Year 12

Welcome from Pastoral Care Team: Mrs Kate Fittler & Mrs Jo Wysel (Patrons), Mrs Kate Clynch (Specialist)

Welcome to your final year here at PLC Armidale! It is an exciting time for you, and also a time of great challenge and growth. As Year 12 students you are the leaders of our school cohort, and the role comes with many different rights and responsibilities. Good leaders notice what is happening and take action to make improvements. Staying positive, being organised, taking good care of your health, working in partnership with your teachers and looking out for each other are all important elements in making this a great year. Monitor yourself and reach out for help early if you see yourself starting to wobble. Be proactive. Be strong.

Your pastoral care team is Mrs Kate Fittler & Mrs Jo Wysel (Patrons), Mrs Kate Clynch (Specialist) and we are looking forward to working closely with you all over the course of this year.

English Standard: Mr Mitchell Clendinning

HSC Standard English students are in the process of completing their first assessment task - a multimodal exploration of human experiences - before exploring aspects of language, culture and identity through a study of the play 'Pygmalion'. The novel 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time' encourages students to view the world from a very unique perspective in our Module B study. Finally, students are required to apply their skills and knowledge of effective language to the composition of their own imaginative, persuasive and discursive texts. HSC English is an enjoyable but demanding subject; persistence and practice is the key!

English Advanced: Mrs Kate Clynch

HSC Advanced English has now completed the Common Module 'Texts and Human Experiences' using 'The Crucible' as our set text. They are now ready to dive into the Textual Conversation between 'The Tempest' by William Shakespeare, and Margaret Atwood's 'Hag-Seed'. Our Module B Critical Study will be of the poetry of T.S. Eliot, along with a range of texts to explore The Craft of Writing throughout the year. Now is the time for students to be reading widely, and making connections between their texts. The crafting of different types of texts, along with the process of editing and reworking form a key part of the course this semester. Spare copies of the texts we are studying are available to borrow from our library for any super keen parents who would like to embark on this literary journey with their daughters.

Ancient History: Mrs Roxanne Shumack

HSC Ancient History is well underway, with the first module on the Ancient Society of Sparta already completed. Following on will be the Core Study of Pompeii and Herculaeum,and we will also study the Historical period of Rome under the Julio- Claudian Emperors as well as the Personality in Their Times study of Agrippina, the 'sister, wife and mother of emperors' . There should be some exciting dinner table conversations coming your way as students delve into their study of the Ancient world.

Modern History: Ms Julie Flanagan

Modern History students will commence the year by finalising their understanding of Power and Authority in the Modern World - a very pertinent topic for the current world political situation. Students will build on their knowledge of the impact of dictatorships through a close study of Russia and the Soviet Union under Stalin. The course then moves to the USA through an exploration of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's, where students will consider, in the light of the 'Black Lives Matter' campaign, whether racial equality has really improved over the last half century. This fantastic course concludes with a study of conflict in Indochina, exploring the causes, course and outcome of war in Vietnam and Cambodia in particular.

Mathematics Advanced: Mrs Marilyn Faithfull

Mathematics Advanced students will continue to build their ability to work mathematically by deepening their knowledge, understanding and skills (including the appropriate use of technology) and learning to connect ideas. In Year 12, the importance of resilience and self-motivation in facing mathematical challenges cannot be underestimated. Students who are organised, take responsibility for their own learning, ask questions, monitor their progress, take on feedback and work collaboratively with others will learn well and succeed in assessments. Key content areas studied include functions, trigonometry, calculus, financial mathematics and statistical analysis.

Mathematics Standard: Ms Amanda Burney

The Year 12 Mathematics Standard course focuses on developing students' ability to use mathematical skills and techniques to solve problems in algebra and modelling, measurement, financial mathematics, data and statistics, probability and networks. A second key focus is building their ability to interpret and communicate mathematics in a variety of written and verbal forms, including diagrams and graphs. Students are increasingly taking responsibility for their own learning, monitoring their progress and practising resilience in the face of mathematical challenges.

Legal Studies: Mr Mohan Dhall

Year 12 are currently two-thirds of the way through the Crime Core topic of their HSC course. Following the completion of this come topic the students will study Human Rights. Students will be continuing their study of Crime - with a focus on sentencing and punishment, young offenders and international crime. Students are encouraged to stay abreast of criminal issues in the news in order to apply their theoretical knowledge to authentic and real life examples playing out in real time. Students will also be investigating how the law relates to Family and World Order. Legal Studies will continue to be a combination of self-directed learning, scaffolded inquiry using the textbook, online platforms, news outlets and legal resources as well as lively, informed and engaging class discussions!

Business Studies: Ms Sophie Westermarck

2023 will kick off with the topic of Marketing. Students will investigate current business practises and create a marketing plan to launch a new product. Mid-year we will focus on Finance and learn to interpret financial statements and make recommendations based on financial information. Finally, the course finishes with Human Resources: the hiring, training, retaining and firing of staff as well as learning about Australian labour laws.

Biology: Mrs Yvette Ballard

With Module 5 completed in Term 4 2022, we will commence 2023 by looking at Genetic change, including mutations, environmental pressure and uses of biotechnology. Towards the end of Term 1 we will start to focus on Infectious and non-infectious diseases, which will include a depth study.

Chemistry: Mr Jonathon Shumack

With Module 5 completed in Term 4 2022, we will commence 2023 by looking at reactions of Acids and Bases in Module 6. This will involve learning quantitative analysis skills and undertaking a Titration-based practical assessment. Towards the end of Term 1 we will start to focus on organic chemistry, involving familiarisation of systems used for nomenclature and building an understanding of the properties and reaction mechanisms for organic compounds. The course will finish by bringing together aspects of the whole course as we consider methods used to quantitatively and qualitatively analyse chemicals and reactions for both inorganic and organic chemicals.

Visual Arts: Mrs Emma Schaeffer

Artmaking learning activities involve those associated with the development and resolution of a Body of Work and students will ultimately submit a Body of Work as part of the HSC examination. In this BoW students demonstrate their understanding of artmaking as a practice and represent their ideas and interests through their interpretation of subject matter and use of expressive forms. For the BoW students should consider selecting a single work or a series of works that represent an intentioned point of view and demonstrates conceptual strength and meaning. The artmaking of students is a regular, ongoing process in lessons with one to one teacher student critical dialogue. The Visual Arts Process Diary is used as an integral part of documenting this process and is also used as a part of formal assessments. Students will develop knowledge, skills and understanding of how they may represent an informed point of view about the visual arts in their critical and historical accounts. They will develop their understanding of the Conceptual Framework, Practice and Frames. Students will regularly start a lesson with quick discussion of a current event/artwork and write short responses to address skills in critical studies (Section 1 of the Examination Case studies are 4–10 hours in duration in the HSC course. Other more general critical and historical learning opportunities continue to be offered during the course. Each Case Study will foreground a specific Area of Content (Practice, Frames and Conceptual Framework).

Drama: Mrs Joanne Wysel

After exploring Australian Contemporary Theatre in Term 4 with an experiential study of Stolen by Jane Harrison and Neighbourhood Watch by Lally Katz, we kick off the term exploring the 'Le Jeu' of Simon McBurney's theatre - Complicite and this theatrical practises and philosophies. Using the skills and processes learned from McBurney students are in an excellent place to conquer the Group Project - a group devised ensemble piece of theatre. All students have made a brave start to their Individual Projects which run throughout the year of the HSC. Each student has a different focus this year, from set design, promotion and program and costume design. Some are even writing original scripts and creating Director's portfolios. Hopefully we will be able to offer live theatre experiences for friends and family of our budding theatre students, so watch this space!

Design and Technology: Ms Paula Cowley

Students have consolidated their design proposal for their Major Design Project last term. This semester, students will now develop these ideas, experimenting with materials and production techniques to continue working through the design process, which will assist students in the completion of their Major Work Project and accompanying Portfolio. As part of a mandatory HSC investigation assessment task, students will present an Innovation Case Study, due at the end of Term 1.

Music 1: Mr Sam Azon-Jacometti

In Music 1, we have begun by looking at musical notation, all the while, students will continue to work on their compositions. This term we look at the topic of An Instrument and Its Repertoire. This will enable students to focus in on their instrument and explore their capabilities. We also hope to have compositions entered in the Armidale Eisteddfod. All eyes are on preparing practical works for the HSC and students will have time to select their repertoire before working on performance items. The sooner that students can make their decisions about repertoire, the better.

Music 2: Mr Matthew Minter

In Music 2, we are commencing the year by continuing our unit on the mandatory topic of Australian Music of the last 25 Years. We will be undertaking concept analysis of a number of recent Australian works as well as having the opportunity to apply our learning in practice by playing through selected repertoire. Music 2 will then move on to the additional topic of Music of the 19th Century, which supports students' performance repertoire choices. Students will continue to develop competencies in aural skills through concept analysis and melodic dictations as well as sight singing. Students will have the opportunity to engage in specialised HSC Music 2 courses at NECOM. It's going to be a rigorous and wonderful journey.

Hospitality: Mrs Melissa Hobbs

"Safe food handling practices" and "Methods of cookery" continues in Term 1, followed by "Use cookery skills effectively" into Term 2. Students will be doing 35 hours work placement in the industry. Terms 2 - 3 will also focus on the units, "Source and use information" along with coffee and sandwich making. The assessment for each of the competencies will be similar in procedure as for the preliminary course.

Extension English: Mr Mitchell Clendinning

Students are well into their study of the Common Module - Literary Worlds and will focus on two core texts of the elective, Worlds of Upheaval, this term, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett. Students will explore how literature represents worlds, both private and public, and will examone how we value texts differently over time. Students will have the opportunity to present their ideas creatively in the first assessment.

PDHPE: Mrs Ruth Patrick

The PDHPE HSC course is well underway following a very similar structure to our Preliminary Course with two core modules and two options. Core 1 focuses on Health Priorities in Australia with Core 2 examining Factors Affecting Performance. Our two options for Year 12 focus on Sports Medicine and Improving Performance. Students will need to use a number of case studies and relevant examples throughout the course to support their understanding and knowledge of content.

Investigating Science: Mrs Kate Fittler

In Term 1 we will continue our endeavour to master the scientific method. We will then move to Module 6 where we will learn how technology has exponentially benefited science, and how developments in science drives new technologies. We will then critically explore how information from research is presented to us as we look at Module 7 to determine the facts from fallacies. We will finish our Year 12 course by exploring how science has impacted society.

Mathematics Extension 1: Mrs Marilyn Faithfull

Mathematics Extension 1 is studied alongside Mathematics Advanced and further extends students' knowledge and understanding of what it is to work mathematically. The course enables students to develop skills in logical reasoning, to employ complex techniques and to make connections across different areas of mathematics. Concepts and skills are applied to problem-solving and modelling in the areas of proof, vectors, trigonometry, functions, calculus and statistical analysis.

Agriculture: Mrs Yvette Ballard

Students will progress through different aspects of Australian agriculture during the Yr 12 Course. Initial focus will be on plant and Animal production focusing on the interactive nature of agricultural production. We will then progress to a Farm Product Study allowing the students to further extend their knowledge of Beef production. Students will then complete an elective, Farming in the 21st Century. The aim of this elective is to introduce students to the range of developing technologies and for students to appreciate their impact on agriculture. It is also an opportunity for students to gain a further understanding of a new technology.

Society and Culture: Mrs Roxanne Shumack

This year will commence with a continuation of our Core Study on Continuity and Change and the Focus Study on Rwanda. Students will also continue with their independent research work of their Personal Interest Projects , which is a major component of this course. The other two modules we will study will be Social Conformity and Non- Conformity and Pop Culture to gain an understanding of their place in the wider society.

Dance: Mrs Joanne Wysel

After beginning our Core Performance in Term 4, students continue to master technical skills in practical dance for their Core Performance component of the HSC course. In Core Composition, students choreograph a work with a specific concept/intent using the choreographic techniques studied in class and explored through Core Appreciation. Our prescriptive works this year for Core Appreciation are Juliet and Romeo by Mats Ek and Terrain by Bangarra Dance Theatre. All students have made a brave start to their Major works, some choosing to perform a Major Performance work and others choosing Major Appreciation exploring Betroffenheit by Crystal Pite and exploring influential practitioners such as Merce Cunningham and Lucinda Child.We kick off the year with a fabulous excursion to Sydney to engage in a full day workshop at the Seymour Centre for their HSC components as well watching Callback - the collection of exemplary performances from the 2022 HSC Dance cohort.

English Extension 2: Mr Mitchell Clendinning

Students have been researching fundamental concepts and forms that will lead to the development of their Major Work. The first assessment is a viva voce where students have a structured conversation around the research undertaken and any drafts of their work.

French Beginners: Mrs Margarita Pérez García

The ability to speak another language is a key element in building relationships and cultural understanding. It helps create trust and underpins interaction and cooperation across borders and societies. French is spoken by over 220 million people on all five continents. French is a major language of international communication. French is the second most learnt language after English and the sixth most spoken language in the world. In this beginners' HSC course, the girls will explore a variety of linguistic and cultural resources around three main themes: the individual, French-speaking communities and the changing world. The course will support the girls in becoming proficient users of the language at an intermediate level and in developing their understanding of the culture and societies of countries where French is the dominant language. Throughout the course the girls will increase their vocabulary and develop their listening, reading, writing and speaking skills so that they can express themselves confidently and accurately in the present, past and future.

French Continuers: Mrs Margarita Pérez García

The ability to speak another language is a key element in building relationships and cultural understanding. It helps to create trust and underpins interaction and cooperation across borders and societies. French is spoken by more than 220 million people on all five continents. French is an important language of international communication. French is the second most learnt language after English and the sixth most spoken language in the world. In this Continuers HSC course, the girls will explore a variety of linguistic and cultural resources around three main themes: the individual, French-speaking communities and the changing world. The course will support the girls in becoming confident and effective users of the language and in developing their understanding of the culture and societies of countries where French is the dominant language. Throughout the course the girls will increase their vocabulary and develop their listening, reading, writing and speaking skills so that they can express themselves confidently and accurately in a number if tenses.