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Legal Studies

Legal Studies

Course Summary

Are our criminal and civil justice systems fair? How are human rights protected in Australia? How can individuals advocate for changes to the law?

In Legal Studies, you will learn how our Legal System works. You will learn about our court system, and the pressures and restrictions on parliaments in making laws. You will study a wide range of current criminal, civil and constitutional law cases, and you will apply your knowledge of the law to interesting and challenging scenarios. We will evaluate how well our legal system meets the needs of different individuals and groups in society, and debate important social justice and law reform issues.

This subject will give you the confidence and ability to pursue further studies in law, politics and related fields. You will also develop the skills and knowledge to advocate for positive changes to our legal system.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Understand how cases are dealt with in the criminal and civil justice system
  • Discuss important cases and law reform issues
  • Evaluate whether the civil and criminal justice systems are fair, equitable and accessible
  • Discuss factors affecting law-making and the role of individuals in advocating for law reform, and evaluate Constitutional checks on power

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Explore Subject (VCAA)
Access & Justice Textbook
Justice & Outcomes Textbook

Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Checkpoints $35 (Optional Purchase)

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Madeleine Rowley

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General Maths

General Maths

Course Summary

Do you require an intermediate level of Maths to pursue your career? General Mathematics has a strong emphasis on logical thought, formulating problems to allow you to compute, make decisions and apply mathematical concepts. Major topics covered in General Mathematics are Statistics, Finance and Recursion, Matrices and Networks.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Use discrete mathematics to solve problems in financial modelling, network analysis, route & project planning, decision making, and growth and decay
  • Learn how to analyse and solve a wide range of geometrical problems in measurement, scaling, triangulation and navigation
  • Develop systematic relationships based on a statistical investigation process

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Explore Subject (VCAA)
Cambridge General Mathematics Textbook

Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Learning Area Contact

Maths Learning Area Leader

Michael Barnard

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Mathematical Methods

Mathematical Methods

Course Summary

Do you require a higher level of Maths for university study? Are you able to work with difficult interconnected mathematical topics independently? Topic covered in Maths Methods includes ‘Functions & Relations, ‘Exponential & Logarithms’, ‘Circular Functions’ ‘Differentiation’, ‘Integration & Antidifferentiation’, ‘Probability’, and ‘Statistical Inference & Hypothesis testing’. You will use content that will allow you to develop complex and sophisticated problem-solving skills and mathematical processes.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Further develop an understanding of functions, algebra, calculus and statistical analysis
  • Explore probability and statistics
  • Develop the ability to describe and analyse phenomena involving uncertainty and variation
  • Investigate the role mathematics plays in understanding the physical world e.g. rates of change

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Cambridge Mathematical Methods 1&2 Textbook
Cambridge Mathematical Methods 3&4 Textbook

Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

USB $8

Checkpoints $35

Learning Area Contact

Maths Learning Area Leader

Michael Barnard

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Specialist Maths

Specialist Maths

Course Summary

Have you got a high level of mathematical competence? Looking at studying science or engineering at University? Specialist Maths is really interesting and has a lot of real-world application. You will complete independent modules with some interconnected themes. Topics covered include advanced functions, Statistics and Probability, Complex Numbers, Kinematics, Vectors, Mechanics Differential and Integral Calculus.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Develop rigorous mathematical arguments and proofs and use mathematical models more extensively
  • Further improve in-depth mathematical skills and knowledge in preparation for complex university studies
  • Demonstrate the application of topics such as functions and calculus
  • Extend the understanding and knowledge of probability and statistics
  • Explore topics such as vectors, complex numbers and matrices

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Cambridge Specialist Mathematics 1&2Textbook
Cambridge Specialist Mathematics 3&4 Textbook

Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

USB $8

Unit 3 & 4

USB $8

Checkpoints $35 (Optional Purchase)

Learning Area Contact

Maths Learning Area Leader

Michael Barnard

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Philosophy

Philosophy

Course Summary

Are you interested in ethics and life’s big questions? Do you enjoy debating? VCE Philosophy is a broad introduction into western philosophy and methods of inquiry. You will investigate human nature through questions about the relationship between body and mind, and personal identity, leading to an examination of the good life. VCE Philosophy is a challenging and stimulating study, which nurtures curiosity, problem-solving skills, open-mindedness and intellectual rigour. You will explore foundational ideas and enduring questions related to diverse fields including the humanities, sciences and the arts.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Socratic seminars 
  • Philosothon
  • Critical debate and discussion 

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Readings $25

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Brydie Hind

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Music (Unit 1 & 2)

Music Unit (1 & 2)

Course Summary

Students prepare and perform ensemble and/or solo works to develop technical control, expression and stylistic understanding on their chosen instrument/sound source. They create (arrange, compose or improvise) short music exercises that reflect their understanding of the organisation of music. Students develop knowledge of music language concepts as they analyse and respond to a range of music and focus on the way music can be used to create an intended effect.

VCE: Unit 1 & 2

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Performances of at least two works, including at least one ensemble/group work
  • Complete a technical demonstration and discussion of challenges presented in works
  • Aural, oral, written and practical tasks
  • Composition and/or improvisation exercises and accompanying discussion

Prerequisites

There are no VCAA prerequisites for entry to Units 1, 2 and 3. However, the school prerequisites are as follows:

  • Evidence of instrumental music lessons, if a student has not studied music prior
  • Evidence of music experience in another school setting
  • Highly encouraged they take instrumental music classes whilst studying music
Music Inquiry Unit 3 & 4
Music Contemporary Performance Unit 3 & 4

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Learning Area Contact

Arts Learning Area Leader

Lynette Campbell

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English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Course Summary

Is another language other than English your first language or dialect? Do you require additional support with English? English as an Additional Language (EAL) is designed to meet the needs of students with a wide range of expectations and aspirations, including those for whom English is an additional language. You will be equipped with critical and creative thinking, aesthetic appreciation and creativity. You will engage with texts from the contemporary world and the past, and using texts from Australia and other cultures.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Critically analyse written and spoken texts
  • Create pieces of writing in a range of styles and forms
  • Analyse the ways spoken and visual language is used to persuade
  • Apply written and spoken skills to a range of creative, analytical and media texts
  • Complete classwork and final exams to demonstrate competence and confidence in writing and speaking for different purposes

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Approximate Costs

Learning Area Contact

English Learning Area Leader

Madeleine Rowley

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Outdoor & Environmental Studies

Outdoor & Environmental Studies

Course Summary

Do you like interacting with the natural environment? Are you adventurous? Studying Outdoor and Environmental Studies will enable you to make critically informed comments on questions of environmental sustainability, as well as, you’ll understand the importance of environmental health, particularly in local contexts. Through both passive and active outdoor activities, you will develop experiential knowledge of outdoor environments. This is further enhanced through the complex interplay between outdoor environment and humans including environmental history, ecology and the social studies of human relationships with nature.

Unit 1: Examines how humans connect with outdoor environments and why these connections are important. Throughout the unit we learn about our place within outdoor environments and learn safe and sustainable participation in outdoor experiences.

Unit 2: Focuses on the different ways to understand outdoor environments and the impact of humans on outdoor environments. We also learn about planning trips and learning about the weather and minimal impact strategies.

Unit 3: Focuses on the ecological, historical and social contexts of relationships between humans and outdoor environments in Australia. Including the changes over time, from historical time periods to modern day contexts.

Unit 4: Explores the sustainable use and management of outdoor environments. Observing and assessing the health of outdoor environments and considering the importance of this health for the future of Australian outdoor environments and the Australian population.

Students have the opportunity to attend one (3-4 day) outdoor trip / experience each term, which directly links to the Unit 1-4 coursework and requirements. These trips include kayaking, hiking, abseiling, caving, skiing, canoeing, surfing, canyoning, rock climbing and white water rafting.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Explore some of the ways in which people understand and relate to nature through experiences of the outdoor environment
  • Explore what motivates individuals towards outdoor environments and experiences, how people interact with the outdoor environment
  • Develop adventure skills in rock climbing, snow camping, skiing and boarding, bushwalking, horse riding or surfing including termly overnight/s outdoor activities
  • Investigate the ecological, historical and social effects of people on the Australian environment
  • Explore the sustainable use and management of outdoor environments

FAQ’s & Myth Busters

Subject Gallery

https://youtu.be/M0Mz4cfL6B0
https://youtu.be/oBAxKf9RAhs

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Nelson Outdoor & Enviornmental Studies Textbook

Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Excursions $45 – $595

Unit 3 & 4

Excursions $45 – $450

Checkpoint $18 (Optional)

Learning Area Contact

Health & Physical Education Learning Area Leader

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Physical Education

Physical Education

Course Summary

Do you love playing sport and learning about movement? Are you interested in health, wellbeing and the human body? Studying Physical Education will equip you with strong communication skills and provides you with practical activities to examine the core concepts that underpin movement and that influence performance and participation in physical activity, sport and exercise. You will also examine how behavioural, psychological, environmental and sociocultural factors influence performance and participation in physical activity.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Explore physical activity, sport and exercise, and the enablers and barriers to movement
  • Investigate the musculoskeletal system
  • Participate in a range of physical activities
  • Participate in and understand a range of fundamental movement skills (FMS)
  • Write a report on an activity analysis

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Nelson Physical Education 1&2 Textbook
Nelson Physical Education 3&4 Textbook

Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Workbook $30

Unit 3 & 4

Workbook $30

Optional Text $32

Learning Area Contact

Health & Physical Education Learning Area Leader

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Theatre Studies

Theatre Studies

Course Summary

Are you interested in theatre, performing or designing? Interested in art, fashion, technology, making, history and culture? In Theatre Studies, you will interpret scripts from the past and produce theatre for audiences. You will look at the history of theatre and its influence on cultures and societies. You will be able to explore the production roles of actor, designer or director. Designers work across costume, set, props, sound, lighting, hair and makeup.  Actors and directors focus on psychology, motivation, voice, physicality and audience interaction.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Interpret a script across two production roles and present performance
  • Explain how a script could be interpreted for performance
  • View and evaluate professional productions

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Learning Area Contact

Arts Learning Area Leader

Lynette Campbell