Model Farms High School

“Achieving Personal Excellence Through Quality Teaching”

Elective Subject Information Booklet

2018

Dear Parents

Please read the information in this booklet carefully and discuss it fully with your child.

I am very happy to answer any questions you may have. Please call me (Mrs Pledger) on 9624 3133.

Students returning to Year 9 2018 will be proceeding to the Record of School Achievement. A Record of School Achievement can only be awarded if there is satisfactory participation, application and attendance in Years 9 and 10 in mandatory and elective subjects.

Mandatory Subjects English Mathematics Science Australian History Australian Geography PDHPE

ElectivesStudents may study three electives. Every effort will be made to offer students their first choices but to allow for effective organisation and planning we have asked students to choose five electives in order of preference from the list.

Information on each elective is included IN THIS BOOKLET to assist with this choice. Students should be asking questions about subjects of interest.

Remember: No subject in Years 11 and 12 has a prerequisite requirement, although some languages are continuous courses. This means that you can choose to study subjects in Year 11 and 12 that you may not have studied in Years 9 and 10 and you will not be disadvantaged.

Students should choose electives in consultation with their parents taking into account their interests and abilities. Remember you will study these courses for two years so choose subjects you like and in which you do well. You will NOT be allowed to change subjects after the week 4 in Year 9.

A course will run in 2018 depending on the number of students who choose it. For this reason, choose your courses carefully, based on your interest and ability.

Subject FeesSome subjects attract compulsory fees to allow Model Farms High School to purchase consumable items to assist in with teaching and learning activities. All fees MUST be paid by the end of term 1 2018. Failure to pay fees by this date will mean that students will be given alternative activities that do not require consumable items. Families that are undergoing financial difficulties should contact Mrs Pledger for financial assistance.

Courses Offered for 2018

AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY - Electronics

COMMERCE INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY –Metal

DANCE INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY –Timber

DRAMA INFORMATION AND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGYFOOD TECHNOLOGY JAPANESE (see Languages)FRENCH (see Languages) MUSICGEOGRAPHY (Elective) PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & SPORTS

STUDIESGRAPHICS TECHNOLOGY TEXTILES TECHNOLOGYHISTORY (Elective) VISUAL DESIGNVISUAL ARTS STEM

The attached form at the end of the booklet should be completed and placed in the box marked “Year 9 & 10 subject selections” on or before Thursday 27th July 2018 Week 2. Outcomes of subject choices will be published Term 3.

Yours sincerely

J. Pledger D. MarticDeputy Principal Year 8 Adviser

ELECTIVES IN YEAR 9 2018

AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGYModel Farms High School has a well-equipped and organised Agricultural Plot with orchard, poultry, vegetables, and beef and sheep production areas.

Students doing agriculture will spend a large amount of their time involved in practical activities on the farm learning about the operation of farm activities. They must be prepared to be involved in these activities as well as the theory lessons in the classroom.

Students learn how to care for and manage animals and how to operate farm machinery. They also learn how to maintain vegetable and orchard production. Safety is a high priority in Agriculture and students learn about safe handling and operation techniques in all of their areas of study.

Units of work covered in this course include: Poultry and egg production Vegetable Production Beef Cattle Production Fibre Production Hydroponics Aquaponics and fish Production Sheep Husbandry

The study of agriculture is useful for understanding how to establish and maintain plants and gardens at home and gives students a good training in the care of animals.

Parents and students are asked to contribute towards the cost of materials which will be consumed in the course.

The compulsory course fees are Year 9 $50.00 and Year 10 $50.00

This contribution will provide for consumable items required for a wide range of Agriculture practical experiments.

COMMERCEThe Year 9 Program has two core topics:

Buyer Beware! (Consumer Choice) – covering such areas as comparison shopping, consumer protection and how to pay for goods and services.

Making Money Work for You (Personal Finance) – where students learn about earning an income, spending, saving and borrowing money and managing finance.

In addition, a number of Options will be studied including: Internet Trading (e- Commerce) - Buying and selling shares on the

internet – students can win large prizes for themselves or the school. It uses the real stock exchange in Sydney with real prices

Marketing and Selling (Promoting and selling) o Helps people in retail jobs – advertisingo Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (Investing)o Learning how to make your fortune

Running a Business (Students run their own business) - A chance to see if you have what it takes to run a business profitably or whatever other talent you may have.

Year 10 Commerce students also study two core topics: Law and Order and You (Law and Society) - Knowing your rights in

many day-to-day situations To Work or Not to Work (Employment issues) - Helps in being prepared

for the work force

And other options from: Your Right to Vote (Political involvement) - Local government – political

action – my right to vote – my responsibilities Me, Myself and I (Towards independence)

o What do I need to know when I’m out on my own?o Renting – insurance – buying a house/car – driving licence

Know Your Rights (Law in Action) Active Citizenship (Community Participation) The World Around Us (Travel) So You Want to Buy a Car

DANCEIn Dance at Model Farms, students have the opportunity to study Dance as an Artform in our dedicated Dance Space.

Students will develop physical skills, creativity, aesthetic, artistic and cultural understanding through Dance.

Students participate in the integrated learning of three practices of: Performance (40%) = technical ability performance quality and safe

dance. Composition (35%) = exploring creating, developing own styles of

movement. Appreciation (25%) = history, development and analysis of dance and

dance styles.

Throughout Years 9 and 10, students will have the opportunity to experience at least two styles of dance including contemporary/modern, jazz/musical theatre and classical ballet.

No previous dance experience is required and this course is suitable for all students wishing to improve their physical skills and improve their confidence.

Students will have optional performance opportunities over the two-year course including our own “Fame at the Farms”. Also any excursions will incur a cost.

DRAMAIn Drama, students have the opportunity to develop their creative, expressive and communication skills whilst participating in a variety of workshops concentrating on improvisation, acting skills and performance. The practical nature of the Drama course allows students of all abilities to experience success and enjoyment in the classroom. Drama relies heavily on the ability to work cooperatively and creatively with others enabling students to build self-confidence and leadership in group situations.

Course content focuses on the exploration of a variety of performance styles and dramatic devices as students work their way through the elements of drama engaging in both practical and theoretical experiences. Styles students may encounter include comedy, mime, movement, scripted performance, play building, individual performance, design, mask, melodrama, improvisation, characterisation, Shakespeare, short film. Students experience and analyse scripts from the past and the present gaining an insight into the concept of ‘page to stage’.

During the course, students are involved in a number of theatrical productions including ‘Fame at the Farms’, ‘Sydney West Region Drama Festival’ and school production evenings such as Open Night. This experience builds knowledge and skills in acting, directing, play building, lighting, set and sound design as well as costume and publicity.

Students interested in performing on stage and studying acting techniques and styles, as well as aspects of theatrical productions, would be well suited to Drama. Similarly, students wishing to increase their confidence and communication skills in a cooperative and safe learning environment for assistance in public speaking or leadership roles will benefit from the workshops undertaken in Drama.

FOOD TECHNOLOGYFood Technology in Years 9 and 10 allows students to explore food related issues through a range of practical and theoretical experiences.

A study of Food Technology provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of food properties, processing, preparation and their interrelationships, nutritional considerations and consumption patterns. It addresses the importance of hygiene and safe working practices and legislation in the production of food. It also provides students with a context through which to explore the pleasure and variety food adds to life.

Students develop practical skills in preparing and presenting food that will enable them to select and use appropriate ingredients, methods and equipment.

Food Technology contributes to both vocational and general life experiences. Integral to this course is the ability to design, produce and evaluate solutions to situations involving food. These form part of a broader set of skills that are transferable to other study, work and life contexts that students may encounter.

This course should attract, extend and challenge students of a wide range of abilities, both boys and girls. Students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes gained through the study of this subject will have the potential to contribute positively to their own future and to the social and economic future of Australia.

Parents and students are asked to contribute towards the cost of materials which will be consumed in the course.

The compulsory course fees are Year 9 $100.00 and Year 10 $100.00

This contribution will provide for consumable items such as: food for practical activities items for use in food experiments packaging materials some basic stationary needs eg cardboard

Students will be expected to provide for Practical Lessons an apron container tea towel and sponge/dishcloth wear leather shoes (closed in) and on occasions a table setting.

GEOGRAPHY – Elective In Years 9 and 10, students study a compulsory course in Australian Geography. In addition, students have the opportunity to explore a range of Geographical focus areas which go far beyond the bounds of standard Geography.The elective course caters for those students with an interest in our environment. It will reinforce geographical skills and provide knowledge in areas that may include:

Physical Geography – The geographical processes that form and transform the physical world.

Oceanography – The features and importance of the world’s oceans and issues associated with them.

Geography of Farming, mining and forestry – The patterns, functions and issues associated with primary production

Development Geography – Why do some countries have more than others? How can we help poor countries?

Australia’s Neighbours – Who are our neighbours? What are they like? What issues do we deal with in our corner of the world (the Asia-Pacific Region)?

Political Geography – What are the political tensions and conflicts in our world and how can we deal with them? (eg War, Pirates, Illegal Trade)

The Elective Geography course will also develop the skills of research, communication and analysis. Fieldwork and excursions will help students get their hands on real issues.

GRAPHICS TECHNOLOGY This exciting course is for those students who want to prepare themselves for our increasingly graphical and visual world where drawings and computer generated images help shape the way we view the world we live in.

Based originally on the principles and methods of Technical Drawing and graphical communication, this course takes it a step further into the computer age with the digital creation and manipulation of images to communicate information about products, buildings and environments. Graphics is a universal language and an important tool for thinking and communicating. Students doing this course will learn to create and manipulate images, models and pictures from simple design sketches and drawings through to computer generated illustrations and drawings.

This course has a good balance of drawings done using the drawing board and those done using the computer. Students learn how to use the excellent 3D and 2D CAD program called PRODesktop by PTC to create stunning professional drawings and animations of products as well as the more basic program, Google Sketch Up

After completing Modules 1 and 2, students have a choice of a number of Optional Modules including Architectural Drawing, Cabinet and Furniture Drawing, Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CAD), Product Illustration and Technical Illustration. You don’t have to be a good drawer to do this course. The skills taught will give you the expertise to produce outstanding drawings and illustrations that will assist you to communicate effectively in your graphic world.

The compulsory course fees are Year 9 $70.00 and Year 10 $45.00.

This includes a quality drawing kit in Year 9 and a graphics rendering kit in Year 10 which students get to keep. Students also receive computer software to enable them to produce drawings on their personal computers.

HISTORY - ElectiveIn Years 9 and 10, students study a compulsory course in Australian history from 1901 up to the present. There is also an elective extension history course.

This history course allows students to develop skills and knowledge in a range of areas that may include:

John F Kennedy Heroes, heroines and hoodlums of history Slavery Great sporting achievements Personal Interest Project (topic developed between teacher and student) Unsolved mysteries in History History of Rock and Roll – the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s People and Stories from the Ancient World Digging Up the Past – Archaeology and Forensic Science

Through the study of History elective, students will develop skills in: Research Communication (e.g. essay writing) Interpretation, analysis and empathy Internet research

These skills are vital for all subjects in Year 11 and 12 and provide a good background for success in the senior years.

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY-ElectronicsThis dynamic and interesting course is for those students who want to enter the exciting world of electronics.

This course provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in understanding how electronic devices and products work. Students in this practical course build all sorts of electronic devices ranging from flashing lights, sound sensitive switching devices, electronic bugs and even simple alarms and radios.

Students learn about transistors and circuits, assembling and soldering, control systems, radios and amplifiers and even how to make their own printed circuit boards. This course has a good balance of theory and practical learning activities so that students learn the basic theory of how electronic components and circuits work through the construction of interesting practical projects. A focus in this course is on making changes to electronic circuits to achieve desired outcomes. The construction of a Robot at the end of the course is also an interesting practical project.

The compulsory course fees are Year 9 $120 and Year 10 $120.

This contribution will provide for consumable items for each project they create. Students will keep each project constructed.

Note: Students may study up to 2 courses based on the Industrial Technology Syllabus.

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY - MetalThis very practical course provides students with opportunities to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to the construction of projects out of a range of metals.

Students develop a knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of metals as a construction, design and engineering material and the processes associated with shaping it welding it and turning it into strong, practical and decorative products. Core modules of work focus on either metal as an engineering material or if you wish, art metal as a decorative and expressive material often reflected in items of personal jewellery or similar. Students learn to work safely and responsibly using a range of power and shaping tools, in the process developing work skills and an understanding of industrial processes related to the industrial world.

Students construct a range of projects, which may include sheet metal products, metal machined products, fabricated products, artistic metal products and jewellery and accessories. Students have greater freedom to work on a major group project such as a small powered vehicle or other complex engineered project. A great course for those students who want to make things work and also for those who may be interested in decorative jewellery making as an alternative.

Parents and students are asked to contribute toward the cost of materials which will be consumed in the course.

The compulsory course fees are Year 9 $90 and Year 10 $100.

This contribution will provide for consumable items for each project they create. Students will keep each project constructed.

NB: Students may study up to 2 courses based on the Industrial Technology Syllabus.

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY-TimberThis very popular course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of creative, hands on experiences making practical and fun projects out of wood.

Students develop a knowledge and understanding of wood as a construction and design material and the processes associated with shaping it and turning it into beautifully finished practical pieces of furniture. Students learn to work safely and responsibly using a range of power tools, in the process developing work skills and an understanding of industrial processes related to the industrial world.

Students construct a range of projects with greater freedom towards the end of the course to choose their own piece of quality furniture or timber product that reflects their own personality and skill.

Modules studied over the two-year period include General Wood 1 and 2, Cabinetwork 3 and Wood Machining 3. Projects constructed include a number of kitchen products, storage and display cabinets and practical furniture such as small tables and chairs. Woodturning skills are developed through exercises and projects completed on the woodturning lathe.

Parents and students are asked to contribute toward the cost of materials which will be consumed in the course.

The compulsory course fees are Year 9 $90 and Year 10 $100.

This contribution will provide for consumable items such as; Large range of practical experiences and skills Worthwhile practical projects to take home Quality timber and allied materials Instructions in the safe use of power tools and equipment

NB: Students may study up to 2 courses based on the Industrial Technology Syllabus.

INFORMATION AND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY Teenagers are now digital natives – avid users of IT. Whether it be using the internet, apps on phones, or connected to a game network. Employers are valuing the skills of those that can problem solve their way through a project, creating new solutions as they go. Being a user is no longer good enough, students need to become creators.

It is important that students learn about, choose and use appropriate information and software technology and develop an informed awareness of its capacities, scope, limitations and implications. Technological competence in the rapidly evolving area of information and software technology will require lifelong learning.

Information and Software Technology in Years 9-10 assists students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to solve problems in real life contexts. Through experiential and collaborative tasks, students engage in processes of analysing, designing, producing, testing, documenting, implementing and evaluating information and software technology-based solutions. Creative, critical and meta-cognitive thinking skills are developed through students’ practical involvement in projects.

IST is taught through project work. Projects include organised series of activities to design, produce and evaluate information and software technology solutions for an identified need or problem. The projects are relevant to student needs and interests and address real world problems. Content may be delivered in a variety of ways within the context of projects.

Project work is documented as it provides a means of recording the student’s solution development and reflection.

We use up to date, industry level software, allowing students to hit the ground running in the workplace.

The topics covered are:Year 9 Year 10Image / Photo Editing 3D Printing Databases Video Editing Programming ProgrammingVector images & animation Robotics and Automated Systems

Personal Interest Project

The compulsory course fee in both Year 9 and 10 is $40.00.

This contribution will provide for consumable items such as; entry into programming competitions printing requirements hardware and networking equipement

LANGUAGESThe study of a language can be fulfilling in itself. It encourages tolerance and cultural sensitivity. The process of language learning develops skills in analytical thinking and self-expression, which promote confidence and broaden horizons.

In the age of the globalised world, bilingualism is a huge advantage! Having an extra language makes you more employable in any field. While study of a foreign language takes time, it is a very worthwhile experience and as research shows, is good for your brain!French - Why?

Seen very much as an international language for trade, travel and worldwide organisations eg United Nations. French is one of the few languages spoken on every continent.

It is a major language of the South Pacific. There are many French companies now operating in Australia. Cordon Bleu cookery courses- all terminology in French. French is one of the two main languages used for all Olympic Games. It opens the door to travel and work in Europe and many other French-

speaking areas.Japanese – Why?

Many Japanese companies operating in Australia Tourist and hospitality industry in Japan and Australia is growing It is exciting to learn all Japanese scripts, Hiragana, Kanji and Katakana It is an Asian neighbour There are many opportunities for teaching English in Japan It opens the door to travel and work in Asia It is a very unique language and culture therefore is very fascinating to

learn and experience

How? Various materials will be used: songs, games, DVD’s, newspapers,

magazines, modern textbooks, YouTube, Apps, Internet Students will be encouraged to make global links with foreign students

such as with penfriends. Excursions to restaurants and appropriate foreign language films to

develop cultural appreciation. The possibility to participate in exchange programs to French speaking

countries and Japan. Experience French and Japanese culture through food tasting.

Use of the internet for research and the opportunity to develop ICT skills. It is expected that students will purchase relevant student workbooks that are connected to class texts. These can be purchased through the school at the start of the course.

MUSICThis course allows students continue developing their musical interests and skills gained in the Mandatory Course in Years 7 and 8

Music is a course involving both practical and musical concepts. It will appeal to students who wish to develop their performance skills on a particular instrument and/or learn an instrument for the first time.

The course covers topic areas such as Popular Music, Jazz, Australian Music, Music of Film and Television and others. All course topics incorporate the study of musical concepts, with students being encouraged and expected to perform and develop their creativity in class. Students can also involve themselves in non-compulsory extra- curricular Musical activities. These extra activities could include:

Regional Performing Arts Festivals FAME and concerts School assemblies Student developed musical groups.

In the Music Elective course, students will study: the concepts of music Students will perform as a means of self-expression and developing solo

and/or ensemble techniques. Students will compose as a means of self-expression, musical creation

and problem solving. Students will listen as a means of extending aural awareness and

communicating ideas about music in social, cultural and historical contexts.

Students will understand the value of music and the enjoyment of engaging in performing, composing and listening.

Students have access to all available and relevant technology including composition software.

The compulsory course fees are Year 9 $22.00 and Year 10 $22.00.

This contribution will provide for consumable items such as; purchase on instruments and music rights

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & SPORTS STUDIESThis course has been developed to make students aware of the importance of:

Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle Developing satisfying recreational and leisure pursuits and developing

appropriate skills, knowledge and attitudes to obtain a healthy lifestyle

Students who enjoy physical activity and sport will enjoy this course as it enables an extension to the normal PE syllabus and will provide a helpful lead up to the 2 Unit Personal Development, Health and Physical Education course offered in Year 11 and 12.

Theory component will cover Topics such as: Basic body system Physical Fitness First Aid, Nutrition for the Athlete Sport in Society Basic Anatomy and Physiology Sports Medicine Sport Administration etc.

Practical Units will cover: Fitness AFL NFL Badminton Lacrosse Ultimate Frisbee European Handball Golf Tennis

Any excursion will involve some cost.

TEXTILES TECHNOLOGY Why choose this subject?

You have an interest in fashion design. You want to learn how to make your own clothes. You want to learn how to make craft items. You want an outlet for expressing your design ideas. You want to learn how to use a sewing machine and an overlocker. You have an interest in fashion drawing.

If you have answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, then consider Textiles Technology as a subject to study as an elective for Years 9 and 10.

The compulsory course fees are Year 9 $40.00 and Year 10 $40.00.

This contribution will provide for consumable items such as; basic sewing consumables

However, students will be required to supply their own fabric and patterns as necessary.

VISUAL ARTS During Years 9 and 10 students will learn many new skills and techniques and enjoy many new art experiences.

Visual Arts fosters interest and enjoyment in the making and studying of art. Visual Arts builds understanding of the role of art, in all forms of media, in contemporary and historical cultures and visual worlds.

Students will be introduced to a variety of Artforms that may include: Drawing Painting (on paper and canvas) Design Printmaking Forms Sculptural Forms Ceramics Photography Computer digital works

Over the two year Elective Course, students will: Investigate different materials and techniques to make artworks. Make artworks informed by their understanding of practice, the

conceptual framework and the frames. Recognise and use aspects of the world as a source of ideas, concepts

and subject matter in the visual arts. Investigate ways to develop meaning in their artworks

In their artmaking, students are required to keep a Visual Arts Process Diary.The diary may document an artwork, experiment with materials and resolve the final and completed work.

Students may have the opportunity to visit Galleries and exhibitions that support their classwork, such as, “Sculpture by the Sea”.

Visual Arts is an HSC subject for the Higher School Certificate, so the study of Art in Years 9 and 10 can lead on to a successful study in the Senior years

In this course the compulsory course fees are Year 9 $75.00 and Year 10 $75.00.

This contribution will provide for consumable items such as; the cost of most art equipment required in this course.

VISUAL DESIGNThe Visual Design course enables students to understand and explore the field of artistic practice, knowledge, materials through design practices. Students select appropriate procedures and techniques to make and refine visual design artworks.

The areas of print, object and space-time design and their role in the contemporary world will be investigated in depth.

Students will be involved in individual and group work in areas such as:Print Work

The visual image in advertising, historic and contemporary forms The conventions of illustration and cartooning Typographic forms and traditional printing media eg silk screen The application of visual images in print eg posters, t-shirt printing Student initiated forms of print design involving individual or group

identity

Object Work Jewellery and wearables, fabric design Ceramic ware and containers as a site for visual design Student originated iconic forms eg figurines, functional objects Theatrical applications of visual design, interiors of habitats model

buildings

Space Time Work The conventions of video/animation Use of light and sound to create meaning Site specific installations and exhibitions

The course allows students to work on particular and personal interests and offers a broach range of opportunities for students to develop skills and techniques in design processes.

This course differs to the Visual Arts course in the area of content and practical skills developed. The development of the design and its functionality is acknowleded, and the designers and artists referred to are also relevent to these designs.

In this course the compulsory course fees are Year 9 $70.00 and Year 10 $70.00.

This contribution will provide for consumable items such as; the cost of most art equipment required in this course.

STEMSTEM refers to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The importance of STEM disciplines for the future economic and social well-being of Australia cannot be underestimated. International research indicates that 75 per cent of the fastest growing occupations require STEM skills and knowledge. STEM moves away from textbook approaches to teaching technology, science and mathematics and utilises hands on inquiry based learning techniques which have been found to engage students.

The program is designed to challenge and engage students. Modules that students studying STEM may include;

STEM Fundamentals Aerodynamics Motion Mechatronics Surveying Design for Space Statistics in Action 3D CAD/CAM Project Based Learning Task.

Students will be provided with opportunities to challenge themselves in various STEM based competitions, such as;

RoboCUP Science and Engineering Challenge F1inSchools electric vehicle investigations alternate energy 3D Printer Art Laser designs

What should I consider before choosing this subject? Are you good in Maths, Science and/or Technology? Are you interested in using Technology to solve problems? Are you looking to study Engineering, Maths, Physics and/or

Chemistry at university? Are you interested in being challenged in class?

In this course the compulsory course fees are Year 9 $40.00 and Year 10 $40.00.