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Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Course Selection

Last night Angus & I headed off to a Course Selection meeting at his school. Basically it was to go through all the choices that he wanted to pick for next years subjects. Honestly there are so many selections that it was positively confusing. Thank goodness there was a meeting that we could attend to make it less painful.

His choices for next year are:
(these ones are compulsory although there are different levels depending on each kids abilities)
English Communications
Standard Laptop Maths
SOSE - Our Lucky Country
Laptop Science
Karobran
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Electives & Free Choices (he may not get these but they are listed in order of preference)
Graphic Design
Team Specialist Boys (PE)
Computer Studies - Digital Imaging
Food Glorious Food
Musicians in the Making
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Free Choices & Electives (the just in case preferences)
Car Science
Commerce: Managing My Life
Art
Photography: Picture This
Team Professionals Boys
PE Challenges
Eating for Health
RealITy Bytes

I'm not terribly happy with one of the selections. It was recommended that Angus be in the English Communication class rather than laptop English. Its for kids who need additional time & assistance for basic literacy skills. Its a pathway that leads to VAL English for years 11 & 12. I know Angus struggles with English but that is only because he is lazy (sorry kiddo but its true) but he definitely knows his stuff. I would much rather he be doing 'regular' English that leads to a VCE subject.

Karobran is one of those subjects/units that covers a variety of subjects like social studies, media, health. That sort of thing. Its pretty much based on their 'community' with topics like sexual relationships, human growth, unemployment, grief & loss and mental health. This one is a compulsory unit but it does look interesting.

Commerce is basically learning about life skills for managing your own money. How to choose a good bank account, how to open an account, what does the interest rate mean. What do you look for when choosing a job. How to know which mobile phone contract is the best. A pretty good choice if you ask me but its not one of Angus's early preferences.

Car Science is a good one. It teaches stuff that I think every driver (or potential driver should know). Things like understanding the major operating systems of the car. Knowledge of different engine types. Vehicle & tyre maintenance. Awareness of attitude & concentration to road survival. I reckon it would be good if Angus got this unit. Mark would be able to help him out.

RealITy Bytes shows kids a range of skills & knowledge in IT for the real world. Introductions to databases, spreadsheets etc. They'll explore how it applies to business. They will also look at the legal implications.

The other subjects are pretty self explanatory. I truly hope that Angus is able to get his first choices. However, that been said I would still love for him to do the Car Science & Commerce units.

2 comments:

  1. I'm glad you explained what some of these were. I was sitting here with the biggest puzzled look you ever seen!! ^_^ But it has been a looooong time since I got out of school!!...Although, I think I need a couple of those classes right now! (I have no idea about spread sheets and computers.) I'm good with "Food glorious food and music and art! :-)

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  2. I had to read through the course selection booklet to know what each unit involved. I wish we had some of those choices when I was in school.
    I know what you mean about the spread sheets Poetess. Mark sets them all up for me & I just fill them in. I can't even remember how to start a new one.

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