Senior General Courses

The English General course focuses on consolidating and refining the skills and knowledge needed by students to become competent, confident and engaged users of English in everyday, community, social, further education, training and workplace contexts. The course is designed to provide students with the skills to succeed in a wide range of post-secondary pathways by developing their language, literacy and literary skills. Students comprehend, analyse, interpret, evaluate and create analytical, imaginative, interpretive and persuasive texts in a range of written, oral, multimodal and digital forms.

The Mathematics Essential General course focuses on using mathematics effectively, efficiently and critically to make informed decisions. It provides students with the mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding to solve problems in real contexts for a range of workplace, personal, further learning and community settings. This course provides the opportunity for students to prepare for post-school options of employment and further training.

The Integrated Science General course enables students to investigate science issues in the context of the world around them. It incorporates aspects of biology, chemistry, geology and physics, and can also include less traditional areas, such as forensic science and biotechnology. Integrated Science encourages students to be questioning, reflective and critical thinkers about scientific issues. Students apply their scientific knowledge in areas such as vehicle safety and driving, personal lifestyle choices, the management of water resources, environmental issues associated with biodiversity and conservation, and sustainable use of energy. Students develop a range of practical skills and techniques through investigations and fieldwork in context, and use scientific evidence to make informed decisions about scientific issues.

Physical Education Studies General contributes to the development of students’ physical, social and emotional growth. The Physical Education Studies General course provides students with opportunities to understand and improve performance through the integration of theoretical concepts and practical activities. Through engagement as performers, leaders, coaches, analysts and planners of physical activity, students may develop skills that can be utilised in leisure, recreation, education, sport development, youth work, health and medical fields.

The Business Management and Enterprise General course focuses on establishing and operating a small business in Australia and aims to provide students with an understanding of the knowledge and skills of the processes and procedures required for generating business ideas and turning them into a viable business venture. Factors that impact on business innovation and success, business planning, and legal aspects of running a small business are examined. Students engage in the running of a small business, or participate in business simulations, to develop practical business skills and to develop financial and business literacy. Through the consideration of real businesses and scenarios, students develop knowledge, understanding and skills that enable them to analyse business opportunities, develop proposals and make sound, ethical business decisions. The course equips students to participate proactively in the world of business, behave responsibly and demonstrate integrity in business activities.

In the Visual Arts General course, students engage in traditional, modern and contemporary media and techniques within the broad areas of art forms. The course promotes innovative practice. Students are encouraged to explore and represent their ideas and gain an awareness of the role that artists and designers play in reflecting, challenging and shaping societal values. The Visual Arts course allows students to develop aesthetic understandings and a critical awareness to appreciate and make informed evaluations of art through their engagement of their own art practice and the work of others.

Materials Design and Technology General is a practical course where students can choose to work with metal, textiles or wood in the design and manufacture of products. This is also a course about ideas, innovation and creativity. In order to do these well, students research and test the different characteristics of materials, and use strategies to develop innovative and creative ideas. They develop a clear understanding of the elements and fundamentals of design, and apply a learned design process to successfully develop a product. Students apply skills of management in planning and implementing a process, at the same time as they manipulate tools and machines to produce high-quality products.

In the Automotive Engineering and Technology general course students develop skills and understandings relating to the component parts, accessories, systems and technologies of the automotive vehicle. Students develop the principles underpinning the operation of vehicle systems and subsystems. They also develop the knowledge and skills needed to service, maintain and repair these systems. Students develop effective communication, teamwork skills and environmental awareness when developing solutions to planning and managing automotive vehicle systems.

The Media Production and Analysis General course aims to prepare students for a future in a digital and interconnected world by providing the skills, knowledge and understandings to tell their own stories and interpret the stories of others. Students are encouraged to explore, experiment and interpret their world, reflecting and analysing contemporary life, while understanding that this is done under social, cultural and institutional constraints. Students, as users and creators of media products, consider the important role of audiences and their context. This course focuses on the application of media theory in the practical process.

• The General we offer are dependent upon the number of students who choose those particular courses and can vary.