MESC Senior School Handbooks

 Year 9 Elective Subjects

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS AT YEAR 9

 

Year 9 BLUE PLANET SCIENCE ELECTIVE

Dive into the wonders of our blue planet with Marine Science and Terrestrial Ecosystems, an exploration of the vast oceans that cover more than 70% of Earth's surface and the land that sustains plant and animal life. Unravel the mysteries of ecosystems, from the sunlit surface and the dark abyssal depths of waters to the lush green rainforests and icy tundras that remain largely unexplored. Discover how the ocean and atmospheric currents regulate our climate, the connection between the ocean and the land and the incredible biodiversity that sustains life both in the sea and on land. Explore biodiversity, climate and the human impact on ecosystems. Join us on a journey through conservation efforts, the impact of human activity on ecosystems, and the innovative technologies driving the future of exploration. Embark on this adventure and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the intricate and awe-inspiring world beneath and above the waves. 

 

Proposed Subject Cost:   Blue Planet Science Elective:   $50 per semester. 

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed. 

 

 

 

Year 9 CREATIVE LITERATURE ELECTIVE

 

This elective invites students to explore their own creativity by studying works of literature and their genre, their ideas, and how they are crafted. Students will gain insight into how to develop their own voice through studying the techniques of other writers and will be encouraged to experiment and take risks when creating their own work. Some of the areas explored will include genre, characterisation, figures of speech, setting, and themes. 

The range of text types may include novels, short stories, speeches, drama, song, graphic novels and poetry. Students will be able to make choices based on their areas of interest. 

 

Proposed Subject Cost:  Creative Literature Elective:   $30 per semester

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed

 

 

 

Year 9 DANCE ELECTIVE

 

In Year 9 Dance, students create and perform various dance works as a class and in small groups. They learn choreographed dance works and choreograph, rehearse, refine and perform their own dance works. Year 9 dance explores a range of choreography, dance styles and genres (ballet, jazz, contemporary, broadway, hip/hop, commercial and street). Students will work on skill and technique development through practical workshops and learning whole class dances, as well as developing their knowledge and understanding of the elements of movement and choreographic devises. This subject enables students to express ideas creatively and collaboratively to communicate ideas and themes physically through the development of their own personal movement vocabulary. 

 

Proposed Subject Cost:   Dance Elective:   $50.00 per Semester

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed

 

 

Year 9 DESIGN TECHNOLOGY ELECTIVE (Wood, Metal, Plastics, & Jewellery)

 

We live in a changing world with a rapidly growing population and we have natural resources that we need to protect, so it is vital to learn how to utilise design to create environments that are healthy and sustainable. The Design Technology curriculum is one of the few opportunities that students have to develop a way of thinking that involves the need to test ideas and think outside of the square.

 

The skills and knowledge which students establish in Design Technology are transferrable to all walks of life. The primary skills which you will learn are the ability to think critically and creatively, to be able to brainstorm ideas and then to deliver a variety of solutions to any particular given complex design situation.

 

Students engage in a range of practical activities during the development of a design project. The syllabus focuses on students using a variety of technologies and tools in the production of quality design projects. Students work in three different spaces throughout the semester including the woodwork room, metal and jewellery workshop and the design studio. 

 

Students are required to complete a minimum of three and a maximum five units of work which address at least three areas of design. In each of the projects, students will learn how to be creative in their thinking, planning and designing whilst developing a wide range of useful skills. Students enjoy the variety of tasks and challenging nature of design and technology, which enables them to maximise their individual talents and capabilities for life-long learning.

 

This is the ideal subject if you are interested in working creatively with your hands. You will learn about hand and power tools and how to use them safely and effectively, how to weld using a MIG and Oxygen/Acetylene welders, participate in practical workshops and build your own unique projects. Students have the option of creating beautiful jewellery in Design Technology. They develop skills in fine sawing, soldering, filing, shaping with punches, polishing and use of equipment.

 

Proposed Subject Cost:   Design Technology Elective:   $100 per semester

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed

 

 

Year 9 DRAMA ELECTIVE

 

In Year 9 Drama, students create plays that are devised in small groups and performed to an audience. This subject is collaborative and provides a creative outlet for students to express themselves and explore ways of incorporating the dramatic elements and production areas to enhance their performance. Students will further develop their improvisation, expressive and performance skills, as well as playmaking techniques and get to experience, analyse and evaluate live performance. Students get to explore a range of drama genres and styles, and look at the actor-audience relationship. 

 

Proposed Subject Cost:   Drama Elective:   $55 per Semester

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed

 

 

Year 9 FOOD ELECTIVE

 

Food coursework gives students an opportunity to have hands on experience with a range of ingredients, equipment and preparation and processing techniques. The MYP Design Cycle is followed and over the Semester two Units are completed. Weekly lesson is conducted in the Food Studies kitchen where students are involved in food preparation/cooking and inquiring/analysing along with developing ideas takes place in the single lesson.

 

Food Around the World: This unit will focus on food from around the world and the function of ingredients in a  recipe. Students will explore foods and flavours and investigate the major influences on Australian food culture and the kinds of foods/dishes different countries have introduced into our homes, supermarkets, and restaurants. Students will cook a variety of dishes from different countries in weekly practical classes. Students will select a country to complete an inquiry-based research task and complete a practical exam.

 

Healthy Lunchbox:  This unit will focus on the development of healthy food ideas for a specific age group. Students will explore the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and the Australian Dietary Guidelines to develop their understanding of nutrition requirements across the lifespan. Students will cook a variety of healthy recipes in weekly practical classes. They will complete an inquiry-based research task on healthy lunch boxes and complete a practical exam. 

 

As with all year levels in Food there is a focus on safety and hygiene and food preparation skills and techniques. Students receive feedback every lesson from the teacher which reflects the student’s classroom behaviour, time management, cleaningand overall quality of theirproduct.

 

Proposed Subject Cost:   Food Elective:  $150 per semester

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed

 

 

Year 9 FORENSIC SCIENCE ELECTIVE

 

This elective will cover various aspects of forensic science and does not repeat the core science curriculum. 

 

This elective explores the science behind the ever-changing world of the Forensic Investigator. Topics covered include: 

  • Fingerprints 
  • Hair and fibre 
  • Blood, blood splatter and DNA 
  • Entomology, death and decay 
  • Crime scene analysis 
  • Ballistics, impact and collisions 
  • Anthropology, facial reconstruction 
  • Soil analysis 
  • Forensic chemistry 

Proposed Subject Cost:   Forensic Science Elective:   $50 per semester

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed

 

 

Year 9 GEOGRAPHY & BUSINESS - TRAVEL, TOURISM AND SUSTAINABILITY ELECTIVE

 

Interested in planning your own adventure, cruise or overseas holiday? Then this elective is for you! 

Students will have the opportunity to engage in fieldwork in the local community to explore the impacts of tourism on the economy and environment. Those of you with a good imagination, initiative and readiness to project manage will enjoy investigating about how to become a successful entrepreneur.  

 

You will have the opportunity to inquire about: 

  • Why is Australian tourism important? 
  • What impacts does tourism have on the local community? 
  • What is eco-friendly tourism? 

Proposed Subject Cost: Geography & Business - Travel, Tourism and Sustainability Elective:   $35 per semester

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed

 

 

Year 9 HISTORY - SLAVERY & REVOLT ELECTIVE

 

This elective invites students to explore the conditions of slavery during the Civil War and the abolitionist slavery movement and the slave trade. Discover how the name Jim Crow referred to a set of laws that once advocated racial segregation in all public facilities. This applied to not only African-Americans, but also to other non-white ethic groups in United States.  

 

You will have the opportunity to inquire about: 

  • Why did it take so long to end slavery?  
  • What should be remembered and memorialised?  
  • Are the ways in which slavery and the Civil War are represented on screen a true representation of history? 

Proposed Subject Cost: History - Slavery & Revolt Elective:   $35 per semester

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed

 

Year 9 MEDIA ELECTIVE

 

The world of Media is constantly changing and growing. Every day we engage with a variety of forms on various devices. Would you like to become a content creator in this exciting digital future? 

 

This course will explore a range of media such as photos, film, music videos, animations, video games, social media, radio, websites, print media, documentaries and graphic novels, in order to understand, analyse and create. Students who undertake Media will engage in the program as both creator and audience, enabling students to improve their creative, digital communication and critical thinking skills. This course is highly beneficial for those looking to pursue Media and will provide a number of skills that will support learning across the curriculum and in our increasingly digital society.

 

Proposed Subject Cost:   Media Elective:   $90 per Semester

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed

 

 

Year 9 MUSIC ELECTIVE

 

Are you the next big performer, DJ or songwriter to the stars?

 

In this elective, students have the opportunity to work on instrumental and music technology tasks. Developing theoretical and practical understanding, technological applications, and group and solo performance skills. They will use their understanding of music making in different cultures, time and place to inform and shape their interpretations, performance and compositions. 

 

They evaluate performers’ and composers’ success in communicating ideas, intentions and the use of performance conventions and technical and expressive skills in music they listen to and perform. They identify characteristics of performance styles and genres and learn about ways that musicians influence and challenge ideas and contribute to cultural expression in their local communities and at national and international levels.

 

Proposed Subject Cost:   Music Elective:   $35 Semester

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed

 

 

Year 9 OUTDOOR EDUCATION ELECTIVE

 

Outdoor Education involves the study of natural ecosystems and the techniques required to journey through these environments.  Students study the history, characteristics, flora, fauna, human uses and conservation of a range of ecosystems. Students will have the chance to participate in a series of excursions and camps.

 

Students will develop skills to actively respond to environmental, social and economic challenges required by young people to be creative, innovative, enterprising and adaptable, with the motivation, confidence and skills to use critical and creative thinking purposefully to their surrounds. The outdoor environment will be used as a landscape to explicitly evaluate and apply thinking skills which enables students to develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the processes they can employ whenever they encounter both the familiar and unfamiliar adventure scenarios.

 

Students planning to study VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies are advised to study a minimum of one semester of Outdoor Education.

 

OUTDOOR EDUCATION SURF : SEMESTER 1

 

Students complete a study of coastal environments and the skills required for safe surfing and other aquatic activities. Topics covered include flor and fauna of the coast, wave formation, weather, water safety, and basic surf skills. Students develop their practical skills through:

  • Surf lessons
  • Snorkelling
  • Stand-up paddleboarding
  • 2-day surf camp

Students complete study of forest environments and skills required to complete an overnight bushwalk. Topics covered include Victorian forest types, map reading, navigation, menu planning, minimal impact and categories of National Parks. Students develop their practical skills through:

  • a Trangia cooking session
  • 2-3 day bushwalking camp
  • Mountain biking
  • Rock climbing
  • Conservation day
  • Camp preparation

Proposed Subject Cost:   Outdoor Education Surf Elective:   $40 per Semester

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed

 

Please note: Approximate cost of $500-600 as extra-curricular items to enhance learning and cover described activities listed above. This will be charged throughout the year via Compass Events

 

 

OUTDOOR EDUCATION SNOW : SEMESTER 2

 

In term 3, students complete a study of alpine environments and the skills required to cross-country ski. Topics covered include characteristics of snow, equipment and clothing, role of technology, hypothermia, snow safety and conservation of alpine environments.  Students develop their practical skills through: 

  • Ice skating excursion - $50
  • Snow camp - $550

In term 4, students complete a study of river environments and the skills required to complete a 2-day rafting or canoe camp. Topics covered include the water cycle, water as a resource, historical and contemporary uses of rivers, and paddling skills and techniques. Students develop their practical skills through:

  • Caving - $115
  • Overnight raft or canoe camp - $200
  • Stand-up paddleboard session(s) - $15
  • Healthy waterways day - $30

 

Proposed Subject Cost:   Outdoor Education Snow Elective:   $40 per Semester

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed

 

Please note: Approximate cost of $950-$1000 as extra-curricular items to enhance learning and cover described activities listed above. This will be charged throughout the year via Compass Events

 

 

Year 9 PHILOSOPHY  ELECTIVE

 

Philosophical thought shapes what people think, value, and how they engage with others and the world around them. Philosophy is concerned with questions of ethics, knowledge, aesthetics and reality. It seeks to shed light on life’s big issues, such as: the nature of reality, how we should live and what it means to be human. Philosophy also grapples with the problems that lie at the foundation of issues of public debate such as artificial intelligence, human rights and freedom of speech. 

 

In this course, students are actively engaged in exploring authentic ethical, social and political dilemmas in philosophy. They are challenged to think rigorously and discuss these issues in communities of inquiry. This engagement in philosophical discussion encourages students to think creatively, critically and collaboratively. 

 

Philosophy equips students with the skills essential for active citizenship in today’s complex global society. Through the study of philosophy, students will develop the skills to think deeply and formulate sound arguments. A study of philosophy will also encourage an open-minded disposition and a willingness to challenge existing beliefs and values. 

As well as connecting to the ‘Creative/Critical Thinking’ and ‘Ethical Capabilities’, the study of Philosophy supports students’ literacy learning. There is a heavy emphasis on reading and responding, as well as discussion. 

 

Proposed Subject Cost:   Philoso Elective:   $40 per Semester

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed

 

Year 9 PHYSICAL EDUCATION - LEADERSHIP IN SPORT ELECTIVE

 

In this subject students will explore leadership through sport.  For sporting events to take place, we need players, coaches, umpires, team managers, event organisers, venue staff, scorers, etc.  But what makes people the best in these roles?  Is it their character traits?  Their skills?  Their ability to manage their responsibilities? Or, a combination of a range of these things?

 

Students in this subject will answer these questions through the mixture of theory and practical classes.  In theory classes they will analyse leaders in thse roles to develop an understanding of what knowledge and skills are required to be a strong leader.  Whilst in practical classes students will have the opportunity to implement this knowledge and those skills required to be a strong leader in a range of sporting roles.

 

At the conclusion of the subject students will have an understanding of the traits required to be a strong leader and hopefully the skills required to get the best out of themselves and their peers.

 

Proposed Subject Cost:   PE: Leadership in Sport Elective:   $40 per Semester

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed

 

Year 9 TEXTILES ELECTIVE

 

Do you like designing, sewing, knitting, weaving, constructing, and creating from a variety of materials and are you interested in the notion of using fabric and other textile materials in a sustainable way? Or, would you just love to learn to use a sewing machine?  Then Textiles is for you!

 

In this subject you will be following the design cycle to develop a solution to a need – whether for yourself, for a friend/family member or to meet a local or global problem. The product will be researched, possible solutions identified, and then final drawings and notes will be produced before the actual product is made. You will be working on products such as up-cycling clothing, making products from a range of materials into wearable items such as clothes, bags, hats, shoes or decorative products such as cushions, wall hangings and pictures. In the MYP (Year 9) course you will also work to identify a potential need and client, and then design and create a solution for this need.  It may be for decorative purposes, to carry something, or store something, or even to reuse an item that is too good to throw away. 

 

Each student will be able to pursue the skills and techniques they wish to learn in this field as well as being able to use the sewing machine confidently and be able to both create and use a pattern to make a product. 

 

Proposed Subject Cost:   Textiles Elective:   $100 per Semester

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed

 

Year 9 VISUAL ARTS ELECTIVE

 

Art is a powerful tool which encourages you to become a more aware, curious and creative person who can positively impact our world. In Visual Arts students create artworks based on their own personal experiences and surroundings. Themes explored provide the student with a deeper understanding of their own environment and culture and the world of Art.  The course aims to encourage students to:  

  • Think and act creatively and to think critically  
  • Encourage visual imagination  
  • Develop practical skills in a wide range of artistic techniques and media areas such as drawing, painting, printmaking, stencilling, and ceramics.  

Students will keep a Visual Arts Process Diary in which they will document their different experiences during the art course.  

The Visual Arts course in Years 9 and 10 is a perfect way to lead into the VCE Art Making and Exhibiting Unit 1 & 2 study (formerly Studio Arts). 

You do not have to be a great artist to elect Visual Arts; we will teach you the skills. All that you need is to be enthusiastic and open to new ideas.  

 

Proposed Subject Cost:   Visual Arts Elective:   $80 per Semester

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed

 

 

Year 9 VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN ELECTIVE

 

The Visual Communication Design course aims to develop an understanding and awareness of design in both a historical and modern era. Students will develop a range of technical skills, rendering techniques and increase their understanding and use of methods, media and materials. 

 

Students will learn how to design and communicate information visually and understand the difference between graphic design and designing in the environment. Students will learn a range of drawing techniques including observational sketches, perspective drawings, orthogonal, freehand drawing and also rendering with a range of media use. Students will become skilled in identifying and using the Design Elements and Design Principles and build skills with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Archicad design software.

 

Proposed Subject Cost:   Visual Communication Design Elective:   $80 per semester

As an elective, this subject will only proceed if enough interest is sought and confirmed