Course Selections

Yrs 7 & 8

Much of the curriculum at Yrs 7 & 8 is prescribed in order to provide students with a sound general curriculum knowledge. Students are offered some choice in when they undertake Technology studies and some aspects of the Sport program.

LOTE students choose to do either Indonesian or French. Students with literacy issues are offered additional literacy teaching instead of undertaking LOTE.

Year 9 and 10 Curriculum Delivery 2010

Aims of the Program:

The Year 9 and 10 Curriculum offered by Eaglehawk Secondary College aims to:

·        improve literacy and numeracy levels of all students.

·        move towards delivering English and Maths curriculum in a stage related manner so that students are working at a level appropriate to their ability.

·        offer an expanded range of VCE and VET offerings.

·        provide a wide range of electives to support individual needs and interests

·        equip all students with a comprehensive curriculum

·        establish clear pathways leading to further study at VCE, VCAL or TAFE level or provide entry to traineeships and apprenticeships.

Curriculum structure

In  2010 the College will introduce 70 minute periods. There will be 4 periods per day and 20 periods over the week.

The break-down of time will be as follows

               English                                 4 periods

               Maths                                    4 periods

               Elective Block A                  3 periods  This will include VCE/ VET options

               Elective Block B                   3 periods

               Elective Block C                   2 periods

               Elective Block D                   2 periods

               Elective Block E                    2 periods

                              Total 20 periods

Electives.

A wide range of electives will be offered in each Block.

Electives will run for a minimum of one semester but may run over two semesters.

Students will be required to select a balanced program by undertaking a minimum of at least one semester unit from the Arts, Humanities, PE/Health, Science, Technology domains.

Students will also be able to select from French, Indonesian, Inter disciplinary units.

An expanded range of VCE and VET electives will be available to Yr 10 students.

There are a large number of units being offered. Students will be asked to make preliminary choices after which a final decision will be made on the best blocking arrangement to meet student demand. Obviously not all classes will attract sufficient interest from students to finally appear on the timetable.  Unfortunately, some students may be disappointed if their choices do not all run. This is unavoidable, but overall we expect students will be provided with most of their choices.

Support with Subject selection.

This handbook provides information about all of the electives and this should be read carefully by students and parents.  Students and parents will also have the opportunity to discuss electives with teachers in a Subject Forum on Tuesday September 1 in the college library from 3.30 to 6.00pm.Each student will also receive individual counselling in morning Advisory time to help them with their choices.

VICTORIAN ESSENTIAL LEARNING STANDARDS   (VELS)

All subjects with the exception of VCE, VET and CGEA Mathematics are aligned with the Victorian Essential Learning Standards.  A statement appears at the top of each subject explaining which Domains will be focussed on. Students are assessed against an expected standard.

VCE & VET UNITS

The school will offer an expanded range of VCE and VET units to Year 10 students. There are clear advantages for students to begin these classes whilst in Year 10. Please consult the VCE&VET section of the Handbook for more information.

TRANSDISCIPLINARY AND COMMUNITY LEARNING

These courses operate outside of the Key Learning Areas. They call on a variety of skills which link directly to the VELS Interdisciplinary and Personal and Social Learning Strands

• Yr 10 Building Construction / Engineering  -  This very successful course is unique to Eaglehawk Secondary College and is achieved by selecting a combination of related electives.

• Yr 9 & 10 Advance Youth Crew   -  This special course is developed in conjunction with the Country Fire Authority.  It is selected by students in Year 9.

• Yr 9& 10 Advance Community Projects-  This course offers the opportunity to work on projects which involves a research based Melbourne camp.

• The Human Mind

• Indigenous Studies

• Cross Age Tutoring  -  Students assist younger students in Primary School and Secondary School classes.