THE
HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE
An Information Package for Students
Preliminary Course 2006
HSC Course 2007
Staff Page
3
Introduction Page
4
The HSC Page
4
What type of courses can I select? Page
5
What are units? Page
6
Requirements for the award of the HSC Page
6
HSC courses/subjects Page
7
Subject Outlines/Course Contents Page
8
TAFE Vocational Program Page
43 – Page 47
Board Endorsed Courses Page
48 – Page 49
Part time traineeships Page
49
Board Developed TAFE Courses Page
50
VET Course Information Page
50
Assessment and Reporting Page
53 – Page 56
Principal Mr
P Tucker
Deputy
Principal Mr
R Cherry
Deputy
Principal Mrs
H Wilson
Director
of Sport Programs Mrs
J Kenny
HEAD TEACHERS
Administration Mr
D Symes, Ms G York (acting)
Assistant
Deputy Principal Mr G Carter
Creative
& Performing Arts Ms M Holden
Computing
Studies Mr
P Lambe
English Mr
G Freer
History Mr
A Rogers
Home
Economics Mrs
H Clarke
Industrial
Arts Mr
D Jaunalksnis
Languages Ms
D Zanet
Mathematics Mr
D Barrett
Physical
Education Mr
C Jarvis
Science Mr
J Meyer
Social
Science Mr
J Kozlowski
Student
Welfare Ms
B Baker
Year
10 Student Advisor Mr
M Kos
Careers
Advisor Mr
A Blevin
Counsellors Ms
J Murray Mr R Brown
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this
booklet is to provide information about the procedures and rules that are
essential for gaining the Higher School Certificate.
Parents and students will benefit from knowing details of what is
available, as well as considering outlines of courses offered at Westfields
Sports.
Students and families are advised to take note of the information
presented this evening and to consider carefully the options available.
Advice and support are available from all teaching staff and executive.
In addition, our careers adviser, Mr Blevin, has an excellent knowledge of
requirements as well as all TAFE options.
Westfields will endeavour to provide the options selected by students.
However, consideration and priority will be given to those students who have a
good record of attendance and also demonstrate application to their studies.
INFORMATION ABOUT
THE HSC
This
is your introduction to the HSC and the many options available. More information is contained in the Board
of Studies publication:
·
Studying
for the New South Wales
Higher School
Certificate – An Information Booklet for Year 10 Students
– distributed to all Year 10 students.
THE
HSC
·
The Higher School Certificate
recognises 13 years of schooling. In the interests of greater career choices
and increased opportunities at university and TAFE, it offers you a full range
of study areas matching individual abilities, interests and goals.
·
Courses will be linked to further
education and training.
·
Extension courses (including
undergraduate university courses) will enable students to undertake more
in-depth study in areas of special interest.
·
Vocational Education and Training
courses will count towards the HSC and will also lead to qualifications
recognised across a range of industries.
·
The HSC will fairly assess each
student’s knowledge and skills.
·
If you meet the minimum standard
expected in a course you will receive a mark of 50. If you have a higher
standard of performance you will receive a higher mark.
·
For each course you will receive
easy-to-understand reports which contain much more information. These reports
provide clearer indications of what you have demonstrated you know, understand
and can do in each course.
WHAT
TYPES OF COURSES CAN I SELECT?
There are different types of courses that you can select in Years 11 and
12. They are either Board Developed
Courses and/or Board Endorsed Courses and/or VET courses.
BOARD
DEVELOPED COURSES
These courses are developed by the Board of Studies. For each course the
following information is available:
·
The course objectives, structure,
content and outcomes
·
Specific course requirements
·
Assessment requirements
·
Sample examination papers and marking
guidelines
·
The performance scale (except for
Vocational Education and Training Courses)
All students entered for the HSC who are studying Board Developed
Courses follow these syllabuses. These courses are examined externally at the
end of the HSC course and can count towards the calculation of the Universities
Admission Index (UAI).
BOARD
ENDORSED COURSES
There are two main types of Board Endorsed Courses – Content Endorsed
Courses and School Designed Courses.
·
Content Endorsed Courses (CECs) have
syllabuses endorsed by the Board of Studies to cater for areas of special
interest not covered in the Board Developed Courses.
Most
HSC VET (Vocational Education and Training) courses delivered by TAFE are
Content Endorsed Courses.
·
Schools may also design courses to meet
student needs. These courses must be approved by the Board of Studies. Once
approval is granted, schools offer selected courses to senior students as part
of the Higher School Certificate.
Some Board Endorsed Courses are one-year only courses.
There
is no external examination for any Content Endorsed Course or School Designed
Course, but all Board Endorsed Courses count towards the Higher School
Certificate and appear on your Record of Achievement. Board Endorsed Courses do
not count in the calculation of the UAI.
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (VET) COURSES (EITHER
BOARD DEVELOPED OR BOARD ENDORSED)
Vocational Education
and Training (VET) Courses – either Board Developed or Board Endorsed:
·
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
courses are offered as part of the Higher School Certificate. They enable
students to study courses which are relevant to industry needs and have clear
links to post-school destinations. These courses allow students to gain both
Higher School Certificate qualifications and accreditation with industry and
the workplace as part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The
national framework is recognised across Australia and helps students to
move easily between the various education and training sectors and employment.
These courses each have a specific workplace component and a minimum number of
hours students spend in the workplace or a simulated workplace at school.
Students receive special documentation showing the competencies gained. Some of
these courses will be delivered by schools, while others will be delivered by
TAFE or other providers.
Further
information about VET courses appears in the section listing the HSC Courses
available.
WHAT
ARE UNITS?
All courses offered for the Higher School Certificate
have a unit value. Most courses are 2 unit.
Each unit involves class time of approximately 2 hours per week (60
hours per year). In the HSC each unit has a value of 50 marks. Hence a 2 unit
course has a value of 100 marks.
2 units = 4 hours per week (approximately 120 hours
per year)
=
100 marks
The following is a guideline to help you understand the
pattern of courses.
2 UNIT COURSE / This is
the basic structure for all courses. It has a value of 100 marks.
EXTENSION COURSE / Extension study is available in a
number of subjects.
/ Extension courses are 1 unit
courses which build on the content of the 2 unit course. Extension courses
require students to work beyond the standard of the 2 unit course, and are
available in English, Mathematics, some Languages and VET. Undergraduate
university courses will be available in some subjects.
/ English and Mathematics Extension
Courses are available at Preliminary and HSC levels. Students must study the
Preliminary extension course in these subjects before proceeding to the two HSC
extension courses (Extension 1 and Extension 2). The Extension 2 course
requires students to work beyond the standard of the Extension 1 course.
/ HSC extension courses in subjects
other than English and Mathematics are offered and examined in Year 12 only.
1 UNIT COURSE / 1 Unit equals approximately 2 hours
of class time each week or 60 hours per year.
/ There are a number of 1 unit Board
Endorsed Courses. These courses do not count in the UAI.
REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE AWARD OF THE HSC
If you wish to be awarded the HSC you must:
·
Have satisfactorily completed courses
that meet the pattern of study required by the Board of Studies for the award
of the Higher School Certificate. This includes:
·
Completion of practical, oral or
project works required for specific courses
·
Completion of the assessment
requirements for each course
·
Sitting for and making a serious
attempt at the Higher School Certificate examinations.
Study a minimum of 12 units in the Preliminary course and a
minimum of 10 units in the HSC course. Both the Preliminary course and the HSC
course must include the following:
·
At least 6 units from Board Developed
Courses
·
AT least 2 units of a Board Developed
Course in English
·
At least three courses of 2 units value
or greater
·
At least four subjects
·
At most 6 units of courses in Science
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
·
The Board of Studies publication, Studying for the New South Wales Higher
School Certificate – An Information Booklet for Year 10 Students, contains
all the HSC rules and requirements you will need to know.
·
If
you wish to receive the Universities Admission Index (UAI ), you must study a
minimum of 10 Board Developed units in the HSC
Course. The booklet, University Entry
Requirements 2005 Year 10 Booklet, published by UAC and available at the
end of July, 2005, contains important information about entry to university
courses, course prerequisites and other information to assist your choice of
HSC courses for study in Years 11 and 12 in preparation for university entry.
·
If
you do not wish to receive a UAI, the rest of your courses may be made up from
Board Endorsed Courses once you have studied six units from Board Developed
Courses.
Additional information is available on
the Board of Studies Website: http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.au
COURSE CONTENTS
BOARD DEVELOPED COURSES FOR THE HIGHER SCHOOOL CERTIFICATE
Ancient
History................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Biology.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Business
Studies................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Chemistry.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Community
and Family Studies......................................................................................................................................................... 14
Dance..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Drama..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Earth
and Environmental Science...................................................................................................................................................... 17
Economics............................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Engineering
Studies............................................................................................................................................................................ 19
English
(Standard) .............................................................................................................................................................................. 20
English
(Advanced).............................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Preliminary
(English Extension)........................................................................................................................................................ 22
HSC
English (Extension 1)................................................................................................................................................................. 22
HSC
English (Extension 2)................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Food
Technology................................................................................................................................................................................ 23
Geography............................................................................................................................................................................................ 24
Industrial
Technology........................................................................................................................................................................ 25
Information
Processes and Technology.......................................................................................................................................... 26
Italian
Continuers................................................................................................................................................................................ 27
Japanese
Continuers........................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Legal
Studies........................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
Mathematics
(General)....................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Mathematics......................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Mathematics
Extension 1................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Mathematics
Extension 2................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Modern
History................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Music
1.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 35
Personal
Development, Health and Physical Education................................................................................................................ 36
Physics.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 37
Senior
Science...................................................................................................................................................................................... 38
Spanish
Continuers............................................................................................................................................................................. 39
Textiles
and Design............................................................................................................................................................................. 40
Visual
Arts............................................................................................................................................................................................ 41
CCAFL
LANGUAGE......................................................................................................................................................................... 42
VET CURRICULUM FRAMEWORKS
BUSINESS SERVICES...................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Business Services (240
indicative hours)........................................................................................................................................ 43
HOSPITALITY.................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Hospitality (240 indicative
hours)..................................................................................................................................................... 44
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.................................................................................................................................................... 45
Information Technology (240
indicative hours)............................................................................................................................. 45
RETAIL................................................................................................................................................................................................. 46
Retail Operations (240
indicative hours).......................................................................................................................................... 46
TOURISM............................................................................................................................................................................................. 47
Tourism (240 indicative hours).......................................................................................................................................................... 47
COURSE CONTENTS
BOARD DEVELOPED, TAFE DELIVERED
VET COURSE
Accounting
(Course description not included)
BOARD
ENDORSED COURSES............................................................................................................................................. 48
- 49
BOARD DEVELOPED TAFE COURSES....................................................................................................................................... 50
CONTENT ENDORSED COURSES
Exploring
Early Childhood.................................................................................................................................................................. 51
Photography,
Video and Digital Imaging......................................................................................................................................... 51
Sport,
Lifestyle and Recreation Studies........................................................................................................................................... 52
VET CONTENT ENDORSED COURSES
Introduction to Electrotechnology (Course description not included)
(Suite
of CECs that lead to VET Certificates in Electronics and Electrical trades
pathways)
TAFE
DELIVERED VET CONTENT ENDORSED COURSES
Available
in a broad range of industry areas. (These are listed in the TAFE Handbook.)
|
Course: HSC Ancient History
2
units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed Course
|
Course No: 15020
Exclusion: Nil
|
Course Description
The
Preliminary course is structured to provide students with opportunities to
investigate past people, groups, events, institutions, societies and
historical sites from the sources available, by applying the methods used by
historians and archaeologists.
The HSC course provides the
opportunity for students to investigate in depth the range and nature of
archaeological and written sources that provide evidence for a life in Pompeii and Herculaneum.
They also study the key features and sources of an ancient society,
historical period and ancient personality.
|
Main Topics Covered
Preliminary
Course
Part 1: Introduction
o
Investigating the
past: History, Archaeology and Science
o
Case Studies (at
least ONE)
Part II: Studies of Ancient
Societies, Sites and Sources
At
least ONE study to be chosen.
Part III: Historical Investigation
The
investigation can be either integrated into any aspect of the Preliminary
course or attempted as one project, individually or as part of a group.
HSC Course
·
Part I: Core Study: Cities
of Vesuvius – Pompeii and Herculaneum (25%)
·
Part II: ONE Ancient
Society (25%)
·
Part III: ONE Personality in their Times (25%)
·
Part IV: ONE
Historical Period (25%)
|
Particular Course Requirements
In the Preliminary
course, choices of studies in Parts I, II and III, must be chosen from
different civilisations. The Historical Investigation and choice of topics in
Parts I and II must not overlap or duplicate significantly any topic
attempted for the HSC Ancient History or History Extension courses.
|
Assessment: HSC Course only
|
|
External Assessment
|
Weighting
|
Internal Assessment
|
Weighting
|
|
A
three-hour written examination consisting of:
|
|
|
|
|
Section
I: Core
Source-based short-answer questions
|
25
|
Oral Presentation
|
10
|
|
Section
II: Ancient Societies
A question in 4 or 5 parts
|
25
|
Research
|
25
|
|
Section
III: Personalities in their Times
A question in 2 or 3 parts
|
25
|
Source analysis
|
25
|
|
Section
IV: Historical Periods
Extended response
|
25
|
Examination/test items
|
40
|
|
|
100
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Course: Biology
|
Course No: 15030
|
|
2 units for each of Preliminary and
HSC
Board Developed Course
|
Exclusions: Senior
Science (Preliminary only)
|
|
Course
Description
Biology is the study of living
organisms, life processes and interactions between organisms and their
environment.
The Preliminary course incorporates
the study of the mechanisms and systems that living things use to obtain,
transport and draw on materials for their own growth and repair; biotic and
abiotic features of the environment and the interdependence of organisms in
an ecosystem; the evolution of life on Earth; and the effects of global
changes on the diversity of Australian biota during the formation of the
Australian continent.
The HSC course builds upon the
Preliminary course. It examines the processes and structures that plants and
animals use to maintain a constant internal environment and the way in which
characteristics are transmitted from generation to generation. The options
cover a variety of interest areas and draw on the increased information and
understanding provided by improved technology to examine areas of current
research.
|
|
Topics
Covered
Preliminary
Course
Core Modules
·
A Local Ecosystem
·
Patterns in Nature
·
Life on Earth
·
Evolution of Australian Biota
|
HSC
Course
Core
Modules
·
Maintaining a Balance
·
Blueprint of Life
·
The Search for Better Health
One
Option from the following modules:
·
Communication
·
Biotechnology
·
Genetics: The Code Broken?
·
The Human Story
·
Biochemistry
|
|
Particular
Course Requirements
Each module specifies content which
provides opportunities for students to develop the full range of skill
outcomes described in the Biology Skills modules 8.1 (Preliminary) and 9.1
(HSC).
The Preliminary course includes a
field study related to local terrestrial and aquatic environments. Students
will complete a minimum of 80 indicative hours of practical experiences
across Preliminary and HSC course time with no less than 35 hours in the HSC
course.
|
|
Assessment:
HSC Course only
|
|
External
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
Internal
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
|
A three-hour written examination
consisting of:
Core Modules
Multiple-choice questions
Short-answer questions
Options (one only to be attempted)
Short-answer part-questions
Questions/question parts focusing
on Core Module 9.1 will be incorporated into both the Core and Option
sections of the paper.
|
75
25
|
Knowledge
and understanding: - Prescribed
Focus Areas
(outcomes H1–H5)
-
Domain (outcomes H6–H10).
Skills
in planning and conducting first-hand investigations, and in communicating
information and understanding based on these investigations.
Skills
in scientific thinking, problem solving and in communicating understanding
and conclusions.
Note:
No
more than 50% weighting may be allocated to examinations and topic tests.
|
40
30
30
|
|
|
100
|
|
100
|
|
Course: Business Studies
|
Course No: 15040
|
|
2 units
for each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed Course
|
Exclusions: Nil
|
|
Course
Description
Business Studies investigates the
role, operation and management of businesses within our society. Factors in
the establishment, operation and management of a small business are integral
to this course. Students investigate the role of global business and its
impact on Australian business. Students develop research and independent
learning skills in addition to analytical and problem-solving competencies
through their studies.
|
|
Main
Topics Covered
Preliminary
Course
§
Nature of Business (25%) – the nature
and role of business
§
Key Business Functions (30%) –
analysis of nature and role of key business functions
§
Establishing a Business (25%) –
issues and steps in establishing and maintaining a business
§
Developing a Business Plan (20%) –
the role of planning for success in business
HSC
Course
§
Business Management and Change (20%)
– the nature and responsibilities of management
§
Financial Planning and Management
(20%) – financial management for success in business
§
Marketing (20%) – the nature and role
of marketing for business
§
Employment Relations (20%) – the
nature of effective employment relations in business
§
Global Business (20%) – the
implications of globalisation on business
|
|
Particular
Course Requirements
In the Preliminary course there is a research project investigating
the operation of a small business or planning the establishment of a small
business.
|
|
Assessment:
HSC Course only
|
|
External
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
Internal
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
|
A
three-hour written examination, including multiple-choice, short answer and
extended response questions
|
100
|
Tests
and internal exams
Research
and analysis of case studies
Stimulus-based
skills
|
50
30
20
|
|
|
100
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Course: Chemistry
|
Course No: 15050
|
|
2 units for each of Preliminary and
HSC
Board Developed Course
|
Exclusions: Senior Science
(Preliminary only)
|
|
Course
Description
Chemistry is the study of the
physical and chemical properties of matter, with a focus on substances and
their interactions. Chemistry attempts to provide chemical explanations and
to predict events at the atomic and molecular level.
The Preliminary course develops a
knowledge of atomic structure, chemical changes, rates of reaction and relationships
between substances by focusing on increasing students’ understanding of the
Earth’s resources, the development of increasingly sophisticated methods to
extract and use metals, the importance of water on Earth and high energy
carbon compounds.
The HSC course builds on the concepts
developed in the Preliminary course, expanding on areas such as the search
for new sources of traditional materials, the design and production of new
materials, the management and monitoring of chemicals that have been
developed and/or released as a result of human technological activity and the
way in which environmental problems could be reversed or minimised. The
options cover a variety of interest areas and draw on the increased
information and understanding provided by improved technology to examine
areas of current research.
|
|
Topics
Covered
Preliminary
Course
Core Modules
·
The Chemical Earth
·
Metals
·
Water
·
Energy
|
HSC
Course
Core
Modules
·
Production of Materials
·
The Acidic Environment
·
Chemical Monitoring and Management
One
Option from the following modules:
·
Industrial Chemistry
·
Shipwrecks, Corrosion and
Conservation
·
The Biochemistry of Movement
·
The Chemistry of Art
·
Forensic Chemistry
|
|
Particular
Course Requirements
Each module specifies content which
provides opportunities for students to develop the full range of skill
outcomes described in the Chemistry Skills modules 8.1 (Preliminary) and 9.1
(HSC).
Students will complete a minimum of
80 indicative hours of practical experiences across Preliminary and HSC course
time with no less than 35 hours in the HSC course.
|
|
Assessment:
HSC Course only
|
|
External
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
Internal
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
|
A three-hour written examination
consisting of:
Core Modules
Multiple-choice questions
Short-answer questions
Options (one only to be attempted)
Short-answer part-questions
Questions/question parts focusing
on Core Module 9.1 will be incorporated into both the Core and Option
sections of the paper.
|
75
25
|
Knowledge
and understanding:
- Prescribed Focus Areas
(outcomes H1–H5)
-
Domain (outcomes H6–H10).
Skills
in planning and conducting first-hand investigations and in communicating
information and understanding based on these investigations.
Skills
in scientific thinking, problem solving and in communicating understanding
and conclusions.
Note:
No
more than 50% weighting may be allocated to examinations and topic tests.
|
4404440 40
30
30
30
30
|
|
|
100
|
|
100
|
|
Course: Community and Family Studies
|
Course No: 15060
|
|
2 units for each of Preliminary and
HSC
Board Developed Course
|
Exclusions: Nil
|
|
Course
Description
Community and Family Studies is
designed to develop in each student an understanding of the diverse nature
and interdependence of families and communities, within Australian society.
The course enables students to plan and manage resources effectively in order
to address contemporary issues facing families and communities.
|
|
Main
Topics Covered
Preliminary
Course
§
Resource
Management Basic concepts of the resource management process (approximately
20% of course time).
§
Individuals
and Groups The individual’s roles, relationships and tasks within
groups (approximately 40% of course time).
§
Families
and Communities Family structures and functions and
the interaction between family and community (approximately 40% of course
time).
HSC
Course
§
Research
Methodology Research methodology and skills culminating in the
production of an Independent Research Project (approximately 25% of course
time).
§
Groups
in Context The characteristics and needs of specific community
groups (approximately 25% of course time).
§
Parenting
and Caring Issues facing individuals and groups who adopt roles of
parenting and caring in contemporary society (approximately 25% of course
time).
HSC
Option Modules
Select one of the following
(approximately 25% of course time):
§
Family
and Societal Interactions Government and community structures
that support and protect family members throughout their lifespan.
§
Social
Impact of Technology The impact of evolving technologies
on individuals and lifestyle.
§
Individuals
and Work Contemporary issues confronting individuals as they
manage roles within both their family and work environments.
|
|
Particular
Course Requirements
Students are required to complete an
Independent Research Project as part of the HSC internal assessment. The
focus of the Independent Research Project should be related to the course
content of one or more of the following areas: individuals, groups, families,
communities, resource management.
|
|
Assessment:
HSC Course only
|
|
External
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
Internal
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
|
A
three-hour written examination:
Section I
Part
A – multiple choice
Part
B – short answer
Part C – two questions, one on
each of the HSC core modules:
§
Groups in Context
§
Parenting and Caring
§
Section II
Three
questions, one on each of the HSC option modules:
§
Family and Societal Interactions
§
Social Impact of Technology
§
Individuals and Work
Candidates
attempt one question only
|
10
15
50
25
|
Core
Research
Methodology
Groups
in Context
Parenting
and Caring
Options
Family
and Societal Interactions
Social
Impact of Technology
Individuals
and Work
|
75
25
|
|
|
100
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Course: Dance
|
Course No: 15070
|
|
2 units for
each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed
Course
Exclusions: Projects developed for
assessment in one subject are not to be used either in full or in part for
assessment in any other subject.
|
|
Preliminary Course
Students
undertake a study of Dance as an art form. There is an equal emphasis on the
components of Performance, Composition and Appreciation in the study of
Dance. Students studying Dance bring with them a wide range of prior dance
experience. Physical training and preparation of the body is fundamental and
of paramount importance to the course and informs all three components of the
course.
Components to
be completed are:
§
Performance
(40%)
§
Composition
(20%)
§
Appreciation
(20%)
§
Additional
(20%)(to be allocated by the teacher to suit the specific
circumstances/context of the class).
HSC Course
Students continue common study in the
three course components of Performance, Composition and Appreciation and also
undertake an in-depth study of dance in one of the Major Study components,
either Performance, Composition, Appreciation or Dance and Technology
§
Core (60%)
Performance 20%, Composition 20%, Appreciation 20%
§
Major Study
(40%) Performance or Composition or Appreciation or Dance and Technology.
|
|
Particular Course Requirements
The
interrelation of the course components is a major feature in the study of
dance as an art form and is emphasised throughout both courses.
The published Course Prescriptions, which may change
in total or in part every two years, indicate works to be studied in the HSC
Course in Core Appreciation and Major Study Appreciation.
|
|
Assessment:
HSC Course only
|
|
External
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
Internal
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
|
Core Performance
Solo dance and Viva
voce
Core Composition
Solo composition and Viva voce performed by another student
Core Appreciation
A written examination (one hour)
Major Study
§
Major Study Performance
One solo dance
and Viva voce or
§
Major Study
Composition
One dance
composition: new solo, group dance and Viva
voce or
§
Major Study
Appreciation
Written
examination: 1 1/4-hours or
§
Major Study–
Dance & Technology
Option 1: Choreographing the Virtual
Body.
Presentation of
a choreographed work using 3D animation software and Viva voce or
Option 2: Film
and Video.
Presentation
filmed and edited choreographed work and Viva
voce.
|
20
20
20
40
|
Core Performance
Core Composition
Core Appreciation
Development
of Major Study
|
20
20
20
40
|
|
|
100
|
|
100
|
|
Course: Drama
|
Course No: 15090
|
|
2 units for
each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed
Course
Exclusions: Projects developed for
assessment in one subject are not to be used either in full or in part for
assessment in any other subject.
|
|
Course Description
Students in
Drama study the practices of Making, Performing and Critically Studying.
Students engage with these components through collaborative and individual
experiences.
Preliminary
Course
Content
comprises an interaction between the components of Improvisation, Play
building and Acting, Elements of Production in Performance and Theatrical
Traditions and Performance Styles. Learning comes from practical experiences
in each of these areas.
HSC Course
Australian
Drama and Theatre and Studies in Drama and Theatre involve the theoretical
study through practical exploration of themes, issues, styles and movements
of traditions of theatre, exploring relevant acting techniques, performance
styles and spaces.
The Group
Performance (3-6 students) involves creating a piece of original theatre
(8–12 minutes duration). It provides opportunity for each student to
demonstrate his or her performance skills.
For the
Individual Project, students demonstrate their expertise in a particular
area. They choose one project from Critical Analysis or Design or Performance
or Script-writing or Video Drama.
|
|
Main Topics Covered
Preliminary Course
Improvisation,
Play building, Acting
Elements of
Production in Performance
Theatrical
Traditions and Performance Styles
HSC Course
Australian
Drama and Theatre (Core content)
Studies in
Drama and Theatre
Group
Performance (Core content)
Individual
Project
|
|
Particular Course Requirements
The Preliminary
course informs learning in the HSC course. In the study of theoretical
components, students engage in practical workshop activities and performances
to assist their understanding, analysis and synthesis of material covered in
areas of study. In preparing for the group performance, the published Course Prescriptions include a topic
list which is used as a starting point. The Individual Project is negotiated
between the student and the teacher at the beginning of the HSC course.
Students choosing Individual Project Design or Critical Analysis should base
their work on one of the texts listed in the published text list. This list
changes every two years. Students must ensure that they do not choose a text
or topic they are studying in Drama in the written component or in any other HSC
course when choosing Individual Projects.
|
|
Assessment:
HSC Course only
|
|
External
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
Internal
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
|
Group
Presentation (Core)
Individual Project
A 11/2-hour written examination
comprising two compulsory sections:
§
Australian
Drama and Theatre (Core)
§
Studies in
Drama and Theatre
|
30
30
40
|
Australian Drama and Theatre
Studies in Drama and Theatre
Development of Group Performance
Development of Individual Project
|
30
30
20
20
|
|
|
100
|
|
100
|
|
Course:
Earth and Environmental Science
|
Course
No: 15100
|
|
2
units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Board
Developed Course
|
Exclusions: Senior
Science (Preliminary only)
|
|
Course Description
Earth
and Environmental Science is the study of the planet Earth, its processes and
its environment.
The
Preliminary course develops a knowledge of the physical and chemical features
of the environment, the available resources and human impact on Australian
environments and the interplay between the internal and external forces that
constantly shape the Earth. It increases students’ understanding of these
concepts by focusing on the unique nature of the Australian continent, its
geology and environments and, in particular, the local environment and the
effect of human impact on it.
The
HSC course builds upon the Preliminary course. It examines the geological,
physical and chemical evidence related to the evolution of Australia
over time, current pressures and their effects on the Australian environment,
and the indicators of environmental ill-health. The options cover a variety
of interest areas and draw on increased information and understanding
provided by improved technology to examine areas of current research.
|
|
Topics Covered
Preliminary Course
Core
Modules
·
Planet Earth and Environment
- A Five Thousand Million Year
Journey
·
The Local Environment
·
Water Issues
·
Dynamic Earth
|
HSC Course
Core Modules
·
Tectonic Impacts
·
Environments Through Time
·
Caring for the Country
One Option from the
following modules:
·
Introduced Species and the Australian
Environment
·
Organic Geology – A Non-renewable
Resource
·
Mining and the Australian Environment
·
Oceanography
|
|
Particular
Course Requirements
Each
module specifies content which provides opportunities for students to develop
the full range of skill outcomes described in the Earth and Environmental
Science Skills modules 8.1 (Preliminary) and 9.1 (HSC).
The
Preliminary course includes field experience in the identification of
landforms, rocks and soil types, as well as how biological factors interact
to form the local environment. Students will complete a minimum of 80
indicative hours of practical experiences across Preliminary and HSC course
time with no less than 35 hours in the HSC course.
|
|
Assessment: HSC Course only
|
|
External
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
Internal
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
|
A three-hour written examination
consisting of:
Core Modules
Multiple-choice questions
Short-answer questions
Options (one only to be attempted)
Short-answer part-questions
Questions/question parts focusing on Core Module 9.1 will be
incorporated into both the Core and Option sections of the paper.
|
75
25
|
Knowledge
and understanding: - Prescribed
Focus Areas
(outcomes
H1–H5)
- Domain
(outcomes H6–H10).
Skills in
planning and conducting first-hand investigations and in communicating
information and understanding based on these investigations.
Skills in
scientific thinking, problem solving and in communicating understanding and
conclusions.
Note:
No more than
50% weighting may be allocated to examinations and topic tests.
|
40
30
30
|
|
|
100
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Course: Economics
|
Course No: 15110
|
|
2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC
Board Developed Course
|
Exclusions: Nil
|
|
Course
Description
Economics provides understanding for
students about many aspects of the economy and its operation that are
frequently reported in the media. It investigates issues such as why
unemployment or inflation rates change and how these changes will impact on
individuals in society. Economics develops students’ knowledge and
understanding of the operation of the global and Australian economy. It
develops the analytical, problem-solving and communication skills of
students. There is a strong emphasis on the problems and issues in a
contemporary Australian economic context within the course.
|
|
Main
Topics Covered
Preliminary
Course
§
Introduction to Economics (10%) – the
nature of economics and the operation of an economy
§
Consumers and Business (10%) – the
role of consumers and business in the economy
§
Markets (20%) – the role of markets,
demand, supply and competition
§
Labour Markets (20%) – the workforce
and role of labour in the economy
§
Financial Markets (20%) – the
financial market in Australia
including the share market
§
Government in the Economy (20%) – the
role of government in the Australian economy.
HSC
Course
§
The Global Economy (25%) – Features
of the global economy and globalisation
§
Australia’s
Place in the Global Economy (25%) – Australia’s trade and finance
§
Economic Issues (25%) – issues
including growth, unemployment, inflation, wealth and management.
§
Economic Policies and Management
(25%) – the range of policies to manage the economy.
|
|
Assessment:
HSC Course only
|
|
External
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
Internal
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
|
A three-hour written examination,
including multiple-choice, short answer and extended response questions
|
100
|
Tests/exams
Research,
investigation and communication
Stimulus-based
skills
|
50
30
20
|
|
|
100
|
|
100
|
|
Course: Engineering Studies
|
Course No: 15120
|
|
2 units for each of Preliminary and
HSC
Board Developed Course
|
Exclusions: Nil
|
|
Course
Description
Both Preliminary and HSC courses
offer students knowledge, understanding and skills in aspects of engineering
that include communication, engineering mechanics/hydraulics, engineering
materials, historical/societal influences, engineering
electricity/electronics, and the scope of the profession.
Students study engineering by
investigating a range of applications and fields of engineering.
|
|
Preliminary
Course
Students undertake the study and
develop an engineering report for each of 5 modules:
§
three application modules (based on
engineered products). At least one product is studied from each of the
following categories: household appliances; landscape products; and braking
systems
§
one focus module relating to the
field of Bio-Engineering
§
one school-based elective module.
HSC
Course
Students undertake the study and
develop an engineering report for each of 5 modules:
§
three application modules (based on
engineered products). At least one product is studied from each of the
following categories: civil structures; personal and public transport; and
lifting devices
§
two focus modules relating to the
fields of Aeronautical Engineering and Telecommunications Engineering.
|
|
Particular
Course Requirements
Students develop an engineering
report for each module studied.
At least one report in each of the
Preliminary and the HSC courses must be the result of collaborative work.
|
|
Assessment:
HSC Course only
|
|
External
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
Internal
Assessment
|
Weighting
|
|
A
three-hour written examination:
Section
I
– Multiple-choice
– Application
Modules
Section
II
– Short structured
responses
– Historical and
societal influence
– Scope of the
Profession
– Application and
Focus Modules
Section
III
– Short structured
responses
– All modules
– Engineering
reports
|
10
70
20
|
Tasks
relating to module content exclusive of the Engineering reports
Engineering
reports
|
65
35
|
|
|
100
|
|
100
|
|
Course: English (Standard)
|
Course No: 15130
|
|
2 units for each of Preliminary and
HSC
Board Developed Course
|
Exclusions: English
(Advanced); English (ESL); English (Extension)
|
|
Course
Description
In the Preliminary English (Standard)
course, students explore and experiment with the ways events, experiences,
ideas and processes are represented in and through texts.
In the HSC English (Standard) course,
students reflect on and demonstrate the effectiveness of texts for different
audiences and purposes.
|
|
Main
Topics Covered
Preliminary
Course – The course has two sections:
§
Content common to the Standard
and Advanced courses is undertaken through a unit of work called an Area of
Study. Students explore texts and develop skills in synthesis. The common
content comprises 40% of the course content. Students undertake at least one
Area of Study.
§
Electives in which students
explore and examine texts and analyse aspects of meaning. The electives
comprise 60% of the course content.
HSC
Course – The course has two sections:
§
The HSC Common Content which
consists of one Area of Study common to the HSC Standard and the HSC Advanced
courses where students analyse and explore texts and apply skills in
synthesis.
§
Modules that provide elective
choices, which emphasise particular aspects of shaping meaning and
demonstration of the effectiveness of texts for different audiences and
purposes. Students are required to choose one elective from each of three
Modules A, B and C.
|
|
Particular
Course Requirements
In the Preliminary English (Standard)
Course students are required to:
§
study Australian and other texts
§
explore a range of types of
text drawn from: prose fiction; drama; poetry; nonfiction; film or media or
multimedia texts
§
undertake wide reading programs
involving texts and textual forms composed in and for a variety of contexts
§
integrate the modes of reading,
writing, listening, speaking, and viewing and representing as appropriate
§
engage in the integrated study
of language and text.
HSC
English (Standard) Course requires the close study of:
§
at least four types of
prescribed text, one drawn from each of the following categories: prose
fiction; drama; poetry; nonfiction or film or media or multimedia texts
§
a wide range of additional
related texts and textual forms
§
prescribed stimulus booklet.
|
|
Assessment:
HSC Course only
|
|
External Assessment
|
Weighting
|
Internal Assessment
|
Weighting
|
|
A
written examination paper consisting of:
Paper 1 (2 hours)
Area
of Study (common course content)
|
40
|
Area
of Study
(common
course content)
Module
A
Module
B
Module
C
|
40
20
20
20
|
|
|
100
|
|
Paper 2 (2 hours)
Module
A
Module
B
Module
C
|
60
|
Assessment across the language modes
Listening
Speaking
Reading
Writing
Viewing
and representing
|
15
15
25
30
15
|
|
|
100
|
|
100
|
|
Course: English (Advanced)
|
Course No: 15140
|
|
2 units for each of Preliminary and
HSC
Board Developed Course
|
Exclusions:
English (Standard); Fundamentals of English; English (ESL)
|
|
Course
Description
In the
Preliminary English (Advanced) course, students explore the ways that events,
experiences, ideas, values and processes are represented in and through texts
and analyse the ways texts reflect different attitudes and values.
In the HSC English (Advanced) course
students analyse and evaluate texts, and the ways that they are valued in
their contexts.
|
|
Main
Topics Covered
Preliminary
Course – The course has two sections:
§
Content common to the Standard and Advanced courses is undertaken
through a unit of work called an Area of Study. Students explore texts and
develop skills in synthesis. The common content comprises 40% of the course
content. Students undertake at least one Area of Study.
§
Electives in which students
explore, examine and analyse the ways in which texts and contexts shape and
are shaped by different attitudes and values. The Electives comprise 60% of
the content.
HSC
Course – The course has two sections:
§
The HSC Common Content consists
of one Area of Study common to the HSC Standard and the Advanced courses
where students analyse and explore texts and apply skills in synthesis.
§
Modules which emphasise
particular aspects of shaping meaning and representation, questions of
textual integrity, and ways in which texts are valued. Students are required
to choose one elective from each of three Modules A, B and C.
|
|
Particular
Course Requirements
In the Preliminary English (Advanced)
Course students are required to:
§
study Australian and other
texts
§
explore a range of types of
text drawn from: prose fiction; drama; poetry; nonfiction; film or media or
multimedia texts
§
undertake wide reading programs
involving texts and textual forms composed in and for a variety of contexts
§
integrate the modes of reading,
writing, listening, speaking, and viewing and representing as appropriate
§
engage in the integrated study
of language and text.
§
HSC
English (Advanced) Course requires the close study of:
§
at least five types of prescribed
text, one drawn from each of the following categories: Shakespearean drama;
prose fiction; drama or film; poetry; nonfiction or media or multimedia texts
§
a wide range of additional
related texts and textual forms
§
prescribed stimulus booklet.
|
|
Assessment:
HSC Course only
|
|
External Assessment
|
Weighting
|
Internal Assessment
|
Weighting
|
|
A
written examination paper consisting of:
Paper 1 (2 hours)
Area
of Study (common course content)
Paper 2 (2 hours)
Module
A
Module
B
Module
C
|
40
60
|
Area
of Study
(common
course content)
Module
A
Module
B
Module
C
|
40
20
20
20
|
|
100
|
|
Assessment across the language modes
Listening
Speaking
Reading
Writing
Viewing
and representing
|
15
15
25
30
15
|
|
|
100
|
|
100
|
|
Courses: Preliminary
English Extension
HSC
English Extension 1
HSC
English Extension 2
|
Course No:
Course No: 15160
Course No: 15170
|
|
1 unit of
study for each of Preliminary and HSC
Prerequisites: (a) English
(Advanced)
(b)
Preliminary English Extension is a
prerequisite for English Extension Course 1
(c) English Extension Course 1 is a
prerequisite for English Extension Course 2
Exclusions: English (Standard); Fundamentals
of English; English (ESL)
|
|
Course Description
In
the Preliminary English (Extension) Course, students explore how and why
texts are valued in and appropriated into a range of contexts. They consider
why some texts may be perceived as culturally significant.
In
HSC English Extension Course 1, students explore ideas of value and consider
how cultural values and systems of valuation arise.
In HSC English
Extension Course 2, students develop a sustained composition, and document
their reflection on this process.
|
|
Main Topics Covered
Preliminary Extension Course
The course has one
mandatory section: Module: Texts, Culture and Value.
HSC English Extension Course 1
The course has one
section. Students must complete one elective chosen from one of the three
modules offered for study:
§
Module A:
Genre
§
Module B:
Texts and Ways of Thinking
§
Module C:
Language and Values.
HSC English Extension Course 2
The course requires
students to complete a Major Work.
|
|
Particular Course Requirements
In the Preliminary
English (Extension) Course students are required to examine a key text from
the past and its manifestations in one or more popular cultures. Students
also explore, analyse and critically evaluate different examples of such
appropriations in a range of contexts and media.
HSC English Extension Course 1 requires the study of prescribed
texts (as outlined in the prescriptions document, HSC English 2003 and 2004
Electives and Prescribed Texts).
HSC English Extension Course 2 requires completion of a Major Work
and a statement of reflection.
|
|
Assessment: HSC English Extension
Course 1
|
|
External Assessment
|
Weighting
|
Internal Assessment
|
Weighting
|
|
A written examination of two hours
duration
|
50
|
Module A, B or C
|
50
|
|
50
|
50
|
|
|
Assessment across the language
modes:
§
Speaking
and listening
§
Reading and writing
§
Viewing and
representing
|
10
30
10
|
|
50
|
|
Assessment: HSC English
Extension Course 2
|
|
External Assessment
|
Weighting
|
Internal Assessment
|
Weighting
|
|
Submission of Major Work
Including a
1000–1500 word (maximum) reflection statement
|
50
|
Proposal: Presentations of proposal for Major
Work
Viva Voce: Interview and discussion/
exploration of the work in progress
Report: The impact of independent
investigation on the development of the Major Work
|