Curriculum Guides  |  Stage 2 Curriculum Guide

Stage 2 Curriculum Guide

For Year 11 students entering Year 12

Table of contents

Senior Years Curriculum

This guide describes the learning offered for Year 12 students at Adelaide Botanic High School in 2024 as they move into SACE Stage 2 (South Australian Certificate of Education) and beyond.

They will be supported to become familiar with the range of post-school learning options and develop self-directed learning skills.

We expect students to explore learning choices that give them every opportunity to achieve success for their dreams and goals.

Alistair Brown
Principal

Adelaide Botanic High School - Principal - Alistair Brown

Process for Subject Selection

Term 3 Subject Selection Milestones

WEEK 42024 Curriculum Guide is released online
Studio One and Connect: Subject selection focus and preparing for Learning Pathway Conversations
Student Pathways Expo - Adelaide Convention Centre Wednesday, 16 August. Year 11 students can attend the expo on their own or with their families. For families, the Careers Expo is open to the public Wednesday, 16 August from 4.00pm - 7.00pm.
WEEK 5Studio One: Subject selection focus and preparing for Learning Pathway Conversations
WEEK 6Online subject selection opens in Web Preferences
Studio One: Subject selection focus and preparing for Learning Pathway Conversations
WEEK 7Thursday, 7 September - Learning Pathway Conversations - face to face during the day

SACE Overview

Introduction to the SACE

The SACE is a modern, internationally-recognised secondary school qualification designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and personal capabilities to successfully participate in our fast-paced global society.

Students will be awarded the SACE when they successfully complete requirements that include a range of skills and subjects they may study at school or may have acquired through other education, training or experience.

The SACE has been updated and strengthened to ensure it meets the needs of today’s young people. The SACE will help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed – whether they are headed for further education and training, university, an apprenticeship or straight into the workforce.

As part of the SACE students will be expected to gain and demonstrate essential skills and knowledge for their future, focusing on communication, citizenship, personal development, work and learning. These are called ‘capabilities’, and are a combination of the skills, knowledge, and attributes students will need to be responsible and active members of the community.

SACE Requirements

At ABHS, students start their SACE journey with Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) in Year 10, their selection of Stage 1 subjects in Year 11 including the compulsory Maths and English choices, Research Project/Activating Identities and Futures (AIF), and their selection of Stage 2 subjects in Year 12 (including recognised courses).

Modified SACE

Students with learning difficulties or disability, that result in significant impairment in intellectual functioning and/or adaptive behaviours, and who are unable to meet Stage 1 or 2 subject learning requirements in one or more mainstream SACE subjects, may negotiate to undertake Modified SACE subjects.

Students will select subjects from the subject offerings at Adelaide Botanic High School and negotiate individual learning goals aligned with their One Plan Goals, which accommodate their learning needs and interests, and which allow them to develop knowledge and skills connected to their aspirations and pathways beyond school.

Adelaide Botanic High School Inclusion and SACE Leaders will work with families considering a Modified SACE Pathway to ensure eligibility requirements are met.

Subjects undertaken as a Modified version as part of SACE completion precludes an ATAR being gained.

SACE Special Provisions

Special provisions are available if a student has a disability, illness, experiences misadventure, or an unforeseen circumstance which significantly impacts their ability to participate in an assessment.

If a student applies for special provisions they need to provide evidence of how this impacts their ability to access assessment conditions. After checking for special provisions eligibility, students can apply through ABHS. In consultation with the student and based on evidence provided, the school will determine what type of reasonable adjustments are appropriate. On approval, reasonable adjustments are made.

Further information is available at SACE special provisions.

Further information

Further information is available on the SACE website, which is designed to support students and families.

We encourage students to talk with their teachers and the Leadership team about their study options.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Vocational education and training (VET) courses are opportunities for students in Years 11 and 12 to access a range of competencies and flexible industry pathways (FIPs) to develop industry endorsed skills and gain a head start on their career while completing their SACE. FIPs are undertaken either as standalone VET courses or in combination with employment via a training contract.
FIPs are aimed to support young people engage with entry level skilled careers in identified industry areas. Information on these industries and potential career pathways can be found on the  Student Pathways website.
There are many options available through various nominated training organisations (NTOs). Adelaide Botanic High School is a member of the East Adelaide Secondary Vocational Alliance (EASVA), comprising of secondary schools working to make VET accessible to students. Where students have a genuine interest in a course not offered through EASVA, they should discuss this with the Futures Ready Student Pathways Senior Leader at ABHS to investigate viability of study during or post school.
Non FIP courses such as Cert III Business, Cert III Fitness etc being undertaken for ATAR purposes only outside of a traineeship, are not supported by ABHS or Department for Education Schools. No timetabling, enrolment or payment support can be provided. The school can support with SACE resulting if requested otherwise results should be provided direct to the SACE Board by the student.

VET Course Delivery

VET courses are run at numerous venues depending on the course. Within EASVA, host schools run courses in partnership with RTOs on their site, others may be directly at the RTOs campus or online.

Examples of school hosted courses include Certificate II in Automotive Servicing hosted at Charles Campbell College run by Quality Automotive Training or the Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) hosted at Marden Senior College with PEER or our own ABHS-hosted hospitality courses.

VET courses hosted at ABHS

ABHS Hosts Certificate II in Hospitality and Certificate II in Cookery in partnership with the Adelaide Institute of Hospitality. These courses are delivered by professional industry trainers utilising our contemporary, well-equipped commercial kitchen and training restaurant.

How do students enrol in a VET course?

It is important that any student wishing to enrol in a VET course conducts thorough research to ensure a genuine interest in the field and its suitability to their career pathway and SACE pattern.

Students will complete an expression of interest form to begin the application process for EASVA courses or directly via the school for other RTOs.

All students applying for courses undertake a VET Readiness Orientation (VETRO) with the training provider (RTO) as part of the selection process prior to being offered any place. This will generally cover prior experience and motivation as well as literacy and numeracy benchmarking.

Meeting with the Futures Ready Student Pathways Senior Leader will provide an opportunity to clarify information and assist with the enrolment process.

For further information about VET in the SACE visit the SACE website.

ATAR Requirements

View SATAC Tertiary Entrance publication online.

Global Perspectives

English (Global Perspectives) Pathways

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English (Global Perspectives)  |  Stage 2

English Literary Studies

This subject has a strong emphasis on text analysis and focuses on developing the skills and strategies of critical thinking needed to interpret a text.

Student Experience

English Literary Studies focuses on the skills and strategies of critical thinking needed to interpret texts. Through shared and individual study of texts, students encounter different opinions about texts, have opportunities to exchange and develop ideas, find evidence to support a personal view, learn to construct logical and convincing arguments, and consider a range of critical interpretations of texts.

Students respond to texts, create texts and complete a comparative text study as well as an examination.

Assessment

Assessment Type 1: Responding to Texts – Up to five responses to a shared study of a novel, film, drama, range of short texts and a poetry anthology.

Assessment Type 2: Creating Texts – One text that is transformed into a different text type, with a writer’s statement and one written, oral, or multimodal text.

Assessment Type 3 (External): Text Study – Comparative Text Study (Part A) and Critical Reading Examination (Part B).

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
English Literary Studies

Prerequisites
B grade or higher in Stage 1 English or Stage 1 English Pre-Literary Studies.

Additional information
Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

English (Global Perspectives)  |  Stage 2

English

Do you enjoy discussing, analysing and responding to novels, films and poems as well as creating a variety of texts including narratives, essays and multimodal presentations?

Student Experience

Students study a range of texts including film, novels, poetry, plays and media texts. They analyse the ideas and perspectives explored in the texts as well as the language and stylistic features employed by the creators of texts.

An understanding of purpose, audience and context is applied in the student’s own creation of imaginative, interpretive, analytical and persuasive texts that may be written, oral and/or multimodal.

Responding to texts includes a shared study of a novel and film as well as drama and/or poetry.

Creating texts requires students to produce a range of texts for different purposes, audiences and contexts. Students discuss the language and stylistic features they have used in creating their own texts.

Assessment

Assessment Type 1: Responding to Texts – Three responses to texts, with at least one response being in oral or multimodal form.

Assessment Type 2: Creating Texts – Four created texts, one of which is a writer’s statement.

Assessment Type 3 (External): Comparative Analysis of two independently chosen texts.

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
English

Prerequisites
C grade or higher in Stage 1 English.

Additional Information
Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

English (Global Perspectives)  |  Stage 2

Essential English

How can you improve your verbal and written communication skills?

Students have the opportunity to respond to a wide variety of texts and to create their own original texts with considerable flexibility and student choice.

Student Experience

Students respond to and create a range of texts focusing on personal, social, cultural, community and/or workplace contexts. They understand and interpret information, ideas and perspectives in texts and consider ways in which language choices are used to create meaning.

In this course students extend communication skills through reading, viewing, writing, listening, and speaking.

Students consider and respond to information, ideas, and perspectives in texts selected from social, cultural, community, workplace, and/or imaginative contexts. They examine the effect of language choices, conventions, and stylistic features in a range of texts for different audiences and analyse the role of language in supporting effective communication.

Students create oral, written, and multimodal texts that communicate information, ideas, and perspectives for a range of purposes.

Assessment

Assessment Type 1: Responding to Texts – Three responses to texts.

Assessment Type 2: Creating Texts – One advocacy text and two additional texts.

Assessment Type 3 (External): Language Study One independent language study.

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Essential English

Prerequisites
B grade or higher in Stage 1 Essential English.

Additional Information
This subject is designed for students who wish to improve their literacy skills for success in everyday life. Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

HASS (Global Perspectives) Pathways

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HASS (Global Perspectives)  |  Stage 2

Modern History

Through studying Modern History, students build their skills in historical method through inquiry, and by examining and evaluating the nature of sources.

Students explore who wrote or recorded the sources, whose history they tell, whose stories are not included and why, and how technology is creating new ways in which histories can be conveyed. Students explore different interpretations, draw conclusions, and develop reasoned historical arguments.

Student Experience

In this course students investigate the growth of modern nations at a time of rapid global change. They engage in a study of one nation, and of interactions between or among nations.

In their study of one nation, students investigate the social, political, and economic changes that shaped the development of that nation. They develop insights into the characteristics of a modern nation, and the crises and challenges that have confronted it. Students also consider the ways in which the nation has dealt with internal divisions and external challenges, and the paths that it has taken.

Students explore relationships among nations and groups, examine some significant and distinctive features of the world since 1945, and consider their impact on the contemporary world.

Students investigate the political and economic interactions of nations and the impact of these interactions on national, regional, and/or international development. They consider how some nations, including some emerging nations, have sought to impose their influence and power, and how others have sought to forge their own destiny.

Topics covered include:

  • Modern Nations – Germany (1918-48)
  • The World Since 1945 – The changing world order (1945– )

Assessment

Assessment Type 1: Historical Skills – Five historical skills assessments.

Assessment Type 2: Historical Study – One historical study.

Assessment Type 3 (External): Examination – One examination.

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Modern History

Prerequisites
C grade or higher in Stage 1 English.

Additional Information
Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

HASS (Global Perspectives)  |  Stage 2

Philosophy

Do you enjoy discussing philosophical problems that tend to provoke disagreement? 
Do you feel driven to debate different views and theories about the nature of the world and what ought to be done? 
Philosophy promotes respect for intellectual integrity as a human value and develops students’ skills to engage in philosophical argument. 

Student Experience

Students build their capacity to be creative and independent critical thinkers who can articulate and justify philosophical positions and argue reasoned action.

Philosophy involves the rational investigation of questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics, to which there are no simple answers.

This subject consists of two sections:

  • Philosophical inquiry skills
  • Key areas of philosophical study

Philosophical inquiry skills are the cognitive skills of reasoning, critical analysis, problem solving, and evaluation of arguments. Students study and apply the principles of reasoning and identify forms of reasoning and the structure of argument.

Key areas of philosophical study:

  • Ethics — A study of moral values, reasoning about what is right and wrong.
  • Epistemology — A study of theories of knowledge and knowing.
  • Metaphysics — A study of the nature of existence and reality (what there is in the world).

Students undertake an in-depth study of one topic from each key area.

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Argument Analysis – Two argument analysis assessments
  • Assessment Type 2: Issues Analysis – Three issues analysis assessments (one per key area)
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Issues Study – One issues study

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Philosophy

Prerequisites
C grade or higher in Stage 1 English

Additional Information
Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

HASS (Global Perspectives)  |  Stage 2

Business Innovation

In Business Innovation students engage with complex, dynamic, real-world problems, to identify, design, test, iterate, and communicate viable business solutions. 
Through design thinking and direct involvement in innovation, students not only develop but also understand and apply their critical and creative thinking skills.

Student Experience

Business Innovation is structured around two key contexts:

  • Designing business
  • Transforming business

Through these contexts, students develop and apply their understanding of the following underpinning learning strands:

  • Innovation
  • Decision-making and project management
  • Financial literacy and information management
  • Global, local, and digital perspectives

This understanding is extended and applied through each of the learning strands.

These learning strands represent the knowledge, skills, understanding, and capabilities fundamental to the learning in the subject.

Each of the learning strands should be developed and extended in the contexts selected for study.

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Business Skills – Three business skills tasks
  • Assessment Type 2: Business Model – One business model
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Business Plan and Pitch – One business plan and pitch

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Business Innovation

Prerequisites
C grade or higher in Stage 1 English

Additional Information
This course is ideal for students with a strong interest in business or a passion for starting their own business. Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Language (Global Perspectives) Pathways

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Language (Global Perspectives)  |  Stage 2

Japanese (continuers)

In this subject students further develop communicative skills in written and spoken Japanese, to improve written and aural comprehension skills and to extend awareness and understanding of the culture and way of life in Japan.

Student Experience

Students interact with others to share information, ideas, opinions and experiences. They create texts in language to express information, feelings, ideas and opinions.

Students analyse texts to interpret meaning, and examine relationships between language, culture and identity, and reflect on the ways in which culture influences communication.

Topics covered include:

  • Travel in Japan
  • Traditions and culture
  • Future plans and work

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Folio – Three to five assessments
  • Assessment Type 2: In-depth Study – one oral presentation in Japanese, one written response to the topic in Japanese, and one reflective response in English
  • Assessment Type 3: Examination – One oral examination and one written examination

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Japanese (continuers)

Prerequisites
C grade or higher in Stage 1 Japanese (continuers)

Additional Information
The continuers level languages are designed for students who have studied the language for 400 to 500 hours by the time they have completed Stage 2, or who have an equivalent level of knowledge. Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Language (Global Perspectives)  |  Stage 2

French (continuers)

In this subject students further develop communicative skills in written and spoken French, to improve written and aural comprehension skills and to extend awareness and understanding of the culture and way of life in France.

Student Experience

Students interact with others to share information, ideas, opinions and experiences. They create texts in language to express information, feelings, ideas and opinions.

Students analyse texts to interpret meaning, and examine relationships between language, culture and identity, and reflect on the ways in which culture influences communication.

Topics covered include:

  • The individual
  • The French-speaking communities
  • The changing world

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Folio- three to five assessments
  • Assessment Type 2: In-depth study – one oral presentation in French, one written response to the topic in French and one reflective response in English. (School assessment 70%)
  • Assessment Type 3: Examination – One oral examination and one written examination. (Examination 30%)

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
French (continuers)

Prerequisites
C grade or higher in Stage 1 French (continuers)

Additional Information
The continuers level languages are designed for students who have studied the language for 400 to 500 hours by the time they have completed Stage 2, or who have an equivalent level of knowledge.Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Lifestyle Choices

Lifestyle Choices Pathways

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Lifestyle Choices  |  Stage 2

Physical Education

Physical Education is for students who are interested in learning about how the body moves and how movement sequences can be trained and improved for better performance.
This is a highly theoretical subject and not designed for students who are primarily looking to play sport. 

Student Experience

Through Physical Education, students explore the participation in, and performance of, human physical activities.

This is an experiential subject in which students explore their physical capacities and investigate the factors that influence and improve participation and performance outcomes, which lead to greater movement confidence and competence.

Students will explore three key focus areas through a wide range of authentic physical activities such as sports, games, laboratories and fitness activities.

The three focus areas explored will be:

  • Focus Area 1: In movement
  • Focus Area 2: Through movement
  • Focus Area 3: About movement

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Diagnostics – At least two assessments
  • Assessment Type 2: Self-improvement Portfolio – One assessment only
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Group Dynamics – One assessment only

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Physical Education

Prerequisites
Stage 1 Physical Education is preferred, but not essential.

Subject Fees
Excursion opportunities may be offered to students which may incur additional costs.

Lifestyle Choices  |  Stage 2

Sports Pathways

Are you interested in a career in the Sport and Recreation Industry but don’t know where to start or what is even available out there?
Sports Pathways helps students explore the wide range of options available in this large and diverse industry.

Student Experience

This subject draws upon two areas of study:

  1. Industry and Work Knowledge; and
  2. Vocational Learning.

Within these two areas of study students explore how jobs have been created by the sports and recreation industry, how the industry has changed over time and how people can find employment in this large and diverse industry.

Students may also be able to use their own sports involvement towards this subject.

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Folio – At least three assessments for the folio
  • Assessment Type 2: Performance – One or two assessments for the performance
  • Assessment Type 3: Reflection – At least two assessments for the reflection
  • Assessment Type 4 (External): Investigation – One investigation

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Workplace Practices

Prerequisites
None

Subject Fees
Excursion opportunities may be offered to students which may incur additional costs.

Additional Information
Sports Pathways uses Workplace Practices as the vehicle to deliver this subject.

Lifestyle Choices  |  Stage 2

Outdoor Education

Do you enjoy spending time in the wilderness and engaging in adventure activities? Or perhaps you like working with people and developing your leadership skills.
Outdoor Education provides opportunities to develop social skills, self-confidence, initiative, self-reliance, leadership and collaboration skills, all while enjoying the outdoors!

Student Experience

In this subject, students will plan, participate in, and lead safe and sustainable outdoor activities and journeys by applying risk management strategies.

Students will explore a range of natural environments, considering different uses for these environments, while analysing environmental systems and issues, and recognising strategies for sustainability.

Students will evaluate and apply reflective practices to their own leadership styles and collaboration approaches, as well as their personal development to their experiences of the outdoors.

The three interrelated focus areas explored will be:

  • Focus Area 1: Conservation and sustainability
  • Focus Area 2: Human connections with Nature
  • Focus Area 3: Personal and social growth and development

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: About Natural Environments – Two assessment tasks
  • Assessment Type 2: Experiences in Natural Environments – Two experiences
  • Assessment Type 3: Connections with Natural Environments – One task only

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Outdoor Education

Prerequisites
Year 10 Outdoor Education or Stage 1 Outdoor Education is preferred, but not essential

Subject Fees
Fee of $750 to cover camps and excursions. Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

 

Lifestyle Choices  |  Stage 2

Food and Hospitality

The dynamic food and hospitality industry offers numerous opportunities for employment and skill development.
In this subject students focus on the ever-changing nature of the food and hospitality industry and develop an understanding of contemporary approaches and issues related to food and hospitality.

Student Experience

Students develop skills using technology and safe work practices to prepare, store and handle food, and comply with current health and safety legislation. They investigate and discuss contemporary food and hospitality issues and current management practices and explore concepts such as the legal and environmental aspects of food production, trends in food and hospitality, consumer protection, and the nutritional impact of healthy eating.

By working with a range of people within the school and the wider community, students develop their interpersonal communication skills. They establish and develop cooperative working relationships and learn the value of working independently, while also being able to respond to instructions or directions.

There are five areas of study in Stage 2 Food and Hospitality:

  • Contemporary and Future Issues
  • Economic and Environmental Influences
  • Political and Legal Influences
  • Sociocultural Influences, and
  • Technological Influences

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Practical Activity – At least four practical activities
  • Assessment Type 2: Group Activity – At least one group activity
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Investigation – One investigation

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Food and Hospitality

Prerequisites
Stage 1 Food and Hospitality highly recommended

Additional Information
Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Lifestyle Choices  |  Stage 2

Nutrition

Before you tuck into your dinner each night, do you ever stop to think about what is actually in your food and how vitamins and minerals are then used by your body to fuel and sustain you?
If you are interested in the science behind food (and not just the process of eating it!) then Stage 2 Nutrition is for you.

Student Experience

Students will engage in a range of research and experiments that explore how nutrients work and what their role is in individuals and the wider community.

Stage 2 Nutrition consists of studying the following concepts:

  • Principles of nutrition, physiology, and health
  • Health promotion and emerging trends
  • Sustainable food systems
  • Nutrition literacy and numeracy
  • Nutrition and technology.

Stage 2 Nutrition is a science-based subject and throughout the year students will explore:

  • Science inquiry skills
  • Science as a human endeavour, and
  • Nutrition science understanding.

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Practical Investigations – Two tasks
  • Assessment Type 2: Skills and Application tasks – Three tasks
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Exam – One exam

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Nutrition

Prerequisites
Stage 1 Nutrition preferred but not essential

Additional Information
This is a science subject and is not focussed on cooking. Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

 

Lifestyle Choices  |  Stage 2

Health and Wellbeing

Are you interested in your own health and wellbeing and that of others and the wider community?
This course is designed to help you explore and analyse how health and wellbeing is impacted by internal and external factors, whilst considering how we can promote positive health choices to all. 

Student Experience

In Stage 2 Health and Wellbeing, students develop the knowledge, skills, and understandings required to explore and analyse influences and make informed decisions regarding health and wellbeing. They consider the role of health and wellbeing in various contexts and explore ways of promoting positive outcomes for individuals, communities, and global society.

Students evaluate current trends and issues that impact health and wellbeing. They reflect on personal and community actions to promote and improve sustainable outcomes for individuals and global society.

In this subject study will focus on the following concepts:

  • Health literacy
  • Health determinants
  • Social equity, and
  • Health promotion

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Initiative – Two tasks
  • Assessment Type 2: Folio – Two tasks
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Inquiry – One task

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Health and Wellbeing

Prerequisites
None

Additional Information
Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Lifestyle Choices  |  Stage 2

Child Studies

Are you considering a future or career that involves children and their development?
In this subject learn about the developmental stages of children from conception to the age of eight.

Student Experience

Child Studies focuses on children and their development from conception to eight years of age.

Students have the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of young children through individual, collaborative, and practical learning. They explore concepts such as the development, needs, and rights of children, the value of play, concepts of childhood and families, and the roles of parents and caregivers.

They also consider the importance of behaviour management, child nutrition, and the health and wellbeing of children.

Students study from a range of subject areas including:

  • Contemporary and Future Issues
  • Economic and Environmental Influences
  • Political and Legal Influences
  • Sociocultural Influences, and
  • Technological Influences

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Practical Activity – At least four tasks
  • Assessment Type 2: Group Activity – At least one task
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Investigation – One task only

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Child Studies

Prerequisites
Stage 1 Child Studies is preferred, but not essential

Additional Information
Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

The Arts

The Arts Pathways

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The Arts  |  Stage 2

Visual Arts: Art

What does it mean to be an artist in a modern world? 

Student Experience

Year 12 Visual Arts: Art is your opportunity to showcase your artistic growth and explore your preferred medium in-depth. With the support of dedicated teachers, you’ll delve into advanced techniques and concepts related to your medium(s) of choice. Embrace the challenge of creating a cohesive body of work that reflects your artistic journey and personal vision. Whether you aspire to be a professional artist or simply love the creative process, this course empowers you to develop a strong portfolio and make a lasting impact with your art.
As part of this course, you will have the opportunity to attend the Year 12 Melbourne Arts Trip, a 3-day, 2-night experience that explores various galleries and photography opportunities. Work students capture during this trip can be used as part of their ongoing assessment.

The practical work(s) you create through this course will be exhibited as part of the end of year ABHS Senior Arts Showcase.

Due to SACE precluded combination rules, students are only able to study either Visual Arts: Art OR Visual Arts: Design. 

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Folio – One folio that documents visual learning and supports one or two artistic resolutions.
  • Assessment Type 2: Practical –All practical’s are resolved from visual thinking and learning documented in the folio.
  • Assessment Type 3: The visual study is an exploration of, and/or experimentation with, a style, an idea, a concept, media, materials, methods, techniques, and/or technologies.

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Visual Arts

Prerequisites
Completion of a semester of either Visual Arts: Art or Visual Arts: Design is required. Students who do not meet this requirement may be considered for entry through a recommendation from the Arts Faculty.

Additional Information
Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs. The Year 12 Melbourne Arts Trip is optional and incurs additional costs.

The Arts  |  Stage 2

Visual Arts: Design

What does it mean to be a designer in a modern world? 

Student Experience

In Year 12 Visual Arts: Design, you’ll take the lead in this self-directed course and explore the area of design that inspires you the most. Your passion and creativity will shine as you bring your unique vision to life. Building on knowledge and skills you’ve developed in the Year 10 and 11 Visual Arts: Design courses, you’ll master visual communication, expressing powerful messages and emotions through your work. Embrace design principles, experiment fearlessly, and use the latest technologies to create visionary solutions.

Drawing inspiration from both history and modern trends, you’ll develop your distinct design identity. Here, you’ll have the freedom to choose your own design discipline and project outcomes, making your creative journey truly yours.

As part of this course, you will have the opportunity to attend the Year 12 Melbourne Arts Trip, a 3-day, 2-night experience that explores various galleries and photography opportunities. Work students capture during this trip can be used as part of their ongoing assessment.

The practical work(s) you create through this course will be exhibited as part of the end of year ABHS Senior Arts Showcase.

Due to SACE precluded combination rules, students are only able to study either Visual Arts: Art OR Visual Arts: Design. 

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Folio – One folio that documents visual learning and supports one or two artistic resolutions.
  • Assessment Type 2: Practical – All practical’s are resolved from visual thinking and learning documented in the folio.
  • Assessment Type 3: Visual Study – The visual study is an exploration of, and/or experimentation with, a style, an idea, a concept, media, materials, methods, techniques, and/or technologies.

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Visual Arts

Prerequisites
Completion of a semester of either Visual Arts: Art or Visual Arts: Design is required. Students who do not meet this requirement may be considered for entry through a recommendation from the Arts Faculty.

Additional Information
Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs. The Year 12 Melbourne Arts Trip is optional and incurs additional costs.

The Arts  |  Stage 2

Creative Photography

Students explore photography in a contemporary context and the role it plays in our world through observation and response to a brief.
A contemporary approach to digital photography skills and techniques are explored using both artificial and natural lighting.

Student Experience

This advanced course is designed for Year 12 students who are passionate about photography, offering a deep exploration of creative techniques using natural light and studio setups. With a strong emphasis on self-directed projects and the development of digital editing skills, you will refine your artistic vision, enhance technical proficiency, and produce a professional product showcasing your mastery of photography.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of advanced photography concepts, including lighting, composition, and camera control.
  • Apply sophisticated techniques in using natural light to create emotionally impactful photographs.
  • Execute complex studio lighting setups to manipulate light and shadow for desired effects.
  • Cultivate a highly distinctive and evolved photographic style.
  • Utilize digital editing tools to enhance, retouch, and manipulate images effectively.
  • Critically analyse and provide constructive feedback on your own work and the work of others.
  • Professionally present and exhibit their photographic creations.

As part of this course, you will have the opportunity to attend the Year 12 Melbourne Arts Trip, a 3-day, 2-night experience that explores various galleries and photography opportunities. Work students capture during this trip can be used as part of their ongoing assessment.

The practical work(s) you create through this course will be exhibited as part of the end of year ABHS Senior Arts Showcase.

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Specialised Skills Task – Choice from a range of creative photographic techniques.
  • Assessment Type 2: Design Process and Solution – A photographic product based on a brief.
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Resource Study – Comprised of a resource investigation and an issues exploration

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Design, Technology and Engineering

Prerequisites
Year 11 Creative Photography is recommended, but not required.

Additional Information
Students are required to supply their own SD Card as part of this subject. Details regarding requirements for this will be provided at the start of each semester.
Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs. The Year 12 Melbourne Arts Trip is optional and incurs additional costs.

The Arts  |  Stage 2

Film

How do you express your creativity through the medium of film?  

Student Experience

This course is designed for Year 12 students who have a passion for film and want to understand what makes a critically acclaimed film. You’ll explore the works of different directors and the unique ways they use storytelling, cinematography and sound to engage their audiences.
The self-directed nature of this course will allow you to develop skills and knowledge of your choosing to support your major film. Finally, you will work either individually or as a small team to take on the roles needed within the filmmaking process to craft your own practical outcome.

Possible areas of exploration include:

  • Genre Films (e.g. Horror, Action, Comedy etc.)
  • Documentaries
  • Music Videos
  • Video Art

The practical work(s) you create through this course will be exhibited as part of the end of year ABHS Senior Arts Showcase.

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Folio – Students produce a practical work supported by a folio of evidence.
  • Assessment Type 2: Practical – An inquiry into an area of media arts practice that is of interest to you.
  • Assessment Type 3: Visual Study – An opportunity to develop a series of skills to improve your practical outcomes.

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Creative Arts

Prerequisites
Year 11 Film is recommended, but not required.

Additional Information
Students are required to supply their own SD Card as part of this subject. Details regarding requirements for this will be provided at the start of each semester.
Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

The Arts  |  Stage 2

Drama

On-stage or off-stage, Drama will give you the skills you need to break into the performing arts industry, give that killer presentation or land your dream job. 

Student Experience

Students undertake the course with either a Drama or Creative Arts focus. Both courses offer a strong focus on performance and use of cutting-edge contemporary technology to make powerful and impactful art.

Students work in close collaboration to make performances for either stage, screen or both. Students examine roles within the performing arts industry to inform and influence their artistic journeys. They are the driving force in deciding their own creative products and outcomes.

Topics explored include:

  • Acting, directing and producing
  • Screenwriting/playwriting
  • Set and costume design
  • Lighting
  • Sound design
  • Composing
  • Special effects and animation
  • Advertising and marketing
  • Costume and makeup
  • Editing
  • Cinematography

Skills learnt within Drama are highly sought after and complementary and transferable to a diverse range of professions and industries.

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Group Production – 40%
  • Assessment Type 2: Evaluation and Creativity – 30%
  • Assessment Type 3: Creative Presentation – 30% External

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Drama

Prerequisites
Completion of a semester of Year 11 Drama is required. Students who do not meet this requirement may be considered for entry through a recommendation from the Arts Faculty.

Additional Information
Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.
Students undertaking Year 12 Drama are expected to attend weekend and after-school rehearsals as required.

The Arts  |  Stage 2

Music

Explore the various opportunities music can provide! 

Student Experience

Music in Year 12 is comprised of 4 different SACE Subject offerings – Music Studies (full year), Music Explorations (full year) and Music Performance: Ensemble and/or Solo (semester only). Students will negotiate their music subjects with the Arts Faculty.

Music Studies (full year)
Students apply their knowledge and understanding of the elements of music, and musical conventions and styles, to develop and refine their musical works, their musical imagination, and their own ideas about and appreciation of music. Students create their own compositions, write arrangements, and craft performances of musical works. They reflect on and evaluate their own and other’s creative works. Through their studies, students develop and extend their understanding of music theory and standard notation, score-reading, aural skills and application of technical language in discussing and manipulating the elements of music.

Music Explorations (full year)
Through practical application of their understanding of musical elements, students learn to analyse and deconstruct music, manipulate sound and create musical works that express their ideas and emotions. This subject is flexible in its design, allowing individual and collaborative exploration options in performing, composing, arranging and exploring music technologies.

Music Performance: Ensemble (1 semester)
Students analyse their repertoire, and critique strategies to rehearse and develop their performances, and contribute and collaborate as effective members of an ensemble. They apply their knowledge and understanding of the style, structure, and conventions appropriate to the repertoire, in developing and refining their musical performances, their musical imagination, and their own ideas about and appreciation of music.

Music Performance: Solo (1 semester)
Students analyse their chosen repertoire, and critique strategies to develop their performances, and reflect on and evaluate their performances as a soloist. Students apply their knowledge and understanding of the style, structure, and conventions appropriate to their chosen repertoire, in crafting their musical performances, developing their musical imagination, and in communicating their own ideas about and appreciation of music.

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Group Production – 40%
  • Assessment Type 2: Evaluation and Creativity – 30%
  • Assessment Type 3: Creative Presentation – 30% External

Key Information

Subject Length
1 Semester – Music Performance: Ensemble and Solo
Full Year – Music Studies and Music Explorations

SACE Credits
10 or 20 (for full year)

SACE Subject and Link
Music Performance – Ensemble
Music Performance – Solo
Music Explorations
Music Studies

Prerequisites
Completion of a semester of Year 11 Music is preferred but not required. Skills reflective of two years of instrumental learning, or equivalent knowledge and practical application in music technologies are required.

Students who do not meet this requirement may be considered for entry through a recommendation from the Arts Faculty.

Additional Information
Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

STEM

Technologies (STEM) Pathways

View Pathways

Technologies (STEM)  |  Stage 2

Convergent Materials

Learn the essential steps for designing, planning and building wooden furniture in your own signature style.

Student Experience

This course introduces students to the process of designing and producing wooden objects and furniture.

Students draw on traditional and cutting-edge technologies and approaches as they develop essential creative skills, knowledge and practices, such as presentation techniques, materials and production skills, construction methods, model-making and computer aided design.

Topics and concepts covered may include:

  • Traditional joinery skills
  • Contemporary Furniture
  • Computer-aided design (CAD)
  • Computer aided-manufacturing (CAM)

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Skills Tasks – Two specialised skills tasks
  • Assessment Type 2: Major Project – One design process and solutions task
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Folio Assessment – One resource study task

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Design, Technology and Engineering – Material Solutions

Prerequisites
C grade or higher in Stage 1 Convergent Materials.

Additional Information
Students may be required to co-contribute towards the purchase of project materials, dependent on their personal design and choice of materials. Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Technologies (STEM)  |  Stage 2

Engineered for the Future

What role will engineering and assistive technologies play in future-proofing modern society and ensuring social inclusivity?

Student Experience

Students explore this key idea and choose a focus area for project development, along with completing a range of skill development tasks.

Students may undertake a robotics focus as a way of preparing for VEX Robotics competitions.

Topics and concepts covered may include:

  • Humanitarian and social inclusivity through human-centred design
  • Programming
  • Robotics
  • Computer-aided design (CAD)
  • Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Specialised Skills Task – Two or three specialised skills tasks
  • Assessment Type 2: Design Process and Solution – One design process and solutions task
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Resource Study – One resource study task

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Design, Technology and Engineering – Material Solutions OR Robotic and Electronic Systems

Prerequisites
C grade or higher in Stage 1 Engineered for the Future.

Additional Information
Students may be required to co-contribute towards the purchase of project materials, dependent on their personal design and choice of materials. Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Technologies (STEM)  |  Stage 2

Architectural Specialisation

In an age of rapid global change, this subject will highlight the role design can play in shaping the future form and performance of our built environments.

Student Experience

Students explore elements of architecture, landscape design, interior design and sustainability to find inspiration in developing a major project brief.

Students use digital and design technology skills to create digital (2D) and physical (3D) project models that will displayed through an exhibition.

Topics covered may include:

  • Technical drawing
  • Hand-sketching techniques
  • Model-making
  • AutoCAD
  • Rhino
  • Grasshopper
  • Revit

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Specialised Skills Task – Two or three specialised skills tasks
  • Assessment Type 2: Design Process and Solution – One design process and solutions task
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Resource Study – One resource study task

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Design, Technology and Engineering – Industry and Entrepreneurial Solutions

Prerequisites
C grade or higher in Stage 1 Architectural Solutions.

Additional Information
Students may be required to co-contribute towards the purchase of project materials, dependent on their personal design and choice of materials. Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Technologies (STEM)  |  Stage 2

Entertainment Technologies

Be part of the next generation of Australian games makers, visual effects artists and media designers.
Students will have the opportunity to plot their own path, allowing them to build their skills in areas of personal interest within the field.

Student Experience

In this subject, students develop the skills needed to work behind the scenes in the Creative Industries sector designing and developing enhanced digital entertainment experiences.

Topics covered may include:

  • Game art and/or programming
  • Design and development
  • Virtual environments for games, simulations or 3D animation
  • Computer graphics principles
  • Visual effects for movies and commercials
  • Sound effects creation

Students use industry standard software including Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects and Unreal Engine.

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Specialised Skills Task – Two or three specialised skills tasks
  • Assessment Type 2: Design Process and Solution – One design process and solutions task
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Resource Study – One resource study task

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Design, Technology and Engineering – Digital Communications Solutions

Prerequisites
C grade or higher in Stage 1 Entertainment Technologies

Additional Information
Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Technologies (STEM)  |  Stage 2

Computer Science and Cyber Security

Have you thought about cyber attacks and who stops them?
As computers become increasingly interconnected and support more services than ever, securing these systems becomes more challenging and more crucial.

Student Experience

This subject allows students to develop their knowledge of the inner workings of programmes, operating systems and networks so they understand the mechanisms of cyber-attacks.

Students learn the fundamental processes and practices to protect computing systems from attack, damage or unauthorised access.

Topics covered may include:

  • Computer programming
  • Software engineering
  • App development
  • Data analytics
  • Networks and intelligent systems

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Project Skills – Four project skills tasks
  • Assessment Type 2: Collaborative Project – One collaborative project
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Individual Digital Solution – One individual digital solution

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Digital Technologies

Prerequisites
C grade or higher in Stage 1 Computer Science and Cyber Security

Additional Information
Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Technologies (STEM)  |  Stage 2

Silversmithing and Glass Specialisation

Creating jewellery is a timeless art form. Build upon your Studio skills and learn new techniques under the guidance of a skilled and experienced teacher.

Student Experience

Students will design a produce a number of pieces that extend their skills in silversmithing techniques, including soldering, filing, rolling and forming, while exploring advanced techniques, such as electroplating, sweat soldering and stone setting.

Students will also be introduced to a range of glass forming techniques, such as flame working.

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Skills Tasks – Two specialised skills tasks
  • Assessment Type 2: Major Project – One design process and solutions task
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Folio Assessment – One resource study task

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Design, Technology and Engineering – Material Solutions

Prerequisites
C grade or higher in Stage 1 Convergent Materials,

Additional Information
Students may be required to co-contribute towards the purchase of project materials, dependent on their personal design and choice of materials. Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Maths (STEM) Pathways

View Pathways

Maths (STEM)  |  Stage 2

Mathematical Methods

Mathematical Methods focuses on the development of mathematical skills and techniques that enable students to explore, describe, and explain aspects of the world around them in a mathematical way. It places mathematics in relevant contexts and deals with relevant phenomena from the students’ common experiences, as well as from scientific, professional, and social contexts. 
Mathematics is used to model practical situations. Modelling, which links the two mathematical areas to be studied, calculus and statistics, is made more practicable by the use of electronic technology.

Student Experience

Students solve problems based on a range of applications is a vital part of mathematics in this subject.

With both calculus and statistics being widely applicable as models of the world around us, there is ample opportunity for problem-solving throughout this subject.

Topics covered will include:

  • Further differentiation and applications
  • Discrete random variables
  • Integral calculus
  • Logarithmic functions
  • Continuous random variables and the normal distribution
  • Sampling and confidence intervals

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Skills and Applications Tasks – Six skills and applications tasks
  • Assessment Type 2: Mathematical Investigation – One mathematical investigation
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Examination – One examination

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Mathematical Methods

Prerequisites
Three semesters of Stage 1 Mathematical Methods with a C grade or higher

Additional Information
There will be an option to purchase a Study Guide or Exam Revision Guide at your own cost. Students will require a graphics calculator. Optional  activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Maths (STEM)  |  Stage 2

Specialist Mathematics

Specialist Mathematics draws on and deepens students’ mathematical knowledge, skills, and understanding. Students have opportunities to develop their skills in using rigorous mathematical arguments and proofs and using mathematical models.
Specialist Mathematics goes deeper into the basis of functions and calculus started in Stage 2 Mathematical Methods.

Student Experience

The topics in Stage 2 extend students’ mathematical experience and their mathematical flexibility and versatility, in particular, in the areas of complex numbers and vectors. The general theory of functions, differential equations, and dynamic systems provide opportunities to analyse the consequences of more complex laws of interaction.

The topics studied provide different scenarios for incorporating mathematical arguments, proofs, and problem-solving.

Topics covered will include:

  • Mathematical induction
  • Complex numbers
  • Functions and sketching graphs
  • Vectors in three dimensions
  • Integration techniques and applications
  • Rates of change and differential equations

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Skills and Applications Tasks – six skills and applications tasks
  • Assessment Type 2: Mathematical Investigation – One mathematical investigation
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Examination – One examination

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Specialist Mathematics

Prerequisites
C grade or higher in Stage 1 Mathematical Methods and a C grade or higher in Stage 1 Specialist Mathematics

Additional Information
The subject leads to study in a range of tertiary courses such as mathematical sciences, engineering, computer science, and physical sciences. Students envisaging careers in related fields will benefit from studying this subject.
There will be an option to purchase a Study Guide or Exam Revision Guide at your own cost. Students will require a graphics calculator. Optional  activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Maths (STEM)  |  Stage 2

General Mathematics

General Mathematics extends students’ mathematical skills in ways that apply to practical problem-solving. 
A problem-based approach is integral to the development of mathematical models and the associated key ideas in the topics. These topics cover a diverse range of applications of mathematics, including measurement, trigonometry, and discrete modelling using networks and matrices. 

Student Experience

Stage 2 General Mathematics offers students the opportunity to develop a strong understanding of the process of mathematical modelling and its application to problem solving in everyday workplace contexts.

A problem-based approach is integral to the development of both the models and the associated key concepts in the topics. These topics cover a range of mathematical applications, including linear functions, matrices, statistics, finance, and optimisation.

Topics covered include five from the following:

  • Topic 1: Modelling with linear relationships
  • Topic 2: Modelling with matrices
  • Topic 3: Statistical models
  • Topic 4: Financial models
  • Topic 5: Discrete models
  • Topic 6: Open topic

All students must study Topics 1, 3, 4 and 5.

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Skills and Applications Tasks – Five skills and applications tasks
  • Assessment Type 2: Mathematical Investigations – Two mathematical investigations
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Examination – One examination

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
General Mathematics

Prerequisites
Full year of Stage 1 General Mathematics with a C grade or higher or full year equivalent of Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics with a C grade or higher.

Additional Information
There will be an option to purchase a Study Guide or Exam Revision Guide at your own cost. Students will require a graphics calculator. Optional  activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Maths (STEM)  |  Stage 2

Essential Mathematics

Essential Mathematics offers senior secondary students the opportunity to extend their mathematical skills in ways that apply to practical problem-solving in everyday and workplace contexts. Students apply their mathematics to diverse settings, including everyday calculations, financial management, business applications, measurement and geometry, and statistics in social contexts.

Student Experience

Students extend their mathematical skills in ways that apply to practical problem-solving in everyday and workplace contexts.

To develop a better understanding of the mathematical processes involved, the initial focus of the learning in this topic is the performance of calculations by hand.

The discerning use of electronic technology is introduced to enable more complex problems to be solved efficiently.

Topics covered include five from the following:

  • Topic 1: Scales, plans, and models
  • Topic 2: Measurement
  • Topic 3: Business applications
  • Topic 4: Statistics
  • Topic 5: Investments and loans
  • Topic 6: Open topic

All students must study Topics 2, 4 and 5.

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Skills and Applications Tasks – Four or five skills and applications tasks
  • Assessment Type 2: Folio – Two or three folio tasks
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Examination – One examination

Students provide evidence of their learning through eight assessments, including the external assessment component.

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Essential Mathematics

Prerequisites
Full year of Stage 1 Mathematics with a C grade or higher

Additional Information
There will be an option to purchase a Study Guide or Exam Revision Guide at your own cost. Students will require a graphics calculator. Optional  activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Science (STEM) Pathways

View Pathways

Science (STEM)  |  Stage 2

Physics

Physics seeks to explain natural phenomena, from the subatomic world to the macrocosmos, and to make predictions about them. 
The models, laws, and theories in physics are based on evidence obtained from observations, measurements, and active experimentation over thousands of years. 
Investigation is an integral part of the learning and understanding of Physics concepts, using scientific methods to test ideas and develop new knowledge.

Student Experience

Stage 2 Physics focuses on the interrelationship between matter, energy, and forces. Students explore these relationships in the context of motion, electricity, magnetism, light, and atoms and examine the application of these relationships in a range of technologies.

Through further developing skills in gathering, analysing, and interpreting primary and secondary data to investigate a range of phenomena and technologies, students increase their understanding of physics concepts and the impact that physics has on many aspects of contemporary life.

In Physics, students integrate and apply a range of understanding, inquiry, and scientific thinking skills that encourage and inspire them to contribute their own solutions to current and future problems and challenges.

Topics covered will include:

  • Topic 1: Motion and relativity
  • Topic 2: Electricity and magnetism
  • Topic 3: Light and atoms

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Investigations Folio – At least two practical investigations and one investigation with a focus on science as a human endeavour
  • Assessment Type 2: Skills and Applications Tasks – At least three skills and applications tasks
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Examination – One examination

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Physics

Prerequisites
Full year of Stage 1 Physics with a C grade or higher

Additional Information
There will be an option to purchase a Study Guide or Exam Revision Guide at your own cost. Optional  activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Science (STEM)  |  Stage 2

Chemistry

In their study of Chemistry, students develop and extend their understanding of how the physical world is chemically constructed, the interaction between human activities and the environment, and the use that human beings make of the planet’s resources.

Student Experience

Stage 2 Chemistry builds on the principles and concepts of chemistry introduced in Stage 1 Chemistry.

Science inquiry skills and science as a human endeavour are integral to student’s learning in this subject and are interwoven through the science understandings, which are organised into four topics.

Using an inquiry approach to learning through observation, speculation, prediction, experimentation, analysis, evaluation, and communication, students develop and extend their science inquiry skills and reinforce their understanding of science as a human endeavour.

Topics covered will include:

  • Topic 1: Monitoring the environment
  • Topic 2: Managing chemical processes
  • Topic 3: Organic and biological chemistry
  • Topic 4: Managing resources

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Investigations Folio – At least two practical investigations and one investigation with a focus on science as a human endeavour
  • Assessment Type 2: Skills and Applications Tasks – At least three skills and applications tasks
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Examination – One examination

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Chemistry

Prerequisites
Full year of Stage 1 Chemistry with a C grade or higher

Additional Information
There will be an option to purchase a Study Guide or Exam Revision Guide at your own cost. Optional  activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Science (STEM)  |  Stage 2

Biology

The study of Biology is constructed around inquiry into, and application of, understanding the diversity of life as it has evolved, the structure and function of living things, and how they interact with their own and other species and their environments.

Student Experience

Students investigate biological systems and their interactions, from the perspectives of energy, control, structure and function, change, and exchange in microscopic cellular structures and processes, through to macroscopic ecosystem dynamics.

In their study of Biology, students inquire into and explain biological phenomena and draw evidence-based conclusions from their investigations into biology-related issues, developments, and innovations.

Students explore the dynamic nature of biological science and the complex ways in which science interacts with society, to think critically and creatively about possible scientific approaches to solving everyday and complex problems and challenges.

Topics covered will include:

  • Topic 1: DNA and proteins
  • Topic 2: Cells as the basis of life
  • Topic 3: Homeostasis
  • Topic 4: Evolution

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Investigations Folio – At least two practical investigations and one investigation with a focus on science as a human endeavour
  • Assessment Type 2: Skills and Applications Tasks – At least three skills and applications tasks
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Examination – One examination

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Biology

Prerequisites
Stage 1 Biology 2 (Semester 2) with a C grade or higher or full year of Stage 1 Physics or Chemistry with a C grade or higher

Additional Information
Student will participate in an online exam. There will be an option to purchase a Study Guide or Exam Revision Guide at your own cost. Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Science (STEM)  |  Stage 2

Psychology

How do people learn? Why do humans conform? How do peoples’ personalities shape their futures?
The study of Psychology aims to explain the universality of human experience and individual and cultural diversity. It addresses the ways in which behaviour can be changed and offers ways to make society more cohesive and equitable; that is, psychology offers ways of intervening to advance the wellbeing of individuals, groups, and societies.
However, every change also holds the possibility of harm. The ethics of research and intervention are therefore an integral part of psychology.

Student Experience

Students explore different concepts of personality, personality assessment, and cultural and individual differences in personality. They examine the positive and negative factors that affect psychological health, how people can be helped to cope with mental health issues and stress, and what they can do to increase their emotional and social wellbeing.

Organisational Psychology involves the evidence-based study of organisations and particularly the work performance and job satisfaction of their members.

The examinable topics enable students to consider social influence and how people influence one another through topics such as obedience, conformity, attitude formation and attitude change, prejudice and persuasion. The final topic will demonstrate that learning is central to human survival.

Topics covered will include all the following:

  • Psychology of the Individual
  • Psychological Health and Wellbeing
  • Organisational Psychology
  • Social Influence
  • The Psychology of Learning

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Investigations Folio – At least one psychological investigation and one investigation with a focus on science as a human endeavour
  • Assessment Type 2: Skills and Applications Tasks – At least three skills and applications tasks
  • Assessment Type 3 (External): Examination – Two topics are assessed in the external examination – social influence and the psychology of learning

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Psychology

Prerequisites
None

Additional Information
There will be an option to purchase a Study Guide or Exam Revision Guide at your own cost. Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Futures Ready

The Futures Ready Learning area curates offerings using SACE cross disciplinary subjects with a focus on building employability skills, industry skills and career development competencies.

Students begin to take part in Futures Ready subjects when they undertake Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) in Year 10 and continue with the SACE Research Project/Activating Identities and Futures (AIF). Around these, offerings using SACE curriculum subjects such as Workplace Practices, Integrated Learning, Research Practices and Community Studies are available as standalone subjects and connected with other learning areas.

View Pathways

Futures Ready  |  Stage 2

Workplace Practices

Workplace Practices is an ideal option for students who are planning to undertake, or are currently undertaking, vocational education/flexible industry pathways, high level sports or arts commitments or are participating in part-time employment. The flexibility of the course to incorporate extra curricular activities is advantageous to balance study commitments.

Student Experience

Students develop knowledge, skills, and understanding of the nature, type and structure of the workplace.

They learn about the value of unpaid work to society, future trends in the world of work, workers’ rights and responsibilities and career planning.

Students can undertake learning in the workplace and develop and reflect on their capabilities, interests, and aspirations.

The subject may include the undertaking of vocational education and training (VET) as provided under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Stage 2 Workplace Practices has three areas of study:

  • Industry and work knowledge
  • Vocational learning
  • Vocational Education and Training (VET)

All students study Industry and Work Knowledge with Vocational Learning (including Sport/Arts) or VET used for performance.

Students have the agency within all assessment types to tailor their experience to their interests and pathways.

Assessment

  • Assessment Type 1: Folio – At least three assessments for the folio
  • Assessment Type 2: Performance – One or two assessments for the performance
  • Assessment Type 3: Reflection – At least two assessments for the reflection
  • Assessment Type 4 (External): Investigation – One investigation

Key Information

Subject Length
Full Year

SACE Credits
20

SACE Subject and Link
Workplace Practices

Prerequisites
Current engagement in VET/Flexible Industry Pathways, sports (high level playing or community coaching), extra curricular arts performance or paid employment.

Additional Information
Optional activities throughout the semester may incur additional costs.

Further Information

This guide is a starting point for our students as they work towards making their subject choices for their SACE Stage 2.
In addition to the support and guidance offered by ABHS throughout the subject selection process, we have also provided some links to useful websites below which students and parents may find helpful.

Studying the SACE ABHS Careers South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) East Adelaide Secondary Vocational Alliance (EASVA) TAFE SA
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