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Board Developed Courses
This section contains all Board Developed Courses (BDCs) on
offer at Tomaree High School.
Remember to qualify for the HSC you must study 12 Units in the Year
11 Preliminary Course and at least 6 of these must be
BDCs.
Students must study at least 2 Units of English.
Note : * Industrial Technology is a Category B Course.
Only two units of Category B courses can be used in the
calculation of the University Admissions Index (UAI).
Course:
Aboriginal Studies
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Course Description:
The Preliminary course focuses on Aboriginal peoples’
relationship to the Land, Aboriginal heritage and identity,
and an historical examination of colonialism, racism and
prejudice from pre-contact times to the 1960s. The course
also includes the development of skills in culturally
appropriate research and inquiry methods. It involves
community case studies.
The HSC course provides for in depth study of legislation,
policy, judicial processes and current events from the
1960s. During the course, students will undertake
consultation with the local Aboriginal community and will
study a variety of national and international indigenous
communities. Students apply research and inquiry methods
through the completion of a major project.
In the event that not enough students select Aboriginal
Studies to form a class it may be possible for students to
travel to the Hunter School of Performing Arts and study
this one subject there while completing the remainder of the
HSC at Tomaree High School.
Course:
Agriculture
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Course Description:
The Preliminary course incorporates the study of the connections
between the components of agricultural production, marketing
and management, while giving consideration to the issue of
long term use of resources. This is a course with a
practical lean.
The HSC course builds upon the Preliminary course. It
examines the components of agricultural production, but
places a greater emphasis on the place of the farm in the
wider economic, environmental and social environment. The
farm as a fundamental production unit provides a basis for
analysing and addressing social, environmental and economic
issues from national and international perspectives. This is
achieved through the Farm Enterprise/Product Study which
focuses on the wine industry.
Course:
Ancient
History
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Course Description:
Ancient History involves the study of at least two of the
following areas: Egypt, Near East, Greece and Rome in both
the Preliminary and HSC courses.
The Preliminary course is structured for students to
investigate:
·
people, groups, events, institutions, societies and
historical sites;
·
archaeological and written evidence and the methods used by
historians and archaeologists in case studies and in the
study of ancient societies.
The course provides a background for students’ more
specialised HSC studies.
In the HSC course, students use archaeological and written
evidence to investigate a personality from the ancient world
plus three ancient societies/historical periods.
Course:
Biology
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Course Description:
The Preliminary course incorporates the study of the
mechanisms and systems living things use to obtain,
transport and use material for their own growth and repair;
biotic and abiotic features of the environment and the
relationships between and interdependence of organisms in an
ecosystem; the evolution of life on Earth; and the effects
of global changes that took place during the formation of
modern Australia on the diversity of Australian living
things.
The HSC course builds upon the Preliminary course. It
examines the processes and structures that plants and
animals, especially humans, have developed to maintain a
constant internal environment and the way in which the
continuity of life is assumed by the inheritance of
characteristics from generation to generation.
Course:
Business Studies
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Course
Description:
Course:
Chemistry
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Course
Description:
Chemistry provides students with a contemporary
understanding of the physical and chemical properties of
substances and their interactions. Chemistry attempts to
provide chemical explanations and to predict events at the
atomic and molecular level.
Students investigate natural and made substances, their
structures, changes and environmental importance; they learn
about the history and philosophy of science as it relates to
Chemistry; students work individually and with others in
practical, field and interactive media experiences related
to chemistry; they undertake experiments and decide between
competing theories. They assess the impact of decisions
based on an understanding of chemistry on society.
The course builds on the foundations laid in Junior
Science, and recognises the fact that students bring a wide
range of abilities, circumstances and expectations to the
course.
Course:
Community and Family Studies
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Course Description:
Community
and Family Studies is studied in the senior school (years
11-12). It is a two unit board developed Category A course
which will provide students with the knowledge and skills to
enable them to be productive in all aspects of their lives –
interpersonal relationships, at work, in the wider community
and within their families. Students will work to develop:
·
Conflict
resolution, negotiation, management, interpersonal,
leadership, time management, problem solving, research and
investigation skills.
·
Skills in
interacting with others, gaining access to community
resources and understanding others.
Students
in year 12 are required to complete an independent research
project which relates to the course content of one or more
of the following areas: individuals, groups, families,
communities and resource management.
Preliminary Syllabus Summary/Content:
Resource Management
·
Basic
concepts of resource management (course time 20%)
Individuals & Groups
·
The
individual’s roles, relationships and tasks within and
between groups (course time 40%)
Families and Communities
·
Family
structures and functions, and the interaction between family
and community (course time 40%)
HSC
Syllabus Summary/Content:
Core
Modules
Research
Methodology
·
The
various research methodologies are examined, terminology
clarified and research issues are addressed,
Groups
in Context
·
Identifying the various groups within the community, and
investigating their needs, the availability and access to
community resources and strategies to enhance their well
being
Parenting
& Caring
·
Effective
resource management and the development of positive
interpersonal relationships enhances the well being when
they take on these roles
Option
Modules
(one of these modules will be selected)
Families
and Societal Interactions
Social
Impact of Technology
Individuals and Work
Course:
Design & Technology
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Course Description:
Students
must study design processes, design theory and factors in
relation to design projects.
In the
Preliminary course students study designing and
producing which includes the completion of at least two
design projects.
In the
HSC course students undertake a study designing and
producing which includes the completion of a Major Design
Project and Portfolio. They also study innovation and
emerging technologies which includes a case study of an
innovation.
Course:
Drama
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Course
Description:
Students study the practices of Making,
Performing and Critically Studying in Drama. Students
engage with these components through collaborative and
individual experiences.
Preliminary course
content
comprises an interaction between the components of
Improvisation, Play building and Acting, Elements of
Production in Performance and Theatrical Traditions and
Performance Styles. Learning is experiential in these areas.
HSC
Course content
‘Australian Drama and Theatre’ and ‘Studies in Drama and
Theatre’ involves the theoretical study through practical
exploration of themes, issues and styles. Also involves the
study of traditions of theatre exploring relevant acting
techniques, performance styles and spaces.
The Group Performance (between 3 and 6 students) involves
creating a piece of original theatre through play building
which is 8 to 12 minutes duration.
For the
Individual Project students demonstrate their expertise
in a particular area. They choose one project from Critical
Analysis or Design or
Performance or
Script-writing or Video Drama.
Course:
Earth and Environmental Science
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Course
Description:
This
subject is NOT about rocks. The Preliminary
course incorporates the study of the formation of Earth
and the evolution of its atmosphere, oceans and crust; the
physical and chemical features of the environment; Australia
as an island continent with a wide range of climates; the
use of water as a chemical essential for life on Earth and
its importance in the maintenance of Australian living
spaces; and the interplay of forces internal and external to
the Earth.
The
HSC course builds upon the Preliminary course. It
examines the geological, physical and chemical evidence
related to the evolution of Australia over time and
pressures on the Australian environment and the indicators
of environmental ill-health.
Course:
Economics
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Course
Description:
Economics
is the study of aspects of the economy such as inflation,
the value of the Australian $, unemployment, trade with
other nations, interest rates and the government’s budget
and how these impact on individuals and businesses. All of
these examples form part of the news reported daily in the
Australian media and much of the course content is based on
these developments. Economics students, especially in the
HSC course, will develop an understanding of the
increasingly important relationship with the broader world
economy. The government’s attempt to control change in the
economy is basic to the course.
Therefore
Economics is very much a contemporary and dynamic subject
that develops the analytical, problem solving and
communications skills of students.
Course:
Engineering Studies
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Course Description:
Both
Preliminary and HSC Courses offer students knowledge,
understanding and skills in aspects of engineering that
include communication, engineering mechanics/hydraulics,
engineering materials, historical/societal influences,
engineering electricity/electronics, engineering drawing,
and the scope of the profession.
Students
study engineering by investigating a range of applications
and fields of engineering.
Course:
Retail Operations
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Course Description:
This
course develops basic knowledge, skills and experience for
long-term or short-term employment and provides a base for
careers in retail supervision, buying and management.
Students may gain a Statement of Attainment or AQF
Certificate l or ll
Course:
English Standard
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Course
Description:
·
In the
Preliminary English (Standard) course
students explore and experiment with the ways events,
experiences, ideas and processes are represented in and
through texts.
In the
HSC English (Standard) course students reflect on and
demonstrate the effectiveness of texts for different
audiences and purposes.
Course:
English Fundamentals
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Course
Description:
This is a
skills-based course with opportunities for flexible delivery
to meet students’ needs. The needs of students should
determine all aspects of the course including areas such as
modules studied, and texts and activities chosen.
Course:
English
Advanced
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Course
Description:
In the
Preliminary English (Advanced) course students
explore the ways events, experiences, ideas, values and
processes are represented in and through texts and analyse
the ways in which texts reflect different attitudes and
values.
In the
HSC English (Advanced) course students analyse and
evaluate texts and the ways they are valued in their
contexts.
Courses: Preliminary
English Extension
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HSC English Extension 1
HSC English Extension 2
Course
Description:
· In
the Preliminary English (Extension) course students explore
how and why texts are valued in and appropriated into a
range of contexts. They consider why some texts may be
perceived as culturally significant (valued).
· In
the HSC English Extension Course 1 students explore ideas of
value and consider how cultural values and systems of
valuation arise.
In the HSC
English Extension Course 2, students develop a sustained
composition, and document their progress and reflect on this
process.
Course:
Food Technology
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Course
Description:
Students will develop knowledge and understanding about the
production, processing and consumption of food, the nature
of food and human nutrition and an appreciation of the
importance of food to health and its impact on society.
Skills will be developed in researching, analysing and
communicating food issues, food preparation, and the design,
implementation and evaluation of solutions to food
situations.
Course: French Beginners
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Course Description:
Course: French Continuers
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Course Description:
Writing for a variety of purposes (eg diary + letter
writing, e-mails, articles)
Course:
Geography
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Course Description:
Senior
Geography focuses on contemporary geographic issues in the
Biophysical Environment and in Human Geography. Through
fieldwork, students investigate the unique characteristics
of our world. Students who would be best suited to
Geography would be those who want to understand the planet
on which they live, who ask how best to cooperate in the
interests of our planet and wish to develop a deeper
understanding of life in our planet.
Case
studies are used to assist students to investigate various
environments. Geography prepares students for post school
studies and future employment.
Course:
Industrial Technology – Timber Products and
Furniture Industries
Course
Description:
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Students
will develop a broad range of skills and knowledge related
to the Furniture industry, and will gain an introduction to
industrial processes and practices. Students will undertake
project work, and an Industry Study.
Preliminary Course : Students must :
-
Design, develop and construct a number of projects
(including at least one group project) Each
project must include a management folio.
-
Study
an individual business within the Timber Industry.
HSC Course
: Students must :
-
Construct a major project, with a management folio
-
Undertake a study of the overall Furniture Industry
Course:
Information Processes and Technology
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Course Description:
Information Processes and Technology is the study of
computer based information systems. It focuses on
information processes performed by these systems and the
information technology that allows them to take place.
Social, ethical and non-computer procedures resulting from
the processes are considered. Different types of
information systems are studied. Through project work,
students will create their own information system to meet an
identified need.
No previous computer experience is required for this
course. Students will gain experience at using all major
software applications.
Course:
Studies of Religion
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Course:
Legal Studies
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Course Description:
The Preliminary course develops students’ knowledge,
understanding and skills about the effectiveness of the
legal system in promoting a just and fair society, with a
view to empowering students to participate effectively as
citizens at the local, national and international level.
Course:
General Mathematics
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Course Description:
General Mathematics focuses on mathematical skills and
techniques that have direct application to everyday
activity. Students will be required to attempt a range of
mathematical skills that do not require a high level of
algebraic skills.
The course is fully prescribed, and is designed to support
TAFE and other vocational courses. It provides an
appropriate mathematical background for students who do not
wish to pursue the formal study of mathematics at tertiary
level, while giving a strong foundation for university study
in the areas of business, humanities, nursing and
paramedical sciences.
Course :
Mathematics
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Course Description:
The course is intended to give students, who have
demonstrated general competence in algebra, an understanding
of and competence in some further aspects of mathematics
which are applicable to the real world. It has general
educational merit and is also useful for concurrent studies
in science and commerce. The course is a sufficient basis
for further studies in mathematics as a minor discipline at
tertiary level in support of courses such as the life
sciences or commerce. Students who require substantial
mathematics at a tertiary level supporting the physical
sciences, computer science or engineering should undertake
the Extension I or II courses.
Course :
Mathematics Extension I
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Course Description:
The content of this course, which includes the whole of the
Maths course, and its depth of treatment indicate that it is
intended for students who have a sound knowledge of and
competence in algebra. The course is intended to give these
students a thorough understanding of and competence in
aspects of mathematics including many that are applicable to
the real world. It has general educational merit and is also
useful for concurrent studies of science, industrial arts
and commerce. The course is a recommended minimum basis for
further studies in mathematics as a major discipline at a
tertiary level, and for the study of Mathematics in support
of the physical and engineering sciences. Although the
course is sufficient for these purposes, students of
outstanding mathematical ability should consider undertaking
the Extension II course.
Course :
Mathematics Extension II
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Course Description:
The course offers a suitable preparation for study of
mathematics at tertiary level, as well as a deeper and more
extensive treatment of certain topics than is offered in
other Mathematics courses. It represents a distinctly high
level in school mathematics involving the development of
considerable manipulative skill and a high degree of
understanding of the fundamental ideas of algebra and
calculus. These topics are treated in some depth. Thus the
course provides a sufficient basis for a wide range of
useful applications of mathematics as well as an adequate
foundation for the further study of the subject.
Course:
Modern History
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Course Description:
The Preliminary course is designed to provide students with
opportunities to investigate individuals, groups, events,
institutions, societies and ideas in a range of historical
contexts as a background for their more specialised HSC
studies.
The HSC Course is designed for students to investigate
national and international forces for change and continuity
in the twentieth century through 3 major studies.
Course: Music 1
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Course Description:
In the Preliminary and HSC courses, students will study: the
concepts of music through learning experiences in
performance, composition, musicology and aural within the
context of a range of styles, periods and genres.
Preliminary Course : Assessment in the 4 areas of
composition, performance, musicology and aural equally
weighted (25%each).
Course:
Personal Development Health and Physical
Education
Course Description:
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The PD/H/PE course is a theory based course that provides
extremely limited opportunities for the students to be
engaged in practical activity.
The Preliminary course examines a range of areas that
underpin health and physical activity. This includes how
people think about health and physical activity, the
management of personal health and the basis for how the body
moves. Students have the opportunity to select from a range
of practical options in areas such as first aid, outdoor
recreation, composing and performing and fitness choices.
In the HSC course students focus on major issues related to
Australia’s health status. They also look at factors that
affect physical performance. They undertake optional study
from a range of choices. This includes investigating the
health of young people or of groups experiencing health
inequities. In other options students focus on improved
performance and safe participation by learning about
advanced approaches to training or sports medicine concepts.
There is also an opportunity to think critically about the
factors that impact on sport and physical activity in
Australian society.
Course
:Photography/
Digital Imaging and Video Editing
The subject
content in this course addresses traditional aspects of the
field of wet photography and offers students opportunities
to explore more contemporary developments in the field and
in the fields of video and digital imaging. Students develop
knowledge, skills and understanding through the process of
making photographs, learning to use a camera, taking
photographs, processing film and developing black and white
photographic prints.
They create
digital images on a computer and explore filming and editing
short videos that lead to and demonstrate conceptual and
technical accomplishment.
Students
will also develop knowledge and understanding of critical
and historical investigations of photography, digital image
making and video editing through discussion, video and
assignment work.
Course
: Physics
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Course Description:
The
Preliminary course incorporates the study of mechanics; the
properties of waves; electrical energy, electric and
magnetic fields, generators, superconductors and
transformers; and the interaction between energy and matter
that brought about the formation of the Earth.
The HSC course builds upon the Preliminary course. It
examines the effects of gravitational fields, momentum,
projectile and circular motion and the development of our
understanding of the macro and atomic world throughout the
Twentieth Century.
Course:
Senior Science
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Course Description:
The Preliminary course incorporates the study of some
aspects of human anatomy and discusses issues associated
with the protection of the body in the workplace; the
interactions between organisms in local ecosystems; the
collection, storage and conservation of water resources; and
the structure and function of plants with an emphasis on
Australian native plants.
The HSC course examines the use of common chemicals in many
everyday situations and their affect on the human body. The
function of the body is examined with regard to replacement
organs and new technologies to prolong life are looked at.
Different types of communication systems and their
development, leading to improvements in our lifestyle, is
also covered.
Course:
Society and Culture
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Course Description:
·
To give students a greater understanding of the society in
which they live.
·
To promote student awareness of the cultural continuities
and changes within Australian and overseas societies and
cultures.
·
To provide students with skills to critically analyse
viewpoints about people, societies, cultures and
environments across time.
Provide opportunities for the development of student social
research skills that will facilitate positive participation
in community life.
Course:
Software Design and Development
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Course Description:
The Preliminary course introduces students to the basic
concepts of computer software design and development. It
does this by looking at the different ways in which software
can be developed, the tools that can be used to assist in
this process and by considering the interaction between
software and the other components of the computer system.
The HSC course builds on the Preliminary course, and asks
students to develop and document software using a variety of
data structures and language facilities, and through these
will learn to solve a number of interesting and relevant
software problems.
Course:
Textiles & Design
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Course Description:
The Preliminary course involves the study of design,
communication methods, construction techniques, innovations,
fibres, yarns, fabrics and the textile industry. Practical
experiences are integrated throughout the content areas and
include experimental work and project work.
The HSC course builds upon the Preliminary course and
involves the study of the history and culture of design,
contemporary designers, emerging technologies, sustainable
technologies, consumer issues and the marketplace. This
course culminates in the development of a Major Textiles
Project which is specific to a selected focus area and which
includes supporting documentation and textile item/s.
Course:
Visual Arts
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Course Description:
Visual Arts involves students in the practices of artmaking,
art criticism and art history. Students develop their own
artworks culminating in a ‘body of work’ in the HSC course.
Students critically investigate works, critics, historians
and artists from Australia as well as those from other
cultures, traditions and times.
The Preliminary course is broad, while the HSC course
provides for deeper, increasingly more independent
investigations.
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