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CURRICULUM (Years 7-10)

Our College adheres to the national standards set out in the Australian Curriculum, The ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) and the Church’s guidance on Religious Education provided through Treasures New and Old.

Each of the subject areas we teach has the equivalent of three hour-long lessons in a week, comparable with other high schools and colleges. We cover the same curriculum content (the Australian Curriculum and the ACT BSSS) and do equivalent assessment. Two of the three hours are devoted to traditional classroom teaching. The third hour is intensive individual learning in Independent Learning Time.

Religious Education

As a Catholic College, we recognise religious education as critical to a student’s understanding of the world and their purpose within it. Our religious education program opens students to the richness of the Catholic tradition, and its role in shaping our society. We also welcome the sharing of the beliefs and experiences of members of our community from other faith backgrounds. Together, we explore the contemporary challenges people of conscience and faith are called upon to face.

As students move into Years 11 and 12, Religious Studies assumes even greater significance as it facilitates the exploration of key philosophical and ethical issues and enables students to synthesise complex ideas, develop informed views and present sophisticated points of view. These are skills essential for success in both further study and the workforce. Historically, ACT Catholic Colleges have found that, for the majority of their students, Religious Education, has been a strong contributor to their Year 12 results.

Year 7 and 8

Year 7 is a time of transition as well as an opportunity for students to explore a range of subject paths. Our program prepares students to take full advantage of their middle schooling years.

Central to the Year 7 program is the linking of related disciplines to help students approach learning holistically. Our integrated subjects reinforce the core competencies shared across fields, and encourage students to make the connections required for solving real-world problems.

Students also begin or continue language studies, with a choice of French or Chinese (Mandarin). Their chosen language becomes a core subject for the next two years.

The Year 8 program allows students to build on the skills and interests developed in their introductory year. Students undertake eight subjects, including the experience of further electives. The components of Year 7 integrated subjects are taught as discrete subjects from Year 8 onwards. Connections are still made across subject areas.

Arts and Technology subjects are offered, with students cycling through one experience each term. This ensures that students have the opportunity to experience a range of subjects in Years 7 and 8 before making elective choices in Years 9-12.

Year 7 Core Subjects

Year 8 Core Subjects

Religious Education Religious Education
Integrated Humanities
(English and Humanities including History, Geography, Civics and Business)
English
Integrated Maths and Science
(incorporating Digital Technologies)
Studies of the Society and the Environment
(History, Geography, Civics and Business)
Physical Education and Health Mathematics
Languages (French or Chinese) Science
Physical Education and Health
Languages (French of Chinese)

Year 7 & 8 Electives

Food Technology Dance
Drama Arts/Ceramics
Music Textiles Technology
Design and Technology Information Technology (Yr 8)

Year 9 and 10

As students approach their senior years, the College encourages reflection on study and career paths, seeking to open rather than exclude future choices. A broad array of electives allows students to test a range of possible futures, whether they seek a vocational or academic path.

Students are not required to study a foreign language but are encouraged to continue the study of their chosen language as an elective.

Year 9 Core Subjects

Year 10 Core Subjects

Religious Education Religious Education
English English
Studies of Society and the Environment
(History and Geography)
Studies of Society and the Environment
(History and Geography)
Mathematics Mathematics
Science Science
Physical Education and Health Physical Education and Health

Year 9 & 10 Electives 2021

Technologies

Design and Graphics

Marketing and Publications - You will have the opportunity to master the Adobe program InDesign, learning how to work with clients and develop communication skills and understanding. You will create your own graphically designed publications and learn how to professionally print, helping you to design and create engaging marketing materials that not only reflect current design trends but that help to discover your own personal design style and aesthetic.

Redesigning the Past - You will look at the way images and texts can be altered and manipulated to reflect modern social values. You will examine the notion that history can be what we make it and that meaning can be derived from anything but that meaning can also change with time. You will use adobe products to explore this idea and create your own masterpieces.

Adventure in Creativity - You will have the opportunity to master the Adobe program Illustrator, developing your creative thinking and responding skills within design contexts, through examining a range of cultures and your specific design styles. You will broaden your understanding, and deepen your analytical skills, in relation to multicultural design trends and traditions through graphic design, drawing and making of vector graphics. By extension, you will have the opportunity to develop your ability to respond to client needs for products, working on a design from concept to creation!

Breaking the rules - You will explore traditional elements of graphic design and different eras and styles over time. You will look at rebel designers and the way they broke the rules in design and spearheaded change in their contemporary aesthetics. You will use adobe products to explore this idea and break your own rules with graphic design. 

Design and Technology

A - In this unit, you will have the opportunity to build projects that are in the focus areas of Systems design and Product design. This may include projects such as CO2 dragsters, Apostle light seeking robots, LED/lamp building, and Skylap dogfighting aeroplanes.  Design and Technology is recommended for students who have not done DT previously (in year 9/10). It is the starting course. It introduces students to the key concepts for this subject and the technology used for producing practical projects.

B - Waves, shells, leaves, trees, animals, butterflies, caterpillars – nature’s living, curving, undulating shapes have inspired artists, poets and designers ever since time began. In the modern era, this timeless design aesthetic, as it applies to interiors and product design, has been given a new name: “biomorphic” and/or “biomorphism.” During this unit, students will use biomorphic design styles to create lamps that come alive when they’re switched on. Students learn about the properties of light and how it can be used to create shadows and further interest in designs. Students will finish the semester creating Skylap planes, learning about lift, drag, aerodynamics, stalling and more. Skylap is an interactive course that provides students with the opportunity to learn about aeronautical engineering concepts such as Bernoulli’s principle.

C - In this unit, projects are in the focus areas of Environmental design, Systems design and Product design. Students may create projects that include Architectural model making, Down force racers, Photon factor (designing with light) and Racing Solar power projects.

D - In this unit, projects are in the focus areas of Environmental design, Systems design and Product design. Students may create projects that include Architectural model making, Down force racers, Photon factor (designing with light) and Racing Solar power projects.

Digital Technology

A - You will be introduced to broader Digital Technologies fields which could include cyber security, programming, software development, network administration, data analysis etc. You will be creating digital solutions to assist with solving worldwide problems.

B - You will be introduced to Arduino and the Python coding language. You will use this to create a range of solutions by learning the basics of creating a Choose Your Own Adventure text-based game. This will give a good solid ground and lead into the UI package Tkinter. You will be required to create a GUI for a range of modules, increasing in difficulty. The final task for students will be to be introduced to Cybersecurity, to develop a wide variety of understanding of Digital Technologies.  

Food Technology

World Food Concerns - In this unit, students explore food concerns around the world and how these directly impact the people and communities affected. Students also learn how to practically design and apply solutions to these concerns and develop the skills required to prepare quality meals relevant to the communities in question.

Food for Everyone - In this unit students will explore the diverse dietary needs of individuals and the impact of their requirements on well-being and lifestyle. They will design and prepare a meal suitable for a designated dietary group

Food Marketing - In this unit, students explore current trends within the food industry that have developed with the advancement in technologies. They will learn the foundations of food service in the hospitality industry as they design, promote and produce a catered function.

Food Service Trends - In this unit, students explore the world of food marketing and how big companies use simple tricks to sell their products – in particular, the foods we know and love as junk foods. Students look at consumer driven marketing, societal trends and how they impact the choices we make every day in the supermarket.

Robotics and Mechatronics

Data Driven Innovation - You will be introduced to Robotics via Arduino, circuits and robots by learning how to use the Arduino IDE and the C++ coding language used to program the Arduino Microcontroller.  Coupled with the coding aspect, you will learn how to wire up circuits and control various electronic components such as LEDs, DC motors, servo motors and buzzers, to name a few. You will apply your knowledge by creating a number of practical projects of varying styles and interests.

Augmented Reality - You will be introduced to Robotics via Lego Mindstorm, circuits and raspberry pi’s, learning how to use coding languages such as Python, C++ and scratch to develop projects that allow your passions to shine. Coupled with the coding aspect, you will learn how to wire up circuits and control various electronic components, for example, LEDs, DC motors, servo motors and buzzers. You will apply your knowledge by creating a number of practical projects of varying styles and interests. 

Textiles

Focus on Fabric - You will learn a variety of Textile techniques that are used to ‘decorate’ fabric. Some of these techniques include dyeing, patchwork, fabric painting, applique and so much more. Using these techniques, you will design and create a soft furnishing project, and also create a portfolio of the design journey.

Comfort First - In this unit you will construct a Hoodie using Knitted Fabrics. Followed by a Pyjama set- Pants and Top. You will investigate and select the most appropriate materials and technology to incorporate creative design solutions to make your projects. During this unit, you will also study a range of methods used in making Textile items. You will investigate Natural fibres, the sustainability of fibres and fabrics along with examining Care labels.

Woodwork

101 - In this unit, you will explore the fundamental skills required in woodworking, including using hand tools and timber machining (In particular using disc sanders, band saws and lathes). You will learn about the ethical and sustainable impact of timber production as well as having the opportunity to design and build your own products.

Traditional vs Modern Woodworking - You will learn the difference between traditional and modern woodworking and the way technology has advanced woodwork in the modern world. You will learn how to implement the use of more than just timber in creating projects that challenge you while also developing appropriate industry skills. You will do so by using both hand tools and age-appropriate machinery in the workshop.

Contemporary Woodwork - In this unit, you will have the opportunity to explore woodwork and its place in the world in 2021. Designing and building projects that are modern, unique and innovative while also developing skills using hand tools, and timber machining.

Fine Woodworking - You will learn precision in joinery and attention to detail in order to develop your own mini-projects that reflect your unique design style. You will finesse your product and further develop your understanding of finishing techniques. You will do so by using both hand tools and age-appropriate machinery in the workshop.

Studies of Society and the Environment (SOSE)

World in Conflict

Australian in the Asian Century - By 2030, Asia is set to account for 40% of global GDP. There is no doubt that the nations of India, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Japan and South Korea will play in important role in how the world is shaped in our lifetime. We will examine the challenges faced by these nations in their rise, as well as how Australia handles being in Asia geographically, but Europe and the USA politically.

Geopolitics and Climate Change - Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd labelled Climate Change as “the greatest moral challenge of our time”. While the science is not genuinely debated, the best path forward is heavily contested. Students survey the globe on alternative actions. Furthermore, they analyse prominent Australian political issues at the time to learn more about the world around them.

Australian Politics and Elections - The 2019 election was widely predicted to change the government, and instead returned almost an identical result to the previous 2016 outcome. We will examine the major political parties and policies that will determine the pathway forward for Australia after COVID-19. This course is set to take place during a half-senate election, as well as potentially another federal election.

Rogue States and Terrorism - The challenge of terrorism has been at the forefront of every government since 2001. This course examines the origins of terrorist organisations, and the different approaches that governments and global organisations can take to deal with this issue. Students also study a rogue state, such as North Korea, and how it interacts with the international community – as well as how it gained this questionable status.

Law

Human Rights Law - Thomas Jefferson famously declared that human rights should be ‘self-evident’ or obvious. Recently though, the United Nations declared that online access is a human right, which made writers around the world consider what constitutes a human right – and why it fits this category. We will analyse human rights, and the barriers to these being fulfilled and extended across the globe.

Introduction to Civil Law - Students learn about the origins and key concepts within Civil Law in Australia. Specific topics within this unit include The Constitution and the law-making process, defamation versus free speech, trespass and employment.

International Law - In a world that is only becoming more interconnected, it makes sense that the international laws must evolve to fit this dynamic. However, the more that laws are taken out of the hands of governments, the greater tensions that can exist. We will examine the nature and purpose of international law, how it is implemented by governments, and the way it moves forward.

Introduction to Criminal Law - Students learn about the origins and key concepts within Criminal Law in Australia. They also examine specific cases, and study the sentencing process, along with specific laws and legal precedent that are important to understanding how the system operates.

Business and Economics

Business Marketing - We are exposed to up to 10,000 advertisements a day, according to Forbes. This unit examines the impact of marketing on consumers, the tactics they utilise to attract customers, and critiques major companies and their social media engagement. We will use these theories to create a marketing campaign for a popular company.

Commerce and International Trade - Students learn about the different aspects of running a business, as well as the impact of global trade. They have the opportunity to write a business pitch based off local needs, and a range of data to justify their decision. Furthermore, they study the global economy, and the ways that nations benefit from globalisation, while trying to protect their own industries.

The Business of Sport - Despite originally being amateur competitions, sport is now a multi-billion-dollar industry. We will examine how sport interacts with the broader economy, and how the major codes actually operate. We will critique the models used by a major code, and compare their performance against their major rival.

Investing and Financial Markets - Students learn about the benefits and limitations of different investment opportunities. They have the opportunity to select prominent companies on the stock market, and justify whether they are promising places to invest. Students learn to use data in making an argument, and about strategies of growing wealth.

Behavioural Science

Making Sense of People

The Basics of Sociology/Psychology - Why do people think and feel in such different ways? Why is it that groups of people behave in the same way? Why are some cultures so different to others?

You will explore the answers to these questions and more! Learn to understand how/why you think the way you do, question the society around you and investigate human behaviours. The world will never look the same!

Science

Forensic Science

Have you ever wondered…

  • what can police determine from ‘fluff’ at crime scenes?
  • why is DNA the ultimate fingerprint?
  • what maggots reveal about dead bodies?
  • why are Australian banknotes plastic, not paper?

You will deal with the identification and evaluation of evidence, applying all facets of science to crack the case in matters of law. From the crime scene to the court house, learn how to reveal the secrets hidden in evidence!

TOPICS:

Crime Scenes: preserving crime scenes, time of death, fingerprints

Victims and Suspects: causes of death, identifying suspects, DNA profiling

Fakes and Extortion: false identities, forgery, blackmail

Oceanography

Oceans, Weather and Climate - We live on the Blue Planet; more than 70% of Earth’s surface is covered by oceans. Yet, we don’t often think about how those oceans impact our lives. From ocean currents to sea-surface temperatures, the majority of our weather (and climate) is driven by the oceans – the scariest of storms, the driest of droughts, and the monster monsoons.

In this unit, you will discover how weather and climate are impacted by the oceans:

  • patterns of ocean currents and atmospheric currents – how one drives the other
  • changing sea surface temperatures that impact rain patterns
  • extreme weather driven by the oceans – cyclones, droughts and floods
  • the feedback loop between oceans and climate change

Life in the Oceans - We live on the Blue Planet; more than 70% of Earth’s surface is covered by oceans. Yet, we don’t often think about how those oceans impact our lives. From coasts to coral reefs, and trenches to hydrothermal vents, life in the ocean is both beautiful and weird – gender switching clownfish are just the beginning!

In this Unit, you will discover the interconnected ecosystems that support life – from the largest blue whales to the tiniest coral polyp.

  • layers of the ocean and the life that exists there
  • diversity of life as it adapts to different conditions
  • the resources that humans take from the oceans
  • impact of human activity on oceans –from anthropomorphic climate change to overfishing and plastic pollution

The Arts

Art

Drawing and Painting - You will develop drawing and painting skills by experimenting with different techniques, styles, mediums and materials. Real-life applications of these skills will be considered by exploring their use in film production. You will showcase your learnt skills in a character design and a matte painting project.

Sculpture and Printmaking - You will develop your sculpting and printmaking skills by experimenting with different techniques, styles, mediums and materials. You will also consider how other artists have used different forms of sculpture and printing to create interesting and thought-provoking pieces, to explore their influences on your own artistic creations. 

Dance

Decades of Dance - You will explore the evolution of dance from the 1920s through to today. You will learn pop culture dance movements from various time periods. You will also learn and understand how dance has evolved through the decades.

Dedicated Dancer - In Dedicated Dance you will develop your dance technique and skills through the mediums of ballet and contemporary. You will learn the history of dance, become physically stronger and have fun creating dances with your peers.

Dance Today - You will learn classical Jazz techniques and apply them to various dance styles, such as: Commercial Jazz, Broadway Jazz, Lyrical Jazz and Street Jazz. You will focus on popular dance in our society today, and understand how our current society and culture helps to shape the Art form.

World Dance - In World Dance we will be exploring different cultural dances from around the world. From Afro Beats and Brazilian Funk to French Ballet and Bollywood dance, you will develop your understanding of what dance means to different cultures and how to perform in different styles.

Drama

Staging Success - You will develop essential skills and tools needed for as an actor, and director, to create effective and engaging performances of scripted and devised work in groups. You will study neutral scripts, a contemporary Australian monodrama and develop performances for the entertaining Melodrama genre.

The World Theatre - You will learn different aspects of the world of theatre and use these experiences to create your own performances. You will have the opportunity to perform on stage and work backstage, and explore production aspects to experience the wider world of the Theatre Industry.

The Masked Actor - You will explore the genres of comedy and tragedy, originating from Ancient Greek theatre, in dramatic form of Commedia Dell’Arte and modern tragedy scripts. You will explore mask work and develop group performances through an inquiry study of your chosen script taking on the role of director and actor.

Creating a Character - You will be exploring how to create believable and sustained characters for performance. You will use these ideas and create group performances using scripts and your own ideas. You will also use production elements to engage an audience for the works you create.

Photography and Media

Camera in Focus - You will have an introduction to digital imaging. Photography and Media skills developed in this unit include using a camera, composition, lighting, sound and editing techniques required to record and bring students’ ideas to life. Students will also study key photographers, and learn about the history and development of image production.

Behind the Lens - You will explore the use of digital images when creating artworks. Your Photography and Media skills will develop through the exploration of camera work, composition, editing, sound and lighting skills to explore and express your ideas. You will create work for different genres and mediums as creator and viewer.

Music

Inspirations to Creation - You will focus on listening to music you are interested in and then transcribe this music in order to build your aural skills. You will perform this music, using your transcribing and aural skills to compose music of your own. You will build your understanding of which elements of music are used and how these are used to compose music to create particular emotions.

Master your Craft - You will develop skills and understanding for their chosen instrument. You will learn to practice technique, agility, patience and see the progress as you make through the skill of developing rehearsal techniques to make the most of their time during rehearsals. You will learn to develop their own style on their instrument, gaining inspiration from a range of genres studied through the unit.

Music Industry - You develop your understanding of what it would be like to work in the Music Industry. Whether it is a sound technician, musician, teacher, band manager or backstage crew, you will learn the necessary skills to be able to carry out a job as a professional musician in the Music Industry. You will also discover your own pathway of how you could be part of the Industry in future.

Timeless Music - You will develop your understanding of the characteristics that make music so timeless. You will learn about the elements of music and why certain songs never get old. You will study music from the ’60s to now looking at the styles, artists, developments and world issues at the time to establish what the composer did to create music that has stuck for multiple lifetimes.

PE and Health

Outdoor Education

Ocean and Earth - Outdoor Education provides the opportunity for you  to participate in a variety of activities that enhance your personal and social skills whilst promoting the acquisition of skills related to your enjoyment of outdoor recreation.

Bush Bashing - Outdoor Education provides the opportunity for you to participate in a variety of activities that enhance your personal and social skills whilst promoting the acquisition of skills related to your enjoyment of outdoor recreation. Activities include a multi-day camp, incursions and excursions with lots of practical and theory experiences such as bike maintenance, survival skills, rope skills and bushwalking.

Sports Science

Anatomy and Event Management - Sports Science aims to build your capacity to participate effectively in physical activity and sport, leading to improved quality of life for yourself and others.

You’ll study a wide range of theoretical concepts and physical activities in order to develop your understanding of how and why we move and how to increase your quality and enjoyment of movement.

Improving Performance - Sports Science aims to build your capacity to participate effectively in physical activity and sport, leading to improved quality of life for yourself and others.
You’ll study a wide range of theoretical concepts and physical activities in order to develop your understanding of how and why we move including performance-related topics such as; Strength and Conditioning, Fitness, Energy Systems and Nutrition from a health and sports performance perspective.

Languages

Year 9 Chinese (Year Long) You will exchange feelings, opinions and preferences on school and family life, familiar people, experiences and significant personal events and also explore storytelling. You read bilingual signs in places such as shops, schools, hospitals and explore the effectiveness of the English translations. You will also explore ways to interpret and explain key concepts and cultural practices identified in Chinese interactions. You will have studied Chinese in Years 7 and 8.
Year 9 French (Year Long) You will develop a growing awareness of the wider world, including the diversity of languages, cultures and forms of intercultural communication. We will communicate about immediate and personal interests and involvements (such as family, friends, interests), and some broader social and cultural issues (such as health, social media, international experience, the environment). You will have studied French in Years 7 and 8.
Year 10 Chinese (Year Long) You will continue to develop your Chinese language skills by engaging in a range of topics. Students look at issues facing the world as a whole and analyse China’s influence in the world. Your Chinese language skills will be further developed through the cultural studies of Chinese Opera and theatre and Chinese calligraphy. You will use the internet to engage with Chinese speaking communities and to experience authentic language situations. Students studying Chinese in Year 10 have chosen to do so as an elective from Year 9.
Year 10 French  (Year Long) You will explore the French language and culture from a personal perspective, so you can share information related to personal identity, aspects of everyday life, and popular culture. You then extend your knowledge of French-speaking countries while developing a sense of your own place in society, comparing French speaking cultures to your own. You will have chosen to do French as an elective from Year 9.