Year 10 Subject Choices

What do students study?

Students develop the skills to communicate, create, and think critically in a global context, with a strong focus on English language, literature, and literacy. They:

• Explore how language evokes emotion, conveys ideas, and persuades audiences.

• Interpret and create a wide range of spoken, written, and multimodal texts.

• Develop an informed appreciation of literature and its cultural significance.

• Learn about language variation, including the role of Standard Australian English.

How are students assessed?

• Text response and analytical essays

• Imaginative and creative responses to texts

• Media and language analysis

• Debates and oral presentations

• Research-based tasks

• Writing folios

• Grammar tasks and tests

• Exam

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 English

• Units 1 - 4 English Language

• Units 1 - 4 Literature

• Units 1 - 4 VCE VM Literacy

Advanced English is designed for high-achieving students and combines Year 10 English with elements of VCE English Language, VCE Literature, and VCE English.

What do students study?

• Students study complex texts across genres, styles, and contexts, and produce sophisticated written, spoken, and multimodal responses.

• The course includes analysis of language use, variation, and change (from English Language), as well as close reading and literary analysis (from Literature).

• Students develop critical thinking, refine their communication skills, and learn to craft texts with purpose and audience in mind.

How are students assessed?

• Text response/analytical essays

• Creative responses to texts

• Media and language analyses

• Debates and oral presentations

• Short answer questions

• Analytical commentaries

• Close analyses

• Writing folios

• Exams

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 English

• Units 1 - 4 English Language

• Units 1 - 4 Literature

This course is designed to prepare students for VCE Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics with the option of also doing VCE General Mathematics. There will be an emphasis on developing problem solving skills with the VCE study designs in mind.

What do students study?

Semester 1:

• Measurement and Pythagoras’ Theorem

• Algebraic expressions and equations

• Probability and Counting Methods

• Graphing of Linear Functions

• Trigonometry I

Semester 2:

• Simultaneous Equations

• Quadratic Functions and Graphing

• Surds and Indices

• Trigonometry II (The Unit Circle)

• Non-linear Functions

How are students assessed?

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 General Mathematics

• Units 1 - 4 Mathematical Methods

• Units 1 - 4 Specialist Mathematics

This course is designed to prepare students for VCE General Mathematics with the option of also doing VCE Foundation Mathematics. There will be an emphasis on developing problem solving skills with the VCE study designs in mind.

What do students study?

Semester 1:

• Measurement and Pythagoras Theorem

• Linear Algebraic expressions and equations

• Probability and its applications

• Graphing of Linear Functions

• Trigonometry

Semester 2:

• Simultaneous Equations

• Univariate and Bivariate Data

• Financial Mathematics

• Matrices

• Networks and Graphs

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Foundation Mathematics

• Units 1 - 4 General Mathematics

• Units 1 - 4 VCE VM Numeracy

What do students study?

Students focus on expressive and performance skills. The program is developmental, moving from improvisation and practical vocal and physical skill development, through to play-building and devising characters. These skills will then be applied to interpreting scripted drama and experimenting with design and technical elements of production. Students  participate in workshops to develop collaborative and expressive skills and self-confidence. Rehearsals lead to a performance at the end of the semester. Attendance at professional performances and/or theatre company workshops will enhance the students’ appreciation of expressive skills to use in their own work. Students will also explore and develop knowledge of non-acting production areas, such as lighting, sound, costume, direction, set and multimedia. They are encouraged to incorporate these into their own performances. 

How are students assessed?

• Major Performance Project

• Mini-performances

• Journal

• Performance Analysis

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Drama

• Units 1 - 4 Theatre Studies

What do students study?

Students learn the basics of both traditional black and white photography and digital photography. This includes the SLR camera parts and functions, proper handling of a camera and relating the art elements and principles to create artistic photographs. Students will refine their photographic skills through a focus on composition and light, practise various photographic techniques and explore more creative approaches to photography.

Students develop skills through the investigation of film processing, darkroom techniques and retouching photographs using photo-editing software such as Photoshop. Students will also learn the history of photography from the camera obscura to camera phones. They will become familiar with the work of famous photographers, both historical and contemporary. By the end of the course students should be able to compose, edit, critique and display their photographs, and have a basic understanding of the techniques and history behind it.

Students are not required to have their own SLR camera but access to a digital camera would be advantageous.

How are students assessed?

• Folio of photographic work

• Design processes documentation in Visual Diary

• Written analysis & case study

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Art Creative Practice

• Units 1 - 4 Visual Communication Design

What do students study?

Students will engage in film and TV studies with various topics to be looked at including representations, themes, social values and narrative. They will also look at advertising within the Media industry, including magazines, newspapers and social media.

How are students assessed?

• Film Studies

• Advertising

• Folio

• Exam

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Media

What do students study?

Students will engage in the practice of performing, creating and studying music that is representative of diverse genres, styles and cultures. Students develop knowledge of stylistic, aesthetic and expressive qualities and characteristics of music and develop their ability to communicate their understanding through:

• Music making

• Performing

• Composing, arranging and/or improvising

• Musicianship

• Aural perception, analysis and music language

It is preferable but not mandatory that students already have skills and experience playing a musical instrument.

How will students be assessed?

• Solo Performance

• Group Performance

• Exam

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Music

What do students study?

This course provides a solid introduction for students wishing to study VCE Art Creative Practice in Year 11 and 12. Students will look at the works and ideas of various artists throughout art history and seek sources of inspiration for their own art making. Students have the opportunity to experience a wide range of art media such as drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, photography and computer generated imagery using Photoshop. Students will utilise these media as an avenue of self expression to investigate a variety of themes such as: the urban or natural environment, portraiture, contemporary events and issues, popular culture etc.

How are students assessed?

• Folio of completed artworks

• Visual process diary

• Written analysis

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Art Creative Practice

• Units 1 - 4 Visual Communication Design

What do students study?

Students develop their ability to think and solve problems creatively and imaginatively. Students will create drawings and designs for Communication Design; book jackets, posters or advertisements. They will develop their skills in Environmental Design by drawing two-dimensional architectural plans or creating three-dimensional models. Students' experience is further developed for Industrial Design by creating products such as perfume bottles or furniture. Students may use a combination of traditional techniques and  computer programs; Illustrator, Photoshop and SketchUp. Work may be 3D printed or designs cut from materials like paper, vinyl, card stock or iron-on transfers.

This course will be tailored to meet student interests in the topics that are taught and prepare those who are wishing to take this subject in Years 11 and 12.

How are students assessed?

• Shadows and Textures

• Fragrance Bottle

• House Extension

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Visual Communication Design

Students will extend their learning about major tasks in establishing personal identity as well as identifying patterns of food consumption in Australia and strategies designed to improve these patterns. Students will examine the relationship between nutrition and stages of growth and development, and the eating practices associated with different stages of the lifespan. Students will investigate the work of government departments and non-government bodies in promoting and protecting the health of young people – including the law, policies and provision of healthservices. Students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to develop and enhance respectful relationships, including understanding and negotiating consent.

What do students study?

• Cardiovascular diseases, cancer, asthma and diabetes

• Injury

• Mental health

• Health promotion

• Healthy lifestyle decisions (food consumption)

• Diet and health, including the dietary guidelines 

• Body image

How are students assessed?

• Health Promotion Initiative

• Cancer Essay or Cancer Research Task

• Respectful Relationship and Consent Peer Presentation

• Exam

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Health and Human Development

This unit aims to develop an in-depth understanding of the body’s systems and how these systems work together to enable human movement. This unit has a practical and a theoretical component. Students will be involved in a selection of practical activities throughout the semester. They will have the opportunity to work both independently and in groups. This unit provides a strong foundation for further study of VCE Physical Education.

What do students study?

Theory components will include:

• Body systems - cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal and muscular systems

• Energy systems and energy production

• Fitness components

• Training methods and principles

Practical components will include:

• Fitness testing and analyses

• Practical activities that relate to energy systems and body systems

• Training method practical activities

How are students assessed?

• Musculoskeletal test

• Cardiorespiratory test

• Fitness testing and program development

• Exam

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Health and Human Development

Students develop an in-depth understanding of the biomechanical principles of the human body and how skill can improve through a knowledge of biomechanical movement. Students will develop an understanding of sports psychology to improve participation and skill acquisition through different stages of learning. This unit has a practical activities and theoretical component. Students will have the opportunity to work both independently and in groups. 

What do students study?

Theory components will include:

• Biomechanical principles of humanmovement

• Skill and skill acquisition

• Sports psychology – motivation, arousal vs anxiety

Practical components will include:

• Biomechanical comparisons

• Developing an understanding of biomechanics through practical activities

• ICT data collaboration

How are students assessed?

• Practical work andparticipation

• Theory assessments

• Exam

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Physical Education

Students will examine past and present Transport Accident Commission (TAC) road safety campaigns and analyse statistics related to crashes, injuries and fatalities across different demographics such as age, gender and vehicle safety. Based on their findings, students will research, plan and design their own road safety campaign targeting a current area of concern identified in TAC or Police data. They will also develop an understanding of various types of mental illness by researching a condition of their choice. Students will report on relevant statistics, consider the sociocultural factors that influence these trends and identify organisations that provide support for individuals affected by the illness.

What do students study?

• Road safety and TAC campaigns

• Mental illness and support services

• Sociocultural influences on mental health

• Social media, body image, and wellbeing

• Respectful relationships and consent

How are students assessed?

• Road safety advertisement and presentation 

• Mental health report 

• Respectful relationship and consent peer presentation 

• Exam 

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Health and Human Development

Civics and Citizenship aims to develop student understanding of the interconnectedness of Australia’s political and legal systems in readiness for VCE subjects. Students will identify the key principles of Australia’s justice system using contemporary examples and current issues. 

What do students study?

• Government and Democracy

• Maintaining Justice

• Citizenship, Diversity and Identity

How are students assessed?

• Active Citizenship Presentation

• Justice Research Report

• Exam

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Legal Studies

The world today is a complex and ever-evolving place, evidence of its complicated past. This history elective analyses events in late-modern history that have shaped how we vote, protest and live today. 

Students will investigate the causes of World War II and the debates surrounding Australia's involvement. They will consider significant places where Australians fought and their perspectives and experiences in these places. In addition to researching the nature of warfare, significant events and turning points of World War II, students will identify the effects of World War II on the world, with particular emphasis on the changes and continuities brought to Australian society that continue to affect us today. 

Students will focus on the fight for the rights and freedoms of Indigenous peoples, looking at key 20th Century events such as the Stolen Generations, the 1967 Referendum and the Mabo Decision through to the more recent Uluru Statement of the Heart. Furthermore, students will look at the history Australia immigration policy and the growth of multiculturalism after WWII, from the implementation and eventual dismantling of the White Australia policy to current debates around offshore detention.

What do students study?

• World War II

• Rights and Freedoms: the Australian Indigenous Protest Movement

• The Globalising World: Migration Experiences

How are students assessed?

• Annotated Timeline

• Research Project

• Exam

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 History

Thriving Planet, Thriving People invites students to explore the big questions shaping our world’s future and their place in it. Students will discover how natural forces and human choices interact to create change and investigate how we can make a positive impact as individuals and communities.

One of the highlights of this course is an exciting fieldtrip to St Kilda Beach, where students will get hands-on experience gathering data on how humans are affecting a local natural environment. They will investigate issues like pollution, marine habitats, and coastal change, using real scientific methods to understand the challenges and opportunities facing this region. 

Students will dive into real-world issues like climate change, urban growth, and global wellbeing, looking ahead to how life could be in 2050 and beyond. Through fieldwork and investigations, students will learn about different environments and develop creative solutions for a healthier planet and happier people. Students will examine the role of governments, from local councils to the United Nations, and learn from First Nations peoples’ approaches to caring for land. 

What do students study?

• Contemporary Australia

• Asian Regions

• Developing Regions

• Indigenous Peoples

How are students assessed?

• Research Task

• Fieldwork Report

• Analysis of Geographic Data

• Exam

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Geography

Students will develop their understanding about the marketplace from the perspectives of consumers, employees and business owners.  The emphasis is on business and economics, where students will investigate contemporary issues and events in a personal, local, national, regional and global context.  Students continue to develop their own economic and financial literacy knowledge and skills.

What do students study?

• The Australian and International Economies 

• Consumer and Financial Literacy

• Markets

• The Business Environment

• Innovation and Enterprise

• Work and Work Futures

How are students assessed?

• Business Innovation Pitch 

• Economics Test

• Personal Finance Project

• Exam

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Business Management

• Units 1 - 4 Economics

Year 10 French focuses on interpersonal communication, interpreting the language of other speakers, and presenting information and ideas in French on a range of themes and topics. Students develop and extend skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing and viewing in French in a range of contexts and develop cultural understanding in interpreting and creating language.

What do students study?

• Leisure

• Personal history

• World War II

• Book: Un sac de bille, Joseph Joffo

• Travel

• Art

How are students assessed?

• Writing tasks

• Listening, reading and responding tasks

• Speaking Tasks

• Exam

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 French

Current Year 9 students who have followed the French 1st Language (CNED) program should choose Year 11 Units 1 and 2, after consultation with their CNED teacher.

Students will focus on the areas of speaking, listening and writing through Japanese texts. They will further develop their understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture.

What do students study?

• Dialogues and Role Plays

• Listening tasks

• ICT Supported Activities

• Reading Comprehension

• Written Responses

How are students assessed?

• Writing tasks

• Listening, reading and responding tasks

• Speaking Tasks

• Exam

Where does this lead?

• Unit 1 - 4 Japanese

Year 9 students in the Japanese Immersion class completing the advanced program (Year 10) should choose Year 11 Japanese (VCE Units 1&2) after consultation with their teacher.

Students will focus on the areas of speaking, listening, reading, writing and viewing skills. They will study texts and generate written responses. Students will develop listening and conversational skills in Hebrew. They will further develop their understanding and appreciation of the culture.

What do students study?

• Conversations, role plays and dialogues

• Reading and listening comprehension

• Written response to multi-modal texts including viewing and creative writing

• ICT supported activities

How are students assessed?

• Conversations on chosen topics

• Reading and listening comprehension

• Written response to multi-modal texts including viewing and creative writing

• Presentations

• Exam

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Hebrew

In this subject, students delve into genetics and evolution, including the inheritance of traits and the role of DNA, genes and chromosomes. Students will investigate how species change over time through variation, isolation and natural selection. Ethical issues in modern biotechnology are also examined.

What do students study?

• Heredity and genetics

• DNA and chromosomes

• Patterns of inheritance

• Evolution and natural selection

• Biotechnology

How are students assessed?

• Practical Reports

• Research Tasks

• Tests

• Exams

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Biology

The course focuses on the structure of matter and the forces and energy that govern motion. They take a closer look at the periodic table, types of chemical reactions, and energy transfer in physical systems. Experiments include use of motion sensors and chemical analysis.

What do students study?

• Atomic structure and the Periodic Table

• Types of chemical reactions

• Law of Conservation of Mass

• Forces and motion

• Energy transfers

• Practical investigations with motion sensors

How are students assessed?

• Practical Reports

• Tests

• Exams

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Chemistry

• Units 1 - 4 Physics

Students investigate geological and astronomical systems. They learn about plate tectonics, global cycles, and the origin and exploration of the Universe. Students also study combustion and acid-base reactions and explore the properties of acids, bases and the pH scale.

What do students study?

• Plate tectonics and geological activity

• Global systems and the carbon cycle

• Galaxies, stars and solar systems

• Big Bang Theory

• Combustion and acid/base reactions

• Acids, bases and the pH scale

How are students assessed?

• Practical Reports

• Research Task

• Research Project

• Tests

• Exams

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Environmental Science

This subject introduces students to the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. They explore brain structure and function, and the effects of biological, psychological and social factors on behaviour. Students examine key psychological theories and processes involved in human development.

What do students study?

• Brain structure and neural communication

• Human behaviour and personality

• Biological, psychological and social influences

• Case studies and investigations

• Research skills and ethics

How are students assessed?

• Practical Reports

• Research Tasks

• Tests

• Exams

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Psychology

This is a theoretical and practical unit of study that introduces students to the role food plays in our lives and the influences on our food choice. Students will be studying the relationship between diet and health. They will explore the Australian dietary health guidelines and develop an understanding of the importance of macro and micro nutrients. They will discover the major food related disorders that exist in Australia today. In addition, they will develop skills in food safety and hygiene plus develop their menu planning and catering abilities. 

What do students study?

• The importance of eating healthy foods

• What factors influence our food choices?

• What are major and micro nutrients?

• Why are vitamins and minerals important?

• Energy and its importance to the human body

• Nutritional requirements for teenagers

• What are dietary disorders?

• Microbes in our food

• Vegetarianism

• Evaluate food presentation and processes.

How are students assessed?

• Production work

• Coeliac Disease project

• Exam

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Food Studies

• VET Hospitality (Cookery)

Students learn about the distinctive flavours and traditional dishes of cuisines from all over the world and how we have incorporated and modified these cuisines to suit local tastes. They also learn abou the importance of culture and how it influences what we eat, how we eat and why we eat.

The design process is used to design the solution for any production task (that is the making of the recipes). The stages of the design process are investigating, generating, collaborating and managing, producing and evaluating.

The topics below are only suggestions as students will have a choice as to what they are interested in investigating and producing.

What do students study?

• Middle Eastern Food: What is Kosher? What is Halal? (Chicken and Rice, Falafel)

• Italian Cooking: Regional cooking and ingredients (Pasta Making, Gnocchi)

• Asian Food: Japanese cooking and Chinese cooking (Nori Rolls, Beef stir fry with Asian Vegetables)

• Indian Food: common ingredients (Curry Making, Roti Making)

How are students assessed?

• Production Work

• Design Briefs

• Exam

Where does this lead?

• Units 1 - 4 Food Studies

Students collected and analysed data including interviewing stakeholders and designing solutions to solve problems. Students managed and collaboratively created interactive solutions for sharing ideas and information online, taking into account social contexts and legal responsibilities. They developed modular programs, applying selected algorithms and data structures including using an object-oriented programming language.

What do students study?

• Collect and analyse user and stakeholder data to inform the design of digital solutions.

• Analyse real-world problems to propose digital solutions.

• Design interactive solutions with a user-centric approach.

• Work collaboratively in teams to manage project workflows.

• Make informed decisions that consider social and ethical implications.

• Develop modular software using an object-oriented programming language.

• Implement selected algorithms and appropriate data structures. 

• Write, test, and debug code components.

How are students assessed?

• Game Programming

• Web Design

• Graphical User Interface Design

• Exam

Where does this lead?

• Unit 1 – 2 Applied Computing

• Unit 3 – 4 Applied Computing: Software Development

• Unit 3 – 4 Applied Computing: Data Analytics

• VET Information Technology

• VET Integrated Technologies

Microcontrollers are integrated into many systems that are part of our everyday lives. This includes home alarm systems, robotic systems, automotive systems, kitchen appliances, temperature control systems, to name a few. This unit will take students from basic components of a digitally controlled system, through to the fabrication technology used to house the systems and, finally, to the creation of an integrated digitally controlled system. 

What do students study?

• Exploration of emerging technologies and their impact on society, such as AI, IoT, and wearable tech innovations

• Microcontrollers (Raspberry Pi Pico) and advanced sensor technology

• MicroPython as the language used to program the microcontroller

• Micro:bits to create interactive digital systems using bulit-in sensors and output

• Fabrication techniques (3D printing and/or laser cutting) used to encase the controller

• Working as a team to create a digitally controlled system

How are students assessed?

• Emerging technologies 

• Developing code with MicroPython

• Creating a digitally-controlled system

• Exam

Where does this lead?

• Unit 1 – 2 Applied Computing

• Unit 3 – 4 Applied Computing: Software Development

• Unit 3 – 4 Applied Computing: Data Analytics

• VET Information Technology

• VET Engineering Studies

• VET Integrated Technologies