YEARS 9 AND 10 ACADEMIC INFORMATION HANDBOOK

INTRODUCTION

THE PATHWAY PLANNING AND SUBJECT SELECTION PROCESS EXPLAINED 

 

Our 2024 Timetable for Year 9 and 10 students is designed to provide students with greater opportunity and flexibility, maintaining our focus on Academic rigour and success and enabling students to progress through Advanced Placement (strict conditions apply).

 

The Pathway Planning and Subject Selection Process for Year 9 and 10 students has five key steps:

  1. Selecting MESH Options
  2. Selecting remaining Curriculum Options
  3. Applying for Advanced Placement (if desired and sufficient evidence exists)
  4. Meeting with a Mentor to discuss and finalise Pathway Plan
  5. Submitting preferences online with Mentor.

The Handbook is designed to guide you through this process.

1. SELECTING MESH OPTIONS

Students in Years 9 and 10 are required to complete studies that cover the West Australian Curriculum in Mathematics, English, Science and Humanities. In these areas, different pathways will be recommended based on the student’s performance.

 

Mathematics Options

Year 9:

  • Mathematics Essentials 09
  • Mathematics Applications 09
  • Mathematics Methods 09
  • Mathematics Specialist 09
  • Year 10 Mathematics Methods (Advanced Placement required)

Year 10:

  • Mathematics Essentials 10
  • Mathematics Applications 10
  • Mathematics Methods 10
  • Mathematics Specialist 10
  • Year 11 Mathematics Methods ATAR (for students on Advanced Placement pathway only)

English Options

Year 9:

  • English Empowerment (for students who require additional support in English)
  • English Engagement (for all other students)
  • Year 10 English (Advanced Placement required)

Year 10:

  • English Empowerment (for students who require additional support in English)
  • English Engagement (for most students)
  • English Enhancement (for students invited to be part of the Extension program)
  • Year 11 Literature ATAR (for students on Advanced Placement pathway only)
  • Year 11 English ATAR (for students on Advanced Placement pathway only)

Science Options 

Year 10: 

  • Science Standard (for most students in Year 10) 
  • Science Gateways (for those students requiring additional support in Science, following recommendations) 

 

Humanities Options 

Year 10: 

  • Humanities Standard (for most students in Year 10) 
  • Humanities Gateways (for those students requiring additional support in Humanities, following recommendations) 

2. SELECTING CURRICULUM OPTIONS

  • Students will need to select eight possible options to study in 2024. Two options will be studied each semester (these will be selected from your eight options to best suit your personal timetable inclusive of your MESH options).
  • Languages is a  year-long courses and a prerequisite for studying ATAR Language courses.
  • Certificate II in Music is a two-year course and a prerequisite for studying Music ATAR.

Curriculum options are initially allocated to students using a computerised algorithm, which works within fixed parameters to best meet the options selected by  the entire student population, our staffing profile and facilities constraints.

 

Whilst we acknowledge that students may have strong preferences for certain option subjects, it is important to note that we are simply unable to guarantee the allocation of specific classes. Students are asked to select a number of options (eight) that they are willing to undertake in 2024. These selections are not ranked in order of preference. From the eight options selected, we hope to be able to allocate four options of interest to every student. All Saints’ College offers a broad and engaging curriculum and all students are encouraged to choose a balanced selection of courses that will enable them to both optimise their learning and satisfy their intellectual curiosity. It is important to note that students often find their most enjoyable learning experiences and fulfilment come from options they had previously not considered, offering breadth and variety to their learning journey.

 

NOTE: Four of your eight chosen options will form part of your personalised timetable across the year.

 

This Handbook describes the options that the College may offer to Year 9 and 10 students in 2024, subject to adequate demand. Please note that not all courses will run, and this will be determined by demand and resource requirements.

3. APPLYING FOR ADVANCED PLACEMENT 

  • Year 8 students (2023) entering into Year 9 can apply for advanced placement in Year 10 MESH courses.
  • Year 9 students entering Year 10 can only apply for advanced placement if they were already accelerated in Year 9 2023. (ie students cannot begin advanced placement once they start Year 9.)

For students seeking advanced placement, they must seek a meeting with Mr Shackleton to discuss. Students wishing to take this pathway must have a documented evidence of being Gifted and/or Talented.  It is important to note that strong marks and grades alone in Year 7 and 8 is insufficient evidence. Students and families are reminded that Advanced Placement is subject to strict conditions and monitoring by SCSA. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, advanced placement will only be granted for one subject area. 

 

Applications will be assessed by the Acting Director of Senior School (Teaching and Learning) and the relevant Head of Department.

4. MEETING WITH MENTOR TO DISCUSS AND FINALISE PERSONAL PATHWAY PLAN 

Year 8 and 9 students will meet with their Tutor teacher / Head of House to discuss their Personal Pathway Plan. 

5. SUBMITTING PREFERENCES ONLINE 

Final course selections will be entered into the College Timetabling software by each student's mentor.