Innovators Academy - STEM / Length: 1 Semester

Course Content

The course is focused on problem and inquiry based learning where students will apply science, mathematical and technology theory to everyday problems in order to engineer innovative design solutions. Design challenges are student led and supportive of students improving perseverance, self-management and self-confidence. The course begins with a focus on teamwork and communication skills whilst developing student’s critical and creative thinking skills, to prepare them for the coming tasks. These tasks will be derived from individually selected real world problems/issues. Students will work collaboratively in teams to realise solutions to the problems or issues that they have identified. The intended outcome is that STEM participants will be successful, confident and creative independent learners as well as active and informed citizens.

Assessment

Is in accordance with the Australian Curriculum, with a specific focus on the curriculum’s general capabilities, and structured to suit SACE Integrated Learning. Assessment is based on 3 different pieces, practical enquiry (30%), personal endeavour (40%) and connections task (30%).

Additional Details

• Students must have achieved a C grade or better in both Mathematics and Science to join this course. Successful completion of STEM at Years 8 and 9 is highly desirable.

3D Printing, CAD, CAM, Laser Cutting and Programming / Length: 1 Semester

Course Content

The course is focused on using advanced manufacturing techniques to solve real world problems. Students will have the opportunity to discover real needs in either small business, manufacturing, retail, computer programming or gaming and then produce a product that will alleviate that problem. The final outcome of this course is to have students that are innovative enough to come up with solutions to problems and then present their ideas in a professional manner.

Assessment

Is in accordance with the Australian Curriculum, with a specific focus on the curriculum’s general capabilities, and will be reported to parents. Assessment is based on design, practical skills and knowledge and understanding. The program is 70% practical and 30% theory.

Additional Details

• Students must have achieved a passing grade in Year 9 3D Printing, CAD, CAM and Photography. It is also preferable if students have participated in any of the STEM and Year 9 3D Printing, CAD, CAM and Photography courses.

Child Studies / Length: 1 Semester

Course Content

This semester course introduces students to the study of child development and is flexible depending on the needs, capabilities and interests of each class. Topics covered include the stages of development, puberty, relationships, contraception, understanding pregnancy and childbirth, care of newborns with simulated experience, role of families and self-esteem, nutrition and children’s play. This course is very interactive and students must be prepared to participate fully to maximise their learning.

Assessment

Students undertake a wide variety of individual and small group practical and written tasks and must maintain a passing grade of C to be invited to participate in the Reality Baby experience.

Additional Details

• In the Child Studies course a privilege is that they get to use the Reality Babies. These will give the students as close to a real life experience as we can achieve. Due to the advancement of this technology there is a $25 hire fee if you choose to participate in this segment of the course.

Computing and Creative Industries / Length: 1 Semester 

This course is made up of two different sections, Creative Generation with Photoshop and Creating Video Games on Unreal Engine 4. Students make components such as logos, GIFs and other practical applications on Photoshop to increase their practical skills. Students will then work in small teams to create a video game on Unreal Engine 4. This could be their very own creation or led by the teacher.

Assessment

Is in accordance with the Australian Curriculum, and will be reported to parents. Assessment is based on design, practical skills and knowledge and understanding. The program is 70% practical and 30% theory.

Additional Details

• Requires basic computer use, such as Word and Excel.

• This course prepares students for Stage 1 Computing and Creative Industries. 

Digital Photography / Length: 1 Semester

Course Content

Students are introduced to the functions of a compact digital cameras. Students will learn how to appropriately use both the auto and manual settings on a digital camera. A basic introduction to Photoshop techniques will also be taught. The school has a number of compact cameras for student use but having their own compact camera would be beneficial. This course includes:

• Camera settings

• Introduction to Photoshop

• Photographic techniques

• Presentation

• Photographic analysis

Assessment

Is in accordance with the Australian Curriculum, and will be reported to parents. Assessment is based on design, practical skills and knowledge and understanding. The program is 70% practical and 30% theory.

Additional Details

• Students choose and cost the major work which may result in additional fees dependent on materials chosen.

Fashion Design / Length: 1 Semester

Course Content

The Year 10 Fashion Design course, offered as a Stage 1 subject, aims to deepen students' understanding of fashion design, textile technology and sustainability. Students will develop advanced skills in using sewing machines and overlockers, engage in two skill-building tasks, and undertake a major project that involves design development, and constructing and evaluating a garment of their choice.

Assessment

All assessment is in accordance with the SACE Industry and Entrepreneurial Solutions subject outline. Theory and practical assessment are based on the following performance standards: Investigation and Analysis, Design Development and Planning, Production and Evaluation. The program is 50% practical and 50% theory.

Additional Details

• A pass in Years 8 or 9 Technologies would be an advantage.

• SACE credits: 10 (Stage 1 SACE)

Food and Nutrition / Length: 1 Semester

Course Content

This course will use the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating to develop the knowledge and skills to enable students to design and prepare healthy food using a variety of techniques from individually sourced recipes. Meal planning and food preparation skills are developed through practical experiences each week. 

Assessment

Is in accordance with the Australian Curriculum, with a specific focus on the curriculum’s general capabilities, and will be reported to parents. Assessment is based on design, practical skills and knowledge and understanding. The program is 50% practical and 50% theory.

Additional Details

• A pass in Years 8 or 9 Technologies (Food) or Food and Nutrition would be an advantage.

Metalwork / Length: 1 Semester

Course Content

This course covers a wide range of skills and processes involving sheet metalwork, lathe work and oxyacetylene welding practices. Students are involved in the design process with at least one major project that involves drawing and metal fabrication. Free choice project work may involve toolboxes, camping shovels, storage drawers and advanced lathe work like soft faced hammers.

Assessment

Is in accordance with the Australian Curriculum, and will be reported to parents. Assessment is based on design, practical skills and knowledge and understanding. The program is 70% practical and 30% theory.

Cost

• School fees cover up to $25 worth of materials.

Robotics and Electronics / Length: 1 Semester

Course Content

A course that introduces students to basic electronics principles. Students learn the basic skills of soldering, PCB construction, reading circuit diagrams, designing PCB layouts and applied mathematics, with a focus on electronic engineering. This course includes effective communication of ideas and the correct and safe use of tools and equipment: 

• Investigating: safety, electronic components, circuit operation

• Planning: circuit drawing, PCB design, component selection and calculations

• Creating: production of projects with suitable case

• Evaluation: reflection and analysis of products and processes

Assessment

Is in accordance with the Australian Curriculum, and will be reported to parents. Assessment is based on design, practical skills and knowledge and understanding. The program is 70% practical and 30% theory.

Additional Details

• Students choose and cost the major work which may result in additional fees dependent on materials chosen.

Cost

School fees cover up to $25 worth of materials.

Woodwork / Length: 1 Semester 

Course Content

Students get the opportunity to design and then construct a piece of furniture. This allows them to be creative in their design and also learn skills that are ideal for the carpentry industry.

Assessment

Students are required to demonstrate evidence of their learning through skills and applications tasks, a design folio and project/s. Assessment is in accordance with the Australian Curriculum, and will be reported to parents. The program is 70% practical and 30% theory

Cost

• School fees cover up to $25 worth of materials.