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Year 10 Studies

Year 10 

‘Empowered to Be More.’

The information below details the 2025 subject options for Year 10 students. It is intended as a guide for families to help understand the Year 10 curriculum and with submitting subject preferences. This guide should be used in conjunction with family discussion as well as discussions with teachers and other students as appropriate.

The Personal Development Program in Year 10 upholds the belief that enhanced student wellbeing significantly contributes and influences enhanced student learning achievements. It also complements the College’s curriculum offerings as well as its House-based vertical pastoral care structures. It seeks to nurture positive emotional and social capabilities, empowering students to cultivate a distinct sense of belonging, significance, purpose, and advancement throughout their time at Loyola College.

As with all year levels, the Year 10, Personal Development Program runs fortnightly exploring vital themes and subjects such as managing stress, respectful relationships and sexuality and understanding and developing resilience.

Positive Education through an Ignatian Lens continues, drawing from the six elements of positive psychology (PERMAH):

  • Positive Emotion
  • Engagement
  • Relationships
  • Meaning
  • Accomplishment
  • Health

Year 10 Sport:

All students in Year 10 are involved in the Sport Program, with each student being aligned with an ACS Sport. All students are required to participate in their chosen sport on Wednesday afternoons each week. For those students selected in ACS teams, compulsory training will be held after school. It is compulsory for students selected in ACS teams to represent the school as per the Loyola College Enrolment Agreement.

    Subject preferences submission process:

    A link and instructions will be sent via email to parents with information on how to submit subject preferences. These are completed online. Students are asked to nominate reserve subjects, and these should be considered carefully as occasionally these are allocated dependent on timetable requirements.

    Subject Selection Timeline

    Year 9 2024 into Year 10 2025

    2024 DateEventDetails
    Monday 5 AugustYear Level Subject Selection AssembliesSubject Information Presentation regarding subjects and pathways will be made available
    Tuesday 6 August

    6-7pm

    Pre-V and VCE VM Information EveningThe evening will include specific details about the Pre-V and VCE VM Program.
    Tuesday 13 August

    6-8pm

    Senior Subject Selection EveningThe Senior Subject Selection Evening is an opportunity for parents and students to gain valuable insights into the subject offerings for the 2025 academic year and beyond

    Tuesday 13 August

    8:30pm

    Web Preferences Portal Opens

    Web Preference Link

    Students can start entering their subjects' preferences for 2025

    20-21 August

    Current Year 9 Subject Selection ConversationsStudents to meet with Learning Pathways staff to discuss subjects for 2025
    Tuesday 27 August
    Web Preferences Portal Closes 5:00pm

    Students are to have submitted their subject preferences for 2025

    Curriculum Pathways:

    Year 10 students have three pathways available to them:

    • Mainstream
    • Pre-V (invite only)
    • Accelerated (invite only)

    Overview of Subject Offerings:

    In Year 10, students undertake a range of subjects. This is to enable them to explore their interests and strengths, in preparation for submitting VCE subject preferences.

    Subjects fall into several categories and duration as shown in the below table:

    Category

    Duration

    Core (Compulsory)

    Full Year

    Electives

    One Semester

    Languages other than English

    Full Year

    Accelerated (VCE Units 1 & 2)

    Full Year


    Year 10 subjects:

    Subjects offered to Year 10 students are outlined in the below tables.

    Note: Accelerated subjects (VCE Units 1 & 2) are outlined further down.

    Compulsory Subjects:

    Students in Year 10 complete subjects from five compulsory subject areas for the full year. 

    FacultySubject
    ReligionReligion & Society Unit 1

    or

    RE CLIL (French, Indonesian or Italian)

    English Mainstream (plus one Semester of…)English

    English Language

    Literature

    Mathematics

    General

    Algebraic

    Enhanced (invite only)

    Science (plus one Semester of…)Biology

    Chemistry

    Physics

    Psychology

    Humanities - History (plus one Semester of…)Commerce
    Geography

    Legal Studies

    Sociology and Culture

    History CLIL (French, Indonesian or Italian)

    Electives:

    Students will select any four subjects from the list below.

    Faculty                                                                                                                                                  Subject
    Design & Technology

    Food Studies: Global Food Trends

    Food Studies: Food & Wellbeing

    Textiles: Contemporary Fashion & Accessories

    Textiles: Surface Pattern Design

    Wood: Storage Solutions

    Wood: Innovative Designs

    HPEHealth

    Physical Education

    Sport, Recreation & Coaching

    Languages (full year, counts for 2 elective choices)French

    Italian

    Indonesian

    Performing Arts

    Dance

    Drama

    Theatre Studies

    Music Performance Solo/Group
    Music Performance Repertoire Solo/Group

    ScienceSystems Engineering
    TechnologyComputing

    Software Development

    Visual ArtsArt Creative Practice

    Media

    Art Making and Exhibiting (Photography)

    Visual Communication Design

    Pre-Vocational (Pre-V) Subjects:

    A Year 10 student may complete the Pre-Vocational Program (Pre-V) in preparation for VCE VM. This program provides a plethora of opportunities for students to excel in and flourish.  Small class sizes, a reduced exam program, exemption from language study and assistance from our Learning Support Team, create the ideal environment for students to experience senior school success.

    Students who participate in the Pre-Vocational program in Year 10, continue their vocational studies into Year 11 and Year 12 with the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM). We feel this three-year seamless curriculum and pathway from Year 10 -12 is integral to student learning, engagement and achievement. 

    The Pre-V Program at Loyola is designed to provide students with valuable exposure and practical experience in various vocational fields. It aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge required to make informed career choices and excel in their chosen fields. By joining this program, students have the opportunity to explore vocational opportunities, gain hands-on experience, and develop essential skills that will be invaluable in their future endeavours.

    Pre-Vocational Class

    With cohort

    Pre-V English

    Year 10 Religious Education

    Pre-V Mathematics

    Year 10 Personal Development Program

    Pre-V Science (Dynamic Planet)

    Year 10 Sport

    Pre-V Humanities (Skills for Innovation & Challenge)

    Choice of Four Electives (see earlier)

    Certificate I in Employment Pathways (in place of Language)

    Certification: Upon successful completion of the Pre-V Program, students will receive a Certificate I in Employment Pathways (VET Program), highlighting their accomplishments and the skills they have acquired. On completion of the VCE VM in Year 12, students will receive the accredited Senior Secondary Certificate.

    Accelerated subjects: 

    Accelerated subjects: VCE Overview & Criteria:

    A Year 10 student may complete one Unit 1 & 2 VCE subject upon meeting the criteria and completing an application as outlined below. The information is intended to provide an overview of the VCE structure which may inform whether or not an application is appropriate

    Stages of the Acceleration Process:

    1. Letter of invite from the Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning to those students who meet the desired criteria of 5A’s (5 x 80%) (one of which has to be English) (75% for Enhanced / CLIL students)
    2. Completion of Application Form
    3. Completion of Acceleration Test
    4. Invitation for a brief interview by the relevant Head of Learning
    5. Students and parents informed of the outcome by Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning.

    The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is the certificate that the majority of students in Victoria receive on satisfactory completion of their secondary education. The VCE provides diverse pathways to further study or training at university or TAFE and to employment.

    Students at Loyola College complete their VCE studies primarily over their last two years of secondary schooling. VCE studies are broken into units which are completed over one semester each. For example, English Units 1 & 2 are completed in Year 11 and English Units 3 & 4 are completed in Year 12. Students typically complete:

    • Year 11: Six Units 1 & 2 subjects plus Unit 2 in Religion & Society
    • Year 12: Five Units 3 & 4 subjects

    Successful application to complete a Unit 1 & 2 VCE subject in Year 10 does not guarantee the student will proceed to Units 3 & 4 in Year 11. Students must maintain a high standard which is evaluated the preceding year.

    As noted previously, the application process for acceleration is separate to the online preference submission. Students should complete their on-line preferences and the separate application for acceleration without making any assumptions about the success of acceleration.

    Unit 1 & 2 Accelerated Subject Offerings 

    Faculty

    Subject

    English

    Literature

    Health and Physical Education

    Health & Human Development

    Physical Education

    Humanities

    Accounting

    Economics

    Geography

    Legal Studies

    Languages

    French

    Indonesian

    Italian

    Performing Arts

    Drama

    Product Design & Technology

    Food Studies

    Science

    Biology

    Psychology

    Technology

    Applied Computing

    VET

    VCE/VET Hospitality & Kitchen Operations Cert III

    VCE/VET Sport & Recreation Cert III

    VET Screen & Media Cert III

    Religion

    Unit 1 - Religion and Society

    Personal Development Program

    Personal Development

    Sport

    Sport

    English Mainstream (plus one Semester of…)

    English
    English Language
    Literature

    Mathematics

    The Mathematics staff, in consultation with the Head of Mathematics, will make recommendations to Year 9students and parents of the appropriate Year 10 Mathematics course, General Mathematics, Algebraic Methods or Enhanced Mathematics, to undertake in Year 10. If a student wishes to study a mathematics subject that they were not recommended for, then they are invited to meet with the Head of Mathematics to develop a pathway to gain the recommendation.

    Familiarity with technology and understanding of particular skills required in each area of study form the basis of all senior units. Students will continue to work with CAS calculators in all areas of their mathematical study.

    Each mathematics study is a yearlong undertaking.

    General
    Algebraic
    Enhanced (invite only)

    Science (plus one Semester of…)

    The year 10 Science course runs for the whole year, giving students the opportunity to choose from five elective subjects to complement Core Science. Core Science will introduce all students to the four fields of science offered at VCE level, therefore providing students a foundational understanding of science regardless of their future pathways.

    Dynamic Planet is only available to those undertaking Pre-V studies.

    Year 10 Science (compulsory)
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Physics
    Psychology
    Systems Engineering

    Humanities (plus one Semester of…)


    Year 10 History (compulsory)
    Year 10 History (CLIL) - French, Indonesian, Italian
    Geography
    Commerce
    Legal Studies
    Sociology and Culture

    Health & Physical Education


    Health
    Physical Education
    Sport, Recreation & Coaching

    Languages (full year)

    Students who studied CLIL in Year 9 have the opportunity to continue their CLIL studies in Year 10. This offer is also extended to students who displayed great aptitude to their language studies in Year 9.

    All three Language courses lead to the study of these languages at the VCE level.


    French
    Italian
    Indonesian

    Design & Technology

    Food Studies
    Product Design: Textiles
    Product Design: Wood

    Technology

    Computing
    Software Development

    Performing Arts


    Dance
    Drama
    Theatre Studies
    Music

    Visual Arts

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    Art Creative Practice
    Media
    Art Making & Exhibiting (Photography)
    Visual Communication Design

    Year 10 Pre-V

    A Year 10 student may complete the Pre-Vocational Program in preparation for VCE VM. This program provides a plethora of opportunities for students to excel in and flourish.  Small class sizes, a reduced exam program, exemption from language study and assistance from our Learning Support Team, create the ideal environment for students to experience senior school success.

    Students who participate in the Pre-Vocational program in Year 10, continue their vocational studies into Year 11 and Year 12 with the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM). We feel this three-year seamless curriculum and pathway from Year 10 -12 is integral to student learning, engagement and achievement. 

    The Pre-V Program at Loyola is designed to provide students with valuable exposure and practical experience in various vocational fields. It aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge required to make informed career choices and excel in their chosen fields. By joining this program, students have the opportunity to explore vocational opportunities, gain hands-on experience, and develop essential skills that will be invaluable in their future endeavours.

    Pre-Vocational Class

    With cohort

    Pre-V English

    Year 10 Religious Education

    Pre-V Mathematics

    Year 10 Personal Development Program

    Pre-V Science (Dynamic Planet)

    Year 10 Sport

    Pre-V Humanities (Skills for Innovation & Challenge)

    Choice of Four Electives (see earlier)

    Certificate I in Employment Pathways 

    Pre-V English
    Pre-V Mathematics
    Pre-V Science
    Pre-V Humanities
    Certificate I in Employment Pathways

    Accelerated subjects

    Accelerated subjects: VCE Overview & Criteria:

    A Year 10 student may complete one Unit 1 & 2 VCE subject upon meeting the criteria and completing an application as outlined below. The information is intended to provide an overview of the VCE structure which may inform whether or not an application is appropriate

    Stages of the Acceleration Process:

    1. Letter of invite from the Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning to those students who meet the desired criteria of 5A’s (5 x 80%) (one of which has to be English) (75% for Enhanced / CLIL students)
    2. Completion of Application Form
    3. Completion of Acceleration Test
    4. Invitation for a brief interview by the relevant Head of Learning
    5. Students and parents informed of the outcome by Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning.

    The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is the certificate that the majority of students in Victoria receive on satisfactory completion of their secondary education. The VCE provides diverse pathways to further study or training at university or TAFE and to employment.

    Students at Loyola College complete their VCE studies primarily over their last two years of secondary schooling. VCE studies are broken into units which are completed over one semester each. For example, English Units 1 & 2 are completed in Year 11 and English Units 3 & 4 are completed in Year 12. Students typically complete:

    • Year 11: Six Units 1 & 2 subjects plus Unit 2 in Religion & Society
    • Year 12: Five Units 3 & 4 subjects

    Successful application to complete a Unit 1 & 2 VCE subject in Year 10 does not guarantee the student will proceed to Units 3 & 4 in Year 11. Students must maintain a high standard which is evaluated the preceding year.

    As noted previously, the application process for acceleration is separate to the online preference submission. Students should complete their on-line preferences and the separate application for acceleration without making any assumptions about the success of acceleration.

    Literature (English)
    Biology (Science)
    Psychology (Science)
    Accounting (Humanities)
    Economics (Humanities)
    Geography (Humanities)
    Legal Studies (Humanities)
    French (Languages)
    Indonesian (Languages)
    Italian (Languages)
    Health and Human Development (Health and Physical Education)
    Physical Education (Health and Physical Education)
    Food Studies (Design & Technology)
    Drama (Performing Arts)
    Applied Computing (Technology)
    VCE VET Hospitality (VET)
    VCE VET Screen & Media (VET)
    VCE VET Sport & Recreation (VET)

    Subject Pathways