4 - Applications for ACE and other special units for Semester 1 the following year.
Term 4: Week 4 - The Web Preferences form opens to Yr 9 & 10 students to select for the following semester. The form closes at the end of Week 5.
Term 4: Week 5 - The Web Preferences form opens to Yr 6 students to select Language for the following year. The form closes at the end of Week 6.
Term 4: Week 9 - Students are informed of their successful selections. Students who did not receive their first preferences will be able to review their allocations however the opportunity to make changes may be limited.
Elective Allocations
Students use a program call WebPreferences to nominate their preferred and reserve elective choices. They chose 2 preferred electives and a PE class followed by 5 reserve electives. The elective nominations are then uploaded to the Timetable program where other parameters such as class size and availability, teacher availability and other special considerations are entered. The program is run and is set to optimise the best outcome for the majority of students & for the majority of their elective lines. In some instances it is impossible to allocate the preferred class and when it is not possible , the students reserve choices are actioned. For example: Health and Safety dictates that there can only be 24 students in the Wood Workshop class however there may have been 30 students who nominated for the class. In this case 6 students would get their reserve choice.
For the most, the majority students are allocated to classes that they elected as their first preferences. If they receive their first choices they will not be able to make any changes. If however the first preferences are not received, these students have the option in Week 9 to review their allocations and amend if practicable. It must be noted that the opportunity to change may be limited due to class size limits. Following this period any further class changes are made by application to the appropriate Faculty SLC. These will be considered based on the following criteria:
a. The request comes from the Parent/Carer and is based on a genuine need to move from the class such as student health & wellbeing, safety or engagement.
b. There is room to move into another class.