handbook curriculum Year 11/12 - 2017 confidence to explore St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School CONTENTS Contents INTRODUCTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING SUBJECTS -------------------------------------------------------------- 3 ADDITIONAL NOTES ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 PROCEDURE FOR SELECTION OF SUBJECTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 ACCOUNTING ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 BIOLOGY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 CHEMISTRY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9 DRAMA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 11 ECONOMICS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 ENGLISH ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 ENGLISH EXTENSION NB Available only in Year 12 by application ----------------------------------------------------------- 20 GEOGRAPHY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22 GRAPHICS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 28 LANGUAGES - CHINESE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29 LANGUAGES - FRENCH ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32 LANGUAGES - GERMAN ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35 LANGUAGES - JAPANESE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38 MATHEMATICS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41 MATHEMATICS A -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42 MATHEMATICS B --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45 MATHEMATICS C -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49 MODERN HISTORY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52 MUSIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 55 MUSIC EXTENSION NB Available only in Year 12 by application --------------------------------------------------------------- 58 PHYSICAL EDUCATION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 59 PHYSICS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 62 VISUAL ART ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 64 INFORMATION ABOUT THE QUEENSLAND CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION, SENIOR STATEMENT AND TERTIARY ENTRANCE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 68 QUEENSLAND CORE SKILLS (QCS) TEST ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 68 EXIT PREPARATION PROGRAM (EPP) (YEARS 11 & 12) -------------------------------------------------------------- 68 QCE INFORMATION SUMMARY FOR PARENTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 69 SUBJECT ACHIEVEMENT INDICATORS (SAIs) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 71 OVERALL POSITION (OP) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 71 SUBJECT WEIGHTS TABLE FOR USE IN YEAR 12 IN 2018 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 73 VOCATIONAL AND TERTIARY PATHWAY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 75 ICT20115 CERTIFICATE II IN INFORMATION, DIGITAL MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY -------------------------- 77 BSB50215 DIPLOMA OF BUSINESS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 78 LMT20107 CERTIFICATE II IN APPLIED FASHION DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY ------------------------------- 79 ENGLISH COMMUNICATION (SAS) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 80 PREVOCATIONAL MATHEMATICS (SAS) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 82 INTRODUCTION NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL TO YEAR 10 STUDENTS This booklet is designed to give you information about subjects, which may be offered, by the school for Years 11 and 12. It should help you in the process of choosing your senior course of study. It is important to realise that the demands of Years 11 and 12 are different from Year 10 and expectations are high. You and only you are responsible for your study and your progress. Parents and the school will help where they can, but your results ultimately depend on your commitment to your studies, your effective use of class and study time and your willingness to seek help and clarification whenever it is needed. The Deputy Principal, Dean of Studies, Guidance Counsellor and all other members of staff including myself are only too happy to answer queries and provide information to allow you to make well-informed decisions about your course selection. This process will assist you in the preparation of your Senior Education and Training Plan (SET plan). TO PARENTS The selection of courses and subjects for senior studies must take cognisance of several factors - the student's interests and capabilities, the requirements for entry into tertiary study and employment, the requirements laid down by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority for the issue of the Queensland Certificate of Education and the school's assessment policy. The choice of senior subjects should be based on the above. You will need to be realistic in your appraisal of your daughter's interests, demonstrated abilities and future aspirations. Achievement to date, especially in English and Mathematics is a strong indicator of achievement in Years 11 and 12. This booklet is a guide only. Teachers are available to provide information you may require to help your daughter in her course selection. Course and Careers information may be obtained from various sources, including tertiary institutions, the school Careers Room and Internet sites accessed via the Careers home page. Please feel free to contact Mrs Wickham or Ms Robinson for information and assistance. Please also note that we will endeavour to offer all subjects but the timetable and subject offerings will ultimately depend on the majority of student preferences. We work hard to ensure the best possible academic outcome for each of our students. Please be guided by the school’s advice with respect to a course of study. Karen Spiller PRINCIPAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING SUBJECTS (a) What are you aiming for? Do you have a definite tertiary course in mind? If so, are there any subjects which you MUST DO as pre-requisite for entry? (b) Take subjects in which you DO WELL. (c) You should keep AS MANY OPTIONS as possible open, and select a BROAD range of subjects. (d) Do you have the necessary prerequisites at Year 10 level for subjects such as Mathematics and Languages in Year 11? (e) ALL STUDENTS MUST include an ENGLISH and a MATHEMATICS subject in their six subject program. (f) Before finally deciding on your subjects, discuss your preferences with your parents and with members of staff. It may also be helpful to discuss the subject with Senior girls currently taking it; however, DO NOT select subjects on the basis of other people's value judgements about them - e.g. My sister said it was boring My friend has chosen it My parents say it will be better for my OP (g) Make good use of the careers information available from the Careers Room and other sources such as Internet sites. All students will receive written confirmation of their subject preferences once class allocations have been finalised. The initial subject line offerings may change due to student numbers, resource and staff allocation. ADDITIONAL NOTES From 2008, the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) has replaced the Senior Certificate. The first QCEs were awarded to eligible students completing Year 12 in 2008. To be eligible for a QCE, a student must be enrolled with a school and registered with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) formerly QSA. For most students, the QCE will be achieved over Years 11 and 12. Others may not achieve it until after they finish Year 12. In order to receive a QCE, students must provide evidence of the following;- - complete 20 credits (as per table at the back of this handbook) - achieve required standards and - meet literacy and numeracy requirements. Most students at St Aidan’s will study Authority subjects; some will study a combination of Authority, Authority Registered and VET subjects. Therefore, the 20 credits will be made up from these subjects provided a sound achievement is achieved on exit from Year 12. Literacy and numeracy requirements will generally be met by achieving a sound achievement in an English and a Mathematics subject. In addition to their program of six subjects, Year 11 students will have lessons in Religious and Values Education, Physical Education and the Exit Preparation Program. In Year 12, students will have lessons set aside for Private Study, Religious and Values Education and the Exit Preparation Program. It is in the Exit Preparation Program that students undertake their Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test preparation. All students wishing to receive an OP at the end of Year 12 must sit the QCS Test. Students who are not OP-eligible may also sit the QCS Test. PROCEDURE FOR SELECTION OF SUBJECTS 1. Teachers in charge of the subjects in Years 11 or 12 will talk to students about the subjects and provide an opportunity to ask questions. 2. Read this booklet carefully. 3. See the Guidance Counsellor for career guidance if you need help. 4. Collect as much information as you can during your Year 10 Futures Week. 5. Try to visit some of the Career Exhibits, which are held during the year. 6. A parent and student information evening will be held on Tuesday 2 August at 6.30pm so that parents, together with students, may discuss issues with teachers. 7. Subject selections are to be completed by Tuesday 15 August. All students will receive written confirmation of their subject preferences once class allocations have been finalised. NB You may set up an interview time to discuss your selections during Term Four if required. Changes may be made after this, but only after discussion with the Dean of Studies, and subject to the availability of a place in the class. CHANGING SUBJECTS During Years 11 and 12, girls become more aware of their abilities and interests and, in most cases, their post-school plans clarify. It may become necessary to reconsider the original selected subjects. All subject changes must be approved by the Dean of Studies. Written consent for the change is required from parents. The change must be discussed with the staff who have been teaching the subject to be dropped, the staff of the subject to be taken up and the Dean of Studies. A change of subject form needs to be completed by the student, parent and relevant staff members. Subject changes need to be finalised by the end of Week Two in each semester. Too much time is lost in a new subject for changes to be considered after two weeks into the beginning of a semester. (To maintain eligibility for an OP, and therefore QTAC tertiary entrance, plus QCE at least three (3) subjects MUST be continued for the four (4) semesters). In total, 20 semesters (passed) must be completed to be eligible for a QCE. Students must also pass a Mathematics and English subject in order to meet literacy and numeracy requirements. ACCOUNTING SUBJECT OVERVIEW Senior Accounting is designed to provide a foundation in the discipline of accounting and to prepare students for further education, training and employment. Accounting is the language of business; it is an information system that provides financial and other information about the nature and significance of business transactions. People use this information for decision-making within a range of business organisations and this knowledge is also useful to individuals in the management of their own personal financial affairs. The study of Accounting promotes the development of:  logical reasoning  analysis and interpretation  effective communication  decision making  numeracy  complex problem solving In developing these skills, students will study a range of theoretical and practical aspects of Accounting, with learning experiences focusing on three dimensions: Knowledge and Procedural Practices, Interpretation and Evaluation and Applied Practical Processes. Current relevant technologies such as Microsoft Office using Excel and Word and an Accounting Package e.g., MYOB have a strong focus in the syllabus. On completion of the course, students will be able to participate more effectively and responsibly in a changing business environment. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS There is no prerequisite; however, a unit of Business Studies may be useful. Although advanced mathematical concepts are not used in the two-year course, students should be able to add and subtract accurately and enjoy working with figures. As one of the assessment dimensions and part of another involve written theory answers, a C grade or higher in Year 10 English is desirable. ENTRY POINTS Accounting is sequential in nature with the work of each semester using knowledge and skills developed in previous semesters. It is usual that students enter at Semester One and progress sequentially through Semesters Two, Three and Four. If a student has had a high degree of success in several Business Studies units, entry after Semester One might be considered. CAREER/STUDY OPTIONS Accounting is a core subject in many tertiary business courses. Students undertaking further studies in areas such as Commerce, Business Management, Hospitality, Tourism, Travel and Business Education Teaching may find it advantageous to have studied Accounting at school. The sometimes difficult concepts covered in university studies may be easier to comprehend if they have already been learnt at school. The financial skills and knowledge gained during the Accounting course may be beneficial in providing an understanding of personal finances and when seeking future employment. The mandatory use of computers may also provide skills and confidence in the use of computer applications and an awareness of career opportunities in information processing areas. WORK REQUIREMENTS AND ASSESSMENT Students must ensure they do homework, assignment completion and revision of work on a regular basis. A very significant portion of the work is practical, including use of computers and manual practical work. 5 COURSE DETAILS Semester One Core Studies in Accounting Prerequisites Nil Description The importance of the accounting environment to the business world is discussed. Students look at the complete accounting process from source documents to end- of-year reports, including balance day adjustments and reversing entries. Students learn up-to-date terminology, journal entry is all done through the general journal to give a greater emphasis to the reasoning behind entries, and GST and perpetual inventories are implemented from the beginning. Students also have a brief introduction to calculation of three profitability ratios. Work Requirements  Homework completion and revision of work on a regular basis  Practical assessment  Supervised written (extended response), Practical assessment Assessment is formative Semester Two Recording and Controls in Accounting Prerequisites Core Studies in Accounting Description In this unit, students cover the practical topics of accounting for cash, accounting for accounts receivable and accounting for inventories. With regard to theory, students investigate internal controls in accounting.  Homework completion and revision of work on a regular basis Work Requirements  Practical assessment  Supervised written (short responses), Practical assessment  Extended response (unsupervised) Assessment is formative Semester Three Recording and Reporting in Accounting Prerequisites Recording and Controls in Accounting Description Accounting for and control of non-current assets is examined. Cash budgeting, incorporating spreadsheeting using Microsoft Excel, is studied. Students then learn to keep accounting records using a computerised accounting package (e.g. Mind Your Own Business).  Homework completion and revision of work on a regular basis Work Requirements  Practical assessment, Supervised written (extended response)  Practical assessment  Practical assessment (accounting package – open book) Assessment is summative Semester Four Reporting and Decision-Making in Accounting Prerequisites Recording and Reporting in Accounting Description Topics covered in this unit include analysis of accounting reports, incorporating spreadsheeting using Microsoft Excel. Cash flow statements and accrual accounting will also be studied.  Homework completion and revision of work on a regular basis Work Requirements  Practical assessment, (unsupervised conditions)  Practical assessment, Supervised written (short response)  Practical assessment Assessment is summative 6 BIOLOGY SUBJECT OVERVIEW The study of Biology provides students with an understanding of the ways scientists approach the solving of problems, which pertain to the living world and the processes of science, which lead to the discovery of new knowledge. It helps students understand the workings of their own bodies as well as their relationships with other life forms. It assists in the development of manipulative and thinking skills, which can be used to solve problems arising in everyday life. Biology may provide the student with:  An insight into the scientific method of investigating problems pertaining to the living world  A deeper understanding and an enhanced appreciation of the living world including their place in it  Opportunities to apply their knowledge in practical situations  Information which is relevant to their needs to help the young adults of the future to become active decision makers in the living world of their own and society’s activities ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Logical thinking and the ability to express ideas clearly are integral to Biology. Students should carefully consider their achievement in Science, English and other subjects with regard to their complex thinking skills, as there is an emphasis on producing extended written pieces of work. ENTRY POINTS The organisation of the subject is sequential with the work of each semester using knowledge and skills developed in previous semesters. It is expected that students will enter at Semester One and progress sequentially through Semesters Two, Three and Four. CAREER/STUDY OPTIONS At present, Biology may be used as a prerequisite and is a suggested subject for several courses at tertiary institutions. An awareness of nature and natural processes is desirable for a complete education and its value is lasting. COURSE DETAILS Assessment in Biology takes three forms – Extended Experimental Investigations, Extended Response Tasks and Written Tasks (i.e. supervised tests). In Year 11, the assessment is essentially formative. All Year 12 tasks will be considered summative. All field work must be submitted in Year 11 and 12 folios. Evolution And Diversity Of Organisms This unit helps students to understand the progressive changes that have arisen in Description organisms over billions of years, as well as the mechanisms that have brought about the changes.  Written Task (Test) Work Requirements* Defence Forces In Action Science has made considerable advances in understanding, preventing and treating Description diseases. Despite these advances, diseases are re-emerging and new diseases are emerging at an alarming rate. Micro-organisms called pathogens are capable of causing disease but most do not. The role of micro-organisms in food contamination and spoilage is examined.  Extended Experimental Investigation Work Requirements* The role of micro-organisms in food spoilage will be investigated with supporting evidence collated from practical work. 7 Ecology Within our environment, organisms interact with each other and their non-living Description surroundings to form ecosystems. Ecosystems respond to external pressures and adjust accordingly. Australia has a unique environment comprising a variety of valuable ecosystems of which each one plays a vital role in the overall balance of life.  Extended Response Work Requirements* This unit provides opportunities to undertake the mandated fieldwork component of the syllabus. Collection and analysis of the raw data leads to an extended response task that evaluates a topical issue such as the effect of urban sprawl on Toohey Forest. Chain Of Command Description Animals and plants are composed of many small cells interacting together. A group of similar cells perform a particular function. This process illustrates a chain of command from cells through to systems. The integration and regulation of all body systems to produce a functioning organism will be investigated. Issues addressed in this unit include vitamin and mineral deficiencies, obesity and organ donations.  Written Task (Test) Work Requirements* Maintaining a Balanced Environment Change is an integral part of the biosphere, which takes place over different periods of Description time and scale. The effects of these changes may be felt at the molecular level. When the homeostatic environment is disturbed, due to human activities, the impact on plant life is affected and will be the focus of the investigation.  Extended Experimental Investigation assessed in stages, culminating with a Work Requirements* Scientific Report And Life Goes On – Study Of Reproduction And Development There is no question that science has changed human behaviour, particularly with the Description advancement of contraception and reproductive technology. An understanding of structure and function of the human reproductive system is necessary for an awareness of scientific and technological development, which allows for intervention processes such as IVF. The impact of IVF, PGD and stem cell research will be the main focus.  Extended Response – focuses on reproductive issues faced by women. Work Requirements*  Written Task (Test) Genetics The similarities between parents and offspring and between different groups have long Description been recognised. Laws of inheritance will be studied with investigations into the uses being made of modern genetic knowledge and practice of genetic engineering.  Extended Response - an essay topic which considers the implications of genetic Work Requirements* engineering Shaping The Future This unit consolidates previous work linking evolution, reproduction and genetics. It Description allows students the opportunity to investigate the changes in science today and the potential impact of the media on the development of scientific literacy.  Extended Response - a multimedia presentation investigating how scientific Work Requirements* concepts are portrayed in the media will be undertaken *Work requirements listed are examples of the types of assessment tasks used during each unit. 8