Year 10 subject descriptions
Australian Cultural Studies | Computing | English | Japanese Beginners | Mathematics | Science | Social Science
Australian Cultural Studies
This course introduces students to the development of Australia as a nation. This includes the original settlers (the Aboriginals), European and Asian immigration, Federation, Wars and current issues in modern Australia. Students will also practise and develop their English language skills.
Assessment each term will be based on two assignments worth 25% each and an examination which occurs at the end of each term worth 50%.
Students enrolling in Term 1, may be eligible to study the Year 11 Preliminary course in Information Processes and Technology.
Students enrolling in Terms 2 and 3 will study two topics per term from the following:
- Digital Media
- Networking systems
- Internet & website development
- Software development and programming
The assessment for each term will consist of:
- a theory mark (50%) based upon the end of term examination
- a practical mark (50%)based either on course work, assignment or a practical test or any combination as appropriate.
In Term 4, the Year 11- Preparation course provides students with a brief introduction to the following topics:
- Communications and the Internet
- Database development
- Audio and video development
- Programming
- Product Distribution
English
This course aims at developing and extending students English language skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Assessment each term will be based on two assignments worth 25% each and an examination which occurs at the end of each term worth 50%.
Japanese Beginners
This course offers students an opportunity to have a glimpse at Japanese language and its culture. Students will not be expected to write in Japanese script.
Through this course students can build a solid foundation which can be very useful if they continue to learn the Y11 and Y12 HSC Japanese Beginners course.
Through the study of a language, students’ intellectual and social development is also enhanced.
Each term the assessment schedule is:
- Examination - Speaking Skills 30%
- Examination - Listening Skills 30%
- Cultural Awareness Assessment 30%
- Study Guide Completion 10%
Mathematics
This course covers algebra, trigonometry, measurement, geometry, coordinate geometry, graphs, chance and statistics. Students are expected to have a non-programmable scientific calculator.
Formal assessments will take place in the middle and at the end of each term. This will be an examination containing multiple choice questions, short answer questions and inter-dependent questions on the topics studied during that term only. The mid-term test has a weighting of 20% and the end of term assessment has a weighting of 80%.
Science
This course is designed as a bridging course between work students have done in their previous school and the Year 11 Preliminary Science courses of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
In Term 1, students study the two modules, Reproduction and Light.
In Term 2, the modules are Electricity and Acids and Bases.
In Term 3, students study Cells and Diversity and the Periodic Table.
In Term 4 the module is Water.
Practical work will contribute to the students’ knowledge and understanding of the course material as will field trips and excursions, for example to the zoo and to a marine rock platform.
Formal Assessment each term is:
- Examination – theory 50%
- Examination – Practical 30%
- Oral Presentation and Assignment 15%
- Study Guide Completion 5%
Social Science
The program of study in Social Science for Year 10 consists of 4 study areas: Australian Social Studies, Government and Law, Economics and Business Management.
Each study area is covered over one term with assessment tasks of an assignment (50%) and an examination (50%) for each study area.
