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Junior School

Year 10 Electives

Subject Selection Process

A Year 10 Subject Information Sessions and Expo will be held on Wednesday 26th August from 3:30 - 6:00 pm. Families will need to register for the information session which will provide details on the structure or our Year 10 curriculum and an introduction Senior Pathway options.

Students will be provided with login details to Edval Choices, an online platform on which to select their subject preferences. This will be emailed directly to their school email account.

When selecting electives students should consider the following:

  • Students will choose their English and Mathematics subject based on the recommendation provided by the College. This recommendation is based on current academic levels and learning characteristics.

  • Students will choose two Physical Education sport options to undertake, one for each semester.

  • Students will select six elective units and four reserve options. These should be listed in order of preference.

  • All students must choose at least one elective from the following domains:

    • Science

    • Humanities

    • Arts or Technology

  • Students may apply to undertake one VCE subject. VCE subjects are year-long and count as two elective options.

  • Students should select subjects they are interested in and are excited to learn about.

Parents are encouraged to allow students to select electives on their own. It is important that students are engaged in their learning and are provided with the opportunity to explore areas of interest.

Accelerated VCE

In 2027, Year 10 students will have a limited number of VCE Unit 1 & 2 subjects to choose from, refer to the Senior School page. These subjects have been chosen to cover a range of student interests. The subjects on offer are:

  • Biology

  • Business Management

  • General Mathematics

  • Health & Human Development

To be eligible to undertake an accelerated VCE subjects, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Have an attendance average of 90% across all subjects.

  • Commitment to maintaining an attendance of 90% throughout 2027. Extended family holidays of more than 10 days in a semester will result in your child being withdrawn from the subject.

  • Academic performance of At expected or Above expected in all subjects.

  • Learning characteristics of Always and Usually in all subjects.

Student must complete an application form and submit this with their subject selections by Wednesday 2nd September.

Accelerated VCE Application Form pdf - 114.37 KB

Subject Descriptions

English

General English

General English is a year-long subject that will explore a variety of texts, encouraging the enjoyment of reading, writing and analysis of a range of contemporary and classic texts. Through General English, students will explore the ways in which texts and language are constructed and develop the skills to present their ideas in a range of written, oral and multi-modal forms, and for a range of purposes. Students will develop creative and interpretive skills through studying a play, film, media and other short texts. Students will also experiment with language as they draft, edit, plan and reflect on their own writing.

Applied English

Applied English is a year-long subject designed to support students in improving their literacy skills. Through this, students will develop knowledge and skills relevant to reading, writing and oral communication. The subject will focus on the practical application of these skills in everyday contexts such as family, employment, further learning and community. Applied English will provide students with the key skills and knowledge to interpret and create a wide variety of texts. This course is best suited to students that are planning a vocational pathway in year 11 and 12.

Language & Literature

Language and Literature will explore the ways in which language is used to create and critique society. The subject will examine the ways language is constructed and has evolved to reflect the values of society and how it is used to reinforce norms and expectations. Through this subject, students will also read a series of texts, both literary and everyday, that reflect or challenge existing assumptions in our society of the world we live in.

Mathematics

Advanced Maths

Advanced Mathematics is recommended for students who wish to extend their mathematical knowledge and skills beyond the standard Year 10 Mathematics curriculum. The course develops deeper understanding through advanced algebra, functions, equations, graphing and problem-solving. Students will experience increased conceptual challenge, preparing them for higher-level mathematics. Students intending to undertake Year 11 Mathematical Methods are strongly encouraged to select this elective.

General Maths

Year 10 General Mathematics course is a year-long subject designed for students who want to strengthen their mathematical skills and apply mathematics to real-world situations. Students explore a range of topics including algebra, measurement, statistics, probability, financial mathematics and problem-solving.

This subject focuses on building students’ confidence in using mathematics to analyse information, make decisions and solve practical problems. It provides a strong foundation for students considering further study in VCE General Mathematics and other pathways that require mathematical skills

Applied Maths

Year 10 Applied Mathematics is designed to develop the practical mathematical knowledge and skills students need for everyday life, further education and future employment. This subject will focus on applying skills in real-world contexts, including financial literacy, measurement, statistics, probability, and problem-solving. Students will build confidence in using mathematical reasoning, interpreting data and communicating solutions while strengthening their numeracy skills in preparation for pathways such as the Vocational Major (VM) and Foundation Mathematics in Year 11.

Health & Physical Education

Core Health & PE

Health and PE is a core subject for all Year 10 students. All students will complete the subject; however, students will have choice in their Physical Education focus for each semester. Students will select one of the sports offered and participate in a range of activities designed to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of the sport. Practical activities will include fitness testing, advanced skills and strategies, game sense, coaching, leadership and the planning and delivery of a tournament.

Sport options: Volleyball, Soccer, Netball, Rec Sports, Racquet Sports, Cricket or Basketball.

Outdoor & Physical Education

This subject will be split into terms with one focus each term. Outdoor education will focus on combining practical adventure activities with environmental science. You will explore survival skills and how to effectively lead a team while managing risks and learning how to adapt to the environmental challenges. Physical education will connect your practical and theoretical knowledge together while exploring how the body works to enhance movement. You will explore ideas such as physics involved in movement, nutritional needs of an athlete and energy system requirements to move.

Arts

2D Art

Love being creative and expressing your ideas through art? In 2D Art, you’ll explore a range of art forms including drawing, painting, printmaking, collage and mixed media. You’ll experiment with different materials and techniques, explore the work of contemporary and historical artists, and develop your own ideas through the creative process. Use your visual journal to experiment, plan and refine your work before creating your final artworks. Build your artistic skills, discover your own style and bring your creative ideas to life!

3D Art

In 3D Art, you'll get hands-on and create things you can touch, hold and see in real life. You'll start by learning to draw and look closely at objects. Then you'll build your own 3D artworks using materials like clay, wood, cardboard, wire and found objects. By the end, you'll design, make and show off a finished artwork of your own. No experience needed, just bring your ideas!

Art Making and Exhibiting & Art Creative Practices

Love making art and want to take your creativity further? Art Making and Exhibiting gives you the chance to explore your own ideas, try different materials and techniques, and create artworks that reflect your interests and personal style. You’ll discover how artists use visual language to communicate ideas and explore a range of artists and artworks for inspiration. Through hands-on art making, you’ll build your skills, experiment with different approaches and develop your ideas into finished artworks. You’ll also learn how to present and talk about your work, reflect on your creative process and grow your confidence as an artist. Explore, create and discover your own artistic voice!

Dance & Drama

Move. Create. Perform. Explore the world of Dance and Drama through movement, character and performance. Build confidence and creativity through practical activities that encourage you to move, act, collaborate and create. Experiment with choreography, improvisation, storytelling and performance while exploring how the body, voice and movement can communicate ideas, emotions and stories. Work independently and with others to develop and perform original pieces in a supportive and engaging environment.

Drama & Theatre Studies

Media

In Year 10 Media, students explore the world of moving image, including film, television and documentary. They develop a deeper understanding of how media codes, conventions and production techniques communicate ideas, construct representations and engage audiences. Students strengthen their filmmaking skills and develop confidence in the production process. They also examine how social, cultural and historical contexts influence representation and the media production process. Through collaborative projects, students develop valuable teamwork, communication, problem-solving and leadership skills!

Music

Create. Listen. Produce. Perform. Explore the world of Music through songwriting, listening, technology and performance. Develop your creativity and confidence through practical activities that encourage you to compose, experiment, collaborate and perform. Explore songwriting techniques, analyse a range of musical styles to develop your listening and aural skills. Use digital music technology to record, edit and produce your own music while building skills in rehearsal, performance and stagecraft. Work independently and collaboratively to create, develop and perform original music in a supportive and engaging environment.

Performing Arts

Photography

In Year 10 Photography, students explore the creative and technical world of still images, developing their skills in photography and design. Students learn to operate DSLR cameras and use composition, framing and lighting techniques to create mood, meaning and visual impact. Students develop their photography through digital editing to achieve their creative intentions and explore marketing to develop a photography portfolio that responds to client needs. Through practical and creative projects, students develop valuable communication, problem-solving, creative decision-making, organisation and collaboration skills!

Visual Communication & Design

Love being creative and turning ideas into designs? In Year 10 Visual Communication Design, you’ll explore how designers create solutions through communication design, industrial design and environmental design. You’ll develop your own ideas through the design process, using drawing techniques and Adobe design software to create designs such as branding, products and spaces. Learn how colour, typography, images and layout work together to communicate messages and create designs for real audiences. Bring your ideas to life and discover how designers use creativity and problem solving to shape the world around us.

Humanities

Accounting & Business Management

Business Management – Stand Out. Compete. Succeed. Discover what it takes to run a successful business. Explore how marketing, innovation, people and smart decisions help businesses stand out from the competition. Accounting – Can Your Business Survive? Plan and run a business stall, track the money and make the calls. Discover how cash flow, profit and smart financial decisions can make, or break, a business.

Geography & History

Geography of Survival - Investigate disasters, climate hazards and environmental change. Explore why some places are hit harder than others, and how communities can prepare, respond and recover. History Across Borders - Follow the journeys of people forced or inspired to leave home. Explore how migration, conflict and opportunity have reshaped nations, cultures and identities.

Legal Studies & Politics

Legal Studies – Is the Law Always Fair? Explore rights, real legal cases and how Australian courts make decisions. Judge whether justice was served and understand how the law works. Politics – Who Holds the Power? Understand how political parties, the media, and global superpowers influence decisions. Learn how Australia interacts with its neighbours in Asia and the Pacific.

Philosophy & Sociology

Science and Religion – Two Forces Shaping the Modern World Philosophy of Science: how do we know what we know? Explore how science developed and how it works; discuss and debate its ethics, limits, errors, and how it can survive in a post-truth world. Sociology of Religion: how can we better understand each other?  How do people make sense of their place in the world? Explore aspects of religion such as ethics, rituals and stories, and the role these ideas play in shaping the world.

Sixteen Then and Now

Sixteen Before Screens – Discover what life was like for teenagers before smartphones, social media and streaming. Step into the lives of past generations, interview people, record their stories and bring it all to life in a podcast, documentary or exhibition. Compare your teenage world by investigating how social media, music, family, culture and global events shape our identity and create a time capsule of your own generation.

Sold

Your attention is for sale! Every day, you make choices about what to buy, wear, watch, download and share. But how many of those choices are really yours? Uncover how global brands are using influencers, algorithms and data to compete for our attention, our trust and our money. Investigate how the digital marketing world is changing the way consumers make decisions every day – and work as a team to create your own campaign helping young people make smart choices.

Work Ready

Science

Biology & Chemistry

Have you ever wondered what makes living things work and how your body functions at a molecular level? This subject brings biology and chemistry together to explore the molecules and chemical processes that underpin life. Through practical investigations and real-world applications, students will explore carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and enzymes, investigating how these substances contribute to energy, nutrition, health and the functioning of living organisms. Students will investigate how atoms and molecules interact and how chemical reactions drive biological processes. Students will develop practical laboratory skills, scientific investigation techniques and critical thinking by asking questions, analysing evidence and applying their knowledge to real-world challenges.

Chemistry & Physics

Year 10 Physics & Chemistry is tailored for students interested in understanding how the world operates. The course covers fundamental Physics topics such as motion, forces, energy, electricity, and waves, using experiments, models, and real-life examples to explain concepts like movement, force interactions, energy transfer, electricity production, and wave phenomena. Chemistry studies focus on atomic structure, the Periodic Table, elements, compounds, reactions, balancing equations, reaction rates, acids, bases, and factors influencing reactions. Both disciplines promote practical laboratory skills, scientific inquiry, data analysis, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills, connecting classroom theories to real-world applications.

Biology & Psychology

In the Biology unit, students will explore inheritance involving DNA, chromosomes, genes, and alleles, the roles of mitosis and meiosis in passing on genetic information, and the theory of evolution. In the Psychology unit, students will explore social influence and how people behave in groups. We will examine conformity, obedience, peer pressure and power through famous psychology experiments. Students will develop practical laboratory skills, consider research ethics and explore how social influence shapes everyday choices, trends, online behaviour and our desire to fit in.

Exploring the Universe

This subject develops students' understanding of the processes that shape Earth and the Universe through the study of Earth and Space Sciences. Students investigate plate tectonics to explain continental movement, geological activity, and Australia's geological history. Students investigate the origin and evolution of the Universe, including galaxies, stars, solar systems, and the Big Bang theory, while applying scientific inquiry skills to analyse evidence and explain natural phenomena. Students will delve in the depths of the Earth as they explore Palaeontology. Discovering the long history of dinosaurs and how they lived millions of years ago.

Horticulture

Explore how the world is shaped by nature and the powerful force behind it. Learn all about plants and how they adapt to environments. Get out in nature and tend our school gardens where you will learn key horticultural skills. In the classroom you will learn plant cell biology and botany concepts. Horticulture is the beginnings of something that can lead you into agriculture, botany, arboriculture, mycology and many more!

Technology

Applied Computing

Explore. Create. Innovate. Dive into Applied Computing and build the skills to thrive in a fast-changing digital world! Work with emerging technologies, dream up new uses for digital tools, and create real solutions to real problems, all while thinking about the impact on communities locally and globally. Think like a computing professional—collaborate with peers, sharpen your critical and creative thinking, and turn your ideas into practical digital solutions.

Food Studies

This subject will be split into terms, with a different area of focus each term. You will explore Australia’s food system, focusing on environmental sustainability and responding to issues related to social trends, food security, and food sovereignty. You will also develop an understanding of nutrition and digestive health and explore the claims behind current food trends, fads and diets. Throughout the course, practical cooking will connect with what you learn in theory and give you opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills in the kitchen.

Master Chef

This semester subject will aim to develop workplace-ready communication, teamwork, numeracy problem solving. This will all be within a food environment. You will need to respond creatively to Mystery Box ingredients and constraints. You will plate, style and photograph food attractively. Conduct sensory evaluations using appropriate sensory term. You will organise an efficient workstation and use mise en place effectively.  You will develop your practical knife skills and food preparation skills in a weekly practical.

Product Design

Got a great idea for a product? Want to create something you'll actually use every day? In Year 10 Product Design you'll design and build your own custom multi-device charging station from scratch. Whether you want a sleek modern look, a gaming-inspired setup, or something completely original, you'll have the freedom to bring your ideas to life. Using materials such as timber and acrylic, you'll learn practical workshop skills and gain experience using a variety of tools and equipment to create a high-quality finished product. Along the way, you'll develop your creativity, problem-solving and design skills as you move from initial ideas through to a completed prototype. If you enjoy making things, thinking outside the box, and turning creative concepts into real products, this is the subject for you!

Systems Engineering

Sense it. Automate it. Live it. Step into Systems Engineering and build your own Smart Home! Using Arduinos, sensors and simple circuits, you will design and  build a way to automate real household devices, water your plants, open your blinds, or switch on the lights, all without lifting a finger. Survey your own household to find real problems worth solving, then engineer a working solution from the ground up.

Web Building

Design. Code. Publish. Build your own website from the ground up using HTML! Learn how the web really works as you structure pages, style content, and bring your ideas to life on screen. Think like a web developer, plan your layout, write your code, and launch a site that's uniquely yours. Think it. Code it. Launch it.

Brinbeal Secondary College

Brinbeal Secondary College acknowledge the Bunurong people, the Traditional Owners of the land on which we learn, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.