GALEN CATHOLIC COLLEGE
YEAR 9
COURSES OF STUDY for 2007
Students in Year 9 have 2 pathways from which to choose :
Option 1: Students study a 'core' of subjects for 2 semesters and choose 3 elective units each semester.OR
Option 2: Students choose 'Eco-9' for 1 semester, and choose 3 elective units. In the other semester they study a 'core' of subjects and choose 3 elective units for that semester.
The Eco-9 option is an exciting new program for Year 9 students. The primary focus is 'Educating for a Sustainable World'. Eco-9 runs for one semester. Integrated units of work replace RE, English, Maths, Science & SOSE. The program enhances learning by making real connections with the world around us. Eco-9 is for all ability levels and challenges students to be self-directed, reflective learners and confident leaders. The course utilises many off-campus experiences including a nine day camp at Mittagundi. There is an extra $275 levy required for Eco-9 participation (most of this is the cost of the camp).
Please read the attached brochure and attend the Eco-9 Information Night on August 29th at 7.30 pm in the Auditorium for the opportunity to hear more details about how this program operates.
For students not doing Eco-9, the CORE Subjects in each semester are:* Religious Education * English
* Health Education * Mathematics
* Physical Education * Science
* Study of Society
Students have a choice of 3 ELECTIVE units each Semester from the following Key Learning Areas:
ART Ceramics & Sculpture
Drama
Just Vocals
Music
Painting & Drawing
Photography & Printmaking
V.C.D. - Architecture & Building Design
Visual Communication & Design
Media - Advertising
Media - TelevisionENGLISH Literature INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Information Technology
Information Technology - Programming
Multi-Media/Web PageLOTE Italian (Semester 1 & 2)
OR
Indonesian (Semester 1 & 2)MATHEMATICS Computing Maths PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Physical Education Extension SCIENCE Animal World
Forensic ScienceSTUDY OF SOCIETY & ENVIRONMENT Geography
History
Youth EnterpriseTECHNOLOGY Food & Technology
Systems & Technology
Textiles
Materials & Technology
YEAR 9 CORE UNITS
Students are required to keep a workbook, including all drafts, class notes, handouts and finished work; read a range of texts for enjoyment and comprehension and respond both orally and in writing; explore the features of effective writing and produce a range of writing using the drafting process.
Students will undertake a children's storybook and set assignments.
The general aim of the course is to encourage young people to make healthy and informed decisions to enhance their quality of life.
We also prepare for, and follow up, the Outdoor Activities which occur over the year.
This course involves the study of:
Number: Index notation, Scientific Notation, Percentages.
Measurement: Metric units, Length, Area, Surface Area and Volume, Pythagoras Theorem.
Algebra: Linear Equations, Factorising and Expanding, Linear Graphs.
Geometry: Angles, 3D Shapes, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Congruent and Similar Figures.
Chance & Data: Probability & Statistics.
Students are required to learn and practise mathematical routines and processes, using them to find solutions. They are also expected to apply these skills and techniques to solve real life worded problems.
This subject aims through the medium of movement to foster a fit and healthy lifestyle and enhance a student's personal development in such areas as self-confidence, self-discipline, independence, sportspersonship and leadership while improving physical skills.
Students study the structure and behaviour of atoms and molecules, chemical bonds, plant biology and ecosystems, electricity, current and resistance, circuits and safety, electronics, behaviour of light and the eye, waves, force & movement. The course has a large practical component and regular laboratory work, library research and traditional classroom activities are used to develop a broad range of investigative skills.
Study of Society gives a basic knowledge of Australian society. It aims to develop students' understanding of the society in which they live, by examining its key characteristics.
Areas of study shall include a broad range of topics, enabling students to study the development of Australian society from prior to the first white settlement to modern times. The course covers Australian Identity, Election Procedures, Race Relations, the Murray River and Crime & Punishment.
This is an integrated course drawing on historical, environmental, economic, political and cultural aspects of Australian society. We use themes to cross time periods from the past to present linking areas of study.
YEAR 9 ELECTIVESART ELECTIVES :
MUSIC
Music performance and an introduction to basic composition and arranging for music groups feature in this course. Music software allows students to produce high quality printed copies of their composition and arranging work.
Students take part in both solo and group performance activities and learn about efficient rehearsal and performance techniques. Understanding and evaluating music from other styles and cultures is also incorporated in the unit.Students are also expected to complete activities in aural and notation work to support their performance and expressive skills.
JUST VOCALS
In this unit students have the opportunity to learn group and solo singing techniques, and to gain vocal performance experience. The emphasis is on taking part in groups that learn to perform to a high standard through appropriate singing techniques. Various music styles will be introduced and students will also develop and improve efficient rehearsal leadership and music reading skills. No previous singing experience is required.
Successful completion of this unit prepares students for Just Vocals in Year 10.
PAINTING & DRAWING
During this course students investigate and experiment with drawing and painting techniques and working processes. They develop personal responses to a variety of subject matter such as portraits, landscapes & still life and strive to improve their technical competence and the use of art elements and principles in their work.In addition to acrylic paint students will learn to paint in oils, experimenting with techniques and processes & develop multi-media artworks.
Art appreciation and research are important components of the course where students learn to write and discuss the aesthetic qualities of artworks as well as identifying the historical and cultural influences on artists.
PHOTOGRAPHY/PRINTMAKING
This course aims to develop students’ creativity, imagination and skills in black and white photography using a pin-hole camera, relief printing and digital photography. They will use a computer program to manipulate their prints. Students will learn how to use basic darkroom printing processes. In printmaking they will learn multiple colour and block printing techniques to produce colourful lino prints. Students will be required to produce a folio of works, while researching photographs and prints made by artists, which relates to their practical work.
CERAMICS & SCULPTURE
This course aims to develop students’ creativity, imagination, skills, craftsmanship and knowledge of ceramics and sculpture. Their explorations will be selected from a range of sculptural materials and ceramic techniques using different mediums, different tools, equipment and techniques, with an emphasis on problem solving. Work will mainly be of a practical nature, with students researching overseas and Australian artists relevant to their practical work. Students are required to work both individually and co-operatively and may be involved in community projects.
MEDIA - ADVERTISING
Advertising is an important way of communicating ideas, information and emotions. This unit looks at advertising in newspapers, television and magazines, as well as incidental and other types of advertising.
Students look at the methods and techniques of advertisers and examine the values and attitudes promoted by advertising. Then they design, produce and evaluate an original ‘ad package’ for a real or imaginary product.
MEDIA - TELEVISION
Television is the single most popular form of entertainment in Australia. This unit is designed to develop an understanding of what is on television, when and why. Students explore how TV both reflects and influences culture.
Students examine programming, ratings and audiences before studying particular styles and genre of television. In teams, students then plan and produce their own TV show.
DRAMA
Drama involves acting out situations from life: students participate in performing their own improvisations which may be developed into scripted plays. Students who have previously studied Drama can extend their experience, while those who are new to the subject will learn all aspects of developing role and character.
VCD - ARCHITECTURE & BUILDING DESIGN
This unit is designed to develop technical drawing and design skills through analysis and practical problem solving activities. Students will learn to draw buildings and design interior spaces and landscapes to a variety of briefs. There is a running focus on the design process and understanding rules and conventions within the field of design and architecture.
VISUAL COMMUNICATION & DESIGN
This unit further develops students' design and illustration skills through the use of problem solving, drawing and computer programs. Students will use a variety of media, materials and techniques. Work will be mainly practical with one or two small theory/appreciation assignments.
ENGLISH ELECTIVES :
LITERATURE
The Literature course is designed to give students the opportunity to enjoy good literature by reading novels, plays, poetry and short stories, to study the techniques of recognised writers, and to gain some experience in writing creatively themselves.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ELECTIVES :
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
In this unit the students are introduced to the three main ways computers can process information. This is done through an integrated package that contains a word processor, database and spreadsheet. The database component also includes the use of commercially available databases.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:- PROGRAMMING
In this unit students are introduced to writing programs in Visual Basic for Windows. Students will solve problems starting with the very simple and progressing to the more complex. Students will also be introduced to HTML programming that is the language used to format WWW pages.
MULTI-MEDIA/WEB PAGE
This course introduces students to the Web page editor called Microsoft Front Page which is used to produce interactive web sites. Students will also use a commercial multimedia software package to produce an interactive multimedia display. Topics covered include: what is HTML, working with text, headings, colour, graphics, lists, links, browsers, action buttons, working with graphic maps, Front Page Web Page Project, multimedia with Powerpoint and a Powerpoint project.
LOTE ELECTIVES :
NOTE: Students who choose a LOTE study it for 2 semesters.
ITALIAN
Year 9 Italian aims to consolidate and build upon the previous year's work. The course further develops the linguistic and cultural topics of Year 8, and introduces the students to new grammatical concepts and expressions. The student's spoken and comprehension skills are developed further through the use of drama, sound tapes, video, interactive language CD’s and web sites . Students will be required to complete an original story book in "Italian" and also research a topic of their choice. In Year 9 Italian, students also have the opportunity to take part in the 3 day Italian Camp which provides a more intensive study of the language.
INDONESIAN
This year of study aims to build upon the semester of work in Year 8. The course uses familiar situations and topics such as family, school, shopping and the weekend to develop knowledge of the Indonesian language and culture. Each semester, students complete a cultural assignment exploring cuisine, famous places and people, puppet theatre, batik making and so on. Developing competence with basic oral and written language is the main focus of the course.
The school trip to Java and Bali in Indonesia has been available to Year 9 students in previous years. It features intensive language study and varied and interesting cultural tours that complement this work extremely well. We cannot guarantee this trip for next year.
MATHEMATICS ELECTIVES :
COMPUTING MATHS
This year of study aims to build upon the semester of work in Year 8. The course uses familiar situations and topics such as family, school, shopping and the weekend to develop knowledge of the Indonesian language and culture. Each semester, students complete a cultural assignment exploring cuisine, famous places and people, puppet theatre, batik making and so on. Developing competence with basic oral and written language is the main focus of the course.
The school trip to Java and Bali in Indonesia has been available to Year 9 students in previous years. It features intensive language study and varied and interesting cultural tours that complement this work extremely well. We cannot guarantee this trip for next year.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT ELECTIVES :
PE EXTENSION
Physical Education involves participation in Physical Activity. This unit revises and provides students with the opportunity to build upon past experiences in PE. Students will participate in, and complete theory work on a number of different games and activities including Hockey, Soccer, Badminton, Squash and Softball/Baseball.
NB: It should be noted that the activities that are ultimately offered will be determined by availability of resources at the time the unit runs.
Theory aspects of the unit will include research assignments, studies of rules and tactics and coaching methods.
SCIENCE ELECTIVES :
ANIMAL WORLD
In this practical subject on animal diversity, students will study some of the members of the main groups of animals by gross and microscopic examination, and by dissection. The objective is to gain an initial appreciation of the diversity of animals and of the structural organisation, adaptations and internal functions of a variety of species.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
Forensic Science uses Science to investigate and solve mysteries. Many forensic methods are studied including Fingerprinting, Chromatography, Handwriting Analysis, Hair & Fibre Analysis, Blood Grouping, Blood Splatter, Footprints, Tyre prints, DNA Analysis and identification of mystery powders. Students complete a report on a book that is in the crime genre and research a forensic method in which they are interested. They 'solve' a crime at the end of the unit using skills they have gained throughout the semester.
SOSE ELECTIVES :
GEOGRAPHY
This Course serves as an introduction to Geography and the working skills needed for its study. A range of Physical and Human Geography topics are examined, including:
- The forces responsible for shaping the earth’s surface (volcanoes, earthquakes, continental drift, cyclones and tornadoes, weathering and erosion, etc).
- The effects of clearing on the landscape, including field study of a local example.
- Other examples of human-induced effects on the environment.
- A problem solving exercise based on the local area involving students in data collection, interpretation and presentation.In so doing many specific geographic skills are presented and developed and the practical applications of the subject in society are especially emphasised.
HISTORY
This unit comprises 2 parts: 1) The Past 1000 Years and 2) Family History.
In Part One, students study some of the major events of the past millenium covering such topics as the Aztecs, Marco Polo and China, Revolutions, new discoveries and inventions and the Americas.
In Part Two, Family History, students are given skills to investigate their family background(s) and to produce their own family history book.
Both units require students to examine primary source materials, historical records, photographs and the interpretation of documents. This history unit enables students to look at our past to see how it influences the way we live today.
YOUTH ENTERPRISE
This elective is an opportunity to gain a feel for achieving one’s goals in terms of successfully running a business and investing in the sharemarket. Major activities would include:- designing a product/service, building a prototype, marketing the idea, operating/running the idea, how to set about solving problems in a business, coming up with a workable solution, making decisions in business, computer-based case study, how the sharemarket works and participating in the sharemarket game.
TECHNOLOGY ELECTIVES :
FOOD TECHNOLOGY
Students discover the cuisine's of Asia, Europe & America and the influence these countries have on the Australian diet. Students work in pairs and research the food habits of their chosen country. Each week a group chooses recipes for a two course meal, typical of their country of choice.
SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY
Technology refers to the equipment and processes people use to enhance, maintain, manipulate and modify their environment and resources. Technology Education gives students the knowledge and skills to produce quality products that solve problems or meet needs. It involves studying mechanical, electronic, electrical and other technological systems. Systems are combinations of human and technical elements that work together to achieve specific outcomes. The aims of this course are to develop in students: A systematic and creative approach to generating technological solutions, the knowledge and skills to use a variety of equipment and resources, an understanding of the principles of safety when operating equipment, an ability to explore and assess the past and potential consequences of using technology, and a sense of self confidence and self sufficiency in dealing with technology.
TEXTILES
In this unit students will be required to complete TWO PRODUCTION ITEMS with both pieces being sewn garments OR other items of their choice. Students do not have to make clothing items, other items selected can range from teddy bears, quilts and even practical household items. Each piece of work will be explored using the Technology Process - investigate, design, produce & evaluate. Within the construction of these items we will explore - garment/item care labelling; commercial patterns & sizing; complex sewing & construction skills; fabric embellishment including screen printing, hand & machine threadwork & applique; and label designing.
Students use and understanding of the sewing machine will be enhanced from previous year’s experience however this is not a pre-requisite for undertaking this subject.
MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY
Basic skills, safety procedures and working practices are taught as students construct models and useful items from the materials of wood, metal and plastic. Proper care and use of both hand and power tools is emphasised.
Students are required to complete a set number of projects, working through a design and problem-solving process.
They must present a practical folio which demonstrates the required skills, and submit a workbook which consists of sketches and processes, knowledge and class notes.