Year 10
specialisations
Sciences
Overview
Science provides an empirical way of answering interesting and important questions about the biological, physical and technological world. Science is a dynamic, collaborative and creative human endeavour arising from our desire to make sense of our world by exploring the unknown, investigating universal mysteries, making predictions and solving problems. Science knowledge is contestable and is revised, refined and extended as new evidence arises.
Contents/Skills
Students will develop their Science inquiry skills of questioning and predicting, planning and conducting, recording and processing, analysing and evaluating and communicating as they explore science as a human endeavour, the biological sciences, chemical sciences, Earth and space sciences and the physical sciences. Students will choose the strands of Science from the specialisations of:
Chemistry
Physics
Biology
Environment and Sustainability
Links to Further Study
VCE Learning Fields in Science:
Biology Units 1-4
Chemistry Units 1-4
Environmental Science units 1-4
Physics Units 1-4
Psychology Units 1-4
VCE VET Programs
Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management
Animal Studies
Equine Studies
Health
Laboratory Skills
Economics
Overview
The Economics and Business curriculum explores the ways in which individuals, families, the community, workers, businesses and governments make decisions in relation to the allocation of resources. It enables students to understand the process of economic and business decision-making at the personal, local, national, regional and global levels and the effects of these decisions on themselves and others, now and in the future. Students learn to appreciate the interdependence of decisions made and develop the knowledge, understanding and skills that will inform and encourage them to participate in, and contribute to, the economy.
Contents/Skills
Students consider how the Australian economy is performing and the importance of its interactions and relationships with the Asia region and the global economy in achieving growth and prosperity. This includes the significance of trading relationships in supporting prosperous outcomes for the economy and the business sector. Students explore the relationship between economic performance and living standards as well as the reasons why these differ across regions within and between economies. Students consider the performance of the Australian economy and the business sector and how these might be measured in different ways. They examine why and how Australian businesses seek competitive advantages in different markets.
Links to further study
VCE Learning Fields in Business and Economics
Accounting Units 1-4
Business Management Units 1-4
Economics Units 1-4
Industry and Enterprise Units 1-4
Legal Studies Units 1-4
VCE VET Programs
Business
Small Business
Language Acquisition: Italian
Overview
Learning the Italian language can be very rewarding as it opens up the riches of Italy’s cultural past and its dynamic present. Using the communicative approach, this specialisation focuses on the development of pronunciation, grammar and practical vocabulary. Grammatical concepts are covered through dealing with real situations including relationships, dining, celebrations, film, music and hobbies and work. Outcomes and assessment tasks for this course will evaluate the student’s reading, writing, listening and speaking abilities.
Contents/Skills
Students will experience speaking in a conversational manner. Writing styles will include personal, imaginative and informative. Students will have the opportunity to learn practical and useful information that is authentic and contemporary. Topics include:
Childhood and Youth
The Environment
Staying Healthy
Art Movements in Italy
School and Employment
Italian Cinema
Links to Further Study
VCE Learning Fields in Language
Italian Units 1-4
VCE VET Programs
Applied Language
Geography
Overview
The Geography curriculum presents a structured way of exploring, analysing and understanding the characteristics of the places that make up our world, using the concepts of place, space, environment, interconnection, sustainability, scale and change. It addresses scales from the personal to the global and time periods from a few years to thousands of years. Geography as a discipline integrates the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities to build a holistic understanding of the world.
Contents/Skills
Students will explore two aspects of Geography: ‘People’ and ‘Places’. When looking at ‘Places’, students will gain knowledge and understanding of biomes and food security, exploring ways in which humans impact the land and resources and the challenges facing the world today. They will investigate environmental change and management. When investigating ‘People’, students will be focused on human wellbeing and the interconnection between people and places. The skills developed in this specialisation elective are:
- Problem solving
- Generating and developing solutions
- Analysis
- Observation
- Collecting and recording data
- Fieldwork and research skills
Links to further study
VCE Learning Fields in Humanities
Geography Units 1-4
History Units 1-4
Global Politics Units 1-4
VCE VET Programs
Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management
Civil Infrastructure
Sports and Exercise Science
Overview
This specialisation is aimed at providing students with both a theoretical and practical insight into the fields of Sports Science such as exercise physiology, biomechanics and sports psychology. These fields help to inform what we understand about healthy, safe and active choices.
Contents/Skills
Areas studied include coaching, musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems, components of fitness, psychological strategies to enhance performance, techniques and strategies to promote recovery and the use of technology in Sport Science. Students will develop an understanding of the human body and skills that will allow them to improve their levels of fitness, wellbeing and sporting performance.
Links to further study
VCE Learning Fields in Physical Education and Health
Physical Education Units 1-4
IT in a Global World
Overview
The Digital Technologies curriculum enables students to become confident and creative developers of digital solutions through the application of information systems and specific ways of thinking about problem solving. Students acquire a deep knowledge and understanding of digital systems, data and information and the processes associated with creating digital solutions so they can take up an active role in meeting current and future needs.
Contents/Skills
Students will investigate networked digital systems and what they need to be managed securely. They will explore the creation and safe storage of data and information including legal responsibilities. Students will design and test a variety of digital solutions looking at functionality, usability, aesthetics and effectiveness.
Links to further study
VCE Learning Fields in Digital Technologies
Algorithmics (HESS) Units 3-4
Applied Computing Units 1-2
Systems Engineering Units 1-4
VCE VET Programs
Cisco
Creative and Digital Media
Information, Digital Media and Technology
Product Design and Technology
Overview
Through Design and Technologies, students plan and manage projects from conception to realisation. They apply design and systems thinking and design processes to investigate ideas, generate and refine ideas, plan and manage, produce and evaluate designed solutions. They develop a sense of pride, satisfaction and enjoyment from their ability to create innovative designed solutions. Through the practical application of technologies, students develop dexterity and coordination. This curriculum offers a broad range of learning experiences, readily transferable to their home, life, leisure activities, the wider community and work.
Contents/Skills
Students will design and produce designed solutions. They will investigate, generate and critique designed solutions considering sustainability. Students will use design and systems thinking to generate innovative and ethical design ideas, and communicate these to a range of audiences. Students will use a range of materials, systems, components, tools and equipment. Students will also investigate the roles and responsibilities of people in design and technologies occupations and how they contribute to society.
Links to further study
VCE Learning Fields in Design Technologies
Product Design and Technologies Units 1-4
Food Studies Units 1-4
VCE VET Programs
Applied Fashion Design and Technology
Building and Construction
Creative and Digital Media
Theatre Studies
Overview
In this specialisation, students will adapt and present information and ideas on a variety of topics using presentation modes selected to suit different audiences to achieve specific purposes. Students will learn to express opinions of an event or performance, such as a contemporary film or a theatre performance, present information in different formats such as captioned photos, power points or emails on cultural events and create persuasive texts such as brochures or video clips. Students will develop and sustain different roles and characters to realise dramatic intentions and engage audiences. They will perform devised and scripted drama in different forms, styles and performance spaces. They plan, direct, produce, rehearse and refine performances. They select and use elements of drama, narrative and structure in directing and acting and apply stagecraft. They use performance and expressive skills to convey dramatic action and meaning.
Contents/Skills
Students will develop an understanding of different performance styles and conventions. They will develop and refine expressive and performance skills while learning about the processes used to develop and create performance works. Students will use digital technologies to record performances and engage in critique of filming techniques and how this enhances performance.
Links to further study
VCE Learning Fields in Performing Arts
Theatre Studies Units 1-4
Drama Units 1-4
Music
Overview
In Music, students listen to, compose and perform music in a wide range of styles from diverse cultures, times and locations. Listening underpins all music learning. Students compose and perform music using the voice, body, instruments, found sound sources and digital technologies. As composers, they create music in different styles and forms, exploring personal interests and given ideas. Students develop their ability to identify and describe, using terminology and symbols (notation), aspects of the music they listen to, compose and perform.
Contents/Skills
In Music, students will explore, experiment and express ideas through improvisation, composition and performance. They will create, practise and rehearse music including notation. Students will rehearse and perform for an audience. Students will respond to and interpret the use of the elements of music and stylistic features, exploring viewpoints of contemporary and past-time compositions and styles of music.
Links to further study
VCE Learning Fields in Performing Arts
Music Units 1-4
VCE VET Programs
Music Industry
Visual Communication Design
Overview
Visual Communication Design aims to develop confidence, curiosity, imagination and enjoyment through an engagement with visual communication design practices. It is about finding creative and innovative ways to communicate ideas and information. Students develop aesthetic knowledge, including the application of design elements and principles. Students engage their creative, critical and reflective thinking whilst they learn about the diverse roles and practices of designers.
Contents/Skills
Students will learn to respond to a brief and a target audience. They will develop visual communications which demonstrate the methods, materials, media, design elements and principles explored. Students will use manual and digital drawings to create visual communications. Students will evaluate, reflect on, refine and justify their decisions and aesthetic choices.
Links to further study
VCE Learning Fields in Visual Arts
Visual Communication Design Units 1-4
Visual Arts
Overview
The creative nature of the Visual Arts provides individuals with the opportunity for personal growth, the expression of ideas and a process for examining identity. Studio Arts encourages and supports students to recognise their individual potential as artists and develop their understanding of art making.
Contents/Skills
Students will explore visual arts practices and styles as inspiration to develop a personal style. They will learn how artists use materials and techniques, technologies and processes to produce artworks. Students will conceptualise an idea and create works, considering how ideas are conveyed to an audience. Students will examine and respond to others artworks.
Links to further study
VCE Learning Fields in Visual Arts
Studio Arts Units 1-4
Art Units 1-4
History
Overview
In this specialisation, students will develop a knowledge and understanding and appreciation of the past and the forces that shape societies including Australian society. Students explore historical concepts and skills, including sequencing chronology, using historical sources as evidence, identifying continuity and change, analysing cause and effect and determining historical significance. Students will develop the capacity to undertake historical inquiry, including skills in the analysis and use of sources, and in explanation and communication of arguments.
Contents/Skills
Students will focus on The Modern World and Australia, including World War I and II. Students will investigate causes, significant places and events and effects of these events. They will explore the significance of these events on Australia’s international relationships in the twentieth century and the different historical interpretations of the events.
Links to further study
VCE Learning Fields in Humanities
History Units 1-4
Sociology Units 1-4
Australian and Global Politics Units 1-4
Sports Coaching
Overview
Students will analyse varying coaching methods and styles and learn how to use this information in a practical setting. They will learn the process and skills development and the requirements of the coaching role for various team sports. They will apply their skills through coaching opportunities with student groups.
Contents/Skills
Students will be exposed to learning opportunities in coaching methods and styles, the roles and responsibilities of a coach and working in a practical setting. Students will be part of a coaching program for the younger students where they will unpack stages of learning a skill and apply this knowledge in a practical setting. Students will consider how they may need to cater for individual difference in their practice.
Links to further study:
VCE Learning Fields
Outdoor and Environmental Studies Units 1-4
Physical Education Units 1-4
VCE VET Programs
Community Services
Sport and Recreation
Here is the link to the Specialisation Selections Form for Year 10, 2022, that all students need to complete and submit: