Environmental Science

Environmental Science

Course Summary

Are you worried about climate change? Interested in the interactions and interconnectedness between the natural system and the human systems. Environmental Science looks at the practices that impact land/water, energy, pollution and global change. You will investigate the extent to which we modify the environment and the consequences of these changes in local and global contexts with a focus on pollution, biodiversity, energy use and climate change; they explore the conceptual, behavioural, ethical and technological responses to these changes.

Environmental Science is recommended Year 10 Science choice for those students interested in Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics.

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

Learning Activities & Assessment

Explore how the earth’s systems are connected through a combination of theory, research and hands-on investigation
Conduct research investigations in relevant topics
Design a practical investigation into a particular form of air, soil and water pollution that is of global concern and communicate the finding to others
Develop a deeper understanding of more complex environmental science concepts and theories
Design a major practical investigation into an area of interest that is reported in the form of a scientific poster

Classroom Virtual Tour

Click for a virtual tour

Quick Links

Future Pathways

Explore Subject (VCAA)

What is Environmental Science?

Essentials of Environmental Science

Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Learning Area Contact

Science Learning Area Leader

Terri Gregotski

July 15, 2020May 23, 2024

Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering

Course Summary

Do you like solving complex problems? Are you creative? Systems Engineering involves the design, production, operation, evaluation and iteration of integrated systems, which mediate and control many aspects of human experience. You will identify and quantify systems goals, generate system designs, practice trial and error, justify design trade-offs, select and implement the most appropriate designs. In addition, you will test and verify that the system is well-built and integrated before evaluating how well the completed system meets the intended goals and reflect on the systems engineering process to create a satisfactory design outcome.

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

Learning Activities & Assessment

Build several projects including a simple machine, an electrical system and an integrated system containing a microcontroller
Produce a folio containing designs, production, testing and evaluating diagrams, data, notes and conclusions
Develop knowledge of electrical, mechanical, open and closed-loop systems to design and build an integrated system and portfolio
Demonstrate knowledge of planning, design, hand skills, component identification, testing procedures and safe work practices

Classroom Virtual Tour

Click for a virtual tour

Quick Links

Future Pathways

Explore Subject (VCAA)

What is Systems Engineering?

Nelson System Engineering Textbook

Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Learning Area Contact

Technology Learning Area Leader

Simon Hampton

July 15, 2020May 23, 2024

Food Studies

Food Studies

Course Summary

Are you interested in Food? Do you want to influence people through food? Food Studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to the exploration of food, with an emphasis on extending food knowledge and skills and building individual pathways to health and wellbeing through the application of practical food skills. You’ll study the past and present patterns of eating, Australian and global food production systems and the many physical and social functions and roles of food.

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

Learning Activities & Assessment

Develop practical food skills in the planning, preparation, evaluation and enjoyment of food
Demonstrate principles and practices that ensure the safety of food
Apply principles of nutrition, food science and sensory evaluation to food planning and preparation
Investigate global and local systems of food production, distribution and governance including what influences food choices
Research and discuss issues relating to economic, environmental and ethical dimensions of our food system

Classroom Virtual Tour

Click for a virtual tour

Quick Links

Future Pathways

Explore Subject (VCAA)

Why Study Food Studies?

Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Learning Area Contact

Technology Learning Area Leader

Simon Hampton

July 15, 2020June 27, 2022

Biology

Biology

Course Summary

Are you interested in uncovering the ‘what’, ‘why’, and the ‘how’ of the living world at a macro and micro level? The study of Biology helps us understand humans, animals and plants and their interconnectedness. You will learn how to critically assess the strengths and limitations of science, respect evidence-based conclusions and gain an awareness of the ethical, social and political contexts of scientific endeavours.

Biology is a recommended Year 10 Science choice.

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

Learning Activities & Assessment

Explore the challenges of sustaining life through theory, research and hands-on investigation
Conduct student-designed practical investigations into an area of interest related to the concepts taught
Conduct an investigation into an issue related to genetics and/or reproductive science
Develop a deeper understanding of more complex biological concepts and theories
Conduct a student-designed practical investigation into biological that is reported in the form of a scientific poster

Classroom Virtual Tour

Click for a virtual tour

Quick Links

Future Pathways

Explore Subject (VCAA)

Nature of Biology Textbook

Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Excursions $50

Unit 3 & 4

Compulsory Excursions $50

Learning Area Contact

Science Learning Area Leader

Terri Gregotski

July 15, 2020May 30, 2024

VCE VET Automotive Technology

VCE VET Automotive Technology

Course Summary

Do you have a passion for cars? Spend your spare time tinkering with motors? By studying Automotive you will develop the skills and knowledge required to perform minor maintenance and repair of an automotive vehicle body. By completing the requirements of this subject you will be able to undertake a limited range of tasks related to identifying and inspecting mechanical and electrical components and systems of light vehicles, heavy vehicles, outdoor power equipment, bicycles, marine craft and motorcycles.

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

ATAR Contribution: Unit 3 & 4 students do not receive a Study Score for this subject. Instead, they receive an ATAR increment of 10% of their fourth Study Score in other subjects

VET: AUR20720 Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation

Structured workplace learning advice: 80 hours strongly recommended but not compulsory

Learning Activities & Assessment

Develop an understanding of occupational health and safety relevant to the automotive industry
Maintain automotive tools and equipment
Dismantle and assemble engines
Construct and test basic electronic circuits
Opportunity to participate in Structured Workplace Learning

This program is run as part of an Auspicing arrangement with Australia Institute of Education and Training Pty Ltd, a Registered Training Organisation. TIOD: 121314

Classroom Virtual Tour

Click for a virtual tour

Quick Links

Future Pathways

Explore Subject (VCAA)

Training.gov

Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

N/A

Unit 3 & 4

N/A

Learning Area Contact

Technology Learning Area Leader

Simon Hampton

July 15, 2020July 1, 2024

History: Ancient

History: Ancient

Course Summary

Are you interested in Ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian Empires, Mesopotamian Empires and Ancient China? Studying Ancient History helps students develop an understanding of the social, political, economic and cultural influences on individuals and society across three millennia. Students will examine people, groups, events, ideas and movement to broaden their perspective. Being able to research, understand and interpret history and make informed decisions in the present.

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

Learning Activities & Assessment

Investigate the creation of city-states and empires
Explore the invention of writing – a pivotal development in human history
Examine how life in an ancient society of your choice were shaped by the complex interplay of social, political and economic factors
Complete historical inquiries into ancient civilisations

Classroom Virtual Tour

Click for a virtual tour

Quick Links

Future Pathways

Explore Subject (VCAA)

Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Textbook Hire $30

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Madeleine Rowley

July 15, 2020May 24, 2024

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

Classroom Virtual Tour

Click for a virtual tour

Quick Links

Future Pathways

Explore Subject (VCAA)

Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Readings $25

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Brydie Hind

July 15, 2020June 27, 2022

Chinese: Mandarin

Chinese: Mandarin

Course Summary

Are you looking to travel or looking to pursue a global career? Studying a foreign Language has great benefits. You will improve verbal and spatial skills, promotes creativity and improves attention to detail. Practising a language helps the brain more healthy, complex, active and engaged.

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

Learning Activities & Assessment

A role play focusing on negotiating a solution to a personal issue
An interview providing information and responding to questions
Responses to specific questions using written, spoken and viewed texts
A written response for a specific audience and purpose
A personal, informative or imaginative piece of writing

Classroom Virtual Tour

Click for a virtual tour

Quick Links

Future Pathways

Explore Subject (VCAA)

Approximate Costs

Unit 1 – 4

Learning Area Contact

Language Learning Area Leader

Lyn Zhang

July 15, 2020June 27, 2022

Japanese

Japanese

Course Summary

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

Learning Activities & Assessment

Develop an understanding of personal identity, lifestyles, relationships, aspiration, education and visiting Japan
Apply Japanese language in a personal, imaginative, persuasive, informative and evaluative context
Develop an of the Japan speaking community, significant people and a changing Japan
Undertake a detailed study on one of the topics covered