Year 9 English

Middle School is a two-year program for Year 9 and 10 students. The program offers a wide range of core and elective studies and provides students with a sound basis for selecting VCE courses and making the transition to employment or other specialist training.

Middle School aims to provide:

1. An equal opportunity for all students to succeed in all subject areas.

2. Courses which are appropriate for and which reflect the lives, values and experiences of both girls and boys from various social and cultural backgrounds.

3. Access for all students to proceed to the VCE following satisfactory completion of Middle School.

4. The gaining of a broad, general, balanced education.

The Curriculum: Core and Elective Subjects

Students at Middle School study a core of English, Mathematics, Science and Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE) at their respective year levels. They will study English and Mathematics for the whole year and alternate semester-length units of Science and SOSE in each year of Middle School. There will also be a compulsory semester unit called Health and Personal Development for Year 9 students. A large range of electives are offered. They run for a semester and classes are made up of students from both Year 9 and 10.

Following Department of Education & Training guidelines, electives are offered in the eight Key Learning Areas of Arts, SOSE, English, Languages other than English (LOTE), Mathematics, Physical Education/Health, Science, and Technology. All students are required to study one unit of Physical Education in each of their two years at Middle School.

All subjects (including core and elective) are timetabled in seven blocks and students will study one subject from each block. The three core blocks allow students to study English, Mathematics, Science and SOSE. Students will take one subject from each of the remaining four elective blocks. Students who take French or Indonesian in the first semester will continue with the study in the second semester.

The aim of the selection process is to achieve a “balanced” course. Students will not be allowed to do more than two units from any one Key Learning Area in a given semester, and should aim for a balance between more practically based and writing based units. Students cannot repeat a subject they have already passed.

The Middle School Handbook

The Middle School Handbook is issued to all students entering Middle School and should be kept by the student for the duration of their time in Middle School. Students should refer to the handbook prior to each year’s unit selection process and for them to fill out the Keeping a Check section (page 9). The handbook outlines the operation of the Middle School program and contains all the unit descriptions for units offered within the program.

Promotions Policy

Students at the Year 9 level must have satisfactorily completed both units of English and Mathematics, and satisfactorily completed eight other units to proceed automatically to the next year level, ie. Twelve out of their fourteen units studied. Students not doing so will have their cases reviewed by the Middle School Coordinators and a parent interview will be arranged. It may also be necessary to seek the advice of the Assistant Principal / Principal in certain cases.

Students at the Year 10 level must have satisfactorily completed twelve units over the year including both units of English to proceed automatically to Year 11. Those not meeting the requirement will be reviewed as described for Year 9.

Home study

Home study should be an integral part of a student’s development, all Middle School units have coursework that necessitate students doing work out of school hours. Students must organise homework time carefully. In line with the Minister for Education and Training’s Homework Guidelines, there should be time for completing tasks each night of approximately one and a half hours.

Home study is essentially in two areas:

1. Work set by the teacher that is to be completed that night or over a period of time.

2. Study, revision, wider reading, organisation of notes. This is an important component of home study. It allows students to revise class work, reinforces study skills and techniques, and promotes confidence. A part of each night should be devoted to this type of homework.

It is advised that students establish early in Middle School a home study plan to ensure a regular commitment. Assistance in establishing such a plan is available from the Sub-school Coordinator, Level Coordinator or classroom teachers. Homework tasks should be accurately noted by students in the school planner issued at the beginning of the year.

Study Club

The Middle School Office conducts a Study Club one afternoon per week from 3.15-4.30pm. The Club is a fully supervised study situation that has been developed to allow students greater access to the school’s resources in organising and completing their home study and class projects. Individual subject assistance can be organised for students attending Study Club.

Assessment and Reporting

Within each unit studied students will be required to achieve a specific list of Learning Outcomes and complete a range of Assessment Tasks. Assessment Tasks are tasks upon which the student’s work will be individually graded from A+ to E. Assessment Tasks are on-going forms of assessment throughout the semester.

Student progress is reported through four written reports per year. These include brief reports at the end of Terms 1 and 3 and longer, descriptive reports at the end of each semester. Parent/teacher evenings are held at the end of Terms 1 and 3 and provide parents the opportunity to meet with teachers to discuss students’ progress. Interim reports may be issued at other times of the year and parent and student interviews requested where a student’s progress is of concern. These may be requested by parents, students or teachers via the Middle School office.

Careers Program and Work Experience

Information and help with career planning is available from the Careers Co-coordinator as well as from year level coordinators and class teachers. Students are encouraged to make use of the resources available in the Careers Room such as Courselink, the Job Guide, OZJAC, videos, handbooks and other printed material. Students have access to these resources before and after school, at lunchtimes and during class time if an appointment has been made with the class teacher.

Many Middle School subjects incorporate aspects of career education. These include excursions to places of work, practice in writing job applications, giving talks to improve oral communication skills, having visiting speakers in the school, learning about trade unions, small business studies, etc. In Year 10, all students will have a careers unit incorporated in their English program. This will be of an introductory nature and will include the starting of each student’s individual Career Planning File.

Work Experience is an important part of the Middle School program. All students undertake work experience. Year 9 students will complete a two-week placement and Year 10 students will undertake a one-week work placement. The dates for Work Experience in 2008 are yet to be confirmed at the time of printing.

Course Charges

Some subjects have a charge associated with them. School Council approves all course charges. The charge is the difference between the basic materials/services provided from government funding and the higher cost alternatives which are preferred for the optimum learning experience. School Council is mindful of the costs involved in undertaking subjects that have an associated charge, and all attempts are made to keep costs to a minimum.

At the time of printing this handbook course costs have not been approved for 2008.

The 2007 course charges have been included to provide an indication of the costs.

An approved list of course charges will be distributed to students and publicised on the school web page in term 4.

Payment of subject charges

Where subjects having a course charge are selected for study, parents should be prepared to meet these payments at the start of the relevant semester.

Semester 1 Subject Charges are due by 29th February 2008

Semester 2 Subject Charges are due by 5^th July 2008

Parents eligible to receive the Education Maintenance Allowance may use this to pay the cost of these charges. If you are experiencing financial hardship, payment arrangements are available. Please contact the School Business Manager for a confidential discussion.

Enhancement Program

Eltham High School offers the opportunity for Year 10 students to commence in Year 9 VCE studies during their Year 10 year through the Enhancement Program. Students who have performed well academically, shown sound organizational and management skills will be invited to apply for the enhancement program by the end of term 3. An information night is held for students and parents to attend prior to the date for submission of Enhancement Application forms. A round of invitations will be offered at the completion of Semester Two.

Selecting Electives

During each semester students will study seven units - three Core units plus four elective units. In choosing which electives to study, the following should be kept in mind:

§ The recommended requirements from each Key Learning Area as set out on page 6.

§ All Middle School students will choose 8 electives each year – 4 electives each semester

§ Middle School aims to offer the chance to experience a wide range of units during the four semesters. Taking full advantage of this by choosing broadly will give useful experience upon which to make future decisions relating to subject and career options.

§ Over each semester and over the two years at Middle School a balance should be met between the practically based and written based units and across Key Learning Areas.

§ In line with Department of Education policy, all students must complete two units in Physical Education, one during Year 9 and one during Year 10.

§ The selection of LOTE French or Indonesian is a full year selection.

§ Within the 8 choices each year students must include:

o At least 2 written electives (from English, SOSE, Science and Health. LOTE can count as one written elective)

o Health & Personal Development (at Year 9)

o one Physical Education unit (at Year 10)

o at least one Arts or Technology unit

§ There are limits to the number of classes of each elective that will run each semester and so it may not be possible for all students to undertake the particular electives they select.

§ Assistance in course selection and planning is available from the Middle School Head, Year Level Coordinators and classroom teachers.

§ Student should record their choices in PRIORITY order on the selection sheet.

Keeping a Check

Students should keep a record of actual subjects studied at Middle School.

SUBJECTS

Semester l

2008

Health & Personal Development

English

Maths

Science/

History

Semester 2

2008

English

Maths

Science/

History

Semester 3

2009

English

Maths

Science/

Geography

Semester 4

2009

English

Maths

Science/

Geography

· Check subject details carefully.

Where subjects that have a course charge are selected for study, parents must be prepared to meet these payments.

ENGLISH

Year 9 Core English

During Year 9, students work in three strands in the English course: Speaking and Listening, Reading, and Writing. They read and view a variety of texts, including A Bridge to Wiseman's Cove, the film version of a Shakespeare play, and the EHS Anthology of Student Writing.

Speaking and Listening: Students will listen to and produce a range of spoken texts, comparing and contrasting the way language is used to present different perspectives on complex themes and issues. Students are expected to identify the features of spoken texts, and to evaluate the strategies used to enhance the presentation of spoken texts, and be able to use these strategies appropriately.

Reading: Students will read a range of texts and examine how texts are shaped by the time, place and cultural setting in which they are created. Students are expected to analyse and compare texts, and apply strategies that support an understanding of dense or extended texts.

Writing: Students will produce a range of text types to convey detailed information and discuss different perspectives on complex themes and issues. They will be able to specify the characteristics and expectations of particular audiences, identify and control the features of written texts, and use a range of strategies to plan, compose, revise and edit texts that discuss complex ideas and issues.

Assessment: In each semester students must submit the following:

§ A range of speaking presentations and listening tasks

§ A range of text responses

§ A collection of different kinds of writing

Year 10 Core English

The transition to senior English is marked in Year 10. Students undertake a close reading of Romeo and Juliet, and are expected to demonstrate a developed understanding of the play. There is an emphasis on skills in analysis of spoken and written texts. Students are encouraged to explore challenging and complex issues and ideas in all three key areas:

Speaking and Listening, Reading, and Writing. Skills in using a range or resources for researching issues, or contextual material related to texts, are further developed.

Reading: Students will read a range of texts and examine how the time, place and cultural setting in which they are created shape texts. Students are expected to analyse and compare texts, and apply strategies that support an understanding of dense or extended texts.

Assessment: In each semester students must submit a range of speaking presentations, listening task and, a collection of different kinds of writing and text responses.

English Electives

Creative Writing

Creative Writing is a unit that gives students interested in writing an opportunity to develop their writing, and publish their work regularly.

The students will use a range of text types t o convey detailed information and ideas, and examine different perspectives on complex themes and issues. In individual, group and modeled writing activities, students construct texts such as scripts, extended narratives, poetry, dialogue, lyrics, video or multimedia, reviews, expositions and argument.

Assessment: During the semester, students must present the following: oral responses and presentations, journal responses to texts and class activities and a folio of individual writing.

Literature

Students will read from a range of novels, plays, poems, short stories and film, including those characterised by complexity of construction and subject matter. They will be able to justify interpretation with detailed and well-chosen evidence from the texts, taking into account the context in which they were constructed.

Assessment: During the semester students must present the following:

A range of oral responses, including a poetry presentation put on for other students, a range of written responses to the texts and a Journal.

Oral English

This unit extends students experience in the selection, presentation and study of oral language. Students will listen to and analyse a range of oral texts from tape, video and film media, as well as presentations by other students in the class. Students are expected to prepare and speak in a range of modes: speeches, interviews, monologues, introductions and debates.

Assessment: During the semester students must present the following: a range of individual and group oral presentations, a journal of responses to spoken texts and class activities and an extended research project on a famous speaker, or an aspect of spoken language.

Philosophy

What is knowledge? What are ethics and how, if at all, are they different to morals? What is fairness? How is a machine different to a human? These are some of the questions asked in Philosophy. Running for six months, the course invites students to wonder, imagine, reasons and above all, think. Students study the history of philosophy, the question of identity, philosophy of religion, scientific answers, ethics and justice. All of this is to promote new ways of looking at the world, and our role in making it better.

One of the most mysterious things on Earth is ourselves; we can spend many years trying to understand who we are and what makes us tick. Philosophy embraces our natural desire to wonder about the world and our place in the world. It gives us freedom to think, imagine and experience. It can take us to some of the deepest levels of the human experience. As it does this, the limits of our thinking are pushed further out, and we can discover a new way of looking at the world.

Coursework: Students keep a personal journal for short written exercises and reflections.

Assessment: Oral Presentation, individual or group on one of the key areas of study such as scientific answers, debate on topics such as animal cloning or capital punishment.

Essay where students criticize or defend an idea, which has shaped the way we live our lives. Topics from course study.

Stop Press

Stop Press is a practical communications unit designed to give students experience in gathering, processing and disseminating information within the school community. Being a practical unit, much of the student's activity will serve the network of communication within the school. This network includes the school public address system, the weekly parent Newsletter, the end of term magazine Stop Press, the school's Web Page, and the annual school magazine, Mercury. Students develop skills in interviewing, writing in a journalistic style, photography, lay-out, editing, advertising and printing.

Assessment: 50% of the final mark is based on set exercises that include group work and 50% is based on a folio of individual work. During the semester students must present the following: A range of interviews and “press conference” stories, a range of set exercises including media study, cartoons and posters, and an individual folio aimed at publication.

SOSE: Studies of Society and the Environment

SOSE: Studies of Society and Environment

SOSE is concerned with understanding human society. It does this by studying people and societies of the past (History), people in the natural environment (Geography), how people organise power and the law in their societies (Politics) and the organisation, processes and behaviour of human groups (Sociology, Anthropology, Social Psychology). Students will study a compulsory semester of Australian History at Year 9 and, at Year 10, a compulsory semester of Geography. Our aim within the Middle School program is to provide a variety of courses to lead into an understanding of all these aspects of human society. Many of the units are integrated and they include most or all of the above. Others are more specialised, e.g. History or Geography based units. In all the units, emphasis is on those that provide students with the basis for furthering their understanding of society. All units are offered in both semesters except where indicated.

Year 9 Core SOSE: Australian History

This unit looks mainly at Twentieth Century History.

Students begin the course by analyzing the movement of aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for civil and political rights. Further topics include Federation, World War 1, Life in the 1920’s, The Great Depression, and World War II. While descriptive accounts of important historical events are considered, emphasis is placed on the causes and effects of change and the subsequent impact on the development of modern day Australia.

Coursework: All students undertake a major research project and must maintain a complete set of class notes. Students undertake topic tests, video analysis, essay writing tasks and participation in various classroom activities and discussions, including a class talk.

Assessment: Satisfactory completion of the above Coursework with emphasis on the development of the following skills - written and comprehension, graphic, social and research.

Year 10 Core SOSE: Geography

This unit aims to develop the students’ understanding of and interest in the physical and human world by studying some of these topics: Coasts, Living in cities and Population issues.

Coursework: Students are required to maintain an up-to-date workbook of all material covered in the course. They will be required to undertake Fieldwork Activities throughout the semester and complete set Research Activities both during class time and for homework.

Assessment: Assessment will be based on the satisfactory completion of the above Coursework and classroom tests where appropriate, and will emphasise the development of the following skills - written, discussion, graphic mapping, research and social skills including the ability to work as a member of a group. Attitude, effort and the standard and amount of work submitted will also be taken into consideration. The following task will be assessed and reported on: Fieldwork Reports, Annotated Visual Display (AVD), Research Essay, Practical Activities and class tests.

SOSE Electives

Business Studies

Commerce is an integral part of Australian Society. It provides employment, produces, distributes and develops goods and services, is regulated by law, operates in accord with government, manages and monitors resources such as money, labour, time and physical assets and determines the standard of living we all enjoy. All Business Studies units are designed to give the student an opportunity to become aware of the business environment in which he/she will participate in the future. Satisfactory completion for each Business Studies unit will involve students having satisfied all the criteria as outlined for the Coursework of each unit.

Business Studies 1 - Accounting

Topics studied are: Business in Australia, Fundamental Accounting Equation: A = L + P, Analysing Business Transactions incorporating Balance Sheet and Income and Expense Transactions, Recording process through Ledgers and Journals, Preparation and purpose of financial statements such as - Profit and Loss Statements, Trading Statements and Balance Sheets.

Coursework: Students will complete set class exercises, homework, assignments, tests, case studies and computer simulation exercises.

Assessment: Satisfactory completion of the unit involves the student completing the Coursework. Student performance will be assessed by selecting tests and graded exercises.

A course charge applies for this subject. Refer to 2008 Middle School Course Charges

Business Studies 2 - Criminal Law in Society

Students will be considering the nature and operation of the criminal law system, causes of criminal behaviour and the types of criminal punishments.

Coursework: includes collection and annotation of pieces of information, research, essays, topic tests, and making oral and written reports.

Assessment: Will be based on the satisfactory completion of the above Coursework and will emphasise the development of the following skills: written, research, comprehension and the analysis of information. Attitude, effort, the standard and amount of work submitted will be taken into consideration.

A course charge applies for this subject. Refer to 2008 Middle School Course Charges

Business Studies 3 - Business Management

This subject includes issues on: You and the world of business: An introduction to economic activity and the contribution of business to the Australian economy, Types of business organisations: public and private, large and small, Getting started in a business, Location and Promotion of business, Financial Recording and Analysis of Performance.

Coursework: Students must complete all set class and homework exercises, assignments and case studies. Where appropriate, students will be required to complete formal tests.

Assessment: Satisfactory completion will involve the student completing the Coursework. In addition, performance in tests, assignments and case studies will be assessed.

A course charge applies for this subject. Refer to 2008 Middle School Course Charges

Business Studies 4 - Legal Studies

Students will study the following areas: The need for and nature of laws, civil and criminal law, including the jury system, the court hierarchy, individual rights, and obligations in law. Optional topics include: The motor car and the law, juveniles and the law, rental accommodation and shelter, the role of the police and the community’s attitude to them.

Coursework: The following tasks must be completed: Class exercises and activities, homework exercises, unit tests (where appropriate), research projects and essays, participation in class discussion, debates and surveys and participation in the court excursion.

Assessment: Satisfactory completion of the Coursework.

A course charge applies for this subject. Refer to 2008 Middle School Course Charges

Business Studies 5 - Travel and Tourism

The course covers local tourist attractions, advantages and disadvantages of tourism for Australia, Marketing of tourism, employment and training in the industry, future trends, tourism and the environment. Australian and overseas destinations are studied and include economic systems, cultures, popular features, price, financing travel, mode of travel and accommodation.

Coursework: Students will be expected to complete class exercises, assignments, surveys tests and maintain an up-to-date workbook and a research assignment.

Assessment: will be based on the completion of the above coursework. In addition, student performance will be assessed by means of tests, integrated exercises, assignments, essays homework and workbooks.

A course charge applies for this subject. Refer to 2008 Middle School Course Charges

Business Studies 6 – Financial and Money Education (F.A.M.E.)

The course aims to:

· Encourage development in the financial literacy skills of students

· Create awareness, skills and understanding of the benefits of a more financially literate community

· Assist students/young people to understand money management, and

· Empower students to make effective decisions to achieve their financial goals.

Topics will include: earning an income, spending and saving, managing finances, consumer decisions, consumer protection, consumer awareness, financial services, personal investment, planning and running a business, impact of technology and economics of everyday finance.

Coursework: Students must complete all set class work and homework exercised, assignments, tests analytical and ICT exercises.

Assessment: Satisfactory completion of coursework, emphasising the development of the following skills, co-operative learning, organisation, time management, written, comprehension and analytical.

A course charge applies for this subject. Refer to 2008 Middle School Course Charges

Environmental management

Students in this elective learn about the environment, in the environment. The local environment study involves weekly outdoor fieldwork activities along Diamond Creek to look at animal habitats, water quality, and human impact. Students manage the School habitat area – seed collection and propagation, planting, weeding and mulching. They further contribute to the environment with an action project at home or in their community. Film is used to discuss possible examples of environmental leadership. The oceans topic uses hands on activities and the current media to look at issues such as fishing, beached whales and oil spills. Logging and nuclear energy are studied using multimedia and students make up their own minds on these controversial issues. Students examine some of the more wasteful processes in our society and discuss how they could be more sustainable, and who should be responsible.

Coursework: Information is collected through fieldwork, experiments, home audits, maps, newspaper articles, photos and video.

Assessment: Students will undertake a topic test, independent action project, a management committee role play, management plan including maps and graphs, poster and film review.

Geography 1 - Physical Geography

This elective provides a greater understanding of the earth’s physical features and the processes by which they originate. There is a wide range of topics including, plate tectonics (continental drift), volcanic landforms, river landforms resulting from the processes of erosion and deposition and geology.

Coursework: An organised and complete workbook in which all set tasks, projects and assignments are maintained and participation in fieldwork.

Assessment: Practical exercises, fieldwork report, research project, poster, tests

A course charge applies for this subject. Refer to 2008 Middle School Course Charges

Geography 2 - Environmental Management

This elective aims to educate about the environment, in the environment. The local environment study involves weekly outdoor fieldwork activities along Diamond Creek to examine animal habitat and water quality. Ocean issues, such as fishing, beached whales and oil spills and land issues such as mining, farming and toxic waste are all examined. Hands-on activities are used to create understanding of environmental problems, and the emphasis is find ways to live sustainable.

Coursework: Data is collected through field work, experiments, maps, newspaper articles and photographs written up in a workbook.

Assessment: Students will undertake topic tests, research, oral report and one action project.

A course charge applies for this subject. Refer to 2008 Middle School Course Charges

Geography 3 - Where in the World

This subject is designed to give students a better understanding of the world beyond Australia. Many case studies are used eg. The Bermuda Triangle; On safari in Africa, Current events and Multi-cultural Melbourne.

Coursework: An organised and complete workbook in which all set tasks, projects and assignments are maintained

Assessment: Research project, fieldwork report, debate, annotated visual displays and practical mapping exercises.

A course charge applies for this subject. Refer to 2008 Middle School Course Charges

History 1 - Aboriginal Studies

The course is divided into three main areas: Before the Invasion, Koori Response to the Invasion, and Koori people today. The first part focuses on Koori culture, technology and life style as the original inhabitants of Australia, the second part examines the stories and the reality about the Koori response to the invasion and the third part examines issues such as Land Rights and the place of Koori people in Australian society today.

Coursework: Maintaining an up-to-date workbook, handouts, activities and essays, carrying out individual projects, completing a reading/research assignment.

Assessment: Satisfactory completion will be based on students completing coursework and satisfactory performance in tests and assignments.

A course charge applies for this subject. Refer to 2008 Middle School Course Charges

History 2 - American History

A study of United States history that covers the period of time from the colonies to the civil rights movements of the 1960’s. Topics will be chosen from: Settlement of the colonies, slavery, cattle trails and cowboys, the civil war, the roaring twenties and the depression, the sixties and civil rights.

Coursework: An organised and complete workbook including map work and charts

Assessment: Research project, film review, tests and essay.

A course charge applies for this subject. Refer to 2008 Middle School Course Charges

History 3 – The Colonials

The Colonials investigates the period of Australian history form the first settlers to federation. It examines the lives of men and women in the colonial era – the convicts, free settlers, inland explorers, pastoralists, gold diggers and bushrangers. The focus of the unit will be on the use of primary source materials – written and pictorial documents including letters, diaries, journals, sketches and drawings to enable students to develop skills in evaluating historical evidence whilst gaining an insight into the lives of people living in this exciting period of Australian history.

Coursework: An organised and complete workbook including map work and charts.

Assessment: Research projects, essays and tests.

A course charge applies for this subject. Refer to 2008 Middle School Course Charges

History 4 - Revolution and Change

The subject includes a study of famous and important political and social revolutions and events in world history since 1700 and how they have altered their particular societies and the rest of the world. Events covered include The American War of Independence, The French Revolution, The Russian Revolution and a choice for students to investigate an area of their own interest such as the 1960’s.

Coursework: An organised and complete workbook in which all set tasks, projects and assignments are maintained.

Assessment Tasks: Research projects, essays, class tests, a graphic or document analysis.

Learning to Lead

This is a challenging subject for students to develop their leadership skills – both individually and in a team. Self-discovery is an important aspect of the course – learning styles, role models, values, strengths and weaknesses to improve. Skills such as assertiveness, independence and cooperation, negotiation, conflict resolution, organisation and goal setting will all be practiced and reflected on. Practical opportunities will be provided for students to employ their skills and reflect upon their experiences.

Coursework: Participate and lead games, small groups and whole class discussions. Organise a number of activities within the school as a member of a team.

Assessment: Investigation into Leadership, Personal Reflection Journal, Team Building Activities and Leadership Practice and Presentations.

This subject is aimed at mature and self motivated students who have existing skills in co-operating with others and have demonstrated organisational skills

Politics 1 - Australian Government

This subject attempts to give students a better understanding of their role in society and within the political system. It is broadly based on the Federal Government’s Civics and Citizenship initiative and compliments the material covered in Australia history topics studied in Year 9 Social Education. Units covered include:

· What government is and why is it necessary? The Australian system of government, Elections, Parliament, The Constitution and the dismissal of Gough Whitlam.

Coursework: An organised and complete workbook in which all set tasks, projects and assignments are maintained and an assignment on rules and society.

Assessment: Research project, essays, class tests, a graphic or document analysis, a survey and a mock election.

A course charge applies for this subject. Refer to 2008 Middle School Course Charges

Politics 2 – International Studies

International Studies looks at issues and events that have significant effects on an international scale. It looks at relations between countries and international organizations. Current events are examined and background factors explored. Topics covered include internal conflicts, refugees, world trade, and organizations.

Coursework: Students complete research, case studies, essays, and topic tests, oral and written reports.

Assessment: Satisfactory completion will be based on students completing coursework and satisfactory performance in tests and assignments.

A course charge applies for this subject. Refer to 2008 Middle School Course Charges

SCIENCE

Students are prepared for VCE Sciences by studying two compulsory units at Years 9 and 10. These compulsory units cover the topic areas of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Emphasis is placed on developing scientific concepts and understanding as well as improving practical skills and experimental techniques. While students are encouraged to choose at least one elective Science unit, the equivalent of four semesters of science study is recommended. The units offered are Earth and Stars, Forensic Science, Horticulture, Girls Can Do Science, Psychology, Water, Investigations in Science, Sports Medicine.

Core Science - Year 9

Material studied will cover three major areas of science: Biology - bacteria and fungi, plants, eco systems, animals; Chemistry – atomic structure, chemical reactions, matter; Physics – electricity and light.

Coursework: Research projects, homework, worksheets and laboratory work, logbook.

Assessment: Tests, problem solving tasks, assignments, models and laboratory reports.

Core Science - Year 10

Material studied will cover three major areas of science: Biology - cells, genetics; Chemistry - chemical bonding, chemical reactions, carbon chemistry; Physics – motion and forces.

Coursework: Research projects, homework worksheets and laboratory work, logbook.

Assessment: Test, problem solving tasks, assignments, models and laboratory reports

Science Electives

Biotechnology

The major emphasis of the unit is gaining an understanding of the water cycle and human impact on the environment. Related topics will include human physiology and its dependency on water, water borne diseases, genetic adaptations by organisms that live in or around water, and the effect of waste disposal on waterways.

Stu