Curriculum

In English at Korowa, our students immerse themselves in the world of literature, discuss current issues and explore ideas to develop their understanding of themselves as individuals and as members of the global community. Our students also develop their ability to create texts and to share their voice through the power of words, both orally and in writing.

All students at Korowa in Years 7–10 study English as a core subject. At VCE, students will choose between the following subjects:

• English
• English as an Additional Language (EAL)
• Literature

Additional support is available for eligible EAL students to develop their language skills and confidence in English.

With four languages, Chinese, Japanese, German and French to choose from, students are well placed to engage in a highly globalised world where travel, trade and international cooperation are key activities. Students learn to communicate in their chosen language(s) for a variety of purposes in different social and cultural contexts which are personally and culturally appropriate and meaningful. They understand the relationship between language and culture and how it is different from their own, thus developing an intercultural capability.

All students in Years 7-9 study Languages as a core subject.

VCE Subjects:

• Chinese First Language
• Chinese Second Language
• French
• German
• Japanese

Drama provides the stage upon which collaboration and expressive skills are developed as students become innovators and problem solvers. Students learn to apply the elements of drama, as well as the more complex use of dramatic tension and sub-texts. Highly practical in nature this subject allows students to build social connections, increase confidence and explore creativity.

All Years 7 and 8 students study Drama.

Year 9 Electives:

• Act and React
• Westend to Broadway

Year 10 Electives:

• Bringing Theatre to Life
• Creating, Performing and Making Drama

VCE Subjects:

• Drama/Theatre Studies
• Drama

Providing a unique way to communicate, a music education fosters creativity, improved confidence and self-expression while enhancing health and wellbeing. Music promotes teamwork and collaboration, within a culture of tolerance and acceptance.

All Years 7 and 8 students study Music.

Year 9 Elective:

• Kool Skools

VCE Subjects:

• Music Performance

Media provides the medium through which an audience can be influenced. Understanding how media is constructed, distributed and interpreted as well as how various forms of media can manipulate and influence our lives is essential. Media allows students to develop skills that will make them creative communicators, adept at recognising representation and using existing and emerging communication technology to create meaningful media artworks.

Year 10 Elective:

• The Panel and the Pitch

VCE Subjects:

• Media Studies

Underpinning each of the elements of STEAM, Science provides students with the opportunity to develop skills and understanding across a range of areas. Through their exploration of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, students develop their capacity to analyse, critique, problem solve and draw conclusions. Students represent their understanding analytically and diagrammatically, while group challenges facilitate collaboration in order to ideate, develop, test, refine and evaluate.

All students in Years 7 to 10 study Science.

Year 9 Elective:

• Challenge: Planet Earth

VCE Subjects:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Psychology

Developing tomorrow’ s problem solvers, these programs focus on developing a student’s skills in design thinking and problem solving, while also introducing how we can use technology to facilitate design and engineering solutions at Korowa. Students participate in a range of practical activities and investigations designed to enhance their design and technological skills across a range of projects.

Through elective subjects in both Years 9 and 10, students are able to engage with state and national competitions, including the Formula 1 in Schools Challenge, the SUBS in Schools Challenge and the Energy Breakthrough Challenge, providing them with the opportunity to extend their learning in a competitive environment while also gaining exposure to industry and higher education contacts.

Year 9 Elective:

• Applied Design and Technology

Year 10 Elective:

• Applied Design, Technology and Engineering

Studying the visual arts gives students the skills to find their visual voice. They experience and develop skills in a broad range of media. Students analyse and evaluate art forms and design from different cultures, times and places. Visual Arts develops lateral thinking, creativity, spatial awareness and problem-solving skills, essential attributes for navigating our contemporary landscape.

All students in Years 7 and 8 study Visual Arts.

Year 9 Electives:

• Art and the Individual
• Art of Photography
• Textiles by Design

Year 10 Electives:

• Ceramics
• Essentially Art
• The World of Design

VCE Subjects:

• Art Unit 1 with Studio Arts Unit 2
• Visual Communication and Design
• Studio Arts Units 3 and 4

Mathematics courses support and challenge students, to enable them to explore their potential and develop an understanding of the subject, building on their knowledge and skills as they progress through the years. As students move towards their senior years of Mathematics, they will be assisted to choose a Mathematics program that best suits their learning needs.

All students in Years 7 to 10 study Mathematics.

VCE Subjects:

• Mathematical Methods
• General (Further) Mathematics
• Specialist Mathematics