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Year 7-10 Electives

Year 7-10 
Electives

Supporting Every Student to Achieve Their Goals

Northshore offers a diverse range of programs to support student interests and strengths. Our holistic approach includes excursions, incursions and community engagement opportunities that enrich the secondary school experience and help students develop confidence, resilience and life skills.

Learning at Northshore is shaped by strong encouragement and pastoral care, creating a positive environment that supports students as they prepare for life after school. Alongside their elective choices, students in Years 7 to 10 complete the following core subjects: Christian Living, English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health and Physical Education, Digital Technologies (compulsory in Years 7 and 8) and Indonesian (compulsory in Years 7 and 8).

Year 9 & 10 Electives

In Years 9 and 10, students are offered a variety of electives as they begin preparing for their Senior School pathway. They can select three year-long electives from a varied range of subjects that may change over time. These electives are chosen through a subject selection process and students are encouraged to consider their options carefully to support their learning in Years 11 and 12.

Visual Art

Jewellery

Drama

Design & Technology: Wood

Outdoor Education

Music

Applied Sport Science

Sport Performance Management

Design & Technology: Food

Childcare

Indonesian

iStem

Media Arts

Year 7 and 8 Tasters

In the early years of Secondary School, students do not select pure electives. Instead, Year 7 and 8 students take part in taster courses that allow them to experience a variety of the elective areas listed above.

Students will rotate between what will become more specialised areas of learning in Years 9 and 10, and include Technologies (Woodwork, Food Technology), The Arts (Drama, Music, Visual Art and Media) and Languages (Indonesian).

Visual Art

Year 9

Discover your artistic potential in Year 9 Visual Art, where you’ll explore a wide range of mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture and printmaking. You will develop a solid foundation in visual language, artistic techniques and the elements and principles of design. Through hands-on projects, you will create original artworks and learn to critically analyse art from diverse cultures and historical periods. This course encourages creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking: skills that can lead to careers in design, architecture, marketing and digital media.

Pathways: Year 10 Visual Arts

 

Year 10

Year 10 Visual Art provides an opportunity to deepen your artistic skills and knowledge. Building on previous years, this course focuses on enhancing your technical abilities, creative processes and understanding of art’s role in society. You will explore a wide range of mediums, from traditional painting and sculpture to contemporary digital practices, while analysing and interpreting artworks from diverse cultures and historical contexts.

By choosing Year 10 Visual Art, you will refine your visual communication and creative thinking skills, which are valuable for various careers and fields of study. This course encourages experimentation and taking creative risks, preparing you for future opportunities in the arts and beyond.

Prerequisite: Year 9 Visual Art is recommended but not essential.

Pathways: Leads to ATAR or General Visual Art in Year 11.

Jewellery

Year 9

Unleash your creativity in the world of jewellery design! In this course, you’ll learn the basics of metalwork and gemstone setting as you craft your own unique pieces, including rings and more. With hands-on guidance, you’ll gain the skills needed to bring your ideas to life, whether you’re a beginner or aiming for a future in the arts. This course offers a perfect opportunity to explore your artistic potential and create stunning jewellery that reflects your personal style.

Pathways: Leads to Year 10 Jewellery

 

Year 10

In this Year 10 course, you’ll dive into the world of jewellery design, learning how to work with metal and even set gemstones. You’ll get to make your own awesome pieces, like rings, while picking up cool skills along the way. No experience? No problem! This is your chance to try something new, experiment with different designs and walk away with jewellery that shows off your style.

Pathways: General Year 11 Materials Design and Technology

Drama

Year 9

Get ready to unleash your inner actor! In this electrifying drama course, you’ll create your own characters, bring dynamic short plays to life, and play lots of improvisation games. Explore the thrill of analysing and sourcing costumes, props and sets, while mastering the secrets of stagecraft. Go on an excursion to view live performances. Collaborate with your classmates on a scripted scene, turning rehearsals into show-stopping performances. And the best part? The year culminates in a spectacular class performance where you’ll shine in front of a live audience!

Requirements: Theatre blacks (black pants/shorts and a black t-shirt)

Pathways: Leads to Year 10 Drama

 

Year 10

Year 10 Drama is an exciting and creative course that helps students build confidence, collaboration and performance skills. Students explore improvisation, scripted and devised performance, theatre styles and practitioners, while developing stronger voice, movement and characterisation techniques. Through practical workshops, rehearsals and live performance experiences, students learn how drama communicates ideas, meaning and emotion to an audience. The course also develops analytical and reflective skills through script work, theatre reviews and performance analysis using drama terminology. Students will have opportunities to perform, create original work and showcase their talents in front of live audiences.

Prerequisite: Year 9 Drama is recommended but not essential.

Pathways: Leads to ATAR or General Drama in Year 11. Also suitable for students who show interest in Performing Arts, Media, Education, Event Management and the Creative Industries.

Design & Technology: Wood

Year 9

Get hands-on with woodworking in this exciting course, where you’ll design and build your own projects, including a jewellery box and a chopping board. You’ll learn essential woodworking techniques, whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your skills. This is a great opportunity to bring your ideas to life, develop craftsmanship and create pieces you’ll be proud to take home.

Pathways:  Leads to Year 10 Wood Technology.

 

Year 10

In Year 10 Woodwork, unleash your creativity by designing and building two practical, eye-catching projects: a custom shoe rack seat and a stylish side table. You’ll learn essential woodworking skills, from accurate measuring and cutting to assembly and fine finishing, as you bring your ideas to life.

This hands-on course guides you through the full design process. From concept and planning to the final polish, helping you create functional furniture that suits your personal style. By the end, you’ll have two high-quality pieces that are not only built to last but ready to use at home.

Prerequisite: Year 9 Technologies, Wood is recommended but not essential.

Pathways: Leads to General Wood in Year 11.

Outdoor Education

Year 9

Explore the great outdoors with action-packed activities like hiking, snorkelling, surfing and campfire cooking. In this course, you’ll build teamwork and leadership skills while developing an understanding of the natural environment. Along the way, you’ll face exciting challenges and create lifelong memories with new friends.

Cost: $450 (covers equipment, activities, instructors and a 4-day camp)

Prerequisites: Ability to swim 200m (4 laps of a 50m pool) in under 5 minutes and 20 seconds

Pathways: Year 10 Outdoor Education

 

Year 10

Year 10 Outdoor Education offers an adventure-packed experience where you’ll hike through stunning landscapes, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, surf the ocean waves, and try your hand at fishing. This course challenges your physical abilities, strengthens teamwork skills and deepens your connection with nature.

Cost: Additional costs cover equipment, activities, instructors, and a 4-day camp, $450 for 2027.

Prerequisite: You must demonstrate swimming proficiency (200m swim in under 5 minutes, 20 seconds), as many activities are water-based.

Year 9 Outdoor Education is recommended but not essential.

Music

Year 9

Year 9 Music immerses you in the world of contemporary music, where you’ll explore a range of modern styles while building your confidence as a musician. Develop your aural theory skills to a Grade 2 level, perform live in ensembles, and collaborate with others to create exciting musical experiences. You’ll also unleash your creativity by writing, rehearsing, and performing your own original songs.

Recommendation: Students learning an instrument/voice are encouraged to take this elective to complement their instrumental tuition.

Pathways: Leads to Year 10 Music

 

Year 10

Explore the world of Music for film, stage and TV in the Year 10 Music course. You’ll enhance your understanding of aural and theoretical concepts (Grade 2-3 level) while developing practical composition and music-making skills. This course prepares you for senior school music and offers a strong foundation in theoretical, analytical, and creative aspects of music.

Recommendation: Students learning an instrument/voice are highly encouraged to take this elective to complement their instrumental tuition.

Pathways: Leads to Year 11 ATAR Music or Certificate III in Music (Performance)

Applied Sport Science

Year 9

Dive deep into the science behind human performance with Applied Sport Science. Learn about anatomy, physiology, anthropometry, and fitness testing to understand how the body functions and adapts to exercise. You’ll also explore advanced training techniques, biomechanics, sports nutrition and use video analysis to refine your skills. This course includes the opportunity to complete a Surf Rescue Certificate, equipping you with essential life-saving skills in aquatic environments.

Prerequisite: Ability to swim 200m in under 5 minutes.

Pathways: Leads to Year 10 Sports Performance Management, forming foundational knowledge for anyone interested in Human Science Careers (e.g. Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Medicine, Sport Science, etc.)

Additional cost: ~$150

Sport Performance Management

Year 10

Year 10 Sport Performance Management immerses you in the dynamic world of sports and equips you with essential skills for a career in the field. Students will have the opportunity to complete their SMA Level 1 Sports Trainer, where they’ll learn first aid and injury management in sports settings, with the ability to apply for job opportunities upon achievement.

Explore the modern-day athlete’s world, including resistance training principles, preparing you to support athletes and excel in sports management across various disciplines.

Prerequisite: Year 9 Applied Sport Science is recommended but not essential.

Pathways: Leads to Year 11 Physical Education Studies. Also suitable for students who wish to pursue a career in Sport Science, Nursing, Medicine, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Coaching, Fitness Instructor or Teaching.

Additionalcost: ~$250

Design & Technology: Food

Year 9

Enhance your passion and culinary skills in the kitchen. Discover new ways to make vegetables the stars of flavourful dishes, challenge yourself in a MasterChef-style cook-off, explore a variety of pastries and learn to use pantry staples to craft tasty meals. Expand your understanding of nutrients to create well-balanced, healthy dishes. This course blends hands-on practice with theoretical lessons to sharpen your cooking abilities and knowledge. Whether you love preparing or enjoying food, this course is perfect for you. Master the art of cooking, explore various techniques and refine your precision skills in the kitchen.

Pathways: Leads to Year 10 Food Technology.

 

Year 10

Year 10 Food Technology is an engaging and hands-on course that builds students’ confidence, creativity and technical skill in the kitchen. Students explore the cultural, social and emotional significance of food, including traditions such as High Tea, while developing a strong foundation in safe and efficient food preparation. Through practical cooking sessions, demonstrations and collaborative kitchen tasks, students learn a wide range of techniques used in domestic and commercial settings.

The course blends practical experience with theoretical understanding, helping students deepen their knowledge of nutrition, health and the role food plays in everyday life. Students will develop skills in recipe selection and adaptation, budgeting, time management and teamwork, ensuring they can work effectively in a busy kitchen environment. They will also explore global cuisines, experiment with new methods and refine their precision and presentation skills.

Prerequisite: Year 9 Food is recommended but not essential.

Pathways: Leads to General Food Science & Technology in Year 11

Childcare

Year 9

This subject offers an engaging introduction to human development, focusing on pregnancy, the needs of newborns, and early childhood milestones. Students will explore the physiological changes during pregnancy, prenatal health, and the essential preparations required to welcome a newborn into the family.

Through interactive, practical lessons, you will learn hands-on skills for infant care, including safe handling, sleep routines, and nutritional requirements for optimal growth. The course dives deeply into early developmental milestones, helping students understand how young children grow physically, socially, and emotionally. You will design age-appropriate play activities that stimulate cognitive and motor skills in toddlers. Along the way, you will build critical life skills, empathy, and practical knowledge to support the health and happiness of the next generation.

Pathways: Leads to Year 10 Childcare

 

Year 10

This course focuses on the fascinating stages of development in children aged 1–4 years old, exploring how they grow, learn and interact with the world around them. You’ll gain insight into how play and the environment support children’s learning, while building practical skills that are both creative and meaningful. Through hands-on activities, you’ll design and create learning enrichment materials such as story stones, plan engaging play spaces and develop fun sensory activities to support children’s growth. This subject is perfect for students interested in working with young children, developing nurturing skills and understanding the vital role early childhood experiences play in shaping development.

Indonesian

Year 9

Discover the language and culture of one of Australia’s closest neighbours. Bahasa Indonesia is spoken by more than 270 million people across a vibrant and diverse nation. In Year 9 Indonesian, you’ll learn practical language skills for real-life situations — from ordering street food and bargaining at markets to chatting with new friends and navigating travel experiences.

Through interactive games, role-plays, music, videos and digital activities, you’ll explore the rich traditions, festivals and everyday life of Indonesia while building confidence in speaking and understanding the language. Learning Indonesian not only prepares you for future travel and career opportunities but also helps you connect with the world beyond the classroom and see life from a new perspective.

Pathways: Leads to Year 10 Indonesian

 

Year 10

Take your Indonesian to the next level! Year 10 focuses on expressing opinions, telling stories and connecting with real-life situations such as travel, social life and future plans. You’ll also dive deeper into Indonesian society, exploring its rich diversity and global importance. By the end of the year, you’ll be able to communicate more confidently and prepare for senior studies, all while gaining skills in empathy, intercultural awareness and problem-solving that set you apart in a globalised world.

Prerequisite: Year 9 Indonesian is recommended but not essential.

Pathways: Year 11 Indonesian: Second Language ATAR course.

iSTEM

Year 9

Step into the exciting world of iSTEM and discover how to solve real-world problems like an engineer. In this course, you will dive into hands-on projects like building Bluetooth speakers, LED lamps, and balloon-powered race cars. You will learn to use industry tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and CAD software while developing skills in electronics, coding and prototyping. Through teamwork, experimentation and creative design challenges, you will strengthen problem-solving, collaboration and technical abilities highly valued in the workplace. Whether designing circuits or presenting your innovations, iSTEM will prepare you to think, create and lead in a technology-driven future. Get ready to imagine, build and innovate!

Pathways: Leads to Year 10 iSTEM

 

Year 10

Take on the ultimate engineering challenge in our iSTEM program! Over two semesters, you and your team will design, build and program a functional, small-scale Moon Rover capable of navigating tough terrain and collecting samples. Just like a real space mission! You will work together to bring your compact rover to life using advanced CAD modelling, 3D printing, laser cutting and electronics, while coding its movements and sensors for autonomous operation. Along the way, you will develop vital teamwork, problem-solving and leadership skills as you prototype, test and refine your design. The project culminates in a competitive obstacle challenge and a professional pitch presentation, where you will showcase your rover. Gear up for collaboration, innovation and hands-on learning that will give you technical abilities highly valued in the workplace!

 Pathways: Leads to Engineering in Year 11 – ATAR or General

Media Arts

Year 9

Discover the exciting world of media production in this Year 9 course! Explore how films, television, social media and journalism shape our world, while learning the basics of media production. You’ll get hands-on experience creating your own media projects, from reporting on a news story to creating your own short film. Throughout this process, you will develop skills in cinematography, editing, sound and visual effects as you bring your creative ideas to life. This course is perfect for students looking to express themselves through media while gaining a deeper understanding of how media influences society. No prior experience needed, just bring your creativity and love of storytelling!

Pathways: Leads to Year 10 Media

Year 10

In the Year 10 Media course, take your creativity and media skills to new heights! Building on what you’ve learned, you’ll explore advanced media techniques and dive deeper into film & video production, planning and producing your own genre-specific short film and music video, while learning about narrative structure, camera work, editing and sound design. You will also analyse how media influences culture, developing critical thinking skills to evaluate media messages. Whether you’re aiming for a career in media or just love creating, this course will inspire and challenge you to think like a media professional!

Requirements: Students will be expected to work within a group and where possible, conduct some filming off campus outside of school time.

Prerequisite:  Year 9 Media Arts is recommended but not essential.

Pathways: Leads to Year 11 Media Production & Analysis – ATAR or General.