English

English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.

In the English Faculty at Riverstone High School, our goal is to facilitate the development of literate, critical and imaginative thinkers who can share and appreciate ideas, perspectives, and experiences in the world. We promote the learning of literature with engaging texts, both classic and modern, which cover a wide range of text types, time periods, and cultures, including composers from our Aboriginal and local communities.

We attempt to facilitate the enjoyment of literature and learning by creating challenging and enjoyable opportunities. We aim to develop students’ confidence in becoming comfortable with the experimentation of ideas and expression; to be active, independent, and lifelong learners; to work collaboratively, and to reflect on their own learning.

About the delivery of our English courses

Stage 4 & 5 - Within English, students engage with the study of a wide range of text types, including prose fiction, poetry, picture books, film, non-fiction, media, digital and persuasive texts, plays (including those of the Shakespearean persuasion) with ingrained formative assessment practices and reading programs designed to guide students’ literacy development and ‘soft skill’ acquisition.

Stage 6- We offer all units of Stage 6 English and alter our text choices each year based on what our experienced teachers believe will be engaging and meaningful texts that students can relate to. Below are the courses offered each year at RHS:

• English Studies
• English Standard
• English Advanced
• English Extension 1
• English Extension 2 (HSC only)
• English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D)

Extra-curricular Activities

• NSW Premier’s Debating Challenge
• Reading, Writing & Public Speaking competitions

Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)

In Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE), both subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.

Students learn specific historical and geographical concepts and skills in history and geography. They also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which they live through elective subjects in Years 7 to 10 (Stages 4 to 5).

A large number of individual subjects make up the key learning area of HSIE in which students:

• research, gather and analyse information
• question and make judgements
• write for a variety of purposes.

In Year 11 and 12, students can choose from a range of HSIE courses. These include:

• Aboriginal Studies
• Ancient History
• Business Studies
• Economics
• Geography
• History Extension
• Legal Studies
• Modern History
• Society and Culture
• Studies of Religion.

At Riverstone High School, we combine History and Geography under the banner of Human Society and its Environment (HSIE).

Students study History in Semester 1 and Geography in Semester 2.

• Term 1: History

• Term 2: History

• Term 3: Geography

• Term 4: Geography

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History

The aim of the history is to stimulate students' interest in and enjoyment of exploring the past, to develop a critical understanding of the past and its impact on the present, to develop the critical skills of historical inquiry and to enable students to participate as active, informed and responsible citizens.

Year 7:

• Term 1: Investigating the Past and Ancient China
• Term 2: Ancient Rome

Year 8:

• Term 1: Medieval Europe
• Term 2: Polynesian Expansion and Spanish Conquest of the Americas

Year 9:

• Term 1: Industrial Revolution
• Term 2: Australians at War

Year 10:

• Term 1: Genocide

• Term 1-2: Rights and Freedoms

• Term 2: The Cold War

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Geography

The aim of Geography in Kindergarten to Year 10 is to stimulate students' interest in and engagement with the world. Through geographical inquiry they develop an understanding of the interactions between people, places and environments across a range of scales in order to become informed, responsible and active citizens.

Year 7:

• Term 3: Landscapes and Landforms
• Term 4: Place and Liveability

Year 8:

• Term 3: Water in the World
• Term 4: Interconnections

Year 9:

• Term 3: Sustainable Biomes
• Term 4: Changing Places

Year 10:

• Term 3: Environmental Change and Management
• Term 4: Human Wellbeing

Elective Courses

Students also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which they live through elective subjects in Years 7 to 10 (Stages 4 to 5).

• Commerce
• History Elective

Mathematics

The study of Mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.

By studying Mathematics, students develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical concepts and their use within the classroom and beyond.

The syllabus consists of the following strands:

• Number and Algebra
• Measurement and Space
• Statistics and Probability

In Year 11 and 12, the study of Mathematics is mandatory for Year 11 2025. For Year 11 2024 Mathematics is not compulsory. Courses offered include:

• Mathematics Extension 2
• Mathematics Extension 1
• Mathematics Advanced
• Mathematics Standard 2
• Mathematics Standard 1
• Numeracy CEC
• Mathematics Life Skills

The Mathematics staff at Riverstone High School is comprised of a dynamic group of teachers who are passionate about Mathematics and keen for students to reach their full potential. We aim to create confidence and enjoyment in doing mathematical activities. Students develop an awareness of how Mathematics can be used to solve problems in everyday life. They also learn of its contribution to the development of society.

The aim of Mathematics in Years 7 to 10 is for students to:

The aim of Mathematics 7–10 is to enable students to become confident users of mathematics, learning and applying the language of mathematics to communicate efficiently and effectively. They develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of mathematical concepts and a fluency with mathematical processes that helps them to interpret and solve problems. Students make connections within mathematics and connect mathematical concepts with the world around them. They learn to understand and appreciate how mathematics is a relevant part of their lives.

7-10 Core-Path Structure

The Core–Paths structure is designed to encourage aspiration in students and provide the flexibility needed to enable teachers to create pathways for students working towards Stage 6. The structure is intended to extend students as far along the continuum of learning as possible and provide solid foundations for the highest levels of student achievement. The structure allows for a diverse range of endpoints up to the end of Stage 5.

The Core outcomes provide students with the foundation for Mathematics Standard 2 in Stage 6. Students who require ongoing support in completing all Stage 5 Core outcomes may consider either Mathematics Standard 1 or the Numeracy CEC course in Stage 6. For these students, teachers are encouraged to continue to extend students towards demonstrating achievement in as many Stage 5 Core outcomes as possible. This is to enable as many students as possible to have the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in the highest level of mathematics possible.

The aim for most students is to demonstrate achievement of the Core and as many Path outcomes as possible by the end of Stage 5 and this should guide teacher planning. Allowing time for students to demonstrate understanding of the Core outcomes must be a key consideration.

Typically, the Core will cover teaching and learning experiences up to the middle of Stage 5. It is not the intention of the Core–Paths structure to lock students into predetermined pathways at the end of Stage 4. Pathways in Stage 5 must be carefully planned to ensure some students have the opportunity to engage with Advanced and Extension courses.

Paths are used to progress students towards Stage 6 courses and may be implemented at any time in Stages 4 and 5 with careful consideration of the continuum of learning. Teachers also have the option of engaging with specific elements of Paths rather than the entire outcome to meet the needs of their students. Teachers should plan to cover as many Paths as practicable.

Calculators

All students are required to bring a calculator each lesson to assist them with their studies. They are available for sale from the front office for $30, or if you wish you may purchase one from an external source. It is recommended that you purchase a scientific calculator and label it with your student's name.

Mathematics Competition

Students with an interest in logical thinking and mathematical problem solving are encouraged to participate in the Australian Mathematics Competition, which will be held in August this year. Students in a P class in Mathematics will attempt the competition and any other interested students are encouraged to compete. The cost is $8 per student.

Subjects taught:

• Mathematics Stage 4
• Mathematics Stage 5 Core and Paths

Science

Science is mandatory for all students from Year 7 to Year 10.

Science develops students’ skills, knowledge and understanding in explaining and making sense of the biological, physical and technological world. Through applying the processes of Working Scientifically students develop understanding of the importance of scientific evidence in enabling them as individuals and as part of the community to make informed, responsible decisions about the use and influence of science and technology on their lives

In Years 11 and 12, students can choose from different science disciplines, including:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth and Environmental Science
• Investigating Science
• Physics
• Marine Studies (non atar)

Science safety

All students are required to wear black leather enclosed shoes in order to participate in practical activities and experiments. This allows student to complete syllabus outcomes and allow for a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

This is mandated by the Department of School Education Policy: Chemicals in Schools 3.2.2. Please be aware the tongue in shoes must say leather upper not synthetic or be made of fabric or labelled 'fabrique'.

Students not wearing enclosed leather shoes will be excluded from participating in practical lessons and are in jeopardy of not meeting educational outcomes.

VALID Test

Students in Year 8 also complete the VALID (Validation of Assessment 4 Learning and Individual Development) test. VALID is an interactive, multimedia and diagnostic test completed entirely on a computer. Students are tested on their:

• knowledge and understanding of science
• understanding and skills in the process of scientific investigation
• ability to evaluate evidence, make judgements and think critically
• ability to access information and communicate scientific ideas.

Science Week

Science Week is celebrated every year in August with trivia competitions for each year level, practical activities run at lunch times and the paper plane flying competition.

Technological and Applied Studies

Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) is mandatory for all students in Year 7 and 8. Students can also select from a range of elective TAS subjects.

In TAS, students develop knowledge, understanding and skills through a design and production process using a range of tools, materials and techniques in theory and practical lessons.

The TAS faculty specialises in leading technology courses across a wide area of student skills and interests. It is an educational area based on skill development, innovation and creative thinking practices. It teaches the skills, ideas and concepts of today to meet the students' education and life needs of the future.

The Vocational Education and Training (VET) areas of learning in TAS are taught by specialised teachers that are highly qualified and experienced in the delivery of competency-based education. VET offers a course structure that is designed to provide students with the work skills and practices to successfully gain full time employment and can be seen as a pathway to lifelong learning.

The TAS faculty is a progressive and focused team of classroom leaders, providing the very best in contemporary educational practices. The staff believe, all students have the capacity to achieve and should be provided with rich educational experiences that challenge students to not only reach their potential but surpass it.

TAS is focused on providing a supportive quality educational learning environment where students are provided with every opportunity to succeed and reach their personal best.

Courses offered

Stage 4 - (Year 7 and 8)

Technology in Years 7 and 8. This is a mandatory course consisting of areas of study in:

• Digital Technologies
• Agriculture and Food Technologies
• Engineered Systems
• Materials Technology

Students will rotate through a range of areas to design, produce and evaluate tasks, some supported by a design folio. A range of design-related content to

support the above is presented through exposure to working in a variety of different working environments.

Stage 5 (Year 9 and 10)

Years 9 and 10 are elective years, with students electing to study subjects for 200 hours (2-year courses). These subjects include:

• Child Studies
• Food Technology
• Industrial Technology (Timber)
• Industrial Technology (Construction)
• Information and Software Technology

Stage 6 (Year 11 and 12)

Year 11 Preliminary and 12 HSC elective subjects offered include:

• Food Technology
• Industrial Technology – Timber products and furniture technologies.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

• Certificate II in Construction Pathways

Creative Arts

In Creative Arts, students discover a variety of art forms through a study of music, photography and visual arts where they learn to appreciate, compose, listen, make and perform.

Each art form has its own unique knowledge and skills, elements or concepts as well as a capacity to inspire and enrich lives.

Students must study 100 hours of both Music and Visual Arts during Years 7 to 10. They also have an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills in other art forms through elective subjects. Students can then select from a range of courses in Years 11 to 12.

The Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) faculty at Riverstone High School is an innovative group of enthusiastic and highly experienced teachers who are dedicated to providing all students with the opportunity, support and encouragement to explore their creative talents and reach their full potential.

We foster opportunities for students to exhibit their works and perform on stage through the following events:

• Showcase performance evening
• CAPA Exhibition
• Riverbald Prize Art exhibition
• Tiny Desk Concert
• HSC Stage 6 Exhibition

As a faculty we are always seeking opportunities to expand our work around promoting student work and this list is evergrowig.

Subjects taught include:

• Music: mandatory and elective.
• Visual Arts: mandatory and elective
• Photographic and Digital Media: elective
• Visual Design: elective
• VET Entertainment Industry
• VET Music Industry

Stage 4	Visual arts is a mandatory course in Stage 4 (Year 7 and 8). Students explore, enjoy and respond to a wide range of artists and artworks. They learn to engage with practice and the frames in art making and critical and historical studies. All students in Year 7 and 8 will make artworks using a wide range of materials and techniques with various investigations of their world. Within the following visual arts mandatory units covered in Year 7 and 8, students will make artworks in a range of 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional and 4-dimensional forms including drawing, paintings, ceramics, sculpture, photography, printmaking and digital media. The use and understanding of information and communication technologies (ICT) is embedded in these units of work where students will use a range of technologies to make and study visual artworks. The units covered include: Facing Art Extraordinary Creatures Space Invaders Heroes and Idols. In Years 7 and 8, visual arts excursions may be planned during the year to specific art exhibitions related to the unit of work being studied. The weighting for the course is 70% practical and 30% theory. Equipment required: Visual Arts Process Diary (VAPD), USB, art kit materials. Course fees: Please contact our school.
Stage 5	The Year 9 and 10 visual arts elective course provides opportunities for broader, deeper and more extensive learning in visual arts beyond the limits of the mandatory course. In elective courses, students engage with forms and investigations that extend the students' understanding of art practice, the conceptual framework and the frames in making and interpreting art. The concept of the 'body of work' is investigated and students may produce one or more individual works that are related through subject and/or form. Students continue to develop their understanding and skills using the concepts of practice, the conceptual framework and the frames in 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional and 4-dimensional forms. Students are required to keep a Visual Arts Process Diary (VAPD) which provides evidence of the decisions and actions made by students in the production of their artworks. Visual Arts elective can be studied for 100 or 200 hours in Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10). The units covered in visual arts elective include: Pop Into Art The Mad Hatter's Tea Party Twisted Reality Art Survivor. Students will develop a body of work and explore forms such as drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, installation and digital photography. In Year 9 and 10 visual arts an excursion is planned during the year to a specific art exhibition related to the unit of work being studied. This may include Art Express, the Biennale of Sydney, Sculpture by the Sea or the Wyndham College HSC Visual Arts Breakfast. The weighting for the course is 60% practical and 40% theory. Course duration :  1 year (100 hours) for Year 9 as a one-year elective or 2 years (200 hours) for Year 9 and 10 as a two-year elective. Pre-requisites :  Nil. Equipment required :  Visual Arts Process Diary (VAPD), USB, art kit materials. Course fees :  Please contact our school.
	Here are some examples of our students' artworks. Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.

According to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), students are expected to participate in PDHPE for 300 hours per year in Years 7 to 10.

PDHPE provides students with opportunities to explore issues that are likely to impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others – now and in the future. Students also participate in challenging and enjoyable physical activity, improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence.

The PDHPE faculty is comprised of highly motivated and enthusiastic staff. We PRIDE ourselves on providing engaging, high quality and inclusive teaching and learning experiences for all our students. We provide opportunities for students to learn about ways of adopting and maintaining a healthy, productive and active life.

Students explore issues that are likely to impact on the health and wellbeing of themselves and others, now and in the future. Movement experiences that are both challenging and enjoyable are provided and improve their capacity to move with skill and confidence in a variety of contexts.

Subjects taught:

• Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE): mandatory
• Physical activities and sports studies (PASS): elective
• Dance: elective
• Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE): Stage 6
• Community and Family Studies (CAFS): Stage 6
• Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR): Stage 6
• VET fitness Sports Coaching: Stage 6

PDHPE

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) develops the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes important for students to take positive action to protect and enhance their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing in varied and changing contexts. Physical education is fundamental to the acquisition of movement skills and concepts to enable students to participate in a range of physical activities – confidently, competently and creatively.

Through PDHPE, students develop self-management, interpersonal and movement skills to help them become empowered, self-confident and socially responsible citizens. Students learn in movement, about movement and through movement and are given opportunities to apply and adapt their skills across multiple contexts. The learning experiences in PDHPE provide students with a foundation to actively contribute to, and advocate for, the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others in the community and beyond school.

Concussion Clearance

The Australian Medical Association recommends students being symptom free of concussion for 14 days before returning to sport.

If your child/ward sustains a concussion, or experiences any concussion symptoms, in the 14 day period prior to the event commencing, you must report this to team officials, and a medical clearance is required in order for your child/ward to participate in the event.

Medical clearances can be attached to this consent form or can be submitted to team officials separately.

Important information

In the event of injury, no personal injury insurance cover is provided by the NSW Department of Education for students in relation to school sporting activities, physical education lessons or any other school activity. The Department’s public liability cover is fault-based and limited to breaches by the Department of its duty of care to students that may result in claims for compensation.

Parents/Carers are advised to assess the level and extent of their child’s involvement in the sport program offered by the school, school sport zone, region and state school sport Associations when deciding whether additional insurance cover is required prior to their child’s involvement in the program. Personal accident insurance cover is available through normal retail outlets.

Parents/Carers who have private ambulance cover need to check whether that cover extends to interstate travel and make additional arrangements, as considered appropriate.

The NSW Supplementary Sporting Injury Benefits Scheme, funded by the NSW Government, provides limited cover for serious injury resulting in the permanent loss of a prescribed faculty or the loss of use of certain prescribed parts of the body. The Supplementary Scheme does not cover medical costs or dental costs. Further information can be obtained from https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/injured-or-ill-people/sporting-injuries/payments/#gref. Further information regarding student accident insurance and private health cover is provided at: https://app.education.nsw.gov.au/sport/file/1449.

PASS	Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS) is studied as an elective course in years 9 and 10 and represents a broad view of physical activity and the many possible contexts in which individuals can build activity into their lifestyle. It incorporates a wide range of lifelong physical activities, including recreational, leisure and adventure pursuits, competitive and non-competitive games, individual and group physical fitness activities, and the use of physical activity for therapy and remediation. This syllabus promotes the concept of learning through movement. Many aspects of the course can be explored through participation in selected movement applications in which students experience, examine, analyse and apply new understanding. Students are encouraged to specialise and study areas in depth, to work towards a particular performance goal, pursue a formal qualification or examine an issue of interest related to the physical, emotional, social, cultural or scientific dimensions of physical activity and sport. Units studied in the 100 hour or 200 hour courses may include: The body in action World of sport Racquet sports Event case studies Olympic games Sports coaching Fitness Australia's Sporting Identity
Dance	Dance involves the development of physical skill as well as aesthetic, artistic and cultural understanding. Learning in dance and learning through dance enables students to apply their own experiences to their study of dance. They learn to express ideas creatively as they make and perform dances, and analyse dance as works of art. They think imaginatively and share ideas, feelings, values and attitudes while physically and intellectually exploring the communication of ideas through movement. The integration of the practices of performance, composition and appreciation is a key feature of the syllabus and the elements of dance are the components that link the study of the practices. The practices are interrelated and equally important and they inform one another, providing opportunities for students to explore and understand their world. In practice, learning in dance is spiral in nature, incorporating earlier stages and building on itself. Safe dance practice is embedded through the practices to ensure that students are able to maintain safe, healthy and rewarding lives. Units of study in the 100 hour and 200 hour course may include: Safe dance practice My body unit The elements of dance Styles of dance SMART dance Bangarra Dance Company Solo composition and performance
Integrated Sport	For Years 8, 9 and 10 sport is timetabled separately throughout the normal school week and is taught predominantly by the PDHPE faculty. Concussion Clearance The Australian Medical Association recommends students being symptom free of concussion for 14 days before returning to sport. If your child/ward sustains a concussion, or experiences any concussion symptoms, in the 14 day period prior to the event commencing, you must report this to team officials, and a medical clearance is required in order for your child/ward to participate in the event. Medical clearances can be attached to this consent form or can be submitted to team officials separately. Important information In the event of injury, no personal injury insurance cover is provided by the NSW Department of Education for students in relation to school sporting activities, physical education lessons or any other school activity. The Department’s public liability cover is fault-based and limited to breaches by the Department of its duty of care to students that may result in claims for compensation. Parents/Carers are advised to assess the level and extent of their child’s involvement in the sport program offered by the school, school sport zone, region and state school sport Associations when deciding whether additional insurance cover is required prior to their child’s involvement in the program. Personal accident insurance cover is available through normal retail outlets. Parents/Carers who have private ambulance cover need to check whether that cover extends to interstate travel and make additional arrangements, as considered appropriate. The NSW Supplementary Sporting Injury Benefits Scheme, funded by the NSW Government, provides limited cover for serious injury resulting in the permanent loss of a prescribed faculty or the loss of use of certain prescribed parts of the body. The Supplementary Scheme does not cover medical costs or dental costs. Further information can be obtained from https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/injured-or-ill-people/sporting-injuries/payments/#gref. Further information regarding student accident insurance and private health cover is provided at: https://app.education.nsw.gov.au/sport/file/1449.

Languages

In NSW high schools, languages is a key learning area.

Language study allows students to develop communication skills, learn about languages as systems and explore the relationship between language and culture. Students engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of societies and reflect on their understanding of social interactions.

The study of a language is compulsory for 100 hours in one continuous school year from Year 7 to Year 10, but preferably in Years 7 or 8.

In Years 11 and 12, NSW schools offer a wide variety of languages, catering for beginning students to background speakers.

The Language teacher at Riverstone High School is Miss Soo Park. She is a qualified Japanese and Korean teacher. All Year 7 students undertake 100 hours of study of Japanese.

All students have the option of selecting Japanese as an elective subject in Stage 5 (Year 9 to 10) and Korean beginners or Japanese continuers in Stage 6 (Year 11 to 12).

Course overview

Students participate in basic Japanese speaking, listening, reading and writing activities as well as studying Japanese lifestyle and culture. This includes origami lessons and Japanese food appreciation.