Choosing a program

Choosing a Program – Units, Semesters and Programs 

What is a Semester? 

The Castlemaine Secondary College year is divided up into two semesters: 

• Semester 1 = Terms 1 and 2 (approximately)

• Semester 2 = Terms 3 and 4 (approximately) 

The advantages of dividing the year into semesters are that:

• Students can choose from a wider variety of subjects over the course of the year.

• Students have more opportunity to achieve success through studying subjects appropriate to their needs.

• Students have greater opportunities to undertake extension work in areas of interest or aptitude.

What is a Unit? 

From Year 9 to Year 12, a subject is called a unit. Some of these units are only taken for one semester. Others are taken as two units across two semesters. Some units can be taken in either Semester One or Semester Two while others are only offered in Semester One or Two. 

In Year 9 and 10, students study core units and elective units. All Year 9 students, except for those undertaking a Steiner program, study seven units each semester, while all Year 10 students, except for those undertaking a Steiner program, study six units each semester. There is an expectation that students at Year 11 will study six units, while students at Year 12 will study five units.

What is a Program? 

The combination of units you study is called your program. In selecting your program you should: 

• Carefully consider your interests, abilities, past studies and future aspirations.

• Carefully read the requirements of each unit.

• Pay particular attention to keeping your options open for the future.

• Consult with parents, Mentor Teacher, Subject Teachers, Careers Advisors and other relevant people.

• Follow the rules on compulsory units.