Arts VCE Units

Studio Arts / Fine Art & Photography Units 1 to 4

Students choosing Studio Art must nominate the area of specialisation they wish to follow.  The areas are Fine Art and Photography.  Credit can only be gained for one of these units each semester, although students focussing on this area may wish to do more than one to build up their folio.

Studio Arts provides a framework for the establishment of effective art practices through an understanding and application of the process of design.  It enables students to specialise in a particular form of studio production.  Students generate, explore and communicate ideas through specific studio forms and develop and use specialised skills in a range of media and techniques.  The theoretical component of the study involves an investigation of how selected studio forms have developed an examination of artists’ working methods and a study of professional practices and art industry issues.

Drama Units 1 to 4

The focus is on creating, presenting and analysing.  Students examine storytelling through the creation of solo and/or ensemble devised performance/s and manipulate expressive skills in the creation and presentation of characters.  Students use a range of stimulus material in creating performance and examine performance styles from a range of cultural and historical contexts.  Theatrical conventions appropriate to the selected performance styles are also explored.  Students’ knowledge of how dramatic elements are enhanced or manipulated through performance is further developed in this unit.  Naturalistic and non-naturalistic performance styles and associated theatrical conventions are explored.  Professional performance that incorporates non-naturalistic performance style/s and production elements will also be analysed.

Media Units 1 to 4

These units enable students to develop an understanding of the relationship between the media, audience and media forms.  Students develop practical and analytical skills.  Students develop an understanding of production and story elements and recognise the role and significance of narrative organisation in fictional film, radio or television programs.  Specialist production stages and roles within the collaborative organisation of media production will be examined.  Students develop practical skills during the stages and roles in the media production process.  Students also develop an understanding of media industry issues.

Music Performance  Units 1 to 4

This study develops intellectual, aesthetic and cultural understanding of the value and importance of music in solo and group settings.  As soloists and members of groups, students develop skills in preparing programs of music works, and apply musicianship as they create music and interpret and analyse solo and ensemble works in a range of styles.

 

English VCE Units

English Units 1 to 4

This study aims to develop competence in the understanding and use of English for a variety of purposes sufficient to meet the demands of post-school employment, further education and participation in a democratic society.  It emphasises the integration of reading, writing, speaking, listening and thinking.  It values student diversity and particularly encourages a learning environment in which students take responsibility for their language development and thus grow in confidence, language acquisition, skill development and understanding.

Literature Units 1 to 4

Literature involves the enjoyment and appreciation of a wide range of literary texts (classical, traditional, popular and modern), exploring and interpreting their meanings through discussion and debate.  Students learn to understand that texts are constructions, to consider the complexity of language and to recognise the influence of contexts and form.  The study of literature encourages independent and critical thinking in students’ analytical and creative responses to texts, which will assist students in the workforce and in future academic study.

 

Health & Physical Education VCE Units

Health and Human Development  Units 1 to 4

The central focus of the Health and Human Development study is to examine the factors that promote wellbeing in individuals, families and communities.  This study aims to develop an understanding of the relationship between health and human development.

Outdoor & Environmental Studies Units 1 to 4

Outdoor and Environmental Studies is a study of the ways humans interact with and relate to natural environments.  It is directed towards enabling students to make critically informed comment on questions of environmental sustainability and to understand the importance of environmental health, particularly in local contexts. Outdoor and Environmental Studies is both theoretical and practically based. There will be a series of practical activities in outdoor environments and some camps which families must pay for. Students not attending these practical activities will be seriously disadvantaged in related assessments. If students cannot afford the costs they should not enrol in these units.

Physical Education  Units 1 to 4

Physical Education examines the biological, social and cultural influences on performance and participation in physical activity.  The study is both theoretical and practically based.  Students will participate in physical activity, which will allow them to reflect on factors that affect performance and participation in physical activity

 

Humanities & Commerce VCE Units

Business Management Units 1 to 4

Business Management examines the ways in which people at various levels within a business organisation manage resources to achieve the objectives of the organisation.  The study recognises that there is a range of management theories rather than a single theory of management.  Each unit examines some of these theories and, through exposure to real business scenarios and/or direct contact with business, tests them against management in practice.

History Units 3 to 4

History is the practice of understanding and making meaning of the past.  Students learn about their historical past, their shared history and the people, ideas and events that have created present societies.  It builds a conceptual and historical framework within which students can develop an understanding of the issues of their own time and place.  It develops the skills necessary to analyse visual, oral and written records.  The study of history draws links between the social/political institutions and language of contemporary society and its history.  It sets accounts of the past within the framework of the values and interests of that time.

Legal Studies Units 1 to 4

Legal Studies focuses on the institutions and processes used to make laws, and the various methods used to resolve criminal and civil disputes.  It enables students to develop an understanding of the impact our legal system has upon the lives of all Australians.

 

LOTE - Languages Other Than English VCE Units

Japanese Units LOTE 1 to 4

Japanese has been identified as one of the priority languages from the Asia-Pacific region to be taught in Australian schools.  This recognises the close economic and cultural ties between the two countries.  The study of a language other than English contributes to the overall education of students, most particularly in the area of communication, but also the areas of cross-cultural understanding, cognitive development, literacy and general knowledge.

 

VCE / VCAL Mathematics Units

All students in all the mathematical units offered will apply knowledge and skills, model, investigate and solve problems, and use technology to support the learning of mathematics and its application in different contexts.

For all VCE Mathematics units, students are required to use a calculator.  The appropriate use of technology to support and develop the teaching and learning of mathematics is incorporated throughout all of the units.  With the exception of students studying Foundation Mathematics, students will be required to purchase a Computer Algebra System (CAS) calculator.  The CAS calculator used for instruction at Brauer College is the TI-nspire.

The successful completion of all VCE Mathematics studies is dependent upon three outcomes

Outcome 1

Define and explain key concepts as specified in the content from the areas of study, and apply a range of related mathematical routines and procedures.

Outcome 2

Apply mathematical processes in non-routine contexts, and analyse and discuss these applications of mathematics.

Outcome 3

Select and appropriately use technology to develop mathematical ideas, produce results and carry out analysis in situations requiring problem-solving, modelling or investigative techniques or approaches

It should also be noted that, while Unit 3 and 4 subjects must be completed as a sequence, it is possible to indicate individual units at levels 1 and 2.  Students contemplating this should discuss their intended program with their Mathematics teacher to gain more information about the areas of study in specific units, particularly if they intend to build on this knowledge in the following year.

Foundation Mathematics Units FNM 1 & 2

Foundation Mathematics provides for the continuing mathematical development of students entering VCE needing mathematical skills to support their other VCE subjects including VET studies and who do not intend to undertake Units 3 and 4 studies in VCE Mathematics in the following year.

In Foundation Mathematics, there is a strong emphasis on using mathematics in practical contexts relating to everyday life, personal work and study.  Students are encouraged to use appropriate technology in all areas of their study.  The areas of study for these units are ‘Space and Shape’, ‘Patterns in Number’, ‘Handling Data’ and ‘Measurement and Design’.

NOTE: There is currently no Units 3 or 4 Mathematics that follow on from this subject. 

Standard General Mathematics Units SGM 1 & 2

General Mathematics provides courses for diverse groups of students and may be implemented in a number of ways.  At Brauer College, Standard General Mathematics is recommended preparation for Further Mathematics Units 3 & 4 in Year 12.  Areas of study may include Arithmetic Skills, Linear Relations and Equations, Graphs, Statistics, Shape and Measurement, Trigonometry and Applications, Coordinate Geometry, and Sequences and Series.  The application of these skills through both class work and projects is emphasised.

It is recommended that students intending to undertake this course have successfully completed Mathematics to at least Year 10 Standard Unit 1 level.

Advanced General Mathematics Units AGM 1 & 2

Advanced General Mathematics provides essential preparation for any students intending to undertake Specialist Mathematics Units 3 & 4 and, together with Mathematical Methods 1 & 2, is highly recommended preparation for students considering Mathematical Methods 3 & 4 in Year 12 who have not already completed a course of Advanced Mathematics at Year 10 level.  Areas of study may include Real and Complex Number Systems, Co-ordinate Geometry, Trigonometric Ratios and their Applications, Non-Linear Relations and Equations, Matrices, Sketching and Interpreting Linear and Non-Linear Graphs, Geometry in Two and Three Dimensions, Vectors, Kinematics, Algebra and Logic.

(It should be noted that Standard General Mathematics and Advanced General Mathematics are currently counted as the same subject in gaining credit towards the completion of the VCE.)

Mathematical Methods Units MMA 1 & 2

Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 are designed in particular as preparation for Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4.

Students attempting Mathematical Methods, in particular, are expected to have a sound background in algebra, function and probability. 

Areas of study include Functions and Graphs, Algebra, Probability, Rates of Change, Calculus and Circular and Exponential Functions.

Further Mathematics Units FMT 3 & 4

Further Mathematics consists of a compulsory area of study, ‘Data Analysis’ and then a selection of three from the following six modules in the ‘Applications’ area of study: Number Patterns and Applications; Geometry and Trigonometry; Graphs and Relations; Business Related Mathematics; Networks and Decision Mathematics; and Matrices.

Mathematical Methods Units MMA 3 & 4

To successfully complete Mathematical Methods Units 3 & 4, there is assumed knowledge that can only be gained from Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2.  Having undertaken Advanced General Mathematics Units 1 & 2 before attempting Mathematical Methods Units 3 & 4 is also an advantage, especially with interpretative problems.

Areas of study covered in Units 3 & 4 include Functions and Graphs, Circular Functions, Calculus, Algebra and Probability.  Students undertaking this course make extensive use of CAS calculators.

Specialist Mathematics Units SMA 3 & 4

Enrolment in Specialist Mathematics Units 3 & 4 assumes a current enrolment in, or previous completion of, Mathematical Methods Units 3 & 4.

It should be further noted that, to successfully complete Specialist Mathematics Units 3 & 4, there is assumed knowledge that can only be gained from the study of Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2 and Advanced General Mathematics.

Specialist Mathematics consists of the following areas of study: Coordinate Geometry; Circular (Trigonometric) Functions; Algebra; Calculus; Vectors; and Mechanics.  Throughout the course, there is also an emphasis on mathematical structure and proof.

 

Science VCE Units

Biology Units 1 to 4

Biology is the study of living things, from familiar, complex multicellular organisms that live in the many different habitats of our biosphere to single celled micro-organisms that live in seemingly inhospitable conditions.  It considers the dynamic relationships between living things, their interdependence, their interactions with the non-living environment and the processes that maintain life and ensure its continuity.

Chemistry Units 1 to 4

Chemical processes are important in improving human health, preventing environmental problems and rehabilitating degraded environments.  In this study of Chemistry, a thematic approach has been adopted and, throughout the study, contexts have been provided to apply chemical knowledge to technology and society.  Students will investigate, explore and solve qualitative and quantitative problems and discuss chemical concepts and issues.

Extended Investigation Units 3 to 4

The VCE Extended Investigation enables students to develop, refine and extend knowledge and skills in independent research and carry out an investigation that focuses on a rigorous research question. The investigation may be an extension of an area of curriculum already undertaken by the student or it may be completely independent of any other study in the student’s VCE program.  Through this study, students develop their capacity to explore, justify and defend their research findings in both oral and written forms to a general, or non-specialist audience.

Physics Units 1 to 4

The study of Physics, by increasing our understanding of the physical and social environment, has led to developments which have profoundly influenced the world.  This study covers the areas that traditionally are the basis of courses at this level, with an emphasis on the foundation areas of mechanics and electricity.  A contextual approach to the study has been adopted so that students appreciate the relevance of physics to the physical, technological and social worlds.

Psychology Units 1 to 4

Psychology is the systematic study of thoughts, feelings and behaviour.  As a science, psychology aims to describe, explain and predict behaviour; in doing so, it relies on empirical procedures rather than intuition.  The application of research methods in psychology allows students to develop useful skills in analytical and critical thinking and in making inferences.  VCE Psychology is not intended as a prerequisite for tertiary studies in Psychology.  Rather, it provides a challenging yet accessible introduction to the science of psychology, allowing students to increase their knowledge.

Technology KLA VCE Units

Food and Technology Units 1 to 4

This study is designed to give students a greater understanding of food as a commodity and knowledge of food preparation and production from a small-scale perspective to mass production in industry.  Students will develop skills in planning, preparation and evaluation of food products.

Product Design & Technology - Wood, Metal or Textiles Units 1 to 4

Students choose which material will be their focus.

In VCE Product Design and Technology, students assume the role of a designer-maker.  In adopting this role, they acquire and apply knowledge of factors that influence design.  Students address the design factors relevant to their design situation.

The knowledge and use of resources is integral to product design.  These resources include a range of materials, and the tools, equipment and machines needed to transform these materials into useful products in a safe manner.  Increasingly, the importance of environmental sustainability is having an impact on product design and development.  More sustainable approaches are therefore at the forefront throughout the product lifecycle.