1. ELECTIVE SUBJECT SELECTION YEAR 9 2017 YEAR 10 2018

2. We start the process next week with presentations by the Heads of Faculty that run elective subjects in Years 9 and 10 We will meet Periods 3 and 4 on both Thursday and Friday of next week Students will have a chance to ask questions Students need to make their choice of subjects early in Term 3 THE PROCESS:

3. Interests Abilities Career Aspirations Balanced Education THINGS YOU SHOULD THINK ABOUT:

4. Talk to other students in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 Talk to your teachers and Heads of Faculty Talk to relatives and friends Investigate the subjects that you enjoy INFORMATION IS THE KEY

5. The core subjects are: English Mathematics Science Mandatory History and Geography PDHPE All students must do these subjects in Year 9 and 10. BOSTES REQUIREMENTS FOR STAGE 5

6. At PLC Sydney all students in Stage 5 also must study Christian Studies. Students can then choose 3 electives. Only one elective can be a Cambridge subject The elective subjects come from those offered by the BOSTES, those that are offered from Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and from our PLC endorsed course. BOSTES REQUIREMENTS FOR STAGE 5

7. BOSTES electives are: Drama Music Visual Art Commerce Geography (Elective) History (Elective) BOSTES REQUIREMENTS FOR STAGE 5

8. Chinese French Italian Japanese Latin Physical Activity and Sport Studies (PASS) Design and Technology Textiles Technology BOSTES REQUIREMENTS FOR STAGE 5

9. More information about each of these BOSTES courses can be found in the subject selection booklet that will be given out to the students next week. Students choose these electives for both Year 9 and Year 10 The Record of School Achievement (RoSA) records completed Stage 5 Courses and Grades BOSTES REQUIREMENTS FOR STAGE 5

10. Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) are the World’s largest provider of international education programs and qualifications for 5–19 year olds. More than 9000 schools in over 160 countries are part of the Cambridge learning community. Programs and qualifications are progressive and flexible, helping schools develop successful students CAMBRIDGE ELECTIVES

11. To build future-proofing of their daughter’s educational credentials, without sacrificing NSW credentials. To enhance certifications and entrance interviews material for UMAT and (the future prospect of) extra Australian university admissions criteria. To provide extra university admissions material for overseas universities. CAMBRIDGE ELECTIVES WHY DOES PLC OFFER CIE SUBJECTS?

12. The subjects offered are: Cambridge History Computer Science Global Perspectives Philosophy and Belief Physical Science CAMBRIDGE ELECTIVES

13. Cambridge History looks at: The 19th century: The Development of Modern Nation States, 1848–1914 OR The 20th century: International Relations since 1919. All candidates must also study at least one of the Depth Studies. The choices are: A The First World War, 1914–18; B Germany, 1918–45 C Russia, 1905–41; D The USA, 1919–41; E China, c.1930–c.1990; F South Africa, c.1940–c.1994; G Israelis and Palestinians since 1945 CAMBRIDGE ELECTIVES

14. Computer Science looks at: Theory of Computer Science: Data Representation; Communications and Internet technologies; Hardware and Software; Security; Ethics Practical Problem-Solving and Programming: Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving Programming Data Bases CAMBRIDGE ELECTIVES

15. Global Perspectives looks at: Belief Systems; Education for All; Biodiversity & Ecosystem Loss; Family & Demographic Change; Climate Change; Fuel & Energy; Conflict & Peace; Humans & Other Species; Tradition, Culture and Identity Disease & Health; Language & Communication; Law & Criminality; Employment; Poverty & Inequality; Water, Food & Agriculture and Technology & the Economic Divide; Sports & Recreation; Trade & Aid; Urbanisation; Transportation & Infrastructure CAMBRIDGE ELECTIVES

16. Philosophy and Belief looks at: Thinking skills tool kit; Language and its problems; How do we know that we know what we know? Arguments for and against the existence of a God; When is it right to lie cheat, steal and slay? Cells and souls: what is a person? History and religion; The good life; The great theological traditions CAMBRIDGE ELECTIVES

17. Physical Science looks at: Chemistry: Kinetic theory of matter; Periodic Table; Experimental techniques; Metals; Atoms/elements/compounds; Air and Water; Formulae; Lime and Limestone; Word and Chemical equations; Organic Chemistry; Chemical reactions; Acids/Bases/Salts Physics: Length/Time; Light/Sound; Speed/Acceleration; Electricity/Magnetism; Mass/Weight/Density; Electromagnetic Effects; Forces; Motors/Generators; Energy/Work/Power; Transformers; Thermal Physics Atomic Physics CAMBRIDGE ELECTIVES

18. Vivid Texts: An exciting new elective offered by invitation to Year 9 students. Vivid Texts Aims: To appreciate through experience the living nature of texts To develop mastery across core literacy strands including spelling, punctuation, grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing To encourage and foster in students independent learning and positive study habits To build confidence in using text types relevant to all learning areas To communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing PLC ENDORSED ELECTIVE: VIVID TEXT

19. Take into account performance in the subject to date. Select subjects which engage and interest. Select subjects which offer a variety and balance of skills. No need to be concerned about matching subjects to career paths. This is the time to explore different ideas, disciplines and skills. Students can choose from any of the HSC courses available regardless of their subject choices in Years 9 and 10 (with the exception of Languages). CONSIDERATIONS

20. Please consider your choice carefully. The Subject Selection book will be distributed next week. Listen to the Heads of Faculty presentations for the elective subjects. These will be saved on enable in the Senior School Noticeboard under Year 8. Ask your parents, your teachers and other students from Year 9 upwards about different subjects. Choose subjects that interest you. THERE ARE A LOT OF ELECTIVES TO CHOOSE FROM….

21. Caution: Please consider your choice of a CIE elective as some exchanges clash with when the CIE run their examinations. Students will be advised when requesting a certain cultural exchange that their choice may be restricted. EXCHANGE IN YEAR 10

22. Subject choices will be made on-line and the instructions are in the Subject Selection booklet. Students will need to follow the steps and use the code provided to log in and select their preferred elective combination on-line by the date indicated. This process will include prioritising subjects and selecting a reserve subject, should the preferred combination not be possible. THE DETAILS

23. The subject selections establish the number of classes required and assists us in determining a timetable and staffing framework. The final subject framework will be determined by the combinations which suit the majority of the students. Students who have selected a combination that results in a clash will meet with Ms Pollett to discuss alternative choices and confirm an alternative combination. Parents will be consulted at this time. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

24. If you have any questions, please email, call or come and see me. MY DETAILS: TRISH POLLETT 9704 5764 PPOLLETT@PLC.NSW.EDU.AU