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Accounting and Finance
ATAR
The Accounting and Finance ATAR course focuses on financial literacy and aims to provide students with the knowledge, understandings and a range of skills that enables them to make sound financial judgements. Students develop an understanding that financial decisions have far reaching consequences for individuals and business. The course will provide students with the understanding of the systems and processes through which financial practices and decision making are carried out, as well as the ethical, social and environmental issues involved. Through the preparation, examination and analysis of a variety of financial documents and systems, students develop an understanding of the fundamental principles and practices upon which accounting and financial management are based. An understanding and application of these principles and practices enables students to analyse their own financial data and that of businesses and make informed decisions, forecasts of future performance, and recommendations based on that analysis.
General
The Accounting and Finance General course focuses on financial literacy and aims to provide students with the knowledge, understandings and a range of skills that enables them to engage in sound financial decision making. Students develop an understanding that financial decisions have far reaching consequences. Through the preparation, examination and analysis of financial documents and procedures, students develop an understanding of the fundamental principles and practices upon which accounting and financial management are based. An understanding of these principles and practices enables students to analyse their own financial data and that of small businesses, and make informed decisions based on that analysis.
Applied Information and Technology
General
The Applied Information Technology General course provides students with the knowledge and skills to use a range of computer hardware and software to create, manipulate and communicate information in an effective, responsible and informed manner. Students develop an understanding of computer systems; the management of data; and the use a variety of software applications to investigate, design, construct and evaluate digital products and digital solutions. The course offers pathways to further studies and a range of technology-based careers and a set of skills that equip students
for the 21st century and give them an appreciation of the impact of information technology on society.
Business Management and Enterprises
ATAR
The Business Management and Enterprise ATAR course focuses on business planning, marketing and growth, and opportunities provided for business by technology and the global environment. Students examine factors that drive international business developments, the features and traits of successful management, and how businesses operate strategically to maximise business performance in a global setting. Through the consideration of real businesses and scenarios, students develop knowledge, understanding and skills that enable them to apply financial and business literacy, analyse business opportunities, evaluate business performance, identify and create opportunities, and make sound, ethical business decisions within a business environment. The course equips students to participate proactively in the world of business, behave responsibly and demonstrate integrity in business activities.
General
The Business Management and Enterprise General course focuses on establishing and operating a small business in Australia and aims to provide students with an understanding of the knowledge and skills of the processes and procedures required for generating business ideas and turning them into a viable business venture. Factors that impact on business innovation and success, business planning, and legal aspects of running a small business are examined. Students engage in the running of a small business, or participate in business simulations, to develop practical business skills and to develop financial and business literacy. Through the consideration of real businesses and scenarios, students develop knowledge, understanding and skills that enable them to analyse business opportunities, develop proposals and make sound, ethical business decisions. The course equips students to participate proactively in the world of business, behave responsibly and demonstrate integrity in business activities.
Chemistry
ATAR
The Chemistry ATAR course equips students with the knowledge, understanding and opportunity to investigate properties and reactions of materials. Theories and models are used to describe, explain and make predictions about chemical systems, structures and properties. Students recognise hazards and make informed, balanced decisions about chemical use and sustainable resource management. Investigations and laboratory activities develop an appreciation of the need for precision, critical analysis and informed decision making.
This course prepares students to be responsible and efficient users of specialised chemical products and processes at home or in the workplace. It also enables students to relate chemistry to other sciences, including biology, geology, medicine, molecular biology and agriculture, and prepares them for further study in the sciences.
Computer Science
General
In the Computer Science General Course students are introduced to the fundamental principles, concepts and skills within the field of computing. They learn how to diagnose and solve problems while exploring the building blocks of computing. Students explore the principles related to the creation of computer and information systems; software development; the connectivity between computers; the management of data; the development of database systems; and the moral and ethical considerations for the use of computer systems. This course provides students with the practical and technical skills that equip them to function effectively in a world where these attributes are vital for employability and daily life in a technological society.
Design
General
In the Design General course students develop skills and processes for current and future industry and employment markets. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand design principles and processes, analyse problems and devise innovative strategies through projects. Students are able to focus on particular contexts from a choice of photography, graphics, dimensional design and technical graphics. The Design General course also emphasises the scope of design in trade based industries allowing students to maximise vocational pathways.
Economics
ATAR
Economics investigates the choices which all people, groups and societies face as they attempt to resolve the ongoing problem of satisfying their unlimited wants with limited resources. Economics aims to understand and analyse the allocation, utilisation and distribution of scarce resources that determine our wealth and wellbeing. Economics develops the knowledge, reasoning and interpretation skills that form an important component of understanding individual, business and government behaviour at the local, national and global levels. The Economics ATAR course develops reasoning, logical thinking and interpretation skills demanded by the world of work, business and
government. Economic literacy developed through this course enables students to actively participate in economic and financial decision-making, which promotes individual and societal wealth and wellbeing. The emphasis of the course is on the Australian economy.
General
Economics explores the choices which all people, groups and societies face as they confront the ongoing problem of satisfying their unlimited wants with limited resources. The Economics General course aims to develop students’ understanding of the process of economic decision making in relation to the allocation, utilisation and distribution of scarce resources. A key focus is on wealth and wellbeing. The study of Economics provides a framework for examining economic events and issues at the individual, business and societal level.
English
ATAR
The English ATAR course focuses on developing students’ analytical, creative, and critical thinking and communication skills in all language modes, encouraging students to critically engage with texts from their contemporary world, the past, and from Australian and other cultures. Through close study and wide reading, viewing and listening, students develop the ability to analyse and evaluate the purpose, stylistic qualities and conventions of texts and to enjoy creating imaginative, interpretive, persuasive and analytical responses in a range of written, oral, multimodal and digital forms.
GENERAL
SIC’s English General courses are designed for students who speak another language or dialect as their first or ‘home’ language. SIC’s English General course focuses on development of the competent use of Standard Australian English (SAE) in a range of contexts to complement the EAL/D ATAR program. The English General course prepares students for a range of post-secondary destinations in further education, training and the workplace in conjunction with the EAL/D ATAR program.
English as an Additional Language or Dialect
ATAR
The EAL/D courses are designed for students who speak another language or dialect as their first or ‘home’ language. EAL/D focuses on development of the competent use of Standard Australian English (SAE) in a range of contexts. The EAL/D ATAR course develops academic English skills to prepare students for tertiary study.
General
The EAL/D courses are designed for students who speak another language or dialect as their first or ‘home’ language. EAL/D focuses on development of the competent use of Standard Australian English (SAE) in a range of contexts. The EAL/D General course prepares students for a range of post-secondary destinations in further education, training and the workplace.
Human Biology
ATAR
The Human Biology ATAR course gives students a chance to explore what it is to be human—how the human body works, the origins of human variation, inheritance in humans, the evolution of the human species and population genetics. Through their investigations, students research new discoveries that increase our understanding of human dysfunction, treatments and preventative measures.
Practical tasks are an integral part of this course and develop a range of laboratory skills; for example, biotechnology techniques. Students learn to evaluate risks and benefits to make informed decisions about lifestyle and health topics, such as diet, alternative medical treatments, use of chemical substances and the manipulation of fertility.
Mathematics Applications
ATAR
This course focuses on the use of mathematics to solve problems in contexts that involve financial modelling, geometric and trigonometric analysis, graphical and network analysis, and growth and decay in sequences. It also provides opportunities for students to develop systematic strategies based on the statistical investigation process for answering statistical questions that involve analysing univariate and bivariate data, including time series data. The Mathematics Applications ATAR course is designed for students who want to extend their mathematical skills beyond Year 10 level, but whose future studies or employment pathways do not require knowledge of calculus. The course is designed for students who have a wide range of educational and employment aspirations, including continuing their studies at university or TAFE.
Mathematics Essentials
General
The Mathematics Essential General course focuses on using mathematics effectively, efficiently and critically to make informed decisions. It provides students with the mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding to solve problems in real contexts for a range of workplace, personal, further learning and community settings. This course provides the opportunity for students to prepare for post-school options of employment and further training.
Mathematics Methods
ATAR
This course focuses on the use of calculus and statistical analysis. The study of calculus provides a basis for understanding rates of change in the physical world, and includes the use of functions, their derivatives and integrals, in modelling physical processes. The study of statistics develops students’ ability to describe and analyse phenomena that involve uncertainty and variation.
Mathematics Methods provides a foundation for further studies in disciplines in which mathematics and statistics have important roles. It is also advantageous for further studies in the health and social sciences. In summary, this course is designed for students whose future pathways may involve mathematics and statistics and their applications in a range of disciplines at the tertiary level.
Mathematics Specialist
ATAR
This course provides opportunities, beyond those presented in the Mathematics Methods ATAR course, to develop rigorous mathematical arguments and proofs, and to use mathematical models more extensively. Mathematics Specialist contains topics in functions and calculus that build on and deepen the ideas presented in the Mathematics Methods course, as well as demonstrate their application in many areas. The Mathematics Specialist course also extends understanding and knowledge of statistics and introduces the topics of vectors, complex numbers and matrices. Mathematics Specialist is the only ATAR mathematics course that should not be taken as a stand-alone course and it is recommended to be studied in conjunction with the Mathematics Methods ATAR course as preparation for entry to specialised university courses such as engineering, physical sciences and mathematics.
Physics
ATAR
In the Physics ATAR course students will learn how energy and energy transformations can shape the environment from the small scale, in quantum leaps inside an atom’s electron cloud, through the human scale, in vehicles and the human body, to the large scale, in interactions between galaxies. Students have opportunities to develop their investigative skills and use analytical thinking to explain and predict physical phenomena. Students plan and conduct investigations to answer a range of questions, collect and interpret data and observations, and communicate their findings in an appropriate format. Problem-solving and using evidence to make and justify conclusions are transferable skills that are developed in this course.
Psychology
ATAR
Psychology is the scientific study of how people think, feel and behave. It is an evidence-based discipline that follows the principles of scientific inquiry to explore human cognition, behaviour and thought. This course introduces students to the principles of scientific inquiry and their application to planning, designing and conducting psychological investigations. Through the study of psychology, students will be introduced to a variety of psychological theories, studies, models and concepts. They will learn how to critically evaluate psychological concepts, interpretations, claims and conclusions with reference to empirical evidence. Students develop the skills to apply their psychological knowledge to explain thoughts, feelings and behaviours in the everyday world. Psychological knowledge helps students to understand how individuals function within different contexts and how culture shapes people’s values, attitudes and beliefs. The study of psychology is relevant to further studies in the health professions, education, human resources, social sciences, sales, media, marketing and management.