Learning

Year 10 Curriculum

Year 10 students continue to build on their foundation of knowledge

In Year 10 students are required to study core subjects, while beginning to explore their strengths, interests and potential future career pathways through their elective subject choices. This core and elective approach will lead into a broad range of options for studies in the later years.

The CORE subjects in Year 10 are:

  • English or EAL (English as an Additional Language) – full year
  • Mathematics – full year
  • Health and Physical Education (HAPE) – one semester
  • Science – one semester
  • Humanities (either History, History: Pop Culture or Geography) – one semester
  • Arts or Technology – one semester

The ELECTIVE subject choices in Year 10 can be selected from the following learning areas:

  • Arts
  • Technology
  • Languages other than English (LOTE) – Students studying LOTE must select this subject in both semesters.
  • Humanities
  • Science
  • HAPE – Excellence in Sports (EIS) is select entry and based on an application
    – Only one of the Body In Action: Physical Education or Body In Action: Sport can be selected

Year 10 students may also have access to a Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) study if recommended.

Ceramics

Arts

The Year 10 ceramics course comprises design, construction and theory. Students use the design process to plan, trial and construct a range of ceramic objects. A balance of both functional and non-functional objects are designed and made. Students develop skills in construction techniques including coil and slab construction. Students study and gain inspiration from a number of ceramic artists and ceramic traditions.Dance

Dance

Arts

Dance at Year 10 focuses on movement, performance and choreography. Students learn about elements of dance and different ways to choreograph. Students practice and learn about different dance styles and genres. Students research and learn about cultural dance, in particular dance within the Australian Culture. Evaluation of personal performance and group performance to inform and refine future work plays an important part of student reflection.

Drama

Arts

Drama at Year 10 consists of a serious exploration of the many facets of performing arts including Music, Drama, Dance and Comedy. Students create their own performances in group and/or solo efforts pushing the boundaries of their creativity and experiences. Students explore and respond to the life and work of a professional performer. They use this knowledge to inform and inspire them towards their own performances.

Media: Film and Photography

Arts

In Year 10 Media, students refine and extend their understanding and use of structure, intent, character, settings, points of view, genre conventions and media conventions in their compositions. Students analyse film and produce a short film or video clip. Students analyse photography and create digital photographic images linked by a concept. Furthermore, students look into social media and journalism by exploring podcasting, they record, plan and produce their own podcast. Students maintain safety in use of technologies and in interaction with others, including the use of images and works of others. They maintain ethical practices and consider regulatory issues when using technology.

Music

Arts

Students work in groups and/or solo to create a set of song performances based on a study of differing styles/genres of music. They learn to listen attentively to the sound while developing a sense of what is appropriate to the music and to the performance. Song Writing is a major part of the program with students encouraged to be creative with lyrics and music. The theory of chords, melody and rhythm is a serious element of the work.

Studio Arts

Arts

Students will be involved in the creating, making and presenting of a variety of artworks. They explore and trial the application of different mediums, particularly drawing, painting (acrylic, aerosol, ink) and printmaking methods and techniques. Students research, examine and respond to the artwork of recognised artists and art styles to develop understanding of how design elements, cultural, environmental and historical influences affect artists in their art making.

Visual Communication and Design

Arts

This unit extends and accelerates students’ skills and knowledge in two-dimensional design, focusing on professional design processes. Students will use both the digital and more traditional methods to produce their work (eg. Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, SketchUp, 3D printing, HTV printing, paints and pencils). Students will develop an understanding of the design process and will complete a variety of projects intended to develop their ability to think and solve problems visually, creatively and imaginatively. Students will have an opportunity to develop their own brand identity and print their own apparel item using the HTV printing method. Students will also explore the Industrial design field, developing their technical drawing skills while designing their own toy design. Students will have the opportunity to refine their drawing and designing skills through a range of projects.

Bridging English as an Additional Language

English

This subject is recommended for EAL students wishing to study a VCE course in Year 11, and provides the opportunity to experience the rigour of a VCE English subject to enhance overall performance in English in future years. Bridging EAL focuses on the language skills needed by students for whom English is an additional language. Students develop knowledge and skills in speaking, listening, reading, viewing, writing and thinking, and the ability to adapt their language use to communicate effectively in different contexts, including academic and social settings.

English

English

By the end of Year 10, students evaluate how text structures can be used in innovative ways by different authors. They explain how the choice of language features, images and vocabulary contributes to the development of individual style. They develop and justify their own interpretations of texts. They evaluate other interpretations, analysing the evidence used to support them.

Foundation English

English

VCE Foundation English focuses on how English is used to communicate through written, spoken and multimodal texts of varying complexity. Students focus on developing language and communication skills, primarily through the study of a variety of texts. They develop communication skills in order to listen, speak, read and write effectively in academic, workplace and social contexts. Students develop a range of literacy skills and learning strategies. They extend the understandings and processes required to read and write effectively. Students employ learning strategies designed to enhance their achievement in and enjoyment of the English language.

Body in Action

HAPE

Students will have the opportunity to gain knowledge of the systems of the body and understand the relationship these systems have with physical activity and personal fitness. Students will also gain knowledge about training methods and fitness components and their application to fitness training. Students will participate in some alternative sports, fitness training and some traditional sports that will directly relate to the theory components of the course. This elective will directly link to a VCE pathway.

Excellence in Sport

HAPE

The Excellence in Sport Program’s vision is to develop students’ sport specific skills, knowledge and practical application in their chosen sports of Australian Rules, Soccer and Volleyball. Additionally, the program will develop skills in other important aspects of sport, such as coaching, umpiring, wellbeing, nutrition and physical conditioning. The EIS program will develop skills for students to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle, as well as allowing students to strive towards their personal sporting and academic goals.

More Info

Health

HAPE

Year 10 health is all about adolescence and exploring the unique issues that young people face. Students develop an understanding of the importance of personal and community actions in promoting health. Adolescence is a time of change and students look at how effective relationships work, as well as ways to manage their changing roles and responsibilities.

Outdoor Education

HAPE

This is an exciting unit for students who are interested in getting into the outdoor environment to participate in challenging and fun activities. You will learn more about yourself, others and the environment. Students will learn about the risks, environmental impacts and skills required for recreation in our local environment. Students will participate in both practical and theoretical studies of the following activities – surfing, canoeing, mountain biking, snorkelling, rock climbing and an overnight bushwalk.

Business and Accounting

Humanities

Business and Accounting will have a small business focus and will prepare students with the management and financial skills they need to run their own (very) small business. As part of this subject we will use the FYA’s $20 Boss program which enables students to actually run their own business, using seed funding from the FYA. Business and Economics will encourage students to think deeply and critically about issues and ideas from a variety of perspectives, including Historical, ethical and political.

Geography

Humanities

Year 10 Geography explores Environmental Change and Development with the focus on coastlines. Students will learn what is happening to coastal cities and low lying islands, how flooding and hurricanes can devastate a city. Students also study Human Wellbeing and Development, we will discover which country will surpass China’s population and why Australia needs immigration.

History: Civil Rights and Pop Culture

Humanities

What was the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? Students will cover the US Civil Rights movement in the 1960’s and how that influenced Australia. Topics in Australia that will also be covered are the following: 1962 right to vote federally, 1967 Referendum, Reconciliation, Mabo decision, Bringing Them Home Report (the Stolen Generations), the Apology, and the effects of methods used by civil rights activists to achieve change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Students investigate popular culture's global influence that has shaped Australian society, including the development of global influence during the twentieth century. This includes changing social, cultural, historical, economic, environmental, political and technological conditions.

History: WWII and Immigration

Humanities

The war that came after ‘the war to end all wars’. Students will study the causes and consequences of WWII in Australia and around the world. The twentieth century became a critical period in Australia’s social, cultural, economic and political development. The transformation of the modern world during a time of political turmoil, global conflict and international cooperation provides a necessary context for understanding Australia’s development.

Law, Politics and the World

Humanities

Law, Politics and the World will focus on the year 10 Civics and Citizenship curriculum and provide a pathway for VCE Legal Studies and VCE Global Politics. Students will learn about the structure of our legal system and Constitution, principles of justice, the nature of democracy and a comparative study with an authoritarian state, global flashpoints and Australia’s response, Australia’s international legal obligations and how they impact domestic law and the nature of Australia’s relationship with key powers in the Asia Pacific region.

Philosophy

Humanities

Philosophy is about considering life’s biggest and oldest questions. Philosophical questions are different to scientific ones which are likely to be answered at some stage in the future. Rather, philosophical questions are those that persist because concrete answers are never likely to come about. Students will explore such questions as; what is the mind? What does it mean to live a good life? Do we have the freedom to make our own choice, or are our actions determined by our past experiences?

Sociology

Humanities

In Sociology, students use the Sociological Imagination to discuss the fine line between personal struggles and public issues. They become more informed and engaged at both a local and global level, understanding the perspectives of diverse local communities and theoretical frameworks. Students will study Sociological Perspectives, Socialisation and Gender, Crime and Deviance, Family Structures, and Social Movements.

German

LOTE

Jetzt wissen wir! Does the thought of spending just over a month in Germany excite you? How about getting to know some new people using your German skills that you have worked on for all these years? Now is the time to make a decision about participating in the exchange program! North Geelong Secondary College is part of a group of schools in Geelong, Melbourne and Ballarat that provide a successful student exchange program to the beautiful city of Marburg. The immersion in German language and culture is no doubt the best experience and will really boost your skills in VCE German.

Japanese

LOTE

Building on the Japanese literacy skills developed in Years 7 to 9, in Year 10, students continue to consolidate their written communication skills while advancing their spoken language. Establishing a solid foundation to continue through VCE Japanese the students focus on metacognitive skills and the construction of language. Students explore social issues in contemporary Japanese culture, such as declining birth rate, ‘mottainai’ (environmental consciousness), and technological development. Through our Sister Schools in Osaka, students have the opportunity to practise with native speakers and build relationships across the globe as emerging global citizens.

Maths

Year 10 Maths is separated into three courses that the students will select in consultation with their Year 9 teacher, tailored to their level of mathematical ability and future pathways. Mathematics A and B continue to build on the Mathematical tools needed for VCE pathways. Mathematics C is designed to assist students to develop their mathematical skills and application of tools to solve problems for real work applications.

The three courses are Maths A (above Year 10 level), Maths B (at Year 10 level) and Maths C (below Year 10 level) with the most common pathways for Maths A into VCE/VCAL Mathematics shown below:

Maths A

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Maths A

VCE Specialist Maths U1 & 2

VCE Specialist Maths U3 & 4

Maths A

VCE Maths Methods U1 & 2

VCE Maths Methods U3 & 4

Maths A

VCE Further Maths U3 & 4


Maths B

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Maths B

VCE General Maths U1 & 2

VCE Further Maths U3 & 4


Maths C

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Maths C

VCE VM Numeracy U1 &2

VCE VM Numeracy U3 &4

Maths C

VCE Foundation Maths U1 & 2

VCE Foundation Maths U3 & 4

Biology and Environmental Science

Science

This subject explores the Biological and Earth and Space Science, specifically designed to better prepare you to study VCE Biology and Environmental Science where content will focus on topics that support student learning in VCE Biology and Environmental Science. These topics include structure of cells and DNA, how proteins are synthesised, the origin of the universe, and the study of global systems involved in the cycling of essential nutrients. You will complete practical activities to complement the content being covered. These will not only extend your scientific knowledge but will also allow you to practise using scientific equipment.

Chemistry and Physics

Science

This subject explores Physics and Chemistry, specifically designed to better prepare you to study Physics and/or Chemistry in VCE. You will delve into the science of moving objects via the study of Isaac Newton’s laws of motion and energy. You will learn more about chemical bonding, the periodic table and about different types of chemical reactions. You will complete practical activities to complement the content being covered. These will not only extend your scientific knowledge but will also allow you to practise using scientific equipment. Although this subject leads directly into VCE Physics and/or Chemistry you can still choose to do other VCE science subjects based on discussions with relevant teachers.

Essential Science

Science

This subject is designed to give you some knowledge in a variety of science topics including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. There will also be a focus on learning the science skills of enquiring and investigating. This subject will be taught through more practical based means. This should make for an engaging science class that will allow you to build on skills you already have.

Psychology

Science

Would you help a stranger on the street? Do we really judge books by their covers? Are you really your own person? Psychology at Year 10 focuses on providing students with an exciting introduction to the discipline and developing key skills required in VCE. We will endeavour to answer these questions through our studies of human and animal behaviour. During the course we will look at understanding the ways people behave in groups and draw parallels with animal behaviour. Through our work on serial killers we will understand some of the basic tools used by the FBI to profile killers and investigate the mind of real life monsters while the final topic of intelligence will give us the knowledge to impact our own learning.

Science for Life

Science

This is a practical based science class where you will focus on learning the key science skills. You will conduct numerous practical activities and experiments to explore the wonderful world of science. There is less of a focus on the content in this class and as such this unit does not directly lead onto VCE science subjects.

Food Technology

Technology

Through studying Food Technology at Year 10, students will be able to identify correct safety and hygiene practices in food preparation. Furthermore, they will be able to plan and prepare a variety of different food products and meals (for example, calzone, quiche, chilli con carne and sticky date pudding). Additionally, students will analyse the factors that impact on menu planning and interpret design briefs and plan productions that meet specified requirements.

Information Technology

Technology

Information Technology at Year 10 looks into a range of different IT careers, and daily roles of IT professionals and focuses on the discipline and development of key skills required in VCE. During the course students will have the opportunity to use data management software such as Microsoft Excel and Apple Numbers to analyse, visualise, model and evaluate objects and events. We will look at answering these questions through our studies. Students become more skilled at identifying the steps involved in planning and developing plans that are mindful of risks and sustainability requirements.

Materials: Textiles

Technology

Textile projects give students the opportunity to be creative, independent learners and to explore functional and aesthetic aspects of textiles. Students explore a range of topics and design briefs associated with textiles design. Students gain knowledge of the elements and principles of fashion design and develop their fashion illustration skills. Students follow the design process to generate, represent and communicate their original ideas. Students identify the steps involved in planning the production of their textile design and select appropriate materials and tools to use safely.

Materials: Wood

Technology

Woodwork at Year 10 builds on skills previously developed in Years 8 and 9. As a designer, you use design thinking to develop a design brief and folio from start to finish to create a piece of furniture to suit the needs of your client. You will investigate materials, joining techniques and design options to produce their final design. Once you are happy with your final design, you will learn how to safely use more complex hand power tools and large industrial machinery with teacher assistance to create components for your project. To finalise the design process you reflect on your work and evaluate if the final product fulfils your initial design brief.

Systems Engineering

Technology

Students will learn and apply the Systems Engineering process to design, build and test mechanical and electromechanical systems. Initially projects will be designed, produced and programmed using Lego Mindstorms components and software. Students will then design their own projects to solve a chosen problem. Solutions will incorporate an Arduino Uno R3 microcontroller board, C++ coding to instruct the systems, relevant electrical components such as DC motors, sensors, diodes and CAD software to design and print their own mechanical components.