Patterns of Study Booklet - Year 10 2024

The purpose of this booklet is to:

• give a brief outline of the pattern of study mandated by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for students to successfully complete all Stage 5 requirements.

• provide an outline of the subjects offered at Pymble in Years 9 and 10

• provide information and advice to assist students and parents when making elective subject choices.

The pattern of courses undertaken by students proceeding through Stage 5 is governed by regulations set down by NESA. This pattern of courses involves a mandatory core curriculum that occupies about 60 per cent of available teaching time. Schools are free to program the remaining time by offering additional courses of study.

Pattern of study in Year 10 - 2024

Students entering Year 10 2024 will continue studying their 200-hour choice of course from Year 9 They also can also choose one 100-hour course to supplement their mandatory curriculum program.

The Year 10 Pymble curriculum program involves two main areas:

1. Mandatory core curriculum in Year 10

• English

• Mathematics

• Science

• PDHPE

• Geography

• History

• Religion

2. Electives

The 100-hour elective courses on offer for Year 10 2025 are as follows:

• Agriculture

• Big History

• Classical Greek*

• Commerce

• Dance

• Data Science and Emerging Technologies

• Design and Technology

• First Nations Studies

• Global Studies and Sustainable Futures

• Latin*

• Literacy and Learning (by invitation only)

• Elective Music

• Philosophy

• Physical Activity and Sports Studies

• Visual Arts

(*Continued study from Year 9)

Please note: Elective classes will only proceed if there are sufficient numbers interested in the subject.

Mandatory subjects in Year 10

English

(Head of Learning Area: Mrs Amanda Reynolds, mreynolds@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

The study of English aims to guide students to grow as effective communicators and to foster a love of literature. Studying English develops students’ knowledge, understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the English language as an essential skill. Through their study of different lives, contexts and perspectives, students will develop empathy, compassion, and integrity. Students will develop their skills to communicate for a range of purposes and audiences and in doing so will develop their personal voice and a greater understanding of themselves and their world.

Students explore a rich and diverse range of literature from past and contemporary societies, as well as a range of spoken, visual, media and multimedia texts. Students create their own content, learning how to communicate their message purposefully and to create an impact. Students will write imaginative, interpretive, and critical texts with clarity and accuracy for a range of purposes and audiences. Students learn to reflect on their own compositions and to analyse meaning, perspective and cultural assumptions. There is some variation in the texts studied in classes to accommodate the different abilities and interests of each group.

Mathematics

(Head of Learning Area: Mrs Catrina Kerr, ckerr@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

Mathematics is a reasoning and creative activity employing abstraction and generalisation to identify, describe and apply patterns and relationships. The symbolic nature of mathematics provides a powerful, precise, and concise means of communication. The study of mathematics provides opportunities for students to appreciate the elegance and power of mathematical reasoning and to apply mathematical understanding creatively and efficiently.

The study of the subject enables students to develop a positive self-concept as learners of mathematics, obtain enjoyment from mathematics and become self-motivated learners through inquiry and active participation in challenging and engaging experiences. In Year 8, the syllabus followed in Mathematics is the same for all girls. In Years 9 and 10 there are three courses in Mathematics offered at Pymble: 5.1 to 5.3 Pathway, 5.1 to 5.2 Pathway and 5.1 Pathway. Girls are placed into the appropriate course according to their ability and performance.

Science

(Head of Learning Area: Mrs Kylie Cooley, kcooley@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

The study of Science enables students to develop knowledge, understanding of, and skills in applying the processes of working scientifically. They will develop an appreciation of the contribution of science to finding solutions to personal, social and global issues relevant to their lives now and in the future and develop a willingness to use evidence and reason to engage with and respond to scientific and technological ideas as informed, reflective citizens. They will develop knowledge of the physical world, Earth and space, living world and chemical world and understanding about the nature, development, use and influence of science.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

(Head of Learning Area: Mrs Alison Cruz, acruz@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) contributes significantly to the cognitive, social, emotional, physical and spiritual development of students. It provides opportunities for students to learn about, and practice ways of adopting and maintaining a healthy, safe and active life. It also involves students learning through movement experiences that are both challenging and enjoyable, and improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence in a variety of contexts. PDHPE promotes the value of physical activity in students’ lives.

Mandatory Geography

(Head of Learning Area: Mr Trevor Lucas, tlucas@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

Geography is the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. It is a rich and complex discipline that integrates knowledge from natural sciences, social sciences and humanities to build a holistic understanding of the world. Students learn to question why the world is the way it is, reflect on their relationships with, and responsibilities for the world, and propose actions designed to shape a socially just and sustainable future. Geographic education prepares students for effective participation in society. They learn to develop informed opinions on local and global issues like changing environments, and issues faced in the future world.

Mandatory History

(Head of Learning Area: Ms Caragh Warth, cwarth@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

History gives a sense of perspective and offers us an insight into the past and into the world in which we live. In our information-rich age, it teaches how to critically assess and evaluate sources of information. It aims to build in our students a sense of social justice and the responsibilities of global citizenship.

The Mandatory History course is based on the Australian Curriculum which has adopted the approach of World History; that is, it aims to give students an understanding of the broad sweep of world history with time allocated for the study of certain periods in-depth. This course taught in Year 10 looks at Australia’s place within the context of the world through Modern History, including World War I and II, the Cold War and the struggle for Civil Rights.

Religion and Ethics

(Head of Religion and Ethics, Mrs Edwina O’Brien eobrien@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

As a school of the Uniting Church in Australia, Pymble Ladies’ College provides for the religious education of its students. It does this through a study of Christianity focusing on the person of Jesus the Christ, the importance of the Bible and God’s message of love and reconciliation. In line with the inclusive nature of the Uniting Church and its commitment to interfaith dialogue, Religion and Ethics also provides for the study and comparison of other faith traditions.

Religion and Ethics at Pymble Ladies’ College aims to help students:

• Develop an understanding of the beliefs of Christianity and other religions.

• Reflect upon their own beliefs.

• Examine the impact of beliefs in the world.

• Develop tolerance, respect, understanding and compassion towards others.

Elective subjects in Year 10 (100-hours)

Students must choose one of the following subjects in addition to their current 200hour course.

• Agriculture

• Big History

• Classical Greek *

• Commerce

• Dance

• Data Science and Emerging Technologies

• Design and Technology

• First Nations Studies

• Global Studies and Sustainable futures

• Latin *

• Literacy and Learning (by invitation only)

• Philosophy

• Physical Activity and Sports Studies

• Visual Arts (100-Hour)

Please note: Elective classes will only proceed if there are sufficient numbers interested in the subject.

Agriculture

(Head of Learning Area: Mrs Kylie Cooley, kcooley@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

This one-year course will cover ONE Plant Production unit and ONE Animal Production unit. The units for 2024 will be either:

• Cotton Production OR Viticulture, and

• The Importance of Bees OR Dairy Cattle.

To satisfy the mandatory requirements of the 100-hour course, students must undertake a range of practical experiences and will study an Introduction to Agriculture, Plant production, Animal production, and Agricultural Technology. Students will be assessed through two different research tasks as well as an end of year exam. There is the opportunity to participate in a three-day excursion in Term 3, visiting several different agricultural facilities and venues.

Big History

(Head of Learning Area: Mrs Caragh Warth, cwarth@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

The Big History course is an interdisciplinary study of change over time from the Big Bang to the future. Big History requires students to draw upon the latest findings in history, the sciences, and the social sciences, including astronomy, physics, biology, geography, geology, climatology, archaeology, anthropology, cosmology, demography, and environmental studies. Consequently, the course introduces students to important ideas and discoveries and gives them an idea of how these have changed our understanding of the Universe and our place within it.

It is considered a transdisciplinary course as it looks at the past and present through unifying the knowledge and perspectives of varying disciplines. This means, rather than creating an understanding of the big picture from a purely scientific or historical perspective, Big History draws connections between the disciplines to provide a holistic perspective.

The course content is considered a universal history as it traces big-picture themes from the beginning of the universe until today. It surveys history on huge time scales from the big bang, creation of solar systems and planets, to the evolution of humans, prehistory, agricultural and industrial revolutions. It focuses on trends and themes providing a powerful platform for thinking about the challenges of the future through an integrated disciplinary lens.

Big History is styled similarly to a Year 11 course.

Commerce

(Head of Learning Area: Mr Trevor Lucas, tlucas@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

The Year 10 100-Hour Commerce course develops the knowledge and understanding, skills and values that enable critical evaluation and problem solving in relation to consumer, financial, business, legal and employment issues.

The course is designed to allow students to develop:

• Knowledge and understanding of consumer, financial, business, legal and employment matters.

• Skills in decision making and problem solving in relation to consumer, financial, business, legal and employment issues.

• Skills in effective research and communication

• Skills in working independently and collaboratively.

Year 10 core topics include: Employment and Work Futures; The Economic and Business Environment Year 10 option topics include: Investing; Commerce in a Connected World

Dance

(Head of Learning Area: Mr Marcus Stafford, mstafford@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

The 100-Hour Dance course is a NESA Developed Course. All students, irrespective of previous dance experience, study the essential content. This involves an integrated study of the practices of performance, composition and appreciation together with the elements of dance within the context of dance as an artform. Students learn through their own dances, the dances of others and dances as works of art in the public domain, allowing them to develop new ways of expressing their own experiences.

Experience with the elements and language of dance enables students to communicate physically, verbally and in written form. They also learn about the development of cultural meanings and artistic traditions.

Throughout the course, equal emphasis is placed on the processes of experience and end products. Students learn movement principles and a variety of dance styles. The development of creativity, imagination and individuality are taught along with a theoretical and practical knowledge of dance. The students are given several opportunities to perform for the general public at College events.

Data Science and Emerging Technologies

(Head of Learning Area: Mr Anthony England, aengland@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

Dive into the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of data science and other emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence with this comprehensive 100-hour course. Tailored to empower students with the knowledge and skills to make data-driven decisions, this course integrates cutting-edge technology with real-world applications.

This course provides opportunities for students to build confidence in building a data mindset to view their word with improved critical thinking skills and to explore the impact of data upon society. It is centered around the data cycle, encompassing collection, understanding/cleaning, analysis, interpretation, and communication. Students will master techniques to draw meaningful insights from extensive data sets, touching on diverse subjects such as gender, music, health, clothing, climate science, and more.

Modes of learning:

Inquiry & Project Work: Engage in both individual and group projects to delve into real-world scenarios.

Data-Informed Living: Learn to live a data-informed life, impacting the world through persuasive data-driven presentations.

Critical Thinking: Explore complex issues like bias, causation, and informed decisionmaking, and enhance your ability to craft compelling presentations of insights.

Coding Skills: Acquire hands-on experience in writing formulas in Excel, creating R and Python scripts, and developing with AI assistants.

Tools and Skills You Will Learn:

Collection: Google and Microsoft Forms

Analysis/ Visualisation: Excel, Flourish, Google Data Studio, R, Python

Presentation: Canva, Beautiful.ai, Podcasting and video editing tools.

Artificial Intelligence: Exploration of various emerging generative text, image, video, and audio AI tools

Why choose this course?

Whether you're stepping into the world of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for the first time or looking to broaden your understanding, this course offers a robust and diverse learning experience. It fosters resilience, problem-solving, and design thinking, equipping students to uncover patterns, develop accurate models and communicate effectively. Join us on this engaging journey into the future of data science and AI, preparing for a career that is as exciting as it is essential in today's data-driven world.

Design and Technology (100-H ours)

(Head of Learning Area: Mr Peter Ellis, pellis@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

This course aims to expand the realisation of concepts and promote visible thinking. This is achieved with the use of technical design that aligns to student interest while strengthening skills and content knowledge. The path of production mastery is explored with continued experimentation and testing of possible design solutions.

3D modelling is highly utilised with the integration of reductive machining to create final products. Students will have opportunities to pursue their interests and passions within each Design Brief. Student choice and justification of final designs are important components used to guide evolution of design.

There is an annual fee for this course.

First Nations Studies

(Head of Learning Area: Mrs Caragh Warth, cwarth@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

First Nations Studies is an exciting course that challenges students to think critically about both First Nations issues and Australian society generally. This hands-on course incorporates excursions, research, community consultation and academic skills. Students who are interested in careers in law, medicine, education, journalism, politics or archaeology will enjoy this course for its contemporary real-world application.

Over the course of the 100-hour topic, students will examine customs, culture, and traditions both pre and post colonisation. This learning will assist students in establishing an understanding of the richness of Aboriginal culture and the context of resistance in history and contemporary societies. Students will spend time participating in real-world learning: cooking, at the yarning circle and participating in excursions.

The Year 10 Core topics are Core 1: ‘Aboriginal Identities’ and Core 2: ‘Autonomy’. Aboriginal Identities includes an investigation of the expressions of both individual identity and cultural identities through spirituality, Dreaming, film, television, dance and language. ‘Autonomy’ focuses on the impact of dispossession of land, massacres and genocide. Students will in turn investigate human rights and the role of self-determination in the modern world.

Elective topics enrich students’ understanding from the Core topics. These can include Aboriginal Film and Television, Aboriginal Peoples and the Media, Aboriginal Visual Arts, Aboriginal Performing Arts, Aboriginal Interaction with Legal and Political Systems and Aboriginal Peoples’ and Sport (including traditional, pre-colonial sports, society, and culture)

Students may have the opportunity to participate in several excursions such as to the Central Coast, to explore significant sites on Darkinjung Country with an Elder. These sites include the incredible petroglyphs and paintings along the beautiful coastline and beaches of the Central Coast. There is also the opportunity to participate in a Tribal Warrior cruise around Sydney Harbour. On the cruise, we hear stories of the Cadigal, Darug/Darramurragal, Wangal, Cammeraygal/Gammeraigal and Wallumedegal people of Sydney Harbour and learn the Aboriginal names and meanings of significant Sydney landmarks, before stepping ashore on Be-lang-le-wool (Clark Island National Park). On the island, we’ll be taken on a journey to traditional coastal life pre-colonial settlement, uncovering traditional fishing methods and food gathering techniques, before participating in an exciting Aboriginal cultural performance. Other experiences include a visit from a local elder to learn about the history of the Darramurrgal/Darug/Cammeraygal Country and taking the Aboriginal Heritage walking tour of West Head to see important cultural sites.

Global Studies and Sustainable Futures

(Head of Learning Area: Mr Trevor Lucas, tlucas@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

This essential learning experience is designed to empower you as a responsible global citizen and prepare you for an ever-changing world. In an era marked by unprecedented challenges and opportunities, this course will inspire you, guiding you through the complexities of geopolitics, environmental sciences, demographics, economics, sustainability, and innovative urban planning. You are the next generation, and the world needs passionate, educated, and motivated students to make a difference to our world. If you're curious about different cultures, and the big issues facing our world, this course is made for you.

In this course we will focus on the most important stories happening in the world today. We will teach you about:

Geopolitics – Geopolitics is all about how countries interact with each other and how the decisions made by governments affect the relationships between countries. This can include how they trade, make friends, or sometimes even have disagreements leading to conflict. You will learn and critically debate key geopolitical issues happening in the world today, including the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and what that means for the Afghan people, especially girls like you, conflict around the world, like in Ukraine and how that fuels the mass exodus of refugees, and political tensions involving Australia in our region, the Asia Pacific. By immersing yourself in this topic, you will gain an awareness for deciphering news, comprehending historical events, and making informed judgments on global matters.

Sustainable future cities – Channel your inner architect and city planner as you navigate the complexities of designing real sustainable cities of the future. Work alongside industry experts and receive guidance from professional mentors as you design exciting and innovative new concepts to be incorporated into the development of a real city in Western Sydney. Explore renewable energy integration, waste and heat management, transport and ensuring communities are healthy and happy. Designing sustainable cities of the future not only sparks creativity but also offers you an authentic insight into impactful future careers that enable you to lead change.

The circular economy You'll learn how circular economies mitigate waste and conserve resources, a transformative model that redefines how resources are used and waste is managed. This economic framework has sustainability at its core. Moreover, delving into sustainability equips you with tools to advocate for a better future and be a more responsible human being.

Demographic studies – We will investigate the intricacies of global population change. The demographic shifts and their implications for nations, identifying instances of population growth and population decline. We will look at countries who face huge challenges because of their demographics, such as Japan and Nigeria, whose populations will either halve or double by 2100.

Global risk and resilience – In today's world, our planet faces various challenges that pose risks to both its environment and the people who inhabit it. Two significant global concerns are climate change and the emergence of infectious diseases. This topic aims to explore which countries are most at risk and how countries can build resilience to these global concerns.

Beyond the classroom, the course enables you to build up your trans-disciplinary skillset – focusing on creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. These skills are vital for your future, at HSC, university and beyond. The course will also showcase a range of impactful future careers will inspire you!

Latin

(Head of Learning Area: Mrs Salina Bussien, sbussien@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

The principal aim in studying Latin is to acquire a first-hand acquaintance with some of the greatest literature ever written, but there are also other practical benefits

As more than half the words in the English language are derived from Latin, students gain a greater insight into the meaning, spelling and origin of English words and thus will readily understand the specialist terminology of science, law and medicine. Latin also provides an excellent basis for the study of those modern languages descended from it, such as French, Italian and Spanish. In learning a Classical language, students develop skills in analytical thinking, attention to detail, systematic memorisation and clarity of expression – skills that can be applied in many different fields.

In Years 9 and 10, students extend their knowledge of grammar and structures of the language while exploring various aspects of Roman history, culture and mythology. Before the end of Year 10, students will be able to begin reading original Latin.

(*Students must have studied Latin in Year 9 to choose this elective in Year 10)

Literacy and Learning (100-Hours)

(Head of Learning Area: Mrs Lora Lim, llim@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

(*by invitation only)

This course is designed to provide additional assistance in the development and consolidation of literacy and learning skills for students with identified learning needs. The underpinning goal of this program is to provide instruction and opportunities for each student to practice, gain confidence and capability in reading and writing skills, as well as to develop an increased awareness of how to apply learning strategies effectively. This course necessitates a flexible approach to enable individual learners to reach personal targets. Literacy and Learning also provides opportunities for academic support across a range of learning areas.

Philosophy (100-Hours)

(Head of Learning Area: Mrs Caragh Warth, cwarth@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

Philosophy is a course which teaches students the essential skills of logic, reason, and critical thinking through a critical engagement with the deepest questions about their world and themselves. Although Philosophy has been described as “as the discipline of disciplines, [and] as the science of the sciences”, NSW school students often do not have the opportunity to study it. In this course, students connect with the great minds of the past through the study of seminal philosophical texts, such as Plato’s Dialogues, and ponder fundamental questions, such as “What is the nature of reality?”, “What is right and wrong?” and “Where does knowledge come from?” In doing so, they are provided with a deeper foundation of understanding for all other academic subjects and for the complexity of the workplace, life, and the contemporary world. They will cultivate their communication skills and ability to rigorously formulate, articulate, and defend their views.

Students who have a strong work ethic, enjoy reading and writing and demonstrate self-autonomy will enjoy the opportunity Philosophy provides for intellectual challenge, discussion, independent research, and student choice.

Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS) (100-Hours)

(Head of Learning Area: Mrs Alison Cruz, acruz@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

The aim of PASS is to enhance students’ ability to participate effectively in physical activity and sport, leading to improved quality of life for themselves and others. PASS is a combination of practical and theory activities which involve a comprehensive study of physical activity and sport in society. Students will investigate the way the body functions and how to prepare to move efficiently in a variety of contexts. The course has a strong focus on learning through movement, offering students a variety of challenging practical experiences.

Coursework for PASS is drawn from the following modules of study:

• Fundamentals of Movement Skill Development

• Body Systems and Energy for Physical Activity

• Nutrition and Physical Activity

• Sport Coaching

• Participating with Safety

• Event Management

• Issues in Sport

Visual Arts (100- Hours)

(Head of Learning Area: Mrs Brigiat Maltese, bmaltese@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)

Visual Arts is an intensive course involving artmaking and the study of images and objects. Art History and Criticism classes and the artmaking classes help students develop their creative talents. In the practical areas, students develop skills in a variety of media that could include Drawing, Digital Media, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Photography and Ceramics. In critical and historical studies, students will explore developments in art from the 20th Century through to the present time. These studies build upon their existing knowledge of the Visual Arts and assist them to develop informed and well-structured written responses. There is an annual fee for this course.

Advice on making elective choices for Years 9 and 10

The electives offered provide opportunities for students to develop and extend their capabilities in a range of areas.

There are five main aspects to consider when making these elective choices:

1. Choices should meet the individual needs of students in terms of their academic capabilities and interest, by providing challenging opportunities which extend their breadth of experiences and encourage them to reach their potential. It is ideal to choose subjects which provide these challenges.

2. Girls should choose subjects which interest them and which they will enjoy studying.

3. Subjects should be chosen in line with their level of ability. Most of the electives offered are suitable for all levels of academic ability. However, for languages, girls need to have demonstrated in their Year 7 work, the interest in and ability to, study a foreign language.

4. The only Years 11 and 12 subjects for which the equivalent Year 8 to 10 courses are a prerequisite are the Higher School Certificate Continuers language courses. At present Pymble offers these HSC courses in French, German, Japanese, Latin and Classical Greek. There is, however, another Year 11 and 12 course called Italian Beginners which can be studied in Years 11 and 12 only.

5. Girls and parents should not be concerned about HSC results or the scaling procedures applied to HSC subjects. This is quite irrelevant in Stage 5.

If students have trouble making subject choices or if they have additional questions to ask, they should contact the Director of Studies (7-12) or the Head of Learning Area.