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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 OR Liturgy Religious Education OR Youth Ministry
English English
Studies of Society and the Environment
(History and Geography)		 Studies of Society and the Environment
(History and Geography)
Mathematics (Core or Fast Pace) Mathematics (Core or 10A)
Science Science
Physical Education and Health Physical Education and Health

Year 9 & 10 Electives 2021

Technologies
Graphic Design

You will have the opportunity to master the Adobe programs Illustrator, InDesign or Photoshop developing your creative thinking and responding skills within design contexts, through examining a range of cultures and your specific design styles.

Graphic design is the visual communication that you see all around you, from posters to movie opening titles to logo creation. 

You learn how psychology links with what we see and how to manipulate visuals to engage specific audiences
Design Technology

Design and Technology is the exploration of design, making products that solve problems, and then evaluating how successful the results are. In all courses you will be taught industry standard programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Fusion 360. 

In year 9/10 we create one of the following:  

  • Apostle light seeking robot, exploring movement and agility
  • Biomorphic lamps, the study of light
  • Architectural Model making, using architectural principles and designing to the environment 
  • Phone Dock, focusing on the user and their impact on design choices
Digital Technologies
  • 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.
  • 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.
Food Technology

Food technology is the application of food science to the selection, preservation, processing, packaging, distribution, and use of safe food. You make delicious foods such as: TimTams, lamingtons, burgers, cheesecakes, sushi, tacos.. Just to name a few.
Robotics and Electronics

You will be introduced to Robotics via Arduino, circuits and robots or lego mindstorm, circuits and raspberry pi's. You put your theory into practice by making robots that meet a brief. Students learn coding such as Python or C++ to support their knowledge in our modern world. 
Textiles

In textiles you will investigate and select the most appropriate materials and technology to incorporate creative design solutions to make your projects. You learn about the textiles industry, fast fashion and slow fashion. 

Some of the projects we create include Hoodies, Pajamas, quilting and patchwork. 
Woodwork

You will explore the fundamental skills required in woodworking, including using hand tools and timber machining. You learn about the forestry industry and how we use timber sustainably. In all courses you will be taught Orthigraphic and Isometric drawing skills that are universal in the design world. 

In year 9/10 we create the following: 

  • 3D wooden puzzles 
  • Mitre boxes, 
  • Breadboard 
  • Spinning top 
  • Treasure box
  • Wooden toys such as trucks and cars

    Studies of Society and the Environment (SOSE)
    World in Conflict

    The course is designed to give you an understanding of current international relations issues. It cover two topics:

    Semester 1 Superpowers and Rogue States. 
    The United State has been the worlds superpower since 1991.

    This course examines the origins of their dominance and how they have shaped international organisations.

    Students also study a rogue state, such as North Korea, and how it interacts with the international community and the different approaches that governments and global organisations can take to deal with rouge states.

    Students will have an understanding of international disputes, alliances and cultures will be better placed to navigate the dynamic world in which they live, study and eventually work.

    Semester 2 Australian and Global Politics.

    This unit will look at Australia's State and Federal governments, political parties and elections. Different political systems and the threats facing Democracy. 

    You will then learn how Australia influences and is influenced by global political events.
    Law

    Two Units:
    Year 1 – Civil and Criminal Law 

    Year 2 – International and Human Rights Law

    Law helps students to understand not only how the Legal system works but how society and democracy work. It also teaches  students to think like a lawyer and develop helpful communication, research and writing skills. 

    Law is a interesting subject that considers relevant and current legal case studies and can help students prepare for Year 11 and 12.
    Business

    Students learn about how to choose a career that is best suited to them, achieve financial goals, active versus passive streams of income, being savvy shoppers, running a business and making investments.

    Behavioural Science
    Making Sense of People

    In behavioural science, we examine different psychological and sociological theories that help to explain why people behave the way that they do. It helps to develop your critical thinking, ability to think outside the box and look at our world in a new and interesting way. 

    We look at things like:

    • Social norms - things that are accepted behaviours in society, and how people might break these
    • Conditioning - people being 'trained' to behave and react in certain ways
    • Nature v Nurture - is it our genetics or our upbringing that makes us who we are
    • Motivation - how and why we become motivated
    • Emotional Intelligence - looking at how people are impacted by a lack of EQ

    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

    Students who take this course: 

    • Explore the different ways in which forensic evidence is gathered.
    • Practice forensic analysis techniques used at a crime scene.
    • Review evidence (including images) from real forensic cases.
    • Understand the different science specialities that contribute to forensic science.
    Saying the Science - Science Communication
    • This course is similar to science class - scientific investigations and practical experiments.
    • This course is aimed at students who are looking to take Science courses in year 11 and 12.

    Students who take this course:

    • Explore a scientific topic of their choice in depth.
    • Describe and design resources to help students younger than them to understand Science
    • Connect with scientists to explore and understand their research.

    The Arts
    Dance

    The Dance course allows you to create and perform dances while working on your performance technique.

    • Dedicated Dancer
      Develop your dance technique and skills through styles like ballet and contemporary. Learn about the history of dance, become physically stronger and have fun creating dances with your peers.
    • World Dance
      Explore different cultural dances from Afro Beats and Brazilian Funk to French Ballet and Bollywood dance. Develop your understanding of what dance means to different cultures and how to perform in different styles.
    Drama

    The Drama course allows you to create and perform to audiences developing your collaboration and creative skills.

    • The World of Theatre
      Learn about the different style of theatre and create your own unique 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.
    • Creating a Character
      Create believable and sustained characters for performance. Use these ideas and create group performances using scripts and your own ideas. Apply use production elements to engage an audience for the works you create.
    Music

    The Music course allows you to write, transpose and perform music.

    • Master Your Craft
      Develop skills and understanding for your chosen instrument to improve your technique, agility and rehearsal techniques. Learn to develop your own style on their instrument, and gain inspiration from a range of genres studied in the unit.
    • Timeless Music
      Develop your understanding of the characteristics that make music so timeless. Learn about the elements of music and why certain songs never get old. Study music from the 60’s 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.
    Photography and Media

    The Photography and Media course helps you master the digital camera to capture images, still and moving, to create meaning.

    • Behind the Lens
      Explore the use of digital images when creating artworks like photo galleries and music videos. 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 explore street photography and make a music video.
    Visual Arts

    The Visual Art course allows you to create artworks in different mediums.

    • Sculpture and Printmaking
      Develop your sculpting and printmaking skills by experimenting with different techniques, styles, mediums and materials. Learn how artists use different forms of sculpture and printing to create interesting and thought-provoking pieces. Explore your skills when making your own creations, like soap and foil sculptures and screen printing and lino printing.

    PE and Health
    Outdoor Education

    Year A – Outdoor Education – Bush Bashing

    • The Outdoor Education course offers engaging recreational activities, that are typically associated with outdoor, natural, or semi-natural settings. These activities are an important part of learning in the health and physical education curriculum as they promote lifelong physical activity. Students contribute to health and wellbeing through direct personal experiences and connections with natural environments. Outdoor activities provide a valid environment for developing movement competence, promoting a sense of wellbeing, enhancing personal and social skills, and developing an understanding of the concept of risk versus challenge.

    Year B - Outdoor Education – Water Safety and Land Activities

    • The Outdoor Education course offers engaging recreational activities, that are typically associated with outdoor, natural, or semi-natural settings. These activities are an important part of learning in the health and physical education curriculum as they promote lifelong physical activity. Students contribute to health and wellbeing through direct personal experiences and connections with natural environments. Outdoor activities provide a valid environment for developing movement competence, promoting a sense of wellbeing, enhancing personal and social skills, and developing an understanding of the concept of risk versus challenge.
    Sports Studies

    Year 9:

    Semester 1 - Body Systems and energy for physical activity

    • In this course, students examine the body systems and gain an understanding of the anatomical study of the body. Students will investigate energy production and the roles and contributions of body systems to efficient movement and movement applications. This course will allow for students to explore the structure of the skeletal and muscular systems, identifying the types of bones, muscles, and joints in greater detail to link further understanding of the how the body moves. Students will relate these findings to common sports and gain an understanding of participation and performance.

    Semester 2 Improving Performance and Nutrition

    • In Sports Studies, students learn the factors that influence sports performance, including the effectiveness of training and how they contribute to the improvement of athletic performance. Students will explore a variety of training principles to develop an understanding of the varying needs of athletes in sport. The course encourages students to think critically about nutrition and to make informed choices. Students have the opportunities to assess a wide range of products on the market and explore in depth and evaluate their value and authenticity in supporting good health, wellbeing and weight management.

    Year 10:

    Semester 1 - Physical Activity and Sport in Society

    • In this course, students will explore physical activity and sport from national, community and individual perspectives. Students will develop a broad understanding of the roles and effects of physical activity and sport and the benefits and opportunities they can provide. An overview of units in this course are: Australia’s sporting identity, Lifestyle, leisure and recreation, Physical activity and sport specific activity and groups, Opportunities and pathways of physical activity and sport and, Issues in physical activity and sport.

    Semester 2 – Coaching and Event Management

    • In this area of study students are provided with opportunities to enhance their participation and performance in physical activity and sport. Students explore strategies to promote active lifestyles and develop skills in specific movement contexts, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of coaching and event management. Students investigate qualities of effective coaching and Event Management styles. Student will assess their own and others’ coaching skills to become more effective coaches with the opportunity to practically apply their coaching skills in real-life situations. Students will also apply their knowledge and skills of event management to plan, promote, conduct and evaluate an event

    Languages
    (You can only continue with the language that you have studied in Years 7 and 8. It is a year-long subject.)
    Chinese (Year Long)

    Year 9:

    • School Facilities
    • Chinese Food
    • Eating Out

    Year 10:

    • Festivals
    • Part-time Jobs
    • Personality traits
    French (Year Long)

    Year 9:

    • Holidays
    • Hobbies
    • Food
    • Transport

    Year 10:

    • Personality Traits
    • Sharing of Memories
    • Sustainability
    • Careers

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