Year 12 – Stage 2

agricultural systems – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge/Prerequisites
Minimum C grade in Stage 1 Animal Science, Crop & Plant Science and/or Biology and Chemistry.

Course Description
Students who choose this subject will focus their studies on learning about the scientific principles and concepts that underpin agricultural systems and the management of animals, plants and soils.  More specifically in Animal Systems students will learn about digestion, nutrient uptake, animal nutrition requirements and feeding options as well as animal reproduction and breeding programmes.  In plant systems student will learn about plant structure and function, how a plant grows and how plant growth can be manipulated to maximise production.  In Soil and Water Systems students will learn about the important soil characteristics such as structure, texture, pH and how these characteristics s affect plant growth as well as the importance of soil organic matter and soil water.

Content

• Animal Systems
• Plant Systems
• Soil and Water Systems
• Experimental Investigation

Assessment Components

• 30% Agricultural Reports
• 40% Applications
• 30% Experimental Investigation (External)

animal production – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
Minimum C grade in Stage 1 Animal Science 1 & 2 or Stage 1 Animal Management subjects.

Course Description
Students will extend and integrate their understanding of the key aspects of animal production, including nutrition, reproduction, breeding systems, animal welfare and disease and pest management as well as climate influences and marketing. They apply and evaluate practical animal management skills.  In their studies, students maintain a key focus on animal health and welfare.

Content

• Animal Nutrition
• Animal Reproduction
• Animal Breeding Systems
• Animal Welfare
• Disease and Pest Management
• Climate Factors affecting practices
• Marketing

Assessment Components

• 30% Agricultural Reports (School Assessment)
• 40% Applications Tasks (School Assessment)
• 30% Production Investigation (External Assessment)

Additional Information
Animal Production and Plant Production cannot be studied together.

plant production – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
Minimum C grade in Stage 1 Agriculture subjects and or Biology.

Course Description
Students will extend and integrate their understanding of the key aspects of plant production, including plant nutrition, reproduction, production practices and disease, pest and weed management as well as soils, water and farming systems.  They examine strategies for sustainable production, analysing how these vary according to changing environmental conditions.  Students also investigate the role of technology and biotechnology in plant production and explore innovative ways scientists develop and improve technological processes to enhance the productivity of crops in response to global demand.

Content

• Plant production practices
• Plant nutrition
• Plant reproduction
• Plant pests and diseases
• Weed management
• Soil management
• Farming systems

Assessment Components

• 30% Agricultural Reports (School Assessment)
• 40% Applications Tasks (School Assessment)
• 30% Production Investigation (External Assessment)

Additional Information
Plant Production and Animal Production cannot be studied together.

drama – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
It is assumed that students will have knowledge of theorists Stanislavsky and Brecht, and have performed on and possibly off stage.

Course Description
Students will develop a performance, study a contemporary innovator, see at least two live performances and investigate a significant play/theatrical event. The developed performance is externally assessed.

Content

• Complex Production Analysis and Performance
• Tim Burton Study
• Live Performance Viewing
• Script Investigation

Assessment Components

• Group Production (exam)
• Production Report
• 2 Reviews
• Group Presentation
• Essay on a Contemporary Practitioner

Additional Information
Students will have to be prepared to pay for and see plays after hours, as well as attend production rehearsals on weekends and after school.

music – ensemble performance – full year course – 10 credits

(usually studied in conjunction with SOLO PERFORMANCE for a total of 20 credits)

Assumed Knowledge:
Students will have completed 3-4 years of classroom Music or students will have had instrumental or vocal lessons for at least 3 years.

Course Description
Music Performance (Ensemble) develops students’ skills on a chosen instrument or their voice. They learn to apply these skills through developing an awareness of their instrument, its function within various styles of music and in an ensemble. They also develop an ability to accurately discuss key musical elements of their chosen repertoire and develop strategies to improve and refine their own musical performance.

Content

• Ensemble rehearsals and performance
• Part testing
• Discussion of chosen repertoire using musical terminology and reflection on strategies used to develop the performance aspects of the course.

Assessment Components

• Students perform a repertoire consisting of a minimum of 18 minutes over 2 summative school based assessments and a third externally moderated assessment.
• In the second assessment students will need to deliver a reflection of their work consisting of a four minute oral presentation or an 800 word written reflection.
• For external moderation a three minute oral presentation or 500 word written reflection is required.

music – solo performance – full year course – 10 credits

(usually studied in conjunction with SOLO PERFORMANCE for a total of 20 credits)

Course Description
Music Performance (Solo) develops student’s skills on a chosen instrument or their voice. They learn to apply these skills through developing an awareness of their instrument and its function within various styles of music through solo performance pieces. They also develop an ability to accurately discuss key musical elements of their chosen repertoire and develop strategies to improve and refine their own musical performance.

Content:

• Solo Practice
• Discussion of chosen repertoire using musical terminology and reflection on strategies used to develop the performance aspects of the course.

Assessment Components

• Students perform a repertoire consisting of a minimum of 18 minutes over 2 summative school based assessments and a third externally moderated assessment.
• In the second assessment students will need to deliver a reflection of their work consisting of a four minute oral presentation or an 800 word written reflection
• For external moderation a three minute oral presentation or 500 word written reflection is required.

visual arts – art – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
It is recommended that students have completed a semester of Year 11 Art. If this is not the case, they should demonstrate a genuine interest in the creating and making of art work.

Course Description
Students will be required to choose a topic for each section of the course. Students will explore, research, experiment and document their findings. This will culminate in a Visual Study (2000 words), two Folios and two Major Pieces.

Content

• Folio – Documentation (practical and written) of visual learning which supports the development of resolved works of art.
• Practical – Resolved work demonstrating a personal idea and developed practical skills. It will be accompanied by a written practitioner’s statement.
• Visual Study – Explores and experiments with one or more styles, ideas, concepts, media, materials, methods, techniques or technologies.

Assessment Components

• 40% Folio
• 30% Practical
• 30% Visual Study
• Presentation of completed pieces at nominated times.

Additional Information
There will be an excursion to view the SACE Year 12 Art Show.  Students will be required to attend other exhibitions out of school hours and students may need to purchase material for their major pieces e.g. large canvas.

visual arts – design – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
It is recommended that students have completed a unit of Year 11 Design. If this is not the case, they should demonstrate a genuine interest in the designs of others and creating works of design

Course Description
With support and guidance, students will choose a topic for each area of learning. Students will research, explore, experiment and create final works that demonstrate their learning in Design.

Content

• Folio – Documentation (practical & written) of visual learning which reflects the development of resolved works of design.
• Practical – Resolved works of design, demonstrating development of original ideas showing developed technical skills. This also includes a Practitioner’s Statement of 500 words.
• Visual Study – A personal investigation into a chosen area of design. It involves research, exploration, experimentation with forms, ideas, concepts, media, materials, methods, techniques and technologies.

Assessment Components

• 40% Folio
• 30% Practical
• 30% Visual Study

Additional Information
There will be an excursion to view the SACE Year 12 Art Show. Students may need to attend out of hours sessions and may need to purchase extra materials for their major pieces.

activating identities & futures – semester course – 10 credits

Course Description
Activating Identities and Futures (AIF) is a compulsory Stage 2 subject that is completed in Year 11 which aims to foster independent learning and the skills of lifelong learning in students. AIF gives students the opportunity to study an area of interest in depth, encouraging them to use their creativity and initiative, while developing research skills.  AIF is the revitalised Research Project and counts towards an ATAR.

Content
Students will explore their area of interest, developing student agency and co-agency to:

• Develop a learning intention/goal.
• Develop research strategies and seek perspectives to progress their learning.
• Check and reflect on learning progress.
• Appraise their learning progress and output or achievement of the goal.

Assessment Components

• 30 % Portfolio
• 40% Progress Check -1500 words or 10 minutes
• 30% Appraisal – 1000 words or 6minutes

(All assessment components may be presented in a format of the student’s choice)

Additional Information
Activating Identities and Futures is a compulsory subject and students must pass with a C- grade or better to achieve the SACE.

community studies – semester or full year course – 10 or 20 credits

Course Description
This course gives students the chance to learn in and contribute to their community, which can include students’ school, workplace, sports club, leisure venues and home. This subject allows students to make decisions about what they are going to learn and how they will go about learning it. Students negotiate with their teacher and other people in the community as to their learning plan and the skills and knowledge required to reach their goals. Much of the learning will take place in the community and may be self-directed and unsupervised, with the support of the school and other members of the community.

Content

• Goal Setting and Progress Monitoring
• New Knowledge and Skills in Relation to Chosen Topic
• Effective Decision Making
• Relating to Others
• Communicating in Different Contexts
• Dealing with Change

Assessment Components
Assessment is individually negotiated with the teacher

computer aided design – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
Stage 1 Design and Technology subjects with Stage 1 CAD an advantage.

Course Description
A full year course which can be studied in Year 11 by advanced graphics students followed by Stage 2 Design and Technology Studies in Year 12 or as a single Year 12 subject. This course has an emphasis on practical CAD drawing skills and industrial design.

Content

• CAD – Reverse Engineering a Commercial Product
• Analysis and Redesign of a Commercial Product
• Industrial Issues Study
• Material Investigation
• Product Design and Prototyping using CNC machine and 3-D Printing

Assessment Components

• 20% Skills and Application
• 50% Major Product, Product Folio – product design & evaluation
• 30% Materials testing and Impact essay

Furniture construction – full year course – 20 credits

Course Description
In this course students construct a bedside table as their skills task and then design and produce another piece of furniture of their choice for a major project.

Content

• Frame & Drawer Construction
• Material Testing
• Design Folio for Major Project
• Machine Operation
• Construction of Major Project

Assessment Components

• 20% Skills and Application
• 50% Major Product, Product Folio – product design & evaluation
• 30% Materials testing and Impact essay

Additional Information
An additional fee may be required to cover the costs of materials if a student designs an oversized project. Further information will be provided.

Metal technology – full year course – 20 credits

Course Description
A practical metal course involving lathe work, general machining, welding, fabrication and bench work. The Skills Task is a mitre clamp. The course has a focus on CAD/CAM using the CNC lathe and CNC plasma cutter. Students will design and construct a major project of their own choice negotiated with the teacher.

Content

• Welding – gas, arc, GMAW (MIG), TIG
• Metal machining – Lathe
• Fabrication
• Design – folio development and project planning

Assessment Components

• 20% Skills Exercises
• 50% Major Product, Product Folio – product design & evaluation
• 30% Materials testing and Impact essay

Additional Information
An additional fee may be required to cover the costs of materials if a student designs an oversized project. Further information will be provided.

workplace practices – full year course – 20 credits

Course Description
This subject provides opportunities to learn about the world of work, application for employment, industrial relations and industry skill training. It is suitable for all students, including those planning tertiary study or work, in their transition from school. Students will do work placements and industry skill training (VET course) of their choice to match the industry pathway they may follow on completion of secondary school.

Content

• Finding employment
• Industrial relations
• Workplace ethics
• Performance in work experience
• Work experience reflections
• Balance work, life and learning

​
Assessment Components

• Folio Assignments
• Work Experience Portfolio
• Issues Investigation
• Performance in the Workplace Reflections

Additional Information
Students are required to undertake 50 – 60 hours of work placement

english – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
Strong passes in English in Stage 1 are highly recommended, given the language-rich nature of this subject.

Course Description
In English students analyse the interrelationship of author, text, and audience, with an emphasis on how language and stylistic features shape ideas and perspectives in a range of contexts. They consider social, cultural, economic, historical, and/or political perspectives in texts and their representation of human experience and the world.
Students explore how the purpose of a text is achieved through application of text conventions and stylistic choices to position the audience to respond to ideas and perspectives. They have opportunities to reflect on their personal values and those of other people by responding to aesthetic and cultural aspects of texts from the contemporary world, from the past, and from Australian and other cultures.

Content

• Responding to texts (novel, film, poetry)
• Creating texts (exposition, narrative, free choice)
• Comparative analysis (of two texts)

Assessment Components
Eight summative tasks over the year.

• 30% Responding to texts (two written pieces, one oral)
• 40% Creating texts (three written pieces and a writer’s statement)
• 30% External Assessment: Comparative Analysis (two texts)

english literary studies – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
High passes in English in Stage 1 are strongly recommended, given both the language-rich nature of this subject and the focus on analysis, understanding of technique and development of critical argument.

Course Description
Stage 2 English Literary Studies focuses on the skills and strategies of critical thinking needed to interpret texts. Through shared and individual study of texts, students encounter different opinions about texts, have opportunities to exchange and develop ideas, find evidence to support a personal view, learn to construct logical and convincing arguments, and consider a range of critical interpretations of texts.  English Literary Studies focuses on ways in which literary texts represent culture and identity, and on the dynamic relationship between authors, texts, audiences, and contexts. Students develop an understanding of the power of language to represent ideas, events, and people in particular ways, and of how texts challenge or support cultural perceptions.

Content

• Responding to texts (prose, film, drama, poetry, short texts)
• Creating texts (transformative text with writer’s statement, e.g. poem to drama script, free choice)
• Comparative text study (one from Shared Studies, the other chosen by the student)

Assessment Components
Eight summative tasks over the year.

• 50% Responding to texts (four tasks)
• 20% Creating texts (two texts)
• 30% External Assessment: Text study (Comparative text study 15%; Critical reading 15%)

essemtial english – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
A pass in Stage 1 English.

Course Description
The study of Essential English helps students develop personal and social identity through reading and composing texts. In this subject students respond to and create texts in and for a range of personal, social, cultural, community, and/or workplace contexts. Students understand and interpret information, ideas, and perspectives in texts and consider ways in which language choices are used to create meaning.

Content

• Responding to texts (e.g. novel, short story, film media)
• Creating texts
• Language study

Assessment Components
Eight summative tasks over the year.

• 30% Responding to texts (written, multi-modal and or oral responses)
• 40% Creating texts (written, multimodal and or oral pieces)
• 30% External Assessment: Language study

child studies – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
Stage 1 Child Studies or Food & Hospitality

Course Description
This course focuses on children’s growth and development from conception to 8 years. Students critically examine contemporary issues relating to children and gain an understanding of the growth and development of children.  This subject enables students to develop a variety of research, management, and practical skills.  Students will be involved in planning and implementing activities with primary school aged children and designing and creating a variety of resources suitable for children.

Content

• Special Dietary requirements
• Teaching safety through food preparation
• Children Literature
• Working with Children
• Advertisements for children’s television
• Developing classroom resources for Junior Primary

Assessment Components

• 70% Practical Tasks (action plan, research, evaluations
• 30% Independent Investigation related to an area of study selected by the student

Additional Information
An additional fee may be incurred for materials for practical assignments.

food & hospitality – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
Stage 1 Food & Hospitality would be an advantage but is not essential.

Course Description
This course focused on the contemporary and changing nature of the food and hospitality industry. Students critically examine contemporary and future issues within the food and hospitality industry and the influences of the economic, environment, legal, political, sociocultural, and technological factors at local, national, and global levels.

Content

• The impact of current trends legislation and marketing strategies on the food and hospitality industry
• The influence of digital technologies and social media on the food and hospitality industry
• The response of the food and hospitality industry to the needs of diverse community groups within society
• The contribution of the food and hospitality industry to local economies
• The environmental impact of the changing nature of the food and hospitality industry

Assessment Components

• 70% Practical Tasks (action plan, research, evaluations)
• 30% Independent Investigation related to an area of study selected by the student.

Additional Information
Consumable products may incur an additional fee.

Health & wellbeing – full year course – 20 credits

Course Description
This subject is offered to any student who has a commitment to their personal growth and is prepared to develop an increased awareness of appropriate health behaviour. In this course, students will be encouraged to challenge, develop and affirm their own values, opinions and beliefs about a variety of aspects related to health. Students will need to decide and act on issues affecting the health of individuals and the community whilst identifying health promotion to improve health status and well-being.

Content

• Determinants of Health – Identifying what constitutes good health and the factors affecting individuals and communities’ health status and well-being; development of life skills to improve or maintain personal health; strategies in creating supportive environments
• Sexuality and Relationships – Identifying sexual identity of individuals using  sex-role stereotypes and role models; Identifying relationship importance including the role of power in relationships; socialisation of sexual identity and gender construction.

Assessment Components

• 70% Group assignment, Initiative Assignment, Folios
• 30% Independent investigation related to an area of study selected by the student.

Additional Information
An additional fee to access community services may be incurred.

outdoor education – full year course – 20 credits

Course Description
Two to three practical activities will be selected by the students including bushwalking and an aquatic activity e.g. surfing. The main focus is to develop the students understanding of the environment/eco systems they travel and study, and to enable them to develop their own sound environmental ethics. The field–based activities incorporated into this program allow students to develop technical skills, leadership, and independence. They are able to explore and apply sustainable practices in relation to the environment.

Content

• Folio Work
• First Aid
• Leadership and Planning
• Risk Management
• Environmental Studies

Assessment Components

• 50% Experience in Natural Environments
• 20% About Natural Environments
• 30% External Investigation

Additional Information
There will be an additional fee for camps and the first aid course.  Students will spend approximately 11 days out of school while on camps and it is expected they will follow up work missed during this time.

sports studies – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
A proven commitment to physical activity and completion of Stage 1 Physical Education A and/or B is an advantage.

Course Description
The Sports Studies – Integrated Physical Education Stage 2 course is based on the practical side of sports. The course enables students to think critically about their own skills and evaluate their practical performances. Theoretical components are embedded within these practical activities enabling students to connect and reflect on their chosen capabilities whilst in collaborative environments.

Content

• Practical Inquiry: Students demonstrate their understanding and application of sports knowledge and skills through several practical activities. They reflect on their learning and progress in each practical, focusing on skill development rather than data analysis. The development of their skills occurs in practical sessions with opportunities to analyse and evaluate evidence of their improvement.
• Connections: Students collaborate in small groups to research, develop and implement a coaching course with another cohort of students. Specific roles and responsibilities in coaching occurs with evaluation of evidence, and reflection of their involvement. Students also have opportunities to develop and implement a sporting awareness campaign of their choosing. They will research and reflect on their involvement as well as evaluate the development of their chosen capability through collaboration. This all occurs with the focus and development of a chosen capability.
• Personal Endeavour: Students take on a practical based where they investigate, design, and implement a chosen fitness program. They use evidence to reflect on their success and areas of improvement. Students will connect their personal endeavour to a chosen capability, exploring the relationship between this capability and their program.

Assessment Components

• AT1: Practical Inquiry – Skills Practical (40%)
• AT2: Connections – Coaching and Community Awareness (30%)
• AT3: Personal Endeavour – Fitness Improvement (30%)

Additional Information
Students are expected to be changed into the Physical Education uniform and are expected to participate fully.​
An additional fee to access community services and specialist tuition may be required depending on the sports covered.

No available subjects in 2025

essential mathematics – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
Stage 1 General Mathematics A or B (preferably both)

Course Description
This subject allows students to extend their mathematical skills on ways that apply to practical problem solving in every day and workplace contexts. A problem -based approach is integral to the development of mathematical skills and associated key ideas in this subject.

Content

• Topic 1: Scales, Planes & Models
• Topic 2: Measurement
• Topic 3: Business Applications
• Topic 4: Statistics
• Topic 5: Investments & Loans
• Mid-Year Internal Examination

Assessment Components

• 30% Skills and Assessment Tasks
• 40% Investigations – Folio
• 30% End of Year Examination (on Topics 2, 4 and 5)

Additional Information
A Casio Graphics calculator is required.

general mathematics – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
Sound passes in either Stage 1 Mathematics Methods or General Mathematics, and good study habits.

Course Description
Stage 2 General Mathematics offers students the opportunity to develop a strong understanding of the process of mathematical modelling and its application to problem-solving in everyday workplace contexts
A problem-based approach is integral to the development of both the models and the associated key concepts in the topics. These topics cover a range of mathematical applications, including linear functions, statistics, finance, and optimisation.

Content

• Topic 1. Modelling with Linear Relationships
• Topic 2. Statistical Models
• Topic 3. Financial Models
• Topic 4. Discrete Models
• Topic 5. Open Topic Small Business Management
• Mid-Year Internal Examination

Assessment Components

• 40% Skills & Application Tasks (5 tests)
• 30% Investigations (2 Investigation)
• 30% End of Year Examination (on Topics 2, 3 & 4)

Additional Information
Students studying Stage 1 Mathematics Methods who do not meet the pre-requisite standard of work for Stage 2 Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics may enrol in Stage 2 General Mathematics provided a reasonable attempt has been made in assessment pieces throughout the Stage 1 Mathematics Methods units.
A Casio Graphics calculator is required.

mathematical methods – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
Good grades (C+ or better) in Stage 1 Mathematics Methods A, B & C and good study habits.

Course Description
Mathematical Methods develops an increasingly complex and sophisticated understanding of calculus and statistics. By using functions and their derivatives and integrals, and by mathematically modelling physical processes, students develop a deep understanding of the physical world through a sound knowledge of relationships involving rates of change. Students use statistics to describe and analyse phenomena that involve uncertainty and variation.
Mathematical Methods provides the foundation for further study in mathematics, economics, computer sciences, and the sciences. It prepares students for courses and careers that may involve the use of statistics, such as health or social sciences. When studied together with Specialist Mathematics, this subject can be a pathway to engineering, physical science, and laser physics

Content

• Topic 1: Further Differentiation and Applications
• Topic 2: Discrete Random Variables
• Topic 3: Integral Calculus
• Topic 4: Logarithmic Functions
• Topic 5: Continuous Random Variables and the Normal Distribution
• Topic 6: Sampling and Confidence Intervals Statistics
• Mid-Year Internal Examination

Assessment Components

• 50% Skills & Application Tasks (6 Tests)
• 20% Investigations Folio (1 Investigation)
• 30% End of Year Examination

Additional Information
A Casio Graphics calculator is required.

specialist mathematics – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
Good grades (B or better) in Stage 1 Specialist Mathematics D and good study habits.

Course Description
Specialist Mathematics draws on and deepens students’ mathematical knowledge, skills, and understanding, and provides opportunities for students to develop their skills in using rigorous mathematical arguments and proofs, and using mathematical models. It includes the study of functions and calculus. The subject leads to study in a range of tertiary courses such as mathematical sciences, engineering, computer science, and physical sciences.
The topics in Stage 2 extend students’ mathematical experience and their mathematical flexibility and versatility, in particular, in the areas of complex numbers and vectors. The general theory of functions, differential equations, and dynamic systems provides opportunities to analyse the consequences of more complex laws of interaction.

Content

• Topic 1: Mathematical Induction
• Topic 2: Complex Numbers
• Topic 3: Functions and Sketching Graphs
• Topic 4: Vectors in Three Dimensions
• Topic 5: Integration Techniques and Applications
• Topic 6: Rates of Change and Differential Equations
• Mid-Year Internal Examination

Assessment Components

• 50% Skills & Application Tasks (6 tests)
• 20% Investigations Folio (1 Investigation)
• 30% End of Year Examination

Additional Information
A Casio Graphics calculator is required.

biology – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
A pass in any Stage 1 Science subject.

Course Description
Students will develop an appreciation for the scientific process as a means of enquiry into the living world, as well as an awareness of the social implications that research in the biological field creates.  They will develop their ability to communicate a comprehensive understanding of a wide variety of biological concepts and to subsequently apply these to new situations.

Content

• Cells as the Basis of Life
• DNA & Proteins
• Homeostasis
• Evolution

Assessment Components

• 40% Investigations Folio
• 30% Skills and Applications Tasks
• 30% Examination

chemistry – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
A pass in Stage 1 Chemistry A & B.

Course Description
Students who complete this course will have demonstrated an understanding of how knowledge of chemistry can be used to make informed conclusions or decisions, taking into account social and environmental contexts.  They will have shown their ability to formulate questions, manipulate apparatus, record observations, and design and undertake chemistry investigations.

Content

• Monitoring the Environment
• Managing Chemical Processes
• Organic and Biological Chemistry
• Managing Resources

Assessment Components

• 30% Investigations Folio
• 40% Skills and Applications Tasks
• 30% Examination

earth & environmental science – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
A pass in any Stage 1 Science subject.

Course Description
This course considers how human beings use the Earth’s resources and the impact of human activities on the environment. Students will complete an investigation into an Earth or environmental issue. They will look at how the use of geological resources affects their lifestyle, the future of renewable energy such as solar, wind and wave power, pollution of the atmosphere, rivers and oceans, the environmental impact of mining and exploration techniques, the melting of the ice sheets, ocean temperatures and currents and the impact of fossil fuels on ecosystems.

Content

• Earth Systems
• The Earth’s Resources
• Does the earth have a sustainable future?
• Climate change

Assessment Components

• 30% Investigation Folio
• 40% Skills and Applications Tasks
• 30% Earth Systems Study​

environmental science & technology – stem – full year course – 20 credits

Course Description
This course is for students wishing to continue into tertiary or further studies in Science, Environmental Science or Environmental Technology. It is a junction of Mathematics, Science and Technology used to look at and develop engineering solutions. This is a largely self-directed course where students choose a topic associated with an environmental or sustainability issue, that requires and engineering solution. Through the use of mentors, students design and construct investigations, gather and interpret data, and critically evaluate the impact of science and technology on the environment, and develop a working or model solution. Both collaboratively, and individually, they will employ a scientific approach to collecting, representing, and analysing data using technological tools effectively. After critically evaluating their procedures or models, students communicate scientifically to draw evidence-based conclusions that may lead to further testing, exploring more effective methods or solutions, or new questions.

Content

• Field Science Principles and Practice
• Design Investigation
• Analysis and Interpretation of Scientific Data
• Critical Evaluation of Scientific Practices

Assessment Components

• Investigation
• Practical Investigations
• Issues investigations
• Demonstration
• Data Interpretation Exercise

Additional Information
A course fee of $80 includes materials for student projects. Due to the practical nature of the scientific investigations conducted, there is often a requirement for after school, weekend and school holiday work.

physics – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
A pass in Stage 1 Physics A & B.

Course Description
Students who complete this course will understand some of the key concepts in Physics, the characteristics of Physics and the ways physicists ask questions about nature.  They will understand how physics concepts are used in selected applications and show the ability to solve problems using physics ideas.  They will develop skills in the communication of physics ideas.

Content

• Motion and Relativity
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Light and Atoms

Assessment Components

• 40% Investigations Folio
• 30% Skills and Applications Tasks
• 30% Examination

Additional Information
A good scientific calculator is essential for this course. The purchase of a work book is required (approximately $40).  A study guide is recommended (approximately $30).

psychology – full year course – 20 credits

Assumed Knowledge
C grade or better in any Year 11 Science subject. Entry into this course without achieving this grade will only occur by way of Coordinator approval. Students should also be aware that literacy skills are also required due to the language requirements of the course.

Course Description
Psychology seeks to describe, explain, and predict in relation to thoughts, feelings and behaviour. In this unit students utilise the research tools used in Psychology. They develop skills in the use of the scientific method as it applies to Psychology and learn to select the appropriate research design for a given investigation. Ethical issues relating to each topic and investigation are explored and analysed.

Content

• Psychology of the Individual
• Psychological Health and Wellbeing
• Organisational Psychology
• Social Influence
• The Psychology of Learning

Assessment Components

• 30% Investigation Folio
• 40% Skills and Applications Tasks
• 30% External Component (Exam)