Students will select FOUR of the Electives listed on the following page for study over the two-year period.
At the end of the selection process, TWO electives will be offered to each student.
In Year 9, each Elective will comprise 6 periods per fortnight of study, whilst in Year 10, this will increase to 7 periods per fortnight.
Child Studies provides you with information about child development from preconception to the early years. You will develop the knowledge and skills to positively influence the growth, development and wellbeing of children
The course will cover topics such as:-
- preparing for parenthood,
- conception to birth, • growth and development,
- newborn care,
- family interactions, and
- nutrition, health and safety.
Course Costs: $55.00
Commerce enables young people to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and values that form the foundation on which they can make sound decisions about consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and employment issues. It develops in students the ability to research information, apply problem-solving strategies and evaluate options in order to make informed and responsible decisions as individuals and as part of the community.
In Year 9, you will learn about:-
- consumer and financial decision
- the economic and business environment
- investing money, e.g. Buying shares
- promoting and selling
- travel (how to plan a holiday)
In Year 10, you will learn about:-
- employment and work issues
- what governments do and how elections work
- how the legal system works and how the law can affect you
- towards independence (buying a car, moving out of home, budgeting)
- running a business.
Course Costs: NIL
Year 9 Drama can be taken as a new subject by beginners or continued on by students who studied Drama in Year 8.
Drama can help you in a variety of ways, such as:-
- confidence building;
- problem-solving and negotiating skills;
- learning to work effectively with others; • clear and effective communication;
- self motivation and independent working skills; and
- creativity.
This course is mostly practical. Students will be involved in acting:
- creating characters;
- improvising scenes;
- building plays in groups;
- learning technical aspects of theatre; and
- acting.
The activities will include:
- acting and performing (in groups and a small amount of solo work);
- mask work;
- juggling; and
- drama games.
Course Costs: $10.00
Food Technology focuses on the practical aspects of food handling, preparation and presentation, while covering topics which include:
- The technological methods of production, processing, packaging and distribution of food;
- Food consumption, nutrition and health;
- The composition of food, its physical and chemical structure, and its properties;
- Changes to food during processing, preparation and storage;
- Food marketing and the role of manufacturers, advertisers, retailers and consumers;
- Food service and catering;
- The role of food in society and food trends.
Excursions usually offered include:
- Royal Easter Show, Term 1. (Provided the show is open during school hours)
- Food in Australia Excursion – Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
Course Costs: $70.00 per year
Graphics Technology develops an understanding of the significance of graphical communication as a universal language and the technologies and the techniques used to convey technical and non-technical ideas and information. You will learn about the principles and techniques involved in producing a wide range of images, models, pictures and drawings.
The major emphasis is on you:-
- actively planning, developing and producing quality drawings.
- learning to design, prepare and present graphics, using both manual and computer-based drafting technologies.
- learning to interpret and analyse images and presentations
- developing an understanding of the use of drawings in industrial, commercial and domestic applications
- using a variety of techniques and media to produce graphical presentations and communicate information.
Course Costs: $20.00
The aims of History Elective is to stimulate students’ interest in and enjoyment of exploring the past, to develop a critical understanding of the past and to enable them to participate as active, informed and responsible citizens.
You will study three topics:
- Constructing History – This includes HOW people record history: documentaries, biographies, film, websites, etc; and WHY people record history and their perspectives.
- Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern Societies - Focus is on societies NOT studied in the mandatory history courses and may be from any period in history.
- Thematic Studies – These may include Sport Through Time; Weapons and Warfare; Clothing & Fashion; Entertainment.
Course Costs: NIL
The main emphasis of Industrial Technology is on students being actively involved in the planning, development and construction of quality practical projects involving work with wood, metal and other materials. You will be provided with a range of theoretical and practical experiences to develop knowledge and skills in a selected focus area. Work, Health and Safety, Environmental and Historical concepts are integrated into all units of work.
Industrial Technology – Engineering is a practical-based subject involving research and construction of engineering-based projects related to structures (bridges) and mechanisms (small alternatively-powered vehicles).
This course provides solid design and construction skills for future courses of study in the Higher School Certificate, including Industrial Technology, Engineering Studies and Metal & Engineering courses.
Graphics Technology is a complement for this course.
Course Costs: $40.00, plus costs, dependent upon project.
The main emphasis of Industrial Technology is on students being actively involved in the planning, development and construction of quality practical projects involving work with wood, metal and other materials. You will be provided with a range of theoretical and practical experiences to develop knowledge and skills in a selected focus area. Work, Health and Safety, Environmental and Historical concepts are integrated into all units of work.
Industrial Technology – Metal is a metal-oriented course involving fitting and machining, as well as metal fabrication and welding.
This course provides solid design and construction skills for future courses of study in the Higher School Certificate, including Industrial Technology, Engineering Studies and Metal & Engineering courses.
Graphics Technology is a complement for this course.
Course Costs: $60.00, plus costs, dependent upon project.
The main emphasis of Industrial Technology is on students being actively involved in the planning, development and construction of quality practical projects involving work with wood, metal and other materials. You will be provided with a range of theoretical and practical experiences to develop knowledge and skills in a selected focus area. Work, Health and Safety, Environmental and Historical concepts are integrated into all units of work.
Industrial Technology – Timber is a wood-oriented course involving cabinet making, general woodwork and wood machining.
This course provides solid design and construction skills for future courses of study in the Higher School Certificate, including Industrial Technology, Engineering Studies and Metal & Engineering courses.
Graphics Technology is a complement for this course.
Course Costs: $65.00, plus costs, dependent upon project.
Information & Software Technology exposes students to a wide range of computer software and technology with the aim of developing knowledge, understanding, creativity and confidence in this area. The course has a significant practical focus designed to give you the best chance to develop:
- Understanding of a range of computer software and hardware
- Problem-solving skills in order to design and develop solutions to real-world problems
- Responsible and ethical attitudes towards information and technology
- Knowledge of past, current and emerging technologies and their effect on individuals and society
- Communication skills and the ability to work in teams to provide solutions to specific technology problems.
As part of their study, students will be given an opportunity to investigate, in a hands-on way, a variety of current hardware and software technologies. These technologies include:
- Digital image manipulation and photography
- Video editing and production
- Computer programming and software design
- Multimedia design
- Web design and publishing
- Sound capture and manipulation
- Presentation software
- Using and constructing databases and spreadsheets to store, organise and display information
Course Costs: $35.00
The Italian language has a reputation for being the most beautiful and passionate in the world.
By speaking Italian, you will access a sumptuous, life-loving culture with a history of power and influence.
Italian is a Romance language, which means it comes from Latin, just like French and Spanish. Italian is the first language of around 70 million people with up to 150 million people worldwide speaking Italian as a second language.
Various activities may be proposed to enhance the language learning experience:-
- an overnight trip to Sydney to view an Italian opera with a culinary visit to Haberfield and Leichhardt,
- food tastings,
- a ‘Caffe’ in the classroom experience and viewing Italian films.
Course Costs: $40.00
Japanese is one of the most dynamic world languages. Japan is Australia’s second largest trading partner and the third largest economy in the world. Cutting-edge technology, modern anime culture and a rich, fascinating history make Japanese the most commonly studied Asian language in Australia.
The course will lay the foundations for useful communication in Japanese. Whilst the emphasis will initially be on speaking and listening, reading and writing will also have importance. This will include the mastery of the three Japanese writing systems of hiragana, katakana and kanji.
Various activities may be proposed to students undertaking Japanese study including:
- Overseas Japanese Study Tour (optional),
- a day at the Tanken Centre (where students spend a day in a Japanese setting), 15
- excursion to Japanese restaurant,
- cooking in class, and
- a trip to Sydney to attend the yearly Japanese Matsuri Festival.
Course Costs: $40.00
The oceans cover more than 70 per cent of the earth’s surface and influence all forms of life on this planet. Oceans are alternatively viewed as areas rich in minerals and marine life, which can supply our needs virtually without limit, or as convenient dumping grounds for agricultural, industrial and domestic waste.
The growing demands of urbanisation, industry, recreation and tourism have increased the pressures on marine facilities and our fragile water ecosystems. There is a need for wise management practices and a responsible, realistic approach to conservation of marine resources now and into the twenty first-century. Marine Studies provides an opportunity for students to view these issues in a comprehensive and global perspective.
Students undertaking Marine Studies will:
- develop an awareness of the diversity of marine ecosystems;
- study life in the marine environment;
- gain knowledge to assist with employment in marine-related occupations;
- develop a sense of responsibility, respect and the need for wise management practices when dealing with marine resources;
- develop and practise skills related to water activities – swimming, surfing, fishing, snorkeling, canoeing/boating and first aid.
Course Costs: $30.00
This course offers the opportunity for skills and experience in Music without the necessity of previous musical experience. You may elect Music for Years 9 and 10 even if you haven’t done Elective Music in Year 8.
The course includes:
- The opportunity to learn and master an instrument or two, depending on the ability and aptitude of the student. The practical aspect of the course is both encouraged and emphasised. Singers are also encouraged to take this course and to develop their talents in vocal performance.
- Listening to music of different types to gain a general understanding and appreciation of the development of music.
- Learning the fundamentals of music including reading, writing and the terms and notation used, so that students are able to compose and arrange their own songs, using traditional notation and computers.
- In-depth study of topics, including: rock/pop; radio/film/TV; music of other cultures; Australian music.
- Students will be encouraged to participate in performance opportunities, such as the KHS Fest, the Art Exhibition, Showcase Night.
Course Costs: $10.00
PASS has a 70% practical and a 30% theoretical component. Students electing to take the course need not be outstanding athletes, but should be competent in, and enjoy, a range ofsporting and recreational activities.
EXCLUSIONS: Only one PASS course may be selected forstudy.
You will be required to demonstrate competency in:
- Aquatics - swimming, personal survival, safety precautions, rescue;
- Fitness/weight training; both individual and group
- A range of sporting/recreational activities/team games including world games, Aussie games and many modified games;
- Coaching and refereeing;
- Surf survival practical components and surfing/body surfing;
- Golf
- Sports’ injury prevention;
- Lawn Bowls.
Theory aspects will cover:
- Physiology and anatomy as it applies to the exercising individual (students will be examined in a sport injury prevention program, SIPP);
- Australian sporting identity; • Trends in leisure and recreational activities (particularly in the local area);
- Event Management
- First aid and sport injury prevention and treatment;
- Surf survival theory exam.
- Team games - refereeing, rules, tactics,skills;
- Written assessment tasks, including examination and research tasks.
Course Costs: $30.00
PASS has a 70% practical and a 30% theoretical component. Students electing to take the course need not be outstanding athletes: however, with the recent success of our recent Kiama High Rugby League Teams, PASS – Rugby League allows us to tailor a course focusing on developing skills, knowledge and deeper understanding in all areas ofrugby league including safety, refereeing, different roles within rugby league.
EXCLUSIONS: Only one PASS course may be selected for study.
You will be required to demonstrate competency in:
- Elite level skill development
- Rugby league laws and refereeing
- Rugby league coaching: roles and responsibilities of a coach
- Sports injury management
- Knowledge of History of Rugby League
Theory aspects will cover:
- Physiology and anatomy as it applies to the exercising individual (students will be examined in a sport injury prevention program, SIPP);
- Training - team and individual;
- Trends in leisure and recreational activities (particularly in the local area);
- Sports events and carnival organisation and administration;
- First aid and sport injury prevention and treatment;
- Team games - refereeing, rules, tactics,skills;
- Written assessment tasks, including examination and research tasks.
Course Costs: $50.00
This is primarily a practical subject with emphasis on garment construction, handicraft and design skills. Associated theoretical work is done in conjunction with practical projects.
The course includes:-
- Use of the sewing machine and overlocker for garment construction from commercial patterns;
- Construction of a range of garments from woven and knitted fabrics;
- Elements and principles of design and the design process;
- Creative design exercises for the decoration of garments and articles, and production of textile artwork;
- Construction of articles for variety of purposes;
- Textile arts and crafts - embroidery, patchwork, appliqué, quilting, fabric dyeing, printing, computerised design and machine embroidery ;
- Developing a design folio.
You will complete a minimum of six practical projects for Textiles Technology to have been satisfactorily studied for the RoSA. Recent projects have included:-
- a summer dress/skirt,
- an art quilt,
- pyjamas,
- a designer bag, and
- a character doll.
Course Costs: $20.00
The Visual Arts Course is designed to give you a range of diverse, hands-on practical experiences. The main emphasis in the course is making images and objects, with Critical and Historical Study providing support for practical work.
You will learn to make images and objects to represent ideas, experiences, feelings and understanding about our world. They explore the potential of materials and techniques to give form and meaning to their ideas. This includes:-
- painting,
- drawing,
- design,
- sculpture,
- mixed media,
- printmaking, and
- computer generated artworks.
Information Booklet - Click Here!
Course Costs: $40.00 per year
Visual Design is an exciting new, two year course being offered by the Creative and Performing Arts faculty at KHS. Visual Design is different from Visual Arts in that students design objects to work in our world, these objects may have functional and decorative purposes. Students will learn about different kinds of visual design artworks in print, object and digital forms. They will learn how to represent their ideas over the two year course with reference to contemporary trends and look at how web designers, commercial and industrial designers, graphic, fashion and accessory designers make visual design works! Students will develop their research skills in the design of their projects, building a folio of work over time and documenting this in their Visual Design Journal.
- This course is a great starting point for students interested in future careers in a broad range of design fields, such as Jewellery Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Animation, Functional Ceramics, Game Design, Film Set Design, Prop Design
- This course offers students the opportunity to build a folio of work which can assist with applications for future study in these fields. • It is not necessary to have completed the year 8 Visual Design course to be a part of the 9 and 10 course.
Course Costs: $40.00
