Flexible Options – Extension Studies

Why Is Flexibility Important?

Self esteem

Motivation

Engagement

Relevance

Equity

Stage 1 Stage 1 or 2

Free Choice Stage 2

Maths Group 1

Group 2

English or ESL

2 unit sequence

2 unit sequence

2 unit sequence

Aust Studies

Group 1

Group 2

SACE Pattern

Flexible Options

Community Studies Interdisciplinary Subjects Work Education VET Recognition of Learning

Community Based learning Self-Directed Learning Special provisions – Interrupted Schooling

Interdisciplinary Subjects

Stage 1

Integrated Learning

Stage 2

Extension Studies

Integrated Learning

Extension Studies

2-unit sequence - Group 1 or 2

Score /20 - classified HESS General

Student initiated – Research based

Specialised Area related to one or more subjects

Contact teacher(s) and/or mentor(s)

Why Extension Studies?

Preferred ways of learning Learning self-initiated and directed Fosters independent and collaborative

learning Students are able to investigate an area

of personal interest or pursue a passion Deep learning or cross-disciplinary

learning

When is it NOT an Extension Study?

Covered by an existing subject

“Project” based only on a collection of existing secondary sources (Find out all there is to know about….)

Transfer of information

Community Studies

Methodology Qualitative – eg transcript of unstructured

interview Quantitative – numeric measurement –eg using

survey data Action research – action (change, improvement)

and research (understanding, knowledge) to be achieved through a cycle of action and critical reflection

Experimental research –testing a hypothesis or trying out techniques

The Initial Process

Contact Teacher identified

Student(s) informed and identified

Student(s) completes program approval request

Program approved by SSABSA and student enrolled

The Extension Studies Process (1)

Assessment Component 1: Investigation Proposal (20%) Develop a proposal and discuss with

contact teacher- Proposal 10%

- Discussion 10%

The Extension Studies Process (2)

Assessment Component 2: Folio 40% Negotiate and carry out the investigation

using proposed methodology - Research Evidence - 30%

- Discussion (x4) – 10%

The Extension Studies Process (3)

Assessment Component 3: Investigation Final Outcome 40% Communicate the Investigation Outcome

- Exhibition – 30%

- Personal Evaluation – 5%

- Discussion – 5%

Assessment in Extension Studies

Curriculum statement without content

Scope of the subject is unique to each student

Early engagement with assessment criteria is essential

Assessment focuses on the learning rather than the content

Necessary Student Qualities

Ability to

Focus clearly on goals and operate independently

Discriminate and make decisions Develop sound research skills and persist Seek/take advice and solve problems Articulate ideas (oral, written) and adapt to

change (resilience)

Mentors and Supervisors

Variety of skills, interests, and professional backgrounds

On-site and off site

Variety of qualifications

Main aim – as a support to students

Investigation ProposalPart 1: Proposal Assessment Criteria

Exploration

Skills of Inquiry

Planning

Quality of Proposal

Investigation ProposalPart 2: Discussion Assessment Criteria

Clarity

Quality of Research and Learning

Quality of Advocacy

Folio (1)Discussion (x 4 )-10%

Assessment Criteria Skills of inquiry

Communication

Reflection

Depth of understanding

Folio (2) Research Evidence- 30%

(All folios must contain a context statement - 500 words maximum)

Assessment Criteria Organisation

Skills of Inquiry

Problem Solving

Working independently & interdependently

Documentation

Investigation Final Outcome

Three Parts (All Externally marked):

Exhibition (30%)

Personal Evaluation (5%)

Discussion (5%)

Exhibition

Assessment Criteria

Quality of Exhibition

Validity of Findings

Responsibility

Personal Evaluation

Assessment Criteria Reflection Understanding Communication

Discussion

Assessment Criteria

Quality of Discussion

Quality of Advocacy

Examples of Final Outcomes Short Film, Digital Movie, Video, CD –

collection of songs/performance Interactive Multimedia - Flash, Website,

PowerPoint

Traveling Drama Performance, Fashion Parade, Novel, Novella

Promotional materials, Photographic portfolio, Sketches, Comic strip

Anthology, Manual, Booklet/pamphlet etc

Support Materials

Available on SSABSA website (www.ssabsa.sa.edu.au)for example: Annotated work samples Program approval information Marking record forms Illustrative Programs Performance Standards Resources Teaching and learning strategies

SSABSA Contacts

Rhonda Williams Phone: 8372 7408 Email: rhondaw@ssabsa.sa.gov.au

Lois Ey Phone: 8372 7572 Email: loise@ssabsa.sa.gov.au

Jim Green Phone: 8372 7467 Email: jimg@ssabsa.sa.edu.au