General Excellence – Course Selection Guidelines Year 9

Students can selective electives below.

Four Period Electives

  • Pick 4 electives, 2 per semester.

Six Period Electives

  • Pick 2 electives, 1 per semester.

Eligible students may select EAL (4 periods year-long).

FOUR PERIOD: EAL | English

In the EAL elective students will be supported in a language rich environment to build their knowledge of academic and everyday language. This will build capacity and confidence in both English and mainstream classes. Intensive and explicit study of the English language will be offered across a range of contexts. Students will develop their language skills to communicate effectively and confidently. Students will build their skills and knowledge through a supported and structured learning cycle to build reading, writing and speaking and listening skills. Students will emerge as confident and capable users of the English language.

FOUR PERIOD: Italian | LOTE

This is a year long subject.

Want to discover the Ancient Sidewalks of Rome? How about cruising down the Canals of Venice? Want to shop to till you drop in Milan? Are you interested in learning about an ancient classic culture? Get prepared for a life rich in cultural adventure by learning Italian so you are ready for your post-school travels!

Italian Language is for students who wish to expand their range and control of linguistic systems and to further develop their language use. Students will experiment with a range of communication modes. They further develop their competency in the language by working on speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. In developing their communication skills, students are able to demonstrate comprehension of written and spoken material and communicate ideas through conversation and writing.

Italian Language will take up two elective choices.

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FOUR PERIOD: Dance Styles | Arts

Curriculum Contribution: $20

In this elective students will explore a range of dance styles from different times and cultures. They will learn a range of technical skills and movements as well as developing a basic understanding of the history and context of each style. Students will apply their understanding and knowledge and build their own choreographic skills as they produce a range of different dance works in various dance styles. The students will also develop a strong kinaesthetic awareness and muscle memory as they learn different dance works in their exploration of dance styles.

FOUR PERIOD: Drama: Conflict, Comedy and Chaos | Arts

Curriculum Contribution: $20

Ever wondered how a single argument can become a story, or how a comedy sketch can say something serious? In Drama: Conflict, Comedy and Chaos, you’ll explore performance through three big idea and  discover how performers have entertained, challenged and connected with audiences for centuries. You’ll devise and perform your own original scenes, get hands-on with scripts, use theatre to make a point through protest performance, bring wild Italian street comedy to life through Commedia Dell’arte including the art of mask making, and finish with a spectacular Magic Realism production packed with special effects and production areas. This subject is hands-on, creative and built for you.

FOUR PERIOD: Music Makers | Arts

Curriculum Contribution: $20

Are you a keen music maker? Do you want to play music with other musicians? Do you want to become a better musician? Do you want to learn how to perform to an audience? Do you want to learn how to make your own music?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then Music Makers is the subject for you. Come ready to play and perform a range of music both solo and group, discover the elements that make a great song and a great performance, and learn to create your own songs and melodies. Music Makers is the step up you need if you’re passionate about learning music at high school.

 

FOUR PERIOD: Year 9 Sport | Health and PE

Curriculum Contribution: $20

Are you highly motivated and skilled in many sports? Do you have a competitive edge and love to compete for glory? In Year 9 Sports you will get to showcase your talents by competing in many sporting competitions. You’ll be in charge of planning and running the events as you take on various rolls such as captain, coach, umpire, scorer, tournament director and so on. This practical PE subject requires students who are self-motivated and keen to take learning into their own hands and of course, those that love a bit of healthy competition. Students should only choose this subject if they have a passion for sport and want to be active.

 

FOUR PERIOD: Business and Economics | Humanities

Do you have what it takes to win in the ‘Game of Life’? Do you have the skills ready for the world of work and finance? Are you confident in evaluating and making life choices? Decisions…decisions….decisions…. Let’s take a journey together through life as we develop our knowledge and skills in making wise financial choices through shopping excursions, Excel budgeting activities and other activities linked to real-world experiences. In exploring the working world, we will investigate the changes in workplaces as well as develop skills to prepare you for your job-seeking initiatives in the near or far future.

FOUR PERIOD: Geography | Humanities

We are more connected than ever. Do you want to travel to Europe in under 24 hours? Eat avocados in the middle of summer? Or exploring cultures through social media? There is nothing stopping you. Our whole world is now connected. What we do in Australia can impact communities in Africa. Local events can have global impacts on our resources. Food production, fair trade, and technology connect us all. Discover how you are a global citizen in a newly connected world. Explore how your world is expanding each and every day. If you are interested in finding out how you are part of a global community, this subject is for you

FOUR PERIOD: History: The Land Down Under | Humanities

Students will take an enticing walk through some of Australia’s deep past, stretching back tens-of- thousands of years. They will consider the fascinating histories of our First Nations peoples. They will investigate the arrival of the Europeans in what they’d call ‘New Holland’ and how this changed the landscape of the country. Students will consider the impact that industrialisation in Europe had on us and our movements towards the dawn of the twentieth century.

FOUR PERIOD: History: Tudor – Power and Torture | Humanities

Why did Henry VIII have so many wives? What influence did Elizabeth I have? The Tudor dynasty was a rich and dynamic part of English history that lasted more than 150 years. Investigate the power struggle between Richard III and Henry VII that led to the House of Tudor. Learn about the cultural impacts of Tudor England, their political power and how their decisions impacted the country forever. Join us as we visit the infamous torture methods this period is known for; burning at the stake, the rack, hung-drawn-and-quartered and execution. If you love history, are interested in fights over power, the fight to keep power, and the importance a royal blood line– then this subject is for you.

 

FOUR PERIOD: Food Technology | Technology

Curriculum Contribution: $90

Do you want to be able to: Produce good quality food? Know how food affects your body? Design healthy and delicious meals?

The aim of this unit is to equip you with the skills and knowledge to be able to independently produce good quality food products in a safe and hygienic manner. You will learn about the importance of eating healthy and how food can affect your entire wellbeing. Your creativity will shine whilst using the design process to plan meals on a budget and for particular celebrations.

FOUR PERIOD: Year 9/10 Robotics | Technology

Curriculum Contribution: $90

This is a year long subject.

The Robotics elective will combine elements for both technology streams: digital and design. Students will be given a drive base design and a specific challenge that the robot will need to achieve. Students will need to design, build, and code the robot, then demonstrate that the robot can successfully complete the set challenge based on the FIRST Robotics Competition.

Students will receive opportunities to learn about the design cycle, using 3D design programs, programming and logic skills, engineering concepts, electronics, project management, and safety awareness. Students will complete projects and assessments from using digital CAD programs to safe handling of tools in the workshop.

This is a year-long elective. First semester is focus on building the robot in time to participate in the two available competitions, the Southern Cross Reginal (Sydney) in mid-March and the Melbourne Robotics tournament in early July. These competitions are an external commitment to class and not compulsory but are an amazing opportunity to develop teamwork and project management skills. Costs for competitions are separate to the class.

Second semester focuses on the surrounding skills in this industry. Students will develop life skills through approaching companies for sponsorship for the Robotics program and creating STEM models to share with peers and other audiences.

The Robotics elective incorporates all areas of STEM. Students will have a significant amount of autonomy in choosing the areas they want to focus on and building a skill set that will be applicable in a large variety of future careers as well as the independence and confidence to pursue them.

FOUR PERIOD: Change Makers | Vocational

Are you passionate about real world issues? Would you like the opportunity to lead initiatives that can create change in our broader community?

This semester long course will empower students to make a difference through activities and projects both within and outside our school setting. Students will also focus on the development of their interpersonal and critical and creative thinking skills to be better prepared for success in their future pathways and aspirations. In particular, students will be supported in their personal growth in areas such as: Leadership, Team Work, Planning and Decision Making.

This subject is also designed to be an introduction to Personal Development Skills which is offered with the VCE Vocational Major pathway in the Senior School program at RSC.

SIX PERIOD: Art and Visual Communication Design | Arts

Curriculum Contribution: $35 

This subject focuses on the design and production of a range of visual art works using the elements and principles of art and design. Students will investigate a selection of the materials, techniques and processes used by artists and designers. A range of two and three-dimensional art forms will be explored, such as freehand and technical drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking. Students will employ and evaluate strategies to promote personal learning whilst exploring the similarities and differences between art and design.

SIX PERIOD: Media: Jump, Smash and Match | Arts

Curriculum Contribution: $35

Learn the editor’s toolbox, this subject offers a skill set for people who want to make movies and cut videos. Learn how to shoot, focus, frame and stick shots together into engaging film. Get your abilities and edits tight using smash cuts, jump cuts and match cuts to keep eyes on your project. Students work in groups to develop a portfolio of edits and create a trailer or title sequence for a movie/tv show.

SIX PERIOD: Engineering and Product Design | Design and Technologies

Curriculum Contribution: $50

The Sydney Harbour Bridge weighs 52,000,000 kilograms, without a single person or car on it. How does it stay upright to support itself and all of the 160,000 cars and 3000 buses that pass over the bridge each day?

How does an arch bridge not fall down when there is nothing underneath it to support it?

Can I create a bridge from a small amount of lightweight materials that holds ten kilograms (ten 1 litre milk cartons).

In yr 9 Engineering and Product Design, students will explore the engineering principles behind the design and construction of bridges. The development of skills with basic hand tools is also a focus. Students will learn how to visualise their design ideas in three-dimensions and produce high-quality hand-crafted products with a focus on finishing techniques.

 

SIX PERIOD: Fashion and Design | Design and Technologies

Curriculum Contribution: $45

Are you passionate about creating your own clothing? Fascinated by how designers bring their visions to life? Curious about fashion’s evolution across decades? Fashion and Design is your perfect opportunity to transform creativity into reality! In this exciting unit, you’ll bridge theory and practice through hands-on projects that develop essential skills:  Design and create your own shorts/pyjamas using commercial patterns Master both traditional and technical sewing techniques Explore creative textile methods including fabric painting, dyeing, and embroidery Investigate fashion history and its transformation through the centuries Research influential fashion designers and their impact  This course offers the perfect balance of practical skills and design theory. You’ll experience the complete fashion process—from initial concept sketches to wearing your finished creation! Join us to unleash your creativity and discover the fascinating world of fashion design!

This subject will lead to Year 10 Fashion and Design > VCE Product Design and Technology > VCE Art Making and Exhibiting.

SIX PERIOD: Legal Studies | Humanities

Obsessed with true crime? In Criminal Investigations you will explore why we have laws and what happens in a society without them. Want to inspect real stories of crime from the most famous cases of murder to the still unsolved robberies?  Join us as we explore the laws protecting society from crime and the consequences of committing the most serious crimes. If you are interested in exploring the role of lawyers, defendants and judges in the criminal justice system this is the subject for you.