Year 10
- FOUR PERIOD: Launguage and Literature | English
- MATHS SELECTION: Foundation Maths
- MATHS SELECTION: General Maths
- MATHS SELECTION: Maths Methods
- FOUR PERIOD: Italian | LOTE
- FOUR PERIOD: Art and Visual Communications & Design | Arts
- FOUR PERIOD: Drama: Page to Stage | Arts
- FOUR PERIOD: Game Development | Design and Technologies
- FOUR PERIOD: Sports Science | Health and PE
- FOUR PERIOD: Business and Economics – Risky Business: Making Money | Humanities
- FOUR PERIOD: Geography – Exploring our World, Shaping our Future | Humanities
- FOUR PERIOD: History – Modern Oz | Humanities
- FOUR PERIOD: Legal Studies- Power Games: Law & Politics | Humanities
- FOUR PERIOD: Philosophy: Uncovering The Mysteries of the Universe | Humanities
- FOUR PERIOD: Biology | Science
- FOUR PERIOD: Chemistry | Science
- FOUR PERIOD: Earth Science | Science
- FOUR PERIOD: Physics | Science
- FOUR PERIOD: Psychology | Science
- FOUR PERIOD: STEM | Science
- FOUR PERIOD: Getting ready for the workforce | Vocational
- SIX PERIOD: Media: Sports Broadcasting and Sports Photography | Arts
- SIX PERIOD: Music: Stage and Beyond | Arts
- SIX PERIOD: Digital Technology | Design and Technologies
- SIX PERIOD: Fashion and Design | Design and Technologies
- SIX PERIOD: Wide World of Food | Design and Technologies
- SIX PERIOD: Health and Human Development | Health and PE
- SIX PERIOD: Skills and Coaching | Health and PE
Rowville Sports Academy – Course Selection Guidelines Year 10
Students in Year 10 will complete four four period elective subjects for the year – two per semester.
Students will also undertake two six period electives per year – one per semester.
If students or their parents have any questions about subject selections they should discuss these with their Learning Mentor.
PROCESS
Four Period Electives
- Pick 4 electives, 2 per semester.
Six Period Electives
- Pick 2 electives, 1 per semester.
- VCE Accelerated Subject is available to eligible students (subject to approval).
Students must choose at least one subject from each Learning Area – Science, Humanities, Arts and Technology (4 and 6 period options available).
Students may choose from LOTE Italian (4 periods year-long), Vocational (4 periods year-long), English Language & Literature (4 periods semester-based)
ENGLISH SELECTION
All students will engage with a year-long “English Core” which focuses on essential skill development in preparation for senior years.
Language & Literature
This is a semester-based elective that students may choose to enrol in to get a taste of VCE English Language and VCE English Literature. To find out more, see the subject description provided on this page.
EAL
Students who are eligible for English as Additional Language (EAL) is offered the subject as a year-long four period elective in addition to “English Core”. This course is not available to non-EAL flagged students.
MATHS SELECTION
Students will be required to select a Mathematics.
Students should make this choice based on their planned pathway and teacher recommendation.
- Foundation Maths: suits students who plan to study VCE Foundation Mathematics/VM or SBAT Numeracy or no Maths in Year 11 (Please note VM and SBAT students must select a Maths / Numeracy in Year 11).
- General Maths: suits students who plan to study General Mathematics in VCE.
- Maths Methods: suits students who plan to study VCE Mathematical Methods.
USA: COLLEGE PATHWAYS
Students in Year 10 who are intending on pursuing a USA Pathway. Please consult with Tamie Harvey in order to ensure that USA Pathway requirements are met. Click here >>
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FOUR PERIOD: Launguage and Literature | English
Language and Literature is a semester-based elective designed to complement the Year 10 English program and for students to get a taste of VCE English Language and VCE English Literature. This course offers students the opportunity to understand etymology and recognise, identify, use and analyse sentence and clause structure. Students also develop deeper analytical skills through the study of literary texts including poetry, short stories, and plays. Students will explore creative writing and investigate the evolution of language in Australia, gaining a broader understanding of how language shapes and reflects culture.
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MATHS SELECTION: Foundation Maths
Year 10 Foundation Mathematics provides students with practical, real-world numeracy skills to support everyday life and work. The course focuses on applying mathematics to solve problems involving number, measurement, financial literacy, time, and data. Students develop confidence in using basic arithmetic, interpreting graphs and tables, and working with units of measurement. The subject is designed to build essential skills for future pathways, including VCE, VCE Vocational Major, and employment.
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MATHS SELECTION: General Maths
In Year 10 General Mathematics, students extend their use of mathematical models to a wide range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts, involving the use of all types of real numbers. They recognise the role of logical argument and proof in establishing mathematical propositions. Students apply mental, written and technology-assisted forms of computation as appropriate, and routinely use estimation to validate or provide bounds for their answers. Students also solve practical and real-life problems. Students will develop the skills to connect the compound interest formula to repeated applications of simple interest using appropriate digital technologies. They will also determine quartiles and interquartile range and investigate the effect of individual data values, including outliers on the interquartile range. Along with comparing shapes of box plots to corresponding histograms and dot plots and discuss the distribution of data. Topics studied include: Surface Area and Volume, Algebra, Equations and Linear Relationships, Trigonometry, Introduction to Networks, Exponentials, Compound Interest, Logarithms followed by Statistics.
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MATHS SELECTION: Maths Methods
Year 10 Maths Methods course is designed for students who are planning to study VCE Mathematical Methods in Years 11 and 12. The course aims to build a strong foundation in key mathematical concepts such as algebra, functions, graphs, and introductory calculus. Students will develop their problem-solving and reasoning skills while exploring patterns, making predictions, and working with real-world applications. Year 10 Methods is ideal for students who enjoy a challenge in maths and are interested in pathways such as science, engineering, technology, medicine, economics, or data analysis. The course prepares students for the demands of VCE Methods Units 1 & 2, helping to ensure a confident and successful transition into senior mathematics.
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FOUR PERIOD: Italian | LOTE
In the context of increasing globalisation, being a world citizen and Australia’s multicultural diversity, Italian Language is for students who wish to continue developing their language skills. Students undertake more advanced conversation, writing, reading and listening activities. Italian language develops students’ vocabulary skills and cultural aspects are also explored in greater depth. Students continue with a thematic approach, but there is also more emphasis devoted to the teaching of grammatical concepts to prepare students for their senior years. At this level students are normally able to participate in various cultural activities.
Italian Language will take up two elective choices.
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FOUR PERIOD: Art and Visual Communications & Design | Arts
Curriculum Contribution: $45
This subject focuses on creating a range of visual art works and designs by exploring a variety of themes, issues and ideas through the elements and principles of art and design. Students will experiment with and apply skills relevant to various materials, techniques and processes, such as technical and freehand drawing, painting, and printmaking. In their responses to various design briefs and research of selected artists and their works, students learn to analyse visual art works by understanding the characteristics and role of art and design within different cultures and history.
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FOUR PERIOD: Drama: Page to Stage | Arts
Curriculum Contribution: $20
In Page to Stage: Scripting Drama, students will learn the structures and conventions behind scripting drama, as well as develop their dramaturgical perspectives. They will devise solo and group pieces in an array of theatrical styles, and transform these from concept to script to performance.
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FOUR PERIOD: Game Development | Design and Technologies
Curriculum Contribution: $25
Minimum requirements: Device must a minimum of 8Gb of RAM and 256Gb hard drive, 512 Gb hard drive recommended. Software is free for educational purposes.
Students use the Unreal Engine software, a commercial level program developed by Epic Games, to create their own 1st or 3rd person computer game. Students will be introduced to human user design concepts and the design cycle, advanced block coding, and geometric and Physics concepts that are applied in virtual worlds.
Stage one involves students building their own environment in the theme of their game, creating landscapes and buildings that their avatar can move through referred to as White Boxing. In the second phase, students learn how to create objects to place in the game that the avatar can interact with such as health pickups, bombs, moving platforms and opening and closing doors.
Students are given checkpoints along the way for completion of certain tasks and will have a timeline that they have to keep to, to ensure completion of the project within the semester. At the end of the subject students should have produced a fully interactive game with a playable level and start and finish screen.
This course is for:
- Students who enjoy creating their own world
- Students who are imaginative
- Students who enjoy gaming
- Student who are interested in higher order digital skills
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FOUR PERIOD: Sports Science | Health and PE
Curriculum Contribution $20
How can you create the most force when hitting or throwing a ball? What is the most effective way to train for an event? Do sports drinks really work? All these questions and more will be explored in this brand-new PE elective. Every year, all over the world, billions of dollars are spent on developing the latest and best equipment and techniques to improve sporting performance. In this practical based subject you will explore the science behind sporting performance with a look at biomechanics, sports nutrition, training principles, fitness assessment, sports psychology, technological advancements in equipment, plus many more. The theory content with be explored in practical PE classes where you will get to see the theories in action. This is also a great pathway for students wanting to do VCE Physical Education. To compliment this engaging new PE program, you’ll build on your health knowledge with a deeper look at improving healthy lifestyle behaviours of a teenager.
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FOUR PERIOD: Business and Economics – Risky Business: Making Money | Humanities
Ever wonder how the rich get richer? Do you know the background of successful entrepreneurs such as Steve Jobs and Elon Musk? Join us as we investigate the secrets of success of famous entrepreneurs and reflect on how their success can inspire our success through exploration of entrepreneurial skills, effective advertising strategies, and technological advancements. Have you been mining bitcoin? Have you been curious about the share market? Investing is the way of the future! Join us as we play a game of high-risk and high reward.
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FOUR PERIOD: Geography – Exploring our World, Shaping our Future | Humanities
Get ready to think like a geographer! In Year 10 Geography, you’ll dive into the big issues shaping our planet — from climate change and global inequality to the way cities grow and people connect. You’ll use real-world data, digital maps, and fieldwork skills to explore how human and natural systems interact. Through hands-on investigations and critical thinking, you’ll uncover how our choices affect the world around us — and what we can do to create a more sustainable future. Whether it’s analysing urban trends or tackling environmental challenges, this course gives you the tools to ask big questions, find meaningful answers, and make a difference.
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FOUR PERIOD: History – Modern Oz | Humanities
Students will travel back to the turn of the twentieth century and see Australia’s perspective and experience in one of the richest and disastrous periods of our time. Investigating the causes and events of both World War I and II from an Australian perspective, students will determine the lasting effects these battles had on our country and our people. As the twentieth century progresses, we will research the movement of people as a result of world events, seeing what brought people to the land down under. Students will ponder the experiences of Indigenous Australians across the 1900s as they fought for rights to be counted and heard in the modern landscape.
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FOUR PERIOD: Legal Studies- Power Games: Law & Politics | Humanities
Do you wonder why Putin was able to invade the Ukraine? Have you ever wondered what is in the United Nations’ “Declaration of Human Rights”, or questioned Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers or Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples? You will explore the wide world of international laws and global politics. You will use analysing and evaluation skills to determine who has power and who is powerless and why. You will investigate Australia’s political system and look at case studies involving the rights of asylum seekers and Indigenous Australians, as well as the international treaties and declarations that Australia is obligated to follow.
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FOUR PERIOD: Philosophy: Uncovering The Mysteries of the Universe | Humanities
How do we know what’s actually real? In this mind-bending Year 10 philosophy elective, we’ll crack open Plato’s Cave, dive into Descartes’ doubt, and put different ways of knowing—like the scientific method—to the test. We’ll watch The Matrix (because, of course), explore wild theories about free will, and debate whether a God exists. If you love questioning everything, this course will leave you thinking about reality, truth, and existence in ways you never imagined. Buckle up—your brain is about to go on an existential rollercoaster.
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FOUR PERIOD: Biology | Science
Curriculum Contribution: $20
This semester based elective course is designed to give students a taste of the topics covered in VCE Biology. Students will explore topics such as cellular structure and function, including a focus on biomacromolecules and their importance in supporting life. They will investigate how DNA and genes transfer information from one generation to another, focusing in on patterns of inheritance and how traits can be passed on from parents to offspring. They will examine the theory of evolution by natural selection and how this explains the diversity of living things found on our planet. Students conduct scientific studies and formulate hypotheses, collect and analyse data. As well as an increased understanding of scientific processes, students develop capacities that enable them 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.
This subject is highly recommended for any students wanting to continue with VCE Biology.
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FOUR PERIOD: Chemistry | Science
Curriculum Contribution: $20
This semester based elective course is designed to give students a taste of the topics covered in VCE Chemistry. Students will be exploring topics that include; subatomic particles and structures, trends in the periodic table, models of chemical bonding, qualitative and quantitative chemical reactions, redox reactions and organic chemistry. Students will develop their understanding of experimentation and application of chemical concepts through completing and modifying practical activities. Students will develop capacities that enable them 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.
This subject is highly recommended for any students wanting to continue with VCE Chemistry.
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FOUR PERIOD: Earth Science | Science
Curriculum Contribution: $20
This semester based elective course is designed to give students a taste of the topics covered in VCE Environmental Science. Students will investigate the carbon cycle and the how the various processes contribute to maintaining a sustainable flow of resources through the Earth’s systems. They will explore how human activity has contributed to climate change and the various approaches to reaching a more sustainable earth. Students engage in scientific inquiry by carrying out scientific investigations, gathering and interpreting data. They will develop skills to critically evaluate both the capabilities and constraints of experimental data. Students will recognize the ethical, social, and political dimensions shaping further scientific discoveries. This subject is highly recommended for any students wanting to continue with VCE Environmental Science.
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FOUR PERIOD: Physics | Science
Curriculum Contribution: $20
This semester based elective course is designed to give students a taste of the topics covered in VCE Physics. Students will explore topics such as how heat transfers from hot to cold objects. They will investigate the wave nature of light and sound, and learn about the basics of electric circuits. Students will explore the concepts behind Newton’s laws of motion and how energy, forces and motion all interact. Students will conduct scientific investigations and formulate hypotheses, collect, and analyse data. They will develop critical scientific communication skills and think deeply about the ethical considerations of experiments. Students will incorporate their mathematical skills when solving equations relating to the physical world.
This subject is highly recommended for any students wanting to continue with VCE Physics.
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FOUR PERIOD: Psychology | Science
This semester based elective course is designed to give students a taste of the topics covered in VCE Psychology. Students will explore topics such as how information transfers from sensory to our long-term memory. They will describe different ways to learn, such as through Classical and Operant conditioning, and Observational Learning. Students will describe mental health, mental health problems and specific mental health disorders and their characteristics. Lastly, they will explain how people experience different stages of NREM/ REM sleep throughout the night. Students conduct scientific studies and formulate hypotheses, collect and analyse data. Students develop capacities that enable them to critically assess the strengths and limitations of science, respect evidence-based conclusions and gain an awareness of the ethical considerations when performing research on human/living subjects.
This subject is highly recommended for any students wanting to continue with VCE Psychology.
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FOUR PERIOD: STEM | Science
Curriculum Contribution $25.00
This semester based elective course in STEM gives students exposure to the importance of Design Thinking through designing collaborative and individual projects that solve real world problems. Students will use and advance their skills in the four key areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in the first term and then use these skills to further their own Personal Interest Project in the second term. Students will be exposed to various technologies such as 3D printing, Scratch coding, VR/AR, robotics, and Apps with the aim of incorporating these into projects and assessments. Students will also be exposed to various elements of the Scientific Method such as variables, controls, data representation and analysis and supported to use this in experiments and experimental design.
By combining elements of Design Think to engineering and the Scientific Method to projects and/or research students will be challenged to investigate, design, and build their Interest Projects and then to present them and refine them for their final assessment.
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FOUR PERIOD: Getting ready for the workforce | Vocational
Do you want the opportunity to undertake work experience? Do you want to be better prepared for part time work or a vocational pathway in your future?
This year long elective will give you the work related skills to make your resume stand out. You will be able to get a taste for the industries and careers that interest you and to begin the journey to toward the skills, knowledge and certifications to get you there. Students undertaking this course have exclusive access to opportunities such as:- Work experience
- White Card Training
- TAFE Taster experiences
- Professional Portfolio/Resume Development
- *This elective is creditable for units 1 and 2 of WRS in VCE (Vocational Major). Please students interested in an SBAT pathway are highly recommended to undertake this program.
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SIX PERIOD: Media: Sports Broadcasting and Sports Photography | Arts
Curriculum Contribution: $30
This subject allows students to use our brand-new media studio to write, film and edit their own sports show. This could be in the format of their own sports comedy show, or a serious analysis of their favourite sport. Students will also have the option of creating their own sports podcast with access to known sportspeople in the Melbourne community to interview and feature. Students will also learn how to take amazing action shots with telephoto lenses.
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SIX PERIOD: Music: Stage and Beyond | Arts
Curriculum Contribution: $30
Considering music subjects for Year 11 and 12? “Music: Stage and Beyond” is the pathway to prepare you for the challenge and fun of music in senior years. You will be studying topics like performance, music theory, aural training, music analysis and composition. You will develop your confidence in ensemble and solo performance through songs and works in styles that interest you and are ideal for your instrument. By the end of this course, you’ll know if you’ve got what it takes to take on VCE Music or VET Music Performance.
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SIX PERIOD: Digital Technology | Design and Technologies
In this elective student investigate why so many companies want so many details about us. They will look at the collection of data, such as social media, and what companies do with. They will also look at how it is process, the so called “Big Data”. What does it mean? How big is “Big Data”?
Student will also examine privacy laws. Has the law kept up with the technology? Is it specific enough? What happens if a company breaks a law in another country? Whose laws do they follow? Who prosecutes global companies?
Finally, students will learn about networks. Students will consider the different hardware involved in setting up a network. What is the difference between local and global networks? What is the Internet really and who owns it? What is travelling along the miles of cable and through the ether? What’s the big deal about fibre optic cable really? How do we keep our data safe?
This elective will prepare students who are considering pursuing a digital career or simply looking to understand the expanding digital world that we now live in. The demand for workers with digital skills will only increase in the future and regardless of your choice career pathway, increasing your digital skills and understanding will prepare your well for what is to come.
This elective is for:
- The Computer Scientist!
- The Data Analyst!
- The Media Analyst!
- The IT Specialist!
- The Web Designer!
- The Networks Specialist!
- The Cyber Security Analyst!
- The Cryptographer!
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SIX PERIOD: Fashion and Design | Design and Technologies
Curriculum Contribution: $65
Discover Your Fashion Potential! Are you drawn to designing your own unique wardrobe? Curious about tailoring and altering clothes to fit perfectly? Fascinated by the world of fashion design and how creative professionals bring their visions to life? Want to uncover which colours and styles truly enhance your natural features? Fashion and Design is your gateway to this exciting creative world! In this immersive course, you’ll bridge theory and practice through engaging hands-on projects: Master both traditional and modern sewing techniques Design and create your own garment from initial concept to finished piece Learn to interpret commercial patterns and professional sewing instructions Explore diverse textile arts including embroidery, knitting, crochet, tie-dying, and fabric painting Analyse body shapes and colour theory to identify the most flattering styles for different individuals This course offers the perfect blend of practical skills and creative expression—empowering you to understand not just how clothes are made, but how to create garments that truly celebrate individuality and personal style!
This subject will lead to VCE Product Design and Technology and VCE Art Making and Exhibiting.
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SIX PERIOD: Wide World of Food | Design and Technologies
Curriculum Contribution: $135
Do you want to: Know where your food originated from? Why we cook food? Be able to cater for different dietary requirements?
The aim of this unit is to develop your knowledge about how the Australian cuisine has evolved over time. You will further fine tune your independence and confidence preparing healthy meals in the kitchen. You will learn about the scientific changes that take place in foods through different food preparation methods. You will investigate the importance of safety and hygiene in the kitchen to prevent food poisoning. You will continue to use the design process to problem solve and find solutions to a design brief.
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SIX PERIOD: Health and Human Development | Health and PE
Curriculum Contribution $20
Are you thinking of studying Health and Human Development as a VCE subject? Are you keen to get a head-start so you are well prepared? If so, then this year 10 prequal to senior Health and Human Development is the subject that will give you the best chance possible of achieving your goals. Explore engaging topics including the amazing human lifespan, learn about child development and how humans transition from youth to adulthood. Investigate how religion, gender, culture and socio-economic status affect health, and identify major health inequalities among Australia’s youth. Perhaps you’re interested to know more about the health care systems in Australia. There are so many interesting and engaging lessons to be learnt in Health and Human Development at year 10.
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SIX PERIOD: Skills and Coaching | Health and PE
Curriculum Contribution: $30
Do you have what it takes to be a coach? Are you a leader who wants to help others? Learn all about being a sports coach in this PE subject. You’ll develop the knowledge of how to break down a complex skill, how to create effective coaching activities and be able to deliver fun and exciting sessions. You’ll gain an insight into the different styles of coaching by analysing some of your coaching heroes. While this is mainly a practical based subject, the theory content learned will be ideal for those who are planning to do VCE Physical Education.