Navigating the Path to Senior Schooling
As students progress from Year 9 to 10 at Adelaide Botanic High School, they embark on an exciting journey towards their senior years. This curriculum guide serves as a roadmap, empowering students and families to make informed choices that will shape their future learning and pathways.
Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF): The First Step in the SACE Journey
At the heart of the Year 10 curriculum lies the compulsory 10-credit subject, Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF). This subject marks the beginning of students’ SACE (South Australian Certificate of Education) journey, guiding them to become familiar with the range of SACE learning options, understand the terminology used in senior school curriculum, and comprehend the requirements of the SACE and VET (Vocational Education Training).
Throughout the year, the school will work closely with students and families to develop a deeper understanding of the SACE. The SACE Board website serves as an invaluable resource, providing comprehensive information to support this process.
Greater Choice and Flexibility in the Senior Years
As students transition from middle schooling to their senior years, they are presented with a broader range of learning choices. This increased flexibility allows them to tailor their education to align with their dreams and goals, setting the stage for success.
The required Australian Curriculum learning areas at Year 10 include Science, Mathematics, English, History, Health, and Physical Education. Within these core subjects, students will have the opportunity to explore diverse topics and themes through an interdisciplinary approach.
Enhancing English and History through Global Perspectives
In the second semester of Year 10, students will delve into the Global Perspectives program, which enhances the study of English and History. This approach encourages students to develop an understanding of different identities and perspectives expressed through a variety of oral, written, and multimedia texts. By gaining awareness of their own identity as members of interconnected and overlapping communities, students will explore how this influences their responses to global issues.
Navigating the SACE Pathways
The SACE is a modern, internationally-recognized secondary school qualification designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and personal capabilities to thrive in our fast-paced global society. To successfully complete the SACE, students must fulfill a range of requirements, including a variety of skills and subjects they may study at school or acquire through other education, training, or experience.
SACE Requirements at ABHS
At Adelaide Botanic High School, students embark on their SACE journey with Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) in Year 10. In Year 11, they select their Stage 1 subjects, including the compulsory Mathematics and English choices, as well as Activating Identities and Futures (AIF). In Year 12, students choose their Stage 2 subjects, including recognized courses.
Modified SACE Pathway
For students with learning difficulties or disabilities that result in significant impairment in intellectual functioning and/or adaptive behaviors, and who are unable to meet the requirements of mainstream SACE subjects, a Modified SACE pathway may be negotiated.
Under this modified approach, students select subjects from the offerings at Adelaide Botanic High School and collaborate with the Inclusion and SACE Leaders to develop individual learning goals aligned with their One Plan. These accommodations ensure that students can develop knowledge and skills connected to their aspirations and pathways beyond school.
It is important to note that subjects undertaken as part of the Modified SACE pathway preclude the attainment of an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank).
SACE Special Provisions
Adelaide Botanic High School recognizes that students may face challenges due to a disability, illness, misadventure, or unforeseen circumstances that significantly impact their ability to participate in assessments. In such cases, students can apply for SACE special provisions.
After providing evidence of how the condition or circumstance affects their assessment access, the school will determine the appropriate reasonable adjustments. These adjustments are then approved and implemented to support the student’s successful participation in the assessment.
Further Information and Support
The SACE website is an invaluable resource for students and families, providing detailed information to support their understanding of the SACE. Additionally, the school encourages students to engage with their teachers and the Leadership team to discuss their study options and receive personalized guidance.
Embracing Choice and Opportunity in the Senior Years
Choice and flexibility are hallmarks of the curriculum at Adelaide Botanic High School, enabling students to explore a diverse range of subjects and pathways that align with their aspirations.
Interdisciplinary Approach to English and History
Through the Global Perspectives program, the study of English and History is enhanced by an interdisciplinary approach that fosters a strong focus on literacy. In the second semester of Year 10, students will have the opportunity to choose from a range of subjects within these disciplines, further developing their understanding of different identities and perspectives expressed through various media.
Elective Offerings in Year 10
In addition to the required learning areas, Year 10 students at Adelaide Botanic High School can select from a wide array of elective subjects across the arts, technologies, languages, and lifestyle choices. These offerings provide students with the opportunity to explore their interests, discover new passions, and prepare for their future pathways.
Arts Electives
- Drama: The Timeless Craft of Comedy
- Visual Arts: Design and Art
- Creative Photography
- Contemporary Music
- Music, Culture and Identity
- Music Studies and Explorations
Technologies Electives
- Materials Technology
- Product Design
- Architectural Design
- Jewellery
STEM Electives
- Game Design and Development
- Cyber Security Fundamentals
Languages Electives
- Chinese
- French
- Japanese
Lifestyle Choices Electives
- Powering Performance – Pioneering Health
- Elevate your game – Explore the Science
- Beyond the Game – Discover Your Role in the World of Sport
- Adventure Awaits, Embrace the Great Outdoors
- Culinary Creations, Hospitality Horizons
- Discover the Aroma of Innovation and the Essence of Hospitality
- Cultivate Wellbeing, Elevate Mindset, Embrace Wholeness
- Nurturing Individual Wellness, Enriching Community Health
- Exploring Childhood, Fostering Futures, Empowering Caregivers
By embracing the diverse range of learning opportunities available at Adelaide Botanic High School, students can tailor their education to align with their unique interests, strengths, and aspirations, setting the stage for success in their senior years and beyond.
Conclusion
The Year 10 curriculum at Adelaide Botanic High School is designed to provide a solid foundation for students as they transition into their senior years and embark on their SACE journey. Through a balance of core subjects, interdisciplinary learning, and a wide array of elective offerings, students are empowered to explore their passions, develop their skills, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
By engaging with the resources and support provided by the school, students and families can navigate this critical phase with confidence, ensuring that each young person has the best possible chance to achieve success in pursuit of their dreams and goals.
