Introduction to Year 10 Subjects

The Barker College Curriculum in Year 10 is designed to provide foundational experience in courses of study which develop a systematic and self-directed approach essential for academic success in Years 11 and 12, as well as establishing secure foundations in the knowledge, skills and understanding expected in the major subject areas offered in the Preliminary (Year 11) and HSC (Year 12) courses. Students cannot proceed to Preliminary Courses without having completed Stage 5 satisfactorily.

All Year 10 students at Barker are required to study English, Mathematics, Science, HSIE, Christian Studies and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE). In addition, three elective subjects must be chosen in Year 10.

Further information about the core subjects can be found below.

Contact

Director of Academic Performance: Philip Mundy
Email: [email protected]

An overview of Core Course Requirements for Year 10 students

Christian Studies

Students in Year 10 have the choice between the regular Christian Studies course and the Extension Christian Studies

In Year 10 our theme is “Stories”. Students discover God’s unfolding plan through His overarching story of grace and forgiveness. They learn about the Old Testament story of David told in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel. They also learn about Jesus’ story in the Gospel of Mark. Students learn about the many stories told by Christians throughout history. Stories from Maritn Luther, C.S Lewis, Augustine of Hippo, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and many more. Students are then asked to consider their own story.

Extension Christian Studies - Read More

English

Year 10 English provides students with a rigorous and engaging course of study that prepares them for the demands of senior secondary English and lays a strong foundation for future academic pathways, including Studies, Standard, Advanced and Extension English courses. Through the exploration of increasingly complex literary, visual, spoken and multimodal texts, students deepen their understanding of how language shapes meaning, influences perspectives and reflects the human experience.

Students study a diverse range of texts from Australia and around the world, including works that represent a variety of cultural, historical and social viewpoints. Through sustained reading, close textual analysis and extended writing, students examine how composers use language forms, features and structures to communicate ideas, challenge assumptions and invite interpretation.

The course develops sophisticated skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing. Students refine their ability to think critically, interpret complex ideas, evaluate perspectives and communicate with clarity, precision and purpose. They engage with analytical, imaginative and discursive forms of writing, developing the independence and intellectual flexibility required for success in Stage 6 English.

Throughout the course, students are encouraged to become reflective readers and writers who can confidently engage with challenging texts and contribute thoughtfully to contemporary conversations. Information and communication technologies are integrated across the program, supporting research, collaboration, creativity and effective communication.

Year 10 English fosters a deep appreciation of literature and language while equipping students with the literacy, analytical and communication skills necessary for senior study, lifelong learning and active participation in an increasingly complex world.

Mathematics

All students are required to study Mathematics over Years 9 and 10. There are four courses of study within Mathematics, called ‘Pathway to Extension’, ‘Pathway to Advanced’, ‘Pathway to Standard’ and ‘Core’. These courses are designed so that students will cover the mandatory content for Mathematics during these two years, as well as prepare them for their chosen Mathematics course of study during Years 11 and 12.

All Year 10 assessments will contain common content between adjacent pathways so that all students will know how they compare to students in pathways immediately above and below them. This will enable greater transparency over student’s suitability to alter their pathway.

Pathway to Extension: This course has been designed for the highly capable Mathematics student who shows a real aptitude for Mathematics and a significant ability to problem solve in unfamiliar contexts. As a guide, we expect around 25% of the cohort to be placed in this course. If it turns out that this course becomes too demanding, students can move to Pathway to Advanced.

The nature and format of the Pathway to Extension course enables students to learn the mathematical principles required for the study of any one of the three courses in Year 11 and 12, namely: Mathematics Standard, Mathematics Advanced or Mathematics Extension. Even highly capable students who do not apply themselves appropriately can find this course a significant challenge and a real struggle. Students and parents who wish to choose this level against the Mathematics Department’s recommendation should realise the vast majority of students who have done so have struggled to cope, lost confidence and generally performed poorly.

Pathway to Advanced: This course has been designed for the capable Mathematics student who shows a moderate aptitude for Mathematics and some ability to problem solve in unfamiliar contexts. As a guide, we expect around 40% of the cohort to be placed in this course. If it turns out that this course becomes too demanding, students can move to Pathway to Standard. If this course is not challenging enough, students may be able to move to Pathway to Extension.

The nature and format of the Pathway to Advanced course enables students to learn the mathematical principles required for the study of any one of the three courses in Year 11 and 12, namely: Mathematics Standard, Mathematics Advanced or Mathematics Extension, although an exceptional result would be required to access Mathematics Extension. Students and parents who wish to choose this level against the Mathematics Department’s recommendation should realise the vast majority of students who have done so have struggled to cope, lost confidence and generally performed poorly.

Pathway to Standard: This course is an appropriate level of study for those students who possess a reasonable level of mathematical intuition and ability. As a guide, we expect around 30% of the cohort to be placed in this course. If it turns out that this course becomes too demanding, students can move to the Core course. If this course is not challenging enough, students can move to Pathway to Advanced.

The nature and format of the Pathway to Standard course enables students to learn the basic mathematical principles required for the study of the Mathematics Standard course in Years 11 and 12. The Pathway to Standard course is not sufficient for the Year 11 Mathematics Extension or Advanced courses.

Core: This level is an appropriate level of study for those students who possess a basic standard of mathematical intuition and ability. As a guide, we expect around 5% of Barker of the cohort to be placed in this course.

The Core course allows students to complete the requirements for the study of Mathematics during Years 9 and 10. The nature and format of this level also enables students to learn the basic mathematical principles required for the study of the Mathematics Standard course in Years 11 and 12. This course is not sufficient for the Year 11 Mathematics Extension or Advanced courses.

The Pathway to Standard and Core courses can be good options for students to regain confidence. For example, a student who completed the equivalent of the Core course in Years 9 and 10 recently came second at Barker in the HSC Mathematics Standard course.

Science

In Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10), all students must also complete one year of Mandatory History and one year of Mandatory Geography. The School also offers History (Elective) and Geography (Elective) courses in addition to these mandatory courses. Students can choose to study these electives regardless of which year they are taking Mandatory History and Mandatory Geography.

Mandatory History

The Mandatory History course helps provide an understanding of Australian history since 1945 and explores Australia’s relationship with the rest of the world.

The Year 10 History course prepares students for the study of Modern History and Ancient History in Years 11 and 12. It helps to provide an understanding of Australian history since 1945 and explores Australia’s relationship with the rest of the world.

Following the theme of people, power, and politics, the course investigates ancient as well as modern topics ranging from the presidency of John F Kennedy to Gough Whitlam’s reforms to the challenge of Changing Rights and Freedoms in the United States and Australia. The course also explores international relations in the Cold War era with a particular look at the Vietnam War Era.

The course encourages students to think about the important historical concepts of evidence, causation, and change over time as well as significant substantive concepts such as democracy, communism, and citizenship. In doing so, the course equips students for further study in History in the senior years.

Students have the opportunity to conduct their own historical research on a topic of their choice, and they have a range of opportunities such as visiting speakers and excursions.

Mandatory Geography

PDHPE

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education aims to develop young people’s capacity to manage personal health, to achieve movement potential and to think critically about health and physical activity issues. This will enable them to be an advocate for health and physical activity. This subject will develop and challenge students through a holistic and integrated approach to health and associated issues.

Students will participate in class work and physical activities to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to understand, value and lead a healthy lifestyle. Strands covered include:
• self and relationships
• movement skill and performance
• individual and community health
• lifelong physical activity