Sociology

Sociology

Course Summary

Are you interested in human behaviour, how you fit into society and what it means to live in a society together? Studying Sociology gives you the knowledge and skills to understand how this interaction works and doesn’t work in society. You’ll develop critical thinking skills, research skills, interpersonal and cross-cultural skills. In Unit 1 & 2, you’ll take a deep dive into Youth, Family, Education and the Workplace. In Unit 3 & 4, you’ll explore culture and ethnicity.

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

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Exmine the role of the family and the impacts on it
  • Explore the theory of deviant behaviour
  • Explore the historical impacts of how we shape Aboriginal identity today
  • Develop an understand of social justice and human rights
  • Analyse social movements and examine criticisms for and against a movement

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Excursion $60

Unit 3 & 4

Excursion $60

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Simmi Kaur

History: Modern

History: Modern (Units 1 & 2)

Course Summary

In this subject you will investigate social, political, economic and cultural change in the later part of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. Modern History provides you with an opportunity to explore the significant events, ideas, individuals and movements that shaped the social, political, economic and technological conditions and developments that have defined the modern world. It will help you to understand the world that you live in today and building relevant skills critical for pathways involving research, evidence, argument and problem solving.

VCE: Unit 1 and Unit 2 available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • A historical inquiry in which you research a chosen topic and prepare a written report on it
  • An analysis of primary sources in which you will respond in a combination of short and long answers
  • An analysis of historical interpretations in which you will respond in a combination of short and long
  • An essay in which you will use a variety of evidence to support your arguments

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Simmi Kaur

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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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

History: Revolutions

History: Revolutions (3 & 4)

Course Summary

‘You say you want a revolution…well you know we all want to change the world…’ If you are like one of the Beatles and want a revolution well then you have come to the right place. Lenin, Robespierre, Mao and Washington are just some of the people you may meet on your journey through Revolutions. Countries have been changed, people have been killed and still many historians ponder whether or not the Revolution really brought about that much change. Join in the debate for yourself and decide whether or not a revolution is the best outcome for society.

VCE: Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • An analysis of primary to analyse the causes of revolution
  • An analysis of historical interpretations to analyse the consequences of revolution
  • An essay to analyse the causes of revolution
  • A historical inquiry in which you research a series of chosen topics to analyse the consequences of revolution

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Approximate Costs

Unit 3 & 4

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Simmi Kaur

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 the history and make informed decision making 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 acient society of your choice were shaped by the complex interplay of social, political and economic factors
  • Complete an historical inquiries into ancient civilizations

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Textbook Hire $30

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Simmi Kaur

Visual Communication & Design

Visual Communication & Design

Course Summary

Are you interested in creating designs for a purpose? Are you creative and like to design places and images that engage an audience? By studying Visual Communication & Design you will engage in a range of activities to develop technical drawing skills (manual and digital), learn how to apply the design process and develop a sense of design aesthetics. You will use a range of drawing equipment and work with computer design programs like Photoshop, Illustrator and SketchUp. You will be equipped to study and analyse existing designers to understand how they attract and engage their audience.

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

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Write design briefs
  • Present critiques and pitches about your work
  • Create a folio of examples and annotations
  • Create finished designs and mock-ups

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Learning Area Contact

Arts Learning Area Leader

Lynette Campbell

Literature

Literature

Course Summary

VCE Literature provides opportunities for you to develop an awareness of other people, places and cultures and explore the way texts represent the complexity of human experience. This subject equips you with skills to examine the evolving and dialogic nature of texts, the changing contexts in which they were produced and notions of value. You’ll develop an understanding and appreciation of literature, and an ability to reflect critically on the aesthetic and intellectual aspects of texts. The study of Literature enables you to consider the power and complexity of language, the ways literary features and techniques contribute to meaning and the significance of form and structure.

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

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Develop critical and creative responses and deepen your understanding of the meaning of texts by studying literacy elements such as narrative, the characters, the language and structure of the text
  • Explore the impact of culture as an influence on understanding and interpretation of the text
  • Complete frequent and detailed reading and writing
  • Reflect and develop individual interpretations
  • Explore adaptations and transformations, creative responses to texts, literary perspectives and close analysis

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Pearson English Skills Workbook $51 (if not purchased previously)

Learning Area Contact

English Learning Area Leader

Sharni Lamb

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

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Learning Area Contact

Arts Learning Area Leader

Lynette Campbell

English as an Additional Language (Bridging)

EAL – Bridging English (1 & 2)

Course Summary

Is English your additional language? Bridging English as an Additional Language (EAL) is the intensive and explicit study of the English language in a range of socio-cultural contexts and for a range of purposes, including further education and the workplace. You will develop your language skills and confidence, assisting you to communicate effectively in a range of contexts, including academic and every day, using a range of spoken and written Standard Australian English.

VCE: Unit 1 and Unit 2 available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Explore the English language in a range of socio-cultural contexts and for a range of purposes, including further education and the workplace
  • Develop language skills and confidence for you to communicate effectively academically and personally
  • Apply language skills to participate effectively in Australian life

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Approximate Costs

Learning Area Contact

English Learning Area Leader

Sharni Lamb

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 some of the ways in which people understand and relate to nature through experiences of outdoor environments.

Unit 2 focuses on the characteristics of outdoor environments and our impacts on them.

  • What motivates individuals towards outdoor environments and experiences?
  • How have people interacted with outdoor environments? What happens now? How does the natural environment impact on humans and what impact are humans having on outdoor environments?

Unit 3 looks at the ecological, historical and social effects of people on the Australian environment. Unit 4 explores the sustainable use and management of outdoor environments.

  • What ecological, historical and social contexts help us think about relationships between humans and outdoor environments in Australia?
  • What about conservation? How can outdoor environments be maintained?
  • Can human needs and the needs of outdoor environments be balanced?
  • Adventure activities include bushwalking, white water rafting and other activities chosen to meet student and course requirements.

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

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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

Derek Bowey