SALESIAN COLLEGE CHADSTONE

SENIOR SUBJECT SELECTION INFORMATION

2012

INDEX

INTRODUCTION

GUIDE TO USING THIS BOOK

VCE/VET/VCAL REQUIREMENTS

OPTIONS AFTER YEAR 12

COMPULSORY UNITS

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

ENGLISH

ARTS/HUMANITIES UNITS

ACCOUNTING

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

ECONOMICS

HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

HISTORY

INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

LEGAL STUDIES

LITERATURE

LOTE (ITALIAN)

MEDIA

MUSIC PERFORMANCE

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

STUDIO ARTS

THEATRE STUDIES

VISUAL COMMUNICATION AND DESIGN

MATHEMATICS UNITS

FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS

GENERAL MATHEMATICS

MATHEMATICAL METHODS (CAS)

FURTHER MATHEMATICS

SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS

SCIENCE UNITS

BIOLOGY

CHEMISTRY

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

PHYSICS

PSYCHOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY UNITS

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

VET UNITS

INTRODUCTION

CERTIFICATE II & III MUSIC INDUSTRY SKILLS

VCE/VET Interactive Digital Media

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A JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE

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INTRODUCTION

The Senior Subject Selection Book 2012 provides a description of each VCE, VET and VCAL subject available at Salesian College. It also features a general guide to using the book, an overall subject grid and a variety of planning charts.

The aim of the whole College is to assist each student to achieve his personal best in what are undoubtedly, the most significant years of each student’s education.

SalesianCollege aims to provide a high standard of academic tuition and guidance to all senior students. This includes the quality of individual attention and pastoral care made available to each student, the professional advice and assistance of the Deputy Principal - Learning and Curriculum, Pathways Co-ordinator, Director of Religious Education, Heads of House and Heads of Department. The keen interest of the Principal in the personal welfare and fulfillment of each of these young men is also assured.

However, there are also many ways in which each student can take an active role in achieving this goal. A healthy ambition to succeed and a burning desire to excel should be at the very forefront of a Salesian student’s approach, as should a devotion to learning and a dedication to hard work. Indeed, these essential qualities must be accompanied by self-discipline, consistency, concentration and accountability, as well as a mature sense of responsibility for both classroom and home studies. Finally, today’s senior student needs to possess a realistic awareness of who he is and what he is capable of, and a down-to-earth attitude to such important elements as subject selection, study planning and a balance between work and recreation.

If these things remain firmly in place, all students will surely experience success, satisfaction and happiness throughout their senior years at SalesianCollege.

GUIDE TO USING THIS BOOK

This Senior Subject Selection Book aims to provide comprehensive information on each of the VCE, VET and VCAL studies offered by the College. Careful consideration of this information, chosen career paths, prerequisites for tertiary studies and the requirements for satisfactory completion of the VCE, VET or VCAL must be observed in the selection of Units of Study.

After students have read the Introduction, they should carefully examine the VCE Studies grid. This will give them an overview of the units offered.

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Studies

Over the two years, students must study:English Units 1 – 4; and,

Two units of Religious Education:

Religion and Society Unit 1 in Year 11

Religion and Society Unit 2 in Year 12

OR both Units 3 & 4 in Year 11 or 12.

Additionally they must select another 18 Units.

Assessment and Reporting

Outcomes are the basis for satisfactory completion of VCE Units 1 – 4. Each outcome comprises both knowledge and skills. Each VCE Unit includes a set of two to four Outcomes. These Outcomes must be achieved for satisfactory completion of each Unit. Therefore, if a student successfully meets each outcome, he will be awarded a Satisfactory (S) for the unit. If he does not meet an outcome, he will be awarded a Not-Satisfactory (N) for the unit.

All Units 1 and 2 studies will also include a range of assessment tasks and an end of semester examination. Students will receive a numerical grade for each of these assessments. The numerical grades will be used to inform parents/guardians and students of the student’s level of achievement on the semester reports. The numerical grades for Units 1 and 2 assessment tasks are school-based assessments and are not reported to the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

A student’s level of achievement for all Units 3 and 4 studies will be determined by School Assessed Coursework (SACs) and examination(s). Some studies will also have School Assessed Tasks (SATs). The weighting of the SACs, SATs and examination(s) will vary from study to study. Specific details can be found in the subject outlines contained in this book. Teachers will provide the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, a score representing an assessment of the student’s level of achievement in School Assessed Coursework. The Units 3 and 4 coursework scores are school based assessments and may change following moderation by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority after VCE examination and General Achievement Test (GAT) results are generated.

For School Assessed Tasks, teachers will provide the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority with a grade representing an assessment of the student’s level of achievement. This assessment will be subject to review by a panel appointed by the Authority.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) Studies

VET in the VCE is a program of vocational education and training. A VET in the VCE program allows students to complete a full VCE as well as one, or more, Certificate level qualifications. These certificates are nationally accredited and recognized. VET in schools programs also contribute to the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Ranking). Students, who embark on a VET in the VCE program, receive a good grounding in the world of work. As well as being more “job ready”, these students receive a high standard of general education, broad vocational skills and the ability to take on further study and/or employment.

At the present time, SalesianCollege forges links with local TAFE institutes and private providers. These outside organizations are known as Registered Training Organisations (RTO). They provide the certification and authentication of the College’s VET courses, while SalesianCollege delivers VET programs on their behalf.

There are additional costs involved in completing a VET program. This is primarily to meet the costs of RTO registration. Students are subsidised through government VET grants, however, a levy is required to make up the shortfall in government funding. It is worth remembering that a VET certificate is completed at a substantial discount while part of the VCE, compared to completing the same qualification as a post secondary course. There is also a substantial time saving as the qualification is gained while the student is still at school.

Achievement Outcomes

The successful completion of a two-year VET in the VCE program allows students to achieve:

  • a full VCE;
  • one, or more VET certificates;
  • a statement of results showing all units and modules completed; and,
  • eligibility for an enhanced ATAR.

The National Equivalent Tertiary Rank

The ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Ranking) is the score used to varying degrees by tertiary institutions to select students for their courses. It measures a student’s overall performance in his VCE studies. For Unit 3 and 4 studies, students will complete a range of assessment tasks that will comprise both internally assessed work and exams. A student’s ATAR is calculated by taking into account his English results, the next best three study results and 10% of the fifth and sixth studies.

Students who commence and complete a VET program, and who successfully complete the Unit 3 – 4 sequence will receive a contribution to their ATAR, equal to any VCE Study or as an increment which is calculated as 10 per cent of the average of the scaled scores of the student’s primary four VCE studies. Certificate III in Music Industry Skills and Certificate III in Information Technology have full VCE Units 3 and 4 status and will therefore, directly contribute to a student’s ATAR.

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)

What is the VCAL?

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning is a hands-on option for students in Year 11. The VCAL gives practical work-related experience, as well as literacy and numeracy skills and the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work. Like the VCE, it is a recognised qualification.

The VCE is widely used by students as a pathway to university. Students who undertake the VCAL are more likely to be interested in going on to training at TAFE, doing an apprenticeship, or getting a job after completing secondary school. The VCAL DOES NOT qualify students for entry into university. If you complete a VCAL course you DO NOT obtain an ATAR score. The VCAL’s flexibility enables you to study a program that suits your interests and learning needs. Fully accredited modules and units are selected from five compulsory strands, as per the table, on the next page.

Why choose the VCAL?

If you do not believe that university study is for you, the VCAL may be the right option to choose. If you have a strong interest in the practical side of things and you are seriously considering taking up an apprenticeship in the future, this is the course of study best suited to you.

Are there any entry requirements?

All students moving into Year 11 must successfully complete Year 10.

How long would it take to complete the VCAL?

In 2012, SalesianCollege will be offering the VCAL at the Intermediate level in Year 11.

What do you get after completing the VCAL?

You will receive a VCAL Certificate at each Award level and a Statement of Results, listing all the VCE, VET and VCAL units completed. Students will also receive a Statement of Attainment for the VET program undertaken.

How is VCAL assessed?

You must successfully achieve each Learning Outcome in each module or unit of your program. VCE and VET courses are assessed in accordance with existing requirements. The VCAL units are competency based. You ‘pass’, once you are deemed competent in that unit of work.

What are my options once I have completed the VCAL?

The VCAL will give practical work-related experience and a qualification that will be recognised by TAFE institutions and employers. Together these will allow the transition from school into work, an apprenticeship and/or further training at TAFE.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE VCAL:

The following table gives a short explanation of the major areas studied in VCAL and where or when that study takes place.

Strand / Description / Delivery

Literacy

/ This strand includes reading, writing and oral communication. It aims to develop literacy skills for: self-expression, practical purposes, knowledge and public debate. / VCAL Literacy at the College

Numeracy

/ This strand emphasises the practical application of mathematics at home, work and in the community (e.g., measuring, designing, money, time, using graphical information). / VCAL Numercy at the College
Industry Specific Skills / This strand enables the development of skills, knowledge and attitudes related to a vocational context in preparation for progression to further learning or employment. It is completed by undertaking a Vocational Education and Training (VET) program at a TAFE institution. The range of VET options is extensive including, automotive, engineering, building and construction, hospitality, agriculture and horticulture. / TAFE and other Registered
Training Organisations
VT Certificate usually delivered each Wednesday at the RTO
Work Related Skills / This strand develops employability skills, knowledge and attitudes as a preparation for employment (e.g., planning and organising activities, working cooperatively, solving problems, using technology, communicating ideas and information). / Structured Work Placement
One day per week at workplace. Usually on Fridays beginning Term 2.
Personal Development Skills / This strand sets out to develop skills that lead toward social responsibility, building community and civic responsibility and to improve self-confidence and self esteem. The program will include community-based projects, voluntary work and structured activities. / VCAL Personal Development Skills Units at school
Also RE Unit 1.

What will the VCAL cost?

Since VET programs at TAFE can be costly, there will be a reduction in school fees for VCAL students but the full cost of the TAFE program is to be covered by the student’s family.

Conclusion

With this information in mind, students should carefully consider their options. They should use the Index to find Units in which they are interested. They should also carefully consider the areas of study and the means of assessment for each study. Students should visit the Careers Room and speak with the Pathways Co-ordinator to ascertain the prerequisite studies for courses they wish to pursue after completing their VCE. Such prerequisites must be included in the Units to be studied over the two years of a student’s VCE study.

Students should examine the sample planning charts as these will give them an idea of possible Unit choices depending on their career emphasis, for example, Mathematics/Science, Business Studies, Technology and so on. When students have a clear idea of the Units they wish to include in their senior studies, they should map out their course on the blank planning charts included in this book.

If you want to complete VCAL during Year 11, you must fill out the VCAL selection form. The main choice you need to make is which industry you are interested in, that is, what VET program will you undertake. You must see the Pathways Co-ordinator for further details.

Finally, in making these important decisions, students should keep in mind their academic results so far. They should also consult parents and teachers (including current teachers, relevant co-ordinators, Heads of Department and VCE teachers).

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religious Education is an integral part of the VCE structure. Students are involved in a classroom program, retreats, community service and the Liturgical program of the College.

Year 11 and 12 students will be required to complete Unit 1 in Year 11 and Unit 2 in Year 12. If students select Religion and Society Units 3 & 4 at Year 11 or Year 12, they will not be required to complete the single unit of Religious Education that is offered for the other students. (This time will be available for private study.) The single units (Unit 1 and 2) will run for the entire year.

A Year 11 student completes: - English and Unit 1 Religion in Society PLUS 5 other subjects

or

English and Units 3 and 4 Religion and Society PLUS 4 other subjects

A Year 12 student completes: - English and Unit 2Ethics and Morality PLUS 4 other subjects

or

English and Units 3 & 4 Religion and Society PLUS 3 other subjects

The units offered will be VCAA accredited units and as such will be assessed under the usual Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority conditions.

The scripture and tradition of the Catholic Church, the characteristics of a religious tradition, and ethical and moral decision making form the basis of the units offered.

RELIGION AND SOCIETY

UNIT 1: RELIGION IN SOCIETY

This unit focuses on the role of religious traditions in shaping personal and group identity. It examines ways

in which individuals and groups affect and change religious traditions, and are affected and changed by them.

AREAS OF STUDY

  1. A brief overview of religious traditions
  2. The diversity of religious communities in Australia
  3. Religious identity and life experience

OUTCOMES

On completion of this unit the student should be able to:

  • describe generally the core beliefs and practices of at least two religious traditions, their origins and geographical distribution.
  • describe the current distribution of religions in Australia, and a variety of ways in which particular religious communities express their collective identity and interact with other traditions and the wider society.
  • recognise and discuss the interplay between a person’s individual identity and their religious community.

EXAMINATION

In Year 11, students will complete an examination covering the semester’s work.

ASSESSMENT

Demonstration of achievement of Outcomes 1, 2 and 3 must be based on the student’s performance on a selection of assessment tasks. Assessment tasks for this unit may include:

  • report in multimedia format;
  • identification exercises;
  • analytical exercises;
  • annotated charts;
  • flow charts;
  • essay; and
  • test.

UNIT 2: ETHICS AND MORALITY

Ethics is a discipline that investigates morality; it involves reflection on what ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, and ‘good’ and ‘bad’ mean when applied to human decisions and actions. It is concerned with discovering ways of acting that are worthy of choice and of discerning those that are unworthy of choice. Value choices are fundamental to being human. Ethics is particularly concerned with the justification for moral choices – the argument and reasoning behind them.

AREAS OF STUDY

  1. Ethical method
  2. Religion and morality
  3. Contemporary ethical issues

OUTCOMES

On completion of this unit the student should be able to:

  • analyse the ideas and principles that are associated with ethical decision-making in a pluralist society.
  • examine values that are upheld by two or more religious traditions, and analyse the ways in which these values are applied to selected ethical issues.
  • evaluate two or more contemporary ethical debates.

EXAMINATION

There is no examination in this unit.