19
1 | Page
1 | P a g e
2 | P a g e
Introduction Kurunjang Secondary College provides a rigorous and comprehensive range of core
subjects, and has a choice of numerous semester based electives to develop skills
and knowledge in areas of interest and strength.
Course of Study Outline Sessions Per Fortnight
English 8
Literacy 4
Mathematics 8
Science 5
Humanities 5
Health and Physical Education 5
Elective 1 5
Elective 2 5
Elective 3 5
3 | P a g e
Core Subjects
English
Students will develop an awareness of the way language varies according to its
purpose, audience, and context. Students will complete a broad range of written and
oral texts and respond critically to a variety of literature and media texts.
Literacy
This subject aims to further develop and extend students’ literacy skills. Students will work in groups according to their reading comprehension levels. Each level will have targeted lessons ranging from phonological awareness, reading comprehension strategies based on the four resources model by the Department of Education, including Reciprocal Teaching.
Mathematics
Students will develop their mathematical knowledge and skills in the tree strands according to the Victorian Curriculum: Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statics and Probability.
Students will apply a range of skills to solve problems involving simple interest, algebraic expressions, explain the similarity of triangles, surface area and volume, represent data graphically, and estimate probabilities of events
Science
Students will develop key knowledge and skill in understanding the value of scientific enquiry, the applications of science in everyday life, and exploring science as a human activity. Areas of study will include, renewable energy, origin of the universe, nervous systems, earthquakes and volcanoes, subatomic particles, electricity and magnetism.
4 | P a g e
Humanities
This subject builds upon students’ knowledge and skills in understanding the past and present in order to make decisions about the future. Students will investigate the Industrial Revolution, World War One, and in particular the experiences of Australians involved in the war.
There will be a focus on geography and how terrains effect food security. Additionally, globalisation will be considered for its impact on Australia and the world.
Health and Physical Education
Students will learn and develop greater control and skill in physical activity. They will develop proficiency in a range of high-level movement and manipulative skills whilst devising and employing tactics and strategies to counter pre-emptive challenges.
Students will learn and use training methods to improve their fitness level and participate in sports, games, recreational and leisure activities. During the theory component, students will investigate different components of fitness, body systems, biomechanics and nutrition.
Students will be assessed on participation, attendance, P.E uniform, skill development, fair play, and the theory components.
5 | P a g e
Cross Curricular Project
My City Experience
In order to develop an understanding of the idea of urbanisation and the effects of large groups of people living and working together in a collected space all Year 9 students undertake My City Experience. This week is an opportunity for students to develop a broader understanding of the city of Melbourne, how it operates and the civic institutions that support it.
Prior to undertaking My City Experience, primarily as part of the Humanities curriculum and other electives, students will develop a research hypothesis to be explored in the city. Students will have independent time each day to refine their hypothesis and collect related data. On their return to the college each student will prepare a presentation highlighting what they learned in relation to their hypothesis.
To build responsibility and confidence students will travel on public transport to and from the city each day with increasing independence.
6 | P a g e
Year 9 Electives 2019
AVID: Preparation for VCE & Beyond (Full year elective)
Course description
The AVID elective provides students with an opportunity to develop and enhance the academic skills required of VCE subjects, and later in universities and the workforce. Students will focus on Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organisation, and Reading (WICOR). These will be further supported by academic note taking, presentations, tutorials and excursions to universities all of which, will better prepare students for future success.
Learning Area: Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)
Italian for Travel (One semester elective)
Course description
Learning Italian provides an insight into the culture of Italy. The ability to communicate in Italian can widen travel and employment opportunities. Language skills learned will also improve student communication abilities in fun and interactive ways. Topics covered will include food, tourism, songs, and games.
Learning Area: Language Other Than English (LOTE)
7 | P a g e
History (One semester elective)
Course description
History is jam-packed with larger than life ‘heroes’ and ‘villains’ who have had a dramatic impact on the world. Joseph Stalin was responsible for the deaths of some 20 million people. Oskar Schindler saved the lives of 1,200 Jewish people from Nazi death camps.
Some historical figures are harder to define clearly. Ned Kelly was convicted of the murders of several policemen yet, is considered by many as a national hero. Students will explore what motivated various people to do what they did, why they behaved in certain ways, what they hoped to achieve by their actions, and history remembers them.
Learning Area: Humanities
Entrpreneurship (One semester elective)
Course description
If Bill Gates was a country, he’d be the 37th richest on earth (there are 195 countries in the world). The Indian textile magnate, Pankaj Parakh, had a pure gold shirt custom made for his 45th birthday; it had a price tag of a staggering $213,000.
Did you know that half of the world’s wealth is actually owned by only 1 percent of the population; that is 1% of 7.6 billion people! If you want to be a part of that 1%, then this elective gives an opportunity to understand business, social media and web marketing, and financial literacy.
Students will develop business plans, complete online training, and visit workplaces.
Who knows, we might find you on Shark Tank pitching a multi-million dollar business in the future!
Learning Area: Humanities
8 | P a g e
Live to Write, Write to Live! (One semester elective)
Course description
‘You only learn to be a better writer by actually writing’. If there is a story waiting to come alive inside you, then this elective is for you. Students will contribute to an online Writer’s Notebook, edit, and publish their best work.
You will study a variety of authors and immerse yourself in their style, try to emulate this in your own writing and increase your capacity to write effectively for a range of audiences and purposes.
Learning Area: English (Creative Writing)
9 | P a g e
Advance (One semester elective)
Course description
Through Advance, young people, develop leadership, teamwork, and networks of relationships while achieving shared goals. The program also encourages communities to support and recognise young people’s participation and positive role in society.
Advance gives young people a chance to do something great in their community based on their choice. Young people are able to plan projects, meet new people, build skills and make a difference in their community through volunteering.
Students will take part in First Aid training, responding to emergencies, camps and excursions. As such, there are special conditions to taking this elective. Students are required:
• To attend all camps, excursions, training activities
• To participate in community work and to maintain standards as an ambassador of the college
There will be costs associated with the activities and excursions.
Learning Area: Health and Physical Education
10 | P a g e
Sport (One semester elective)
Course description
“Winning is not everything but making the effort to win is”.
Through Sport, students will develop tactical ability, game awareness and strategy. The range of sports covered will build expertise in coaching and umpiring as well as allowing students to participate in Interschool Competitions.
Students will also focus on the prevention of sports injuries, First Aid, anatomy, physiology and biomechanics.
Learning Area: Health and Physical Education
11 | P a g e
Food Studies. (One semester elective)
Course description
Explore the foods and cooking of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the British settlers, and from there delve into the melting pot of international cuisines that have shaped the varied and unique palate of Australia.
Our love of multicultural dishes would not have been possible without those who shared their food and recipes.
You will design and produce meals worthy of a 10 out of 10, and a MasterChef pin!
Also, you will learn how Australia maintains s a safe food supply and ensures that food labelling adheres to strict standards to protect consumers.
Learning Area: Food Studies
12 | P a g e
Product Design &Technology (One semester elective)
Course description
Students in this class will gain advanced skills and knowledge of designing and making products using timber Students will be expected to complete a folio of work that consists of developing ideas, undertaking research and development, creating design options, and carrying our pre-production work to enable them to individually plan the construction of the product of their choice.
Students will then manufacture one or more core pieces of work to understand the safe manufacturing techniques, processes, and procedures using a wide range of hand and power tools.
Learning Area: Technology (Wood)
13 | P a g e
Product Design &Technology (One semester elective)
Course description
Students in this class will gain advanced skills and knowledge of designing and making products using metal. Students will be expected to complete a folio of work that consists of developing ideas, undertaking research and development, creating design options, and carrying our pre-production work to enable them to individually plan the construction of the product of their choice.
Students will then manufacture one or more core pieces of work to understand the safe manufacturing techniques, processes, and procedures using a wide range of hand and power tools.
Learning Area: Technology (Metal)
Product Design &Technology (One semester elective)
Course description
Students in this class will gain skills and knowledge of designing and producing garments. Students will learn about fabrics, fashion drawing, fabric printing, and sewing techniques.
Students will develop a portfolio of designs, as well as, designing and creating their own garment.
Learning Area: Technology (Fashion and Design)
14 | P a g e
Mechanical Appreciation (One semester elective)
Course description
Students in this class will gain advanced skills and knowledge of mechanical standards. Students will learn about engines, maintenance, mechanical engineering, and Occupational Health and Safety practices,
Students will focus on correct terminology, Worksafe standards, and rebuilding a single cylinder engine.
Learning Area: Technology (Auto)
Robotics (One semester elective)
Course description
Students in this class will learn about the innovative practices of the robotics industry. Students will create a robot of their own using the skills and knowledge gained through the course.
Learning Area: Technology
15 | P a g e
IDM – Video Production (One semester elective)
Course description
Students in this class will gain skills and knowledge of the processes involved in making video content for viewing distribution. Students will use a range of formats such as the web, mobile devices, DVD, and Blu-Ray. Students will learn about camera operation techniques, editing, and producing a video product.
Learning Area: Technology
IDM – Web Page Design (One semester elective)
Course description
Students in this class will learn how to use the Internet for business, education, and general advertising. Students will learn a range of techniques to create web pages that are attractive, informative and productive.
Adobe Dreamweaver and Photoshop will be used in the creation of websites.
16 | P a g e
Learning Area: Technology
Ceramics and Sculpture – 3D Art (One semester elective)
Course description
Students in this class will develop skills in drawing, design, and clay techniques. They will study the works of various artists and produce their own 3D piece.
Learning Area: Art
Drawing and Painting - 2D Art (One semester elective)
Course description
This program encourages students to express their individual ideas creatively. It provides them with the opportunity to experiment and create art works within the area of drawing, painting, printmaking and mixed media. This elective is particularly suitable for students who are keen to study Studio Arts at the VCE level.
Learning Area: Art
17 | P a g e
Drawing and Design -VisComm (One semester elective)
Course description
Students will be introduced to the concept of developing effective designs in order to communicate information visually. They will learn how to use techniques within instrumental and freehand drawing. Another major component is the use of computer design programs to present ideas.
Learning Area: Art
Digital Photography (One semester elective)
Course description
This program introduces students to photography as a form of creative expression. Students will learn camera work, software use, printing, and creating interesting visual images both with and without the classroom.
Students will also learn about basic computer imaging, including Photoshop.
Student may also use their own cameras.
Learning Area: Art
18 | P a g e
School of Rock! Performance (One year elective)
Course description
Within a rock band setting, students will have the opportunity to learn one or more
instruments including: Voice, Keyboard, Guitar, Bass Guitar or Drum Kit. In small
rock band groups, students will be taught how to play the instrument of their choice
with a view to performance.
Within this area of study, students will learn how to read, write, and analyse music.
Students will also undergo an ear training and composition component.
It is strongly recommended that students select this elective, if they intend selecting
Music in Year 10.
This subject has a fixed levy of $140* per year.
*This fee is subject to change.
It is a prerequisite that students undertaking this subject will be enrolled in
Instrumental Music lessons at the school, to develop the required skills. This
also has a cost attached.
Learning Area: Art (Music Performance)
19 | P a g e
Dance. (One semester elective)
Course description
The Year 9 Dance elective is suited to students who like to dance, who are creative,
enjoy practical and physical work and are keen to develop their ability in
choreography, advancing their dance skills and be willing to perform in front of their
peers, families or friends.
Students will learn to structure movement as they choreograph dances to express
their ideas, feelings and experiences. They will learn the language of dance, and to
describe movements using elements of dance as they view, discuss, read and write
about dance.
Learning Area: Art (Performing)
Drama. (One semester elective)
Course description
The Year 9 Drama course focuses on developing students’ expressive and
performance skills by introducing them to a range of dramatic styles and techniques.
Theatre styles from all over the world will be explored through practical workshops
and research tasks.
Learning Area: Art (Performing)
