H.S.C. SUBJECTS FOR
1990
H S C SUBJECTS FOR 1990
Unless otherwise indicated, all subjects described are offered by Friends at Schools Board Level 3, with assessment based on internal work and an external examination Year 11 subjects can usually also be taken at Level 2, when assessment will be internal, though of course, subject to moderation by the Schools Board Other subjects may be available on a reciprocal arrangement with Sacred Heart College
All the Level 3 subjects offered at Friends may be counted as X subjects for Matriculation purposes by the University of Tasmania with the exception of Drawing and Design There are, however, a number of restrictions on counting specific combinations of subjects We make no attempt here to detail the various restrictions and requirements of matriculation, tertiary courses or employers If you have any queries concerning these, please see Mark Curtis or Michael Cole
The descriptions are necessarily brief and if you wish to find out more, the people to talk to are the teachers concerned and students who are already taking particular subjects Also take the opportunity, if possible, to see classes in action at the Matric Centre In addition the Schools Board Higher School Certificate Manual contains details of all courses offered at this level
ACCOUNTING
Within the HSC Accounting course you should learn
-the accounting for a small business up to introductory company accounting
- this will encompass learning basic accounting procedures and management principles
- the preparation, interpretation and analysis of financial reports and statements
- a greater appreciation and interest in financial information reported in the financial pages of the newspapers
You should gain sufficient knowledge to - manage your own small business - work as a treasurer to a club or society
- give you a head start in the accounting field if you intend that as a career - be a much more informed citizen on financial and management matters
Positions open to tertiary qualified accountants include accountants/managers in a bank, retail store, airline companies, various international companies and so on, and financial advisers and consultants to private industry and government Currently, it is projected that there will be many more job vacancies than accountants to fill them for several years to come
ART Level 3 candidates are required to
(1) present a folio of work for external assessment This work is also assessed internally 70% of the overall mark is for practical work (n) sit one 2 hour examination of Art theory - Studies m Modern Art
This is externally assessed 30% of the overall mark is for theory The practical art requirements are the same for Level 2 except that the folio of work is assessed internally only The theory can be covered through projects, tests or written examinations The theory is also assessed internally only
Practical art at H S C level should communicate the interest and personal involvement of the student The work should show some mastery of techniques, but technique alone is not enough Examiners must see evidence that techniques have been used purposefully and with sensitivity to materials and ideas (HSC Manual)
In other words it is not enough to be able to follow the teacher s directions to produce a reasonable piece of work Art students need to express their own feelings, interests and personality through their subject choices and through the techniques employed to create their art When each student s folio of work is exhibited it should be recognised as an individual s personal statement through art This work is not to be regarded as a formal exhibition but should include working drawings, newspaper clippings, photographs, writings and anything else deemed appropriate and which has served to stimulate the artist to produce the work
It is possible to study Art Level 3 majoring in ceramics Students who have completed four units of Ceramics in the High School may wish to consider this
BIOLOGY
Three courses in Biology will be offered m 1990 Biology, Human Biology and Advanced Biology Each course at Level 3 is asssessed 50%
externally and 50% internally Practical and project work play a major part in the internal assessment component
Biology is divided into six units each lasting about 5 weeks The topics cover the following areas Cells, Animal and Plant Nutrition, Life Processes of Plants and Animals Plant and Animal Reproduction, Inter- relationships and Evolution
Human Biology is divided into five units each lasting about six weeks The topics cover Cells, Nutrition, Human Life Processes, Human Reproduction and the Human Species
Both of these courses will be offered at Level 3, and either can lead in Year 12 to Advanced Biology
t
3 Advanced Biology is divided into two parts a core which covers
the topics Cells, Genetics, Evolution and Animal and Plant Regulation and a group of options of which three must be studied Each student will be required to present an individual research project
CHEMISTRY Chemistry
This is an experimentally based course which has an emphasis on the study of chemical processes which are related to resources and their development and of properties and uses of substances, both natural and manufactured, which make up the environment
While it is a pre-requisite for any University course which requires first year Chemistry, eg a science degree including Chemistry or Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, Agricultural Science, Dentistry, Forestry etc the course has been designed to be satisfying and meaningful to a wide range of students and is not just a preparatory course for those going on to tertiary studies in chemistry Assessment is based on a 50%
external exam component and a 50% internal assessment component Advanced Chemistry
This subject is taken after Chemistry and is of most importance to those who wish to pursue science studies involving chemistry at the tertiary level Assessment is based on a 50% external exam component and a 50% internal assessment component
COMPUTER STUDIES
Two computer-related Level 3 (only) subjects will be offered in 1990 Information Systems and Computer Science An HSC student can undertake either or both courses there is not a large overlap
Information Systems is intended for the majority of students who wish to take a computing subject Its orientation is towards the use of information technology and related skills and an external view of the technology itself The course involves a component of practical work but does not include programming beyond an elementary level Examples of other topics included are The History of Information, Hardware and Software, Computer Communication and The Social Impact of Computers Students are required to complete a major project which is centred on the use of computers (not a programming project)
Computer Science is a course designed for those students who wish to study the theory of computing and programming more formally Students intending to study computing at university would find the course appropriate The coursework requires a strong grasp of senior mathematics, perferably at an advanced level, and familiarity with a programming lanugage such as BASIC Examples of topics covered in the course include Algorithm Design and Analysis, Logic, Combinational Circuits, Language Theory, Internal Hardware and Computer Representation of Data Underpinning the theory work there is a strong emphasis on the development of practical programming skills using the
Pascal programming language Students will be required to complete major programming projects using Pascal which demonstrate their ability to solve problems with the aid of a computer
DRAWING AND DESIGN
This subject deals with the communication of knowledge and ideas, and the solving of problems in a graphic form The aim of the course is to enable students to understand the medium of drawing skills, to know how to use all relevant drafting equipment and materials and to communicate detailed technical information to other people
The syllabus consists of Section A and Section B
Section A is the core study of the basic principles of drawing skills This section will be externally examined
Section B consists of a number of options, one of which will be studied with the core study of Section A
In Section B students will be required to work on a major project Students will formulate -
1 A brief
2 A contract which will include an itinerary
3 Ideas on the methods and procedures to be adopted 4 A journal which will record weekly developments 5 An assessment
One third of the course time will be spent on the Major Project
Assessment is based on a 50% external exam component, and a 50%
internal assessment component
N B Students should note that Drawing and Design whilst a Level 3 subject is NOT at present allowed as an X subject for Matriculation purposes by the University of Tasmania
ECONOMICS
The Economics course aims to assist students m understanding the economic forces which are often at the centre of major social and political issues, and thus better equip students to make decisions in their future roles as workers, consumers, taxpayers and voters The course studies characteristics of the national labour force, industrial issues, the national economy, economic relations with other countries, markets, incomes, supply and demand The economic systems of different societies are studied and compared At present the job opportunities for Economists are excellent
ENGLISH English Literature
The aim of the course is to develop and refine the student s response to literature through
1 a study of outstanding examples of the three principal forms of imaginative literature in English (poetry drama and prose fiction) and
2 an investigation of literature selected from a number of optional units
4
5 1990 texts have not yet been decided, but Literature students should
endeavour to read the novels before the beginning of the course English Studies
The course is divided into two parts
PART A The emphasis here is upon ideas and their communication through essays, expository works, novels, drama and the mass media
PART B The emphasis here is upon the detailed and analytical study of language and its effects Material for study consists of a number of short, representative passages of various examples of writing
1990 Texts have not yet been decided, but English Studies students should endeavour to read fiction and non-fiction texts before the beginning of the course
It would be extremely unwise for students to attempt either of the above courses unless they have obtained a sound level three pass m Grade 10 English
English Language & Literature (Level 2)
This subject deals with language and its use in a variety of areas including imaginative literature non-fiction and the mass media The subject is designed to prepare students for the study of both English Literature and English Studies, but it may be taken as a terminating subject Assessment will be internal and a wide range of techniques and criteria will be used Both individual and group work will be assessed and an oral component will be worth 20% of the total Novels, plays, poems, short stories, film and expository work form the basis for prescribing texts Not all works will be studied in an intensive way It is expected that there will be a significant Australian component
Students unsure about which H S C English is most appropriate for them should see Mrs Poulson or Miss Chapman or consult their English teacher
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
The course is intended to develop an understanding of issues involved with the management of the environment It has three parts (a) A core introducing the concepts and processes involved in the
inter-relationships in our natural and social environments (b) Management of Ecosystems - consideration of the political and
economic factors and the values involved
(c) Three study units which involve individual work on case studies of the students choice, viz
Oceans and Inland Waters, Energy Resources, Forest Resources These play a major part in the allocation of the 50% internal assessment component
FOOD STUDIES
This subject is designed for students who are interested in understanding the physical and chemical properties of food as well as the economic, social and physiological significance of food There are two sections The first section is on the nature of food - its composition, preservation and preparation The second investigates the cultural, nutritional and economic significance of food, and its availability, distribution and protection
Students will undertake practical cooking exercises, experiments, taste sessions, demonstrations and research At least one third of the time will be allocated to practical work (not necessarily cooking) Assessment will be m two parts 50% from external examination and the remainder from studies and practical work carried out during the course
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Three foreign language studies are offered to H S C level at Friends French, German and Japanese A fourth, Italian, is offered through our line-sharing arrangement with Sacred Heart College In each language Level 3 is assessed 50% externally and 50% internally, and Level 2 wholly internally
French
Emphasis is placed on the spoken language Level 3 students are expected to speak French with some accuracy of pronunciation, intonation and idiom, and to be able to communicate in situations arising in travel, making reservations, asking and giving directions, restaurants, banking etc Written command of the language will be reflected by the ability to comprehend and write contemporary French This will be complemented by a contemporary study such as a unit in cuisine, film, literature or song, to be assessed internally At both levels, and m all situations, emphasis is placed upon the student s ability to communicate with others in this language The external examination component for Level 3 is a 3- hour paper (30%) and an oral exam (20%)
German
The syllabus is intended to allow for the achievement of a reasonably advanced level of competence m using the German language in situations relevant to contemporary German life The course concentrates predominantly on verbal communication situations Core skills include aural and reading comprehension, speaking and writing German In addition the course is extended through a variety of Enrichment Activities The 50% external component of Level 3 assessment comprises a 1-hour Aural Comprehension Test, a 20-minute Oral Test and a 3-hour written paper
Japanese
The aim of the course is to achieve basic competence in Standard Japanese The range of vocabulary and grammar studied should enable the student to converse m Japanese on everyday topics, and to speak the language in at least one field of his or her own interest In addition to achieving basic competence in the spoken language, students will learn to read and write in Japanese at a level parallel to the language learned orally
The main goal of the background section of the course is to provide students with a general knowledge of Japan which will enrich their use of the language
Students who have successfully completed four units of Japanese in High School should be able to cope well with HSC Japanese, even after an interval since the completion of their High School course
GEOLOGY
The Geology course is divided into three units The first two provide a general coverage of basic Earth Science topics
UNIT 1 Earth Materials - studies the nature and properties of minerals and rocks
UNIT 2 Earth History - includes Palaeontology (life on earth), Methods of Dating and the Geological Time Scale UNIT 3 Earth Structures - covers topics such as Plate Tectonics,
Continental Drift and Geological Mapping
Fieldwork is a compulsory part of the course and students take part in at least 6 excursions (including a weekend fieldtnp)
Assessment is 50% external, 50% internal GEOGRAPHY
Four core topics - Natural Environments, The Energy Question, Population Studies and Livelihood & Settlement - are studied After general background information, the theme of the contrast between developed and developing countries is followed through case studies of each Internal assessment is based on one optional unit, m which students have a measure of choice, Fieldwork Report and Mapping, and an Individual Geographic Inquiry (research and presentation of any topic or problem, preferably local, of interest to the student)
HISTORY
Four History courses are offered at H S C level, and on past experience it will be possible to offer at least two of these in any year
Ancient History
The Level 3 course consists of a study of
(1) Greek History from 510 B C to 323 B C , together with units on selected Greek historians and on Greek drama
(n) Roman History from 134 B C to 68 A D , together with units on selected Roman historians and Roman literature
The course contains eight units, in the external examination, questions must be attempted from at least three of these units The Level 2 course selects appropriate topics from the Level 3 course
Australian History
The Level 3 course deals with some of the main social, political and economic developments in Australia from 1788 to 1966 As well, there are two special topics offered for study The Convict Era in Tasmania, and The First World War, with particular reference to Tasmania The Level 2 course selects appropriate topics from the Level 3 course
British History
The syllabus requires a study of the history of Britain between 1485 and 1714 This is in effect the period of the Tudor and Stuart monarchies, including Cromwell and the Civil War period The Level 2 course selects appropriate topics from the Level 3 course
Twentieth Century History
The level 3 course contains three main themes d) International Relations
The World Wars, World Economy between the Wars, PeaceOrganisations (n) Democracy, Revolution and Totalitarianism
Selected from the U S A , Britain, U S S R , China, Germany and Japan (in) The Emerging Nations
Two selected from India & Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Ireland, Israel
& Palestine, South Africa
The Level 2 syllabus is similar, but with a more narrative and descriptive emphasis
* 9 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (LEVEL 2)
Are you interested in finding out more about yourself and your relationships with others7 Do you want to learn ways of improving your ability to communicate, resolve conflicts, set goals and organise your time efficiently7 Human Development is a study of human behaviour, focussing on an understanding of the individual as a member of a group
The course will emphasise learning through participation, practical activities and personal enquiry rather than the more traditional approaches of text book reading and essay writing The focus will be on issues relevant to the students It would be of value to any student as it will aim to equip the student with a knowledge of physical, emotional, intellectual and social skills which will improve their quality of living
LEGAL STUDIES
The aims of this subject are to give students a general understanding of the operation of the Australian legal system, to enable them to examine legal processes and see them as a means of resolving conflicts, to help them to close the social distance between the law and the individual so that individuals can become participants rather than recipients in legal processes, to enable them to evaluate and analyse the present Australian legal system and its ability to respond to the changing needs of society The Level 2 syllabus takes a more practical approach to the subject than does the Level 3 syllabus If numbers permit, a separate Level 2 class may be offered in 1990 Students wishing to attempt Level 3 m Year 11 should have a sound pass in English Level 3 at Year 10 The job prospects for lawyers have improved significantly during the last year or so
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics is required or advised for three-quarters of all jobs requiring H S C , apart from the requirements for post-school education Five mathematics courses are now offered and students should consider carefully which one they will choose to study Please note that Mathematics Level 3, and NOT Mathematics Applied Level 3, is a prerequisite for entry to various university courses It would be advisable to discuss the possibilities with your Mathematics teacher or the Head of Department, David Brooks
General Mathematics
This is a Level 2 course designed as a one-year course for students who are seeking to further their study past School Certificate level, but without the intention to pursue the subject to tertiary level (HSC manual) As such it is not a giveaway subject, and in fact is potentially the most interesting of the HSC courses There is a core area, and three optional topics are studied also The choice of these topics depends on the interests of students and teacher Anyone who is doing well in General
who are finding the Mathematics units demanding Students who successfully complete this course in Year 11 could attempt Mathematics Applied in Year 12
Mathematics Level 2
This is designed for students who are intending to go on to take Mathematics Level 3 in Year 12 Those who only wish to take a Level 2 course should choose General Mathematics The emphasis is on algebraic manipulation, trigonometry and calculus You should normally consider this course seriously only if you gain at least a Level 3 Higher Pass in Mathematics at the end of Year 10 It is considerably harder than General Mathematics
Mathematics Level 3
This demanding course should be the goal of able mathematicians who intend further study in mathematics, engineering, science, medicine or in similar fields It is the highest level which is a pre-requisite for any course at the University of Tasmania If you wish to take the course in Year 11 and succeed, you will need to be achieving at least a Higher Pass and preferably a Credit in Mathematics, as well as a sound Pass in Advanced Mathematics in Year 10 Students who are in any doubt should take Mathematics Level 2 in Year 11 and complete Mathematics Level 3 in Year 12 Assessment is 75% by external examination and 25% by an internal component
Mathematics Applied Level 3
This subject deals with the applications of mathematics in five core areas Applied Geometry, Algebraic Modelling, Statistics, Finance and Optimisation The focus is on the manner in which mathematics is used to model real situations and the application of logical processes to solving practical problems The subject is intended for those who have successfully completed a Level 3 Mathematics course in the High School As such, it should be the goal of the majority of students with the exception of those who need to take the more difficult Mathematics Level 3 course
Analysis & Statistics
This Level 3 course may be taken in Year 12 after the completion of Mathematics Level 3, and is recommended for those considering a career in pure science, engineering or mathematics - not forgetting those who simply enjoy mathematics A more rigorous approach is adopted, and further topics are introduced which students do not otherwise meet until university
There is a complementary subject, Algebra and Geometry, which can sometimes be taken by special arrangement, although numbers have not warranted an official class
MUSIC
The Level 3 H S C Music course is suitable for those students who have achieved a high standard at High School level and thus have a strong background in theory and history of music Instrumentalists are required to be capable of a minimum of sixth grade A M E B standard or equivalent
All students are required to sit a compulsory core paper which includes questions in analysis, perception and history In addition, score reading and aural skills are studied
Students also choose two other units for special study from
(1) History (n) Theory or Composition (111) Performance Exceptionally gifted performers may be permitted to select Double Performance, which counts as equivalent to two of the above three units
Students with insufficient background are recommended to take Music at Level 2 before attempting Level 3
PHYSICS
Two Physics courses are offered at H S C Physics A and Physics B Physics A develops the Physics studied in High School The course treats motion, gravitational, electric and magnetic fields, current electricity and electromagnetism There is an emphasis on practical work and the course includes two major practical assignments Assessment is 50%
external and 50% internal (including practical work) Students may study Physics A at Level 2 or Level 3 and if numbers permit, there may be a separate Level 2 class in this subject Because of the high mathematical content many students find it to their benefit to study Physics A in Year 12 after they have had a further year s study of mathematics
Physics B (Level 3 only) should be taken in Year 12 On past experience it is inadvisable to attempt it unless you attain a 3P standard in Physics A The course introduces rotational motion, wave theory, the dual nature of light, atomic and nuclear physics
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
What is the nature of Buddhism, of Islam, of Judaism7 Of what significance are they, internationally and in multi-cultural Australia7 What are the teachings of Jesus, and how reliable is the historical portrayal of his life in the Gospels7 What are the arguments for and against the existence of God
This Level 3 course looks at these questions and more in three parts - (a) The study of three major religions
(b) A study of the teachings and life of Jesus as portrayed in the first three Gospels
(c) A critical enquiry into religious belief and alternative world views Assessment will be 50% internal and 50% external, mostly by essay
The course is a study of the ways in which the individual and society impinge upon each other This scientific study of social behaviour integrates the two disciplines of Psychology and Sociology Topics studied include how we perceive and learn, child rearing and development, cross-cultural comparisons of social structure and values, deviance, adolescence, and male/female behaviour
The course is intended to help students prepare for future roles such as parent, community leader etc , and encourages them to be aware and tolerant of individual differences It should be of benefit to students undertaking tertiary studies in areas such as medicine, law, education and nursing, as the subject is now an integral part of courses m those areas
It can also prepare for specialised tertiary study in Sociology or Psychology, with employment opportunities in areas such as welfare, guidance, clinical and industrial psychology, and counselling
SPEECH & DRAMA
This subject aims to increase a students confidence, sensitivity and awareness of life, people and language It develops communication skills, extends appreciation of theatre as an art form and heightens the sense of the aesthetic through creative work
Speech and Drama includes both practical and written work Major sections of the practical work include the preparation and performance of a full length play, a devised documentary drama project and poetry and prose presentations Written work includes evaluation of live theatre, research and interpretative work related to the major play studied and a log book which is a working diary of the year
Assessment is divided equally between an external and an internal component Both practical and written work are assessed in each component
Students often choose Speech and Drama to balance other subjects with more emphasis on formal written work Interested or talented students find this a very enjoyable course
WOODCRAFT AND DESIGN (LEVEL 2)
The aim of this course is to develop practical skills which will enable students to make articles using their own designs A major objective will be to encourage students to use problem-solving skills, with an emphasis on the creative development of objects
The content will include -
- An introduction to basic drawing techniques, including free hand perspective
- An exploration of the physical properties of timber, with experiments in sawing, planing, boring, glueing, jointing, bending and laminating
- An introduction to the use, purpose and care of hand tools and machinery required to work timbers
- The investigation and experimentation of finishing timber to include staining, polishing texturing printing and painting
- Instruction in safe working practice
- Research into the history of 20th Century design
Library Digitised Collections
Author/s:
The Friends? School Title:
H.S.C Subjects for 1990 Date:
1990
Persistent Link:
http://hdl.handle.net/11343/115693
