YEAR 9 SUBJECTS @ BUNDOORA CAMPUS

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* NB. All offerings in Technology are subject to the availability of specialist teaching staff.  There will be limited numbers of classes with preference given to those who submit their forms earliest.

THE ARTS (VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS)

 Units in the Performing Arts are assessed using a range of methods including the following:

• Solo Performance
• Demonstration of Skills
• Ensemble Performance
• Research Projects & Assignments
• Theory Tests
• Topic Assignments
• Semester Examinations
• Film presentations
• Computer aided design
• Oral communication
• Analysis Tasks

Drama

Click here for the Drama Pathways Diagram

This versatile course will provide you with a foundation in contemporary theatre / media analysis and practice. Students will be given the chance to sample and develop a range of performance and production skills in theatre and audio-visual drama. Specialist work includes acting for film, film theory, theatre and media production, scriptwriting, acting and directing. Studnets examine key cinematic pieces and culminates in the production of a short film; it is as intensive as it is worthwhile.

This course also gives students practical skills in many of the aspects of Stagecraft and Technical Theatre.  Students develop an understanding of Lighting (Design and operation), Sound (Design and operation), Costuming (Design), Staging (Design and operation), Props, and Make-up (Design and operation).  Students will also learn the skills required for Stage Management, crew work and Special Effects for Theatre including smoke, haze, dry ice, and pyrotechnics. The unit works towards building a range of technical theatre skills in the set up design and implementation of a major show.

Students who satisfactorily complete this unit become eligible to join the Backstage Crew of the College.   This unit is an excellent precursor to Theatre studies at Year 10.

Essential Learning Standards level 6: 5.00 - 5.50

Music

Click here for the Music Pathways Diagram

Intermediate Music Performance (NB: This course runs for Two semesters) – Code: 9aMP1 & 9aMP2

This performance-based subject offers students the opportunity to develop their solo and ensemble performance skills on a chosen instrument. In small and large groups and as a soloist, students will rehearse, perform, analyse and discuss a range of performance styles. Students are required to be a part of the college instrumental and ensemble programs. In this unit students cover the basic skills required for music literacy, including scale construction, triads, intervals and basic harmony. Students submit a research paper covering the background of a famous musician on their instrument and assess a professional music performance.

Essential Learning Standards:

• Creating/making
• Exploring/Responding

Visual Arts

Click here for the Visual Arts Pathways Diagram

Art – Code: 9aAR

Essential Learning Standards level 6 - The Arts

• Creating and Making
• Exploring and Responding 

Visual Communication

Click here for the Visual and Graphic Pathways Diagram

Architecture & Visual Communication – Code: 9aVC

This unit provides students with an understanding of the design and drawing systems used in architecture to create a product on paper that is consistent with the standards in these fields. Example of such work might include floor plans and elevations drawn by an architect to be used by a builder to construct a house. By experiencing this process students develop skills in communicating graphically in an industrial situation. They experience a variety of systems, techniques and devices that enable them to understand design principles, standards and conventions, detail and working drawings, pictorial drawing and rendering techniques. Students will investigate the designers and illustrators in an effort to design visual communication products such as events or products advertising posters, magazine covers or packaging. Students will acquire the use of design elements and principles.

Essential Learning Standards level 6 - The Arts

• Creating and Making
• Exploring and Responding

Media

Click here for the Media Pathways Diagram

Introduction to Media – Code: 9aME

Students are introduced to a history of media and animation. Students analyse how stereotypes are represented in the media. They study different styles of animation and produce exercises to show moving forms. Students are also introduced to digital animation.

Essential Learning Standards level 6 - The Arts

• Creating and Making
• Exploring and Responding

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ENGLISH

Assessment

• Writing Folio
• Text Responses
• Oral Response
• Semester Examination

Click here for the English Pathways Diagram

Year 9 English (Semester 1) - Code: 9eEN1 & (Semester 2) - Code: 9eEN2

Pre-requisite - Students are expected to have completed 9eEN1 before undertaking 9eEN2

The Year 9 English course focuses on developing and extending students’ reading, writing and oral language skills. The courses are text based and students will study a variety of text types including novels, films, poetry, short stories and media texts. Students also experiment with a variety of writing genres appropriate for different audiences and purposes with a strong focus on creative and persuasive writing. The Zines unit allows students to explore their own interests in writing and take responsibility for their own learning process in a student directed learning task.

Essential Learning Standards 6

• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking & Listening

English offered by Educational Support at Year 9

Educational Support Codes: 9eES1 & 9eES2

This course is designed to explicitly develop students’ language and learning skills using the same text books and novels being taught in Year 9 English. In this subject, students are in smaller class groups which allows for extensive individual attention. Students are expected to develop note-taking skills and skills in different styles of writing. Students have increased opportunities to enhance oral language skills. Explicit teaching of grammar is tailored to the needs of each individual.

NB: These Units are available by invitation only.

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HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Assessment

• Fitness Testing
• Skill Acquisition
• Topic Tests
• Assignment Work
• Semester Examination

Click here for the Health & Physical Education Pathways Diagram

This elective is for the student who is interested in sport at a competitive level and wishes to gain more information about skill acquisition, evaluating performance, and biomechanical principles. Students will also look at issues such as sport specific safety and sports first aid. Students will engage in a variety of physical activities that will include: Hockey, European Handball, Soccer and Badminton.

Essential Learning Standards

• Movement and physical activity
• Health knowledge and promotion

Health and Fitness for Sport – Code: 9pHF

Health and Physical Education are important parts of the curriculum. Students will study skill acquisition, rules, strategies and concepts of a range of sports. Students also undergo a series of tests designed to measure a range of specific fitness components that will enable them to make links between Physical Activity and Health. Students will engage in a variety of physical activities that could include: Baseball, Gridiron, Volleyball and Netball.

Essential Learning Standards

• Movement and physical activity
• Health knowledge and promotion

Sport Science – Code: 9pSS

This elective mainly focuses on Sports Science and would suit the student who is very keen to understand the body and its relationship with physical activity. Topics covered in this elective include exercise physiology, which covers the body systems of cardio-vascular, muscular and skeletal. Nutritional topics are covered and include diet evaluations, sports supplements, and diet and performance. Students will engage in a variety of physical activities that will include: Oztag, Gaelic Football, Minor Games and Circuit Training.

Essential Learning Standards

• Movement and physical activity
• Health knowledge and promotion

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HUMANITIES

Assessment

Units in the Humanities are assessed using a range of methods including the following:

• Reports
• Oral Presentations
• Exercises
• Tests
• Research Assignments
• Semester Examination

Click here for the Humanities Pathways Diagram

Geography

Environmental Disasters - Code: 9hED

This unit of geography focuses on social, cultural and environmental issues in the Asia Pacific Region. Students will explore natural disasters and the physical processes that produce them. They will analyse patterns of distribution and investigate change over time. Topics will include: using topographic maps, aerial and satellite imagery, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes.

Essential Learning Standards level 6

• Geographical Knowledge and understanding
• Geospatial skills

History

In this unit of history students will look at the lives of the early Australians both Aboriginal and European. Topics covered include: the way Aborigines lived in Australia before the arrival of European settlers, the reasons for settlement by Europeans, the results of contacts for the Aboriginal population, the early settlements and growth of Sydney and Melbourne, the spread of bushrangers, the effects of the Gold Rushes and the sporting pursuits of the early Australians.

Essential Learning Standards level 6

• Historical knowledge and understanding
• Historical reasoning and interpretation

Commerce

Introduction to Financial Management – Code: 9hFM

This unit of study provides students with an insight into the role, importance and operation of personal and business financial management. Topics studied include: the role and function of money; sources of income; finances, documents and managing money; plastic money; borrowing; personal and business record keeping.

Essential Learning Standards level 6

• Economics knowledge and understanding
• Economics reasoning and interpretation

Financial Investment – Code: 9hFI

This unit of study introduces students to the consumer world of finance.  Areas of study include: money and its uses; setting financial goals; types of income; the value of savings and investment; different types of investment, including property and shares; personal budgeting; the importance of debt management; banking and credit.

Essential Learning Standards level 6

• Economics knowledge and understanding
• Economics reasoning and interpretation

The Law in Operation – Code: 9hLO

In the unit The Law in Operation students are introduced to the Legal Justice System in Victoria. Students identify the type of laws that we have in Victoria and why there is a need to enforce such laws. This subject also encompasses such topics as: police powers, individual rights, role of court and prison systems, role of law in sport and the laws associated with caring for our environment.

Essential Learning Standards level 6

• Economics knowledge and understanding
• Economics reasoning and interpretation

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LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH - LOTE

 
Units in LOTE are assessed using the following methods:.

Assessment 

Units in LOTE are assessed using the following methods:

• Grammar and Vocabulary
• Writing Tasks
• Oral Tasks
• Comprehension Tasks
• Cultural Task
• Semester Examination

French

French Year 9 (Semester 1 & 2) – Codes: 9LFR1 and 9LFR2

Pre-requisite - Students are expected to have completed 9LFR1 before undertaking 9LFR2.

These units are designed to extend students' knowledge and skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing, through the study of regular and irregular verbs in the present tense, perfect tense, agreements, articulated prepositions, object pronouns and different ways of greeting, introducing, describing, requesting, questioning and expressing opinions, using formal and informal language.

Essential Learning Standards - LOTE Pathway 2

• Communicating in a Language Other Than English
• Intercultural knowledge and language awareness

Italian Year 9 (Semester 1 & 2) – Codes: 9LIT1 and 9LIT2

Pre-requisite - Students are expected to have completed 9LIT1 before undertaking 9LIT2.

These units are designed to extend students' knowledge and skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing, through the study of regular and irregular verbs in the present tense, perfect tense, agreements, articulated prepositions, object pronouns and different ways of greeting, introducing, describing, requesting, questioning and expressing opinions, using formal and informal language.

Essential Learning Standards - LOTE Pathway 2

• Communicating in a Language Other Than English
• Intercultural knowledge and language awareness

 

Japanese 
Japanese Year 9 (Semester 1 & 2) – Codes: 9LJA1 and 9LJA2
Pre-requisite - Students are expected to have completed 9LJA1 before undertaking 9LJA2.

These units are designed to extend students' knowledge and skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing through a variety of oral and written activities. Students have refined their knowledge of the Hiragana script and are introduced to Katakana. They become familiar with aspects of Japanese lifestyle and culture, history and geography.

Essential Learning Standards - LOTE Pathway 2

• Communicating in a Language Other Than English
• Intercultural knowledge and language awareness

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MATHEMATICS

Assessment

Units in Mathematics are assessed from a range of the following methods:

• Topic Tests
• Application Tasks
• Modelling Problems
• Research assignments
• Technology related Tasks
• Semester Examinations

Year 9 Mathematics (Semester 1 & 2) – Codes: 9mMA1 & 9mMA2
Pre-requisite - Students are expected to have completed 9mMA1 before undertaking 9mMA2.

In Mathematics, students undertake outcome tests in various topics as well as an end of Semester Examination. Throughout the semester students are expected to complete an application task and several analysis tasks. The application task involves applying skills learnt in a practical situation. Analysis tasks entail finding solutions to non-routine problems. Activities using CAS (Computer Algebra Systems) technology are an integral pert of the course.

Essential Learning Standards level 6

• Number
• Space
• Measurement, Chance and Data
• Structure
• Working mathematically

Alternative Mathematics Year 9 (Semester 1 & 2) – Codes: 9mMS1 & 9mMS2
Pre-requisite - Students are expected to have completed 9mMS1 before undertaking 9mMS2.

Alternative Mathematics is a modified course which aims to cater for students who experience difficulties with their numeracy skills. Students undertake outcome tests in the topics listed below as well as an end of semester examination. Homework is set on a regular basis. Throughout the semester, students are expected to complete application tasks and several analysis tasks.

Essential Learning Standards level 6

• Number
• Space
• Measurement, Chance and Data
• Structure
• Working mathematically

Accelerated Mathematics Year 9 (Semester 2 only) – Code: 9mAM2
To be accepted into this subject students need to meet the criteria as determined by the Mathematics Learning Area Leader.  Invitations to apply for this course (which replaces one of the chosen "elective" subjects in Semester 2) will be distributed via Mathematics classes during Term 3 2009: this course does not need to be indicated on the Subject Selection Form for 2010.

This Unit is designed for students who are interested in enhancing their ability in Mathematics .The aim of this Unit is to prepare students for VCE Mathematical Methods and General Mathematics (Advanced). Students will be introduced to recognition and sketching of functions, sketching and solving trigonometric functions, sketching and solving algebraically, exponential and logarithmic functions and more advanced familiarisation of the (CAS) graphics calculator.

NB: This course is different from the Year 9 Mathematics Advanced Placement

Essential Learning Standards level 6

• Number
• Space
• Measurement, Chance and Data
• Structure
• Working mathematically

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Assessment
Units in Religious Education are assessed throughout each unit of work using a range of methods including:

• Goal setting
• Work Sheets
• Presentations
• Journal writing
• Summarising activities
• Visual presentations: Posters, Power Points, Storyboards
• Case studies
• Projects
• Internet exploration and summary
• Class and group discussion
• Group activity
• Self-assessment
• Peer-assessment

The above ranges of assessment are completed as class work and homework activities and are preparation for the end of unit assessment task. At the end of each semester there is also a formal exam assessing the student’s knowledge and progression over the course of study.

Religion Year 9 – Codes: 9RE1 and 9RE2

Each year, students examine topics within 5 Strands. The Units build on each other in a sequenced approach. These five Content strands provide the organisational framework within which the school based religious education curriculum is developed.

The Units within the Content Strands for Year 9 are as follows:

STRAND 1 - SCRIPTURE
The Bible: A Book or a Library
How to read the Bible
Old Testament: Selected texts

STRAND 2 - CHURCH AND COMMUNITY
What do catholic believe?
The Catholic Church in Australia: Education and politics
The Catholic Church in Australia: Looking to the future

STRAND 3 - GOD, RELIGION AND LIFE
Images of Good and Evil;

STRAND 4 - PRAYER LITURGIES AND SACRAMENTS
Healing and Hope: The sacrament of penance and Reconciliation
Healing and Hope: Anointing of the Sick
Mary the First Disciple

STRAND 5 - MORALITY AND JUSTICE
The Ten Commandments and Beatitudes

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SCIENCE

• Topic Tests
• Investigations
• Practical Exercises
• Semester Examination

Year 9 Science – Codes: 9sSC1 & 9sSC2

In Year 9 Science students are provided with the opportunity to study Biological, Chemical and Physical Science. The Chemical Science course deals with the structure of atoms, chemical symbols and formulae, reactions and the properties of various compounds.

The Physical Science course covers the properties of light, in particular reflection and refraction. Colour is also investigated. Students are required to complete an investigation of an Optical Aid and to explain its operation in relation to the properties of light.

Essential Learning Standards level 6

• Science Knowledge and Understanding
• Science at work
  
  

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TECHNOLOGY

Assessment

* NB. All offerings in Technology are subject to the availability of specialist teaching staff. There will be limited numbers of classes with preference given to those who submit their forms earliest.

Intermediate CAD & Production– Code: 9tCP

This unit develops students' skills in using ProDesktop, a computer-aided design (CAD) program. Areas of study include ProDesktop techniques, CAD designs and manual drafting. Drawing skills are integrated with CAD skills. Students produce drawings that assist them to learn essential standards and conventions. Students are challenged to become more skilled in their ability to use computers to design through a series of CAD projects.

Students follow the Technology Process to investigate, design, produce and evaluate solutions to design problems. They develop their understanding of design and understand the purpose of design briefs. They study materials used in the manufacture of their products and apply this knowledge to their work. Students are introduced to a variety of basic hand tools and equipment. They develop their production skills while observing safety rules. Computer Aided Design is used to develop solutions to design problems presented in design briefs.

Essential Learning Standards level 6

• Investigating and designing
• Producing
• Analysing and evaluating
  
  

Intermediate Electronics – Code 9tEL

This unit focuses on the electrical and electronic areas of Technology. Students follow the Technology Process of investigating, designing, producing, and evaluating to produce a range of circuit designs. They develop skills in circuit design, modelling and testing; printed circuit board manufacture, circuit construction and diagnostic practices related to electrical systems. Students learn about microcontrollers and their role in society. Students are required to follow safe work practices in the workshop environment.

Essential Learning Standards level 6

• Investigating and designing
• Producing
• Analysing and evaluating

Introduction to Food Technology – Code: 9tFT

This course aims to develop the students knowledge of basic nutrition. In some detail they will develop their knowledge of the essential nutrients, the role they play in our diet and the food sources of each of these. Students will begin to learn strategies for addressing particular health issues related to food and diet. They will gain knowledge and skills to select foods which meet a specific nutritional need and promote good health. In particular they will explore more fully Australia’s obesity crisis and look at strategies we can use to overcome this problem. Students will become familiar with the Australian Dietary Guidelines and The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. They will use their knowledge of these to design specific diets for particular occasions.

This course focuses on three general areas – Nutrition, Food for Special occasions and Food Supply in Australia. Students will prepare and serve food based on sound nutritional guidelines. They will also have the opportunity to study, plan and prepare food for special occasions, as well as look at a range of foods from other countries which influence Australia’s diet.

Essential Learning Standards level 6

• Investigating and designing
• Producing
• Analysing and evaluating

Click here for the Food Technology Pathways Diagram

The Internet and Web Sites - Code: 9iWS

Students will examine the Internet to discover services other than the Web. They will learn Web research skills including how to set advanced search strategies and how to judge the value of a Web site. They will look at matters raised by the Web such as copyright issues and the easy availability of inappropriate and illegal materials. Students will look at the way the Web is used for criminal activities and the means of protecting themselves.

Students will also learn to design, build and evaluate web sites. They will work both individually and in teams to build sites for particular purposes using some topics set by the teacher and some set by themselves.

Essential Learning Standards level 6

• ICT for creating
• ICT for communication
• Reasoning, processing and inquiry

Computer Game Design - Code: 9iGD

Students will look at an array of computer games and develop a means of classifying them into types. They will consider the elements that contribute to making a good game. They will design, build and evaluate simple computer games using modern programming and problem solving techniques. They will also consider issues such as copyright and censorship that will affect the distribution of their finished games. To develop their games, students will work both independently and in groups.

Essential Learning Standards level 6

• ICT for creating
• ICT for communication
• Reasoning, processing and inquiry

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