High School Survival Guide Academic advice for Year 6 - 8 students and parents on how to achieve success in high school.

High School Survival Guide • Copyright © Matrix Education!

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Table of Contents The National Curriculum

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The National Curriculum Explained

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Rollout Timeline

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Year 7 - 10 Course Structure (2006 - 2013)

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English

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English Course Progression Chart

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Year 7 - 8 English

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Year 9 - 10 English

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Maths

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Maths Course Progression Chart

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Year 7 - 8 Maths

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Year 9 - 10 Maths

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Science

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Science Courses Progression Chart

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Year 7 - 10 Science

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University Courses

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Preparing for University

Personal Development

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Habits of Successful Students

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Improving your EQ

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Conclusion & Additional Resources Additional Resources

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1

The National Curriculum

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The National Curriculum Explained

What is the National Curriculum? The new Australian Curriculum will be introduced in 2014 and will gradually replace the current NSW curriculum. NSW has joined with the Australian Government and all other states and territories to develop an Australian curriculum.

Why the change? Having one curriculum gives teachers and students more consistent standards in all schools around the country regardless of where they live. Core knowledge, understanding, skills and general capabilities have been set out for all students. By identifying what all young people should learn at school it is the foundation to ensure all Australian students receive high quality teaching.

What will be taught? English, mathematics, science and history will be mandatory. In addition to these four subjects, schools will have the flexibility to offer a range of other subjects.

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Rollout Timeline

Mandatory Course

2012

2013

English Mathematics Science

Syllabus and support documents release by December 2012

Planning and Familiarisation

History

2014

2015

7&9

8 & 10

7&9

8 & 10

7&9

8 & 10

7&9

8 & 10

Frequently asked questions When does the new curriculum begin? Implementation of the new syllabuses will begin from 2014. Refer to the timeline chart above for how it will affect you.

What happens if I am in Year 7 or Year 9 in 2013? The current syllabus applies throughout their school between Year 7 - 10 and the new syllabus will not apply for you.

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Year 7 - 10 Course Structure (2006 - 2013) Below is a breakdown of the Year 7- 10 course structure for the current syllabus. Key Learning Area

Mandatory Courses

Elective Courses

• English

Year 7 - 10

• Maths • Science

• All students must complete 400 hours in each of these subjects

Creative Arts

Year 7 - 10

• Dance

• Visual Arts (100 hours)

• Drama

• Music (100 hours)

• Music

Year 7 - 8

• Aboriginal Studies

• History (100 hours)

• Commerce

• Geography (100 hours)

• Geography Elective

Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)

N/A

• History Elective Year 9 - 10

• Work Education

• Australian History (100 hours) • Australian Geography (100 hours) Languages

One language over one continuous 12month period (100 hours)

List of languages available on Board of Studies website

Personal Development, Health

All students study PDHPE in Year 7 - 10 (300 hours)

Physical Activity and Sports Studies

All students study Technology for 200 hours during Year 7 & 8

• Agricultural Technology

and Physical Education (PDHPE) Technological and Applied Studies (TAS)

• Design & Technology • Food Technology • Graphics Technology • Industrial Technology • Information & Software Technology • Marine & Aquaculture Technology (CEC) • Textiles Technology

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English

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English Course Progression Chart Reading the English Course Progression Chart (see next page) • Please refer to the competency levels when selecting subjects in Year 11. • Remember you cannot enter English Advanced or English Extension 1 in Year 12, if you did not complete these courses in Year 11. • English Extension 2 can only be undertaken by students who excel in the English Extension 1 course in Year 11. • If you undertake English Extension, 1 you will have to complete: • English Advanced (2 units) • English Extension 1 (1 unit) • If you undertake English Extension 2, you will have to complete • English Advanced (2 units) • English Extension 1 (1 unit) • English Extension 2 (1 unit)

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Year 7 - 8 English Below is a breakdown of the current Year 7 - 8 English Course: Content Exposure to sophisticated texts: • Fiction

Learn language techniques: • Metaphor

• Poetry

• Simile

• Film

• Imagery

• Non-fiction

• Min-en-scene

• Drama (including Shakespeare)

• Alliteration • Repetition • Rhetorical questions Outcomes

• Increase abilities in reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing and representing experience. • Express knowledge in a range of ways, including speeches, visually and in a range of creative forms. • Analyse texts with a greater sense of detachment (rather than personal taste) and develop their use of formal language. • Develop skills in analysis and a consideration of the purposes and effects of texts on responders.

Actions • Refer to the Board of Studies recommended reading list for Year 7 - 8 (see following page) • Create posters, write creative stories and speeches based on different texts. • Write reviews on a range of texts that evaluate their relevance. • Write short responses explaining the meanings created by composers and their effects on responders. • Compare the different techniques used in different textual forms.

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Recommended Reading List Have you seen the NSW Board of Studies Year 7 & 8 Recommended Reading List ?

View it now: http://www.matrix.edu.au/year-7-8-stage-4-recommended-reading-list/

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Year 7 - 10 English Term Courses Year 7 - 10 Matrix English Courses - Begin 8 October 2012!

English at Matrix is known for its individualised approach to students. By combining class-based and syllabus focused lessons with one-to-one support at our Writing Centre, students are equipped with all the skills and confidence necessary to succeed at school.

Enrol now or view course information:

www.matrix.edu.au/year-7/year-7-english/

All course information is available at www.matrix.edu.au Contact us on 1300 008 008!

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Year 9 - 10 English Below is a breakdown of the current Year 9 - 10 English Course: Content Exposure to more sophisticated texts:

Learn language techniques:

• Fiction

• Metaphor

• Poetry

• Simile

• Film

• Imagery

• Non-fiction

• Min-en-scene

• Drama (including Shakespeare)

• Alliteration • Repetition • Rhetorical questions

Outcomes • Understanding the process of a close study of a text. • Gain a deeper understanding of the effects of texts on responders as well as the influence of the composer’s purpose on meaning. • Evaluate texts in a detached way (through techniques rather than personal preference). • Appreciate different uses of language in different contexts and textual forms.

Actions • Refer to the Board of Studies recommended reading list for Year 9 - 10 (see following page) • Engage in a close reading of a text, consider its context and manipulation of genre conventions. • Write responses, including reviews, then engage with the ideas of texts and how these influence the perspectives of responders. • Write formal extended responses that explain why texts have an enduring relevance.

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Recommended Reading List Have you seen the NSW Board of Studies Year 9 & 10 Recommended Reading List?

View it now: http://www.matrix.edu.au/year-9-10-stage-5-recommended-reading-list/

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2 Day English Holiday Course - 5 & 6 October Year 9

Learn the three-point plan that ensures effective essay writing in our 2 day holiday course. This course will equip students with critical writing and analytical skills, the foundation for success in HSC English studies. They will learn the essential skills to write about film, a key assessment component in junior and senior English studies.

Year 10

Learn Factorisation Techniques. Students gain the essential skills and strategies required to excel in all areas of mathematical application.

Enrol now or view course information:

http://www.matrix.edu.au/events/year-9-10holiday-course/

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Maths

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Maths Course Progression Chart Reading the Maths Course Progression Chart (see next page) • Please refer to the competency levels when selecting subjects in Year 11. • Remember you cannot undertake Maths Advanced or Maths Extension 1 in Year 12 if you did not complete these courses in Year 11. • Maths Extension 2 can only be undertaken by students who excel in the Maths Extension 1 course in Year 11. • If you undertake Maths Extension 1, you will have to complete: • Maths Advanced (2 units) • Maths Extension 1 (1 unit) • If you undertake Maths Extension 2 in Year 12, you will have to complete • Maths Extension 1 (2 units) • Maths Extension 2 (2 units) • English Extension 2 (1 unit)

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Year 7 - 8 Maths Below is a breakdown of the current Year 7 - 8 Maths Course: Content • Number: Operations with integers, fractions, decimals & percentages • Probability • Patterns & Algebra: Number Patterns, Algebraic Techniques • Linear Relationships • Data: Data Representation, Data Analysis and Evaluation • Measurement: Perimeter, Area, Surface Area and Volume, Time • Space & Geometry: Properties of solids, Angles, Properties of Geometrical Figures

Outcomes • Develops mental strategies to enhance computational skills. • Analyses mathematical and real-life situations and solve problems using technology. • Uses mathematical terminology and notation to communicate mathematical ideas. • Explains and verify mathematical relationships. • Makes connections with and generalisations about existing knowledge and understanding.

Actions • Pen and paper practice on skills and techniques covering a wide variety of routine, worded and open-ended questions. • Summarise facts and formulas for each topic. • Review and revise topics regularly. • Practice past exam papers in preparation for school assessments.

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Year 7 - 10 Maths Term Courses Year 7 - 10 Matrix Maths Courses - Begin 8 October 2012! Mathematics at Matrix is known for its effective techniques in solving difficult Maths problems. Matrix Resources feature unique questions that challenge students to use sophisticated multistep mathematical reasoning. As a result, students gain the essential skills and strategies required to excel in all areas of mathematical application. Opportunities to extend and enrich their learning in Mathematics through extension work are included at the end of most topics.

Enrol now or view course information:

http://www.matrix.edu.au/year-7/year-7maths/

All course information is available at www.matrix.edu.au Contact us on 1300 008 0

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Year 9 - 10 Maths Below is a breakdown of the current Year 9 - 10 Maths Course: Content • Number: Rational Numbers, Real Numbers, Consumer Arithmetic • Patterns & Algebra: Algebraic Techniques, Coordinate Geometry, • Graphs of Physical Phenomena, Curve Sketching, • Polynomials, Functions & Logarithms • Data: Data representation, analysis and evaluation • Measurement: Surface Area & Volume, Trigonometry • Geometry: Deductive Reasoning, Circle Geometry

Outcomes • Solves problems using a range of strategies and techniques including deductive reasoning. • Uses and interprets formal definitions and generalisations to explain solutions. • Presents arguments and formal proofs with comprehensive mathematical reasoning. • Links mathematical ideas and makes connections and generalisations.

Actions • Learn formulas and know how to apply them to a variety of problems. • Practice a wide range of problems requiring analysis and selection of an appropriate method to the solution. • In problem solving, compare the strengths and weaknesses of different strategies and solutions. • Review and revise topics regularly.

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2 Day Maths Holiday Course - 5-6 October Year 9

The Year 9 Holiday Course will cover Trigonometry & Coordinate Geometry: • Trigonometric ratios to solve theoretical & practical problems involving right angled triangles • Distances, Midpoints & Gradient of Lines • Equations of Line in a Variety of Forms • Equations of Parallel & Perpendicular Line

Year 10

The Year 10 Holiday Course will cover Curve Sketching: • To state the features & sketch of parabolas and circles given their equations • Match parabolas and circles to their reputation • To identify essential features of cubic & exponential curves & hyperbolas • To sketch cubic & exponential curves & hyperbolas given their equations • Match graphs to their equations

Enrol now or view course information:

http://www.matrix.edu.au/events/year-9-10holiday-course/

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Science

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Science Courses Progression Chart Reading the Science Courses Progression Chart • Remember you cannot enter any science course Year 12 if you did not complete the courses in Year 11.

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Year 7 - 10 Science Below is a breakdown of the current Year 7 - 10 Science Course: Knowledge & Understanding Subjects:

Concepts:

• Biology

• History of Science

• Chemistry

• Nature and Practice of Science

• Earth & Environmental Science

• Applications & Uses of Science

• Geology

• Current Issues, Research & Development

• Physics

• Models, Theories and Laws • Interactions within the Physical World, Matter, The Living World and Earth & Space

Skills Develop skills in working scientifically through: • Planning investigations • Conducting investigations • Communicating information & understanding • Developing scientific thinking & problem-solving techniques • Working individually and in teams

Actions • Increase your breadth and depth of scientific knowledge by reading scientific books and journals. • Learn scientific formulas & laws and know how to apply them to a variety of situations. • Practice a wide range of problems requiring analytical and critical techniques. • Review and revise topics regularly. • Practice past exam papers in preparation for school assessments.

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University Courses

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Preparing for University Entry into university courses require an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) . The ATAR is a rank that allows comparison of students academic performance in their HSC courses. It is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 with increments of 0.05. Many university courses also have recommended subjects. This means the university will assume you have knowledge of the particular subjects prior to the course commencement. Some examples of ATAR cut-offs and recommended subjects are listed below. University Course B. Medicine

ATAR Cut-Off 99+ (UNSW)

Year 11/12 Recommended Subjects • UMAT • English Advanced • Biology • Chemistry

B Medical Science

95.05 (UNSW) 92.05 (USyd)

• Biology • Chemistry • Physics • Maths Ext 1

B Engineering

91+ (UNSW)

• Physics • Maths Ext 1 (minimum) • Engineering Studies • Biology or Chemistry

B Architectural

95.05 (UNSW)

• English Advanced • Design & Technology

Studies

• Visual Arts B Actuarial

96.05 (Macquarie)

• Maths Ext 2 (Band E4)

Studies B Commerce

• Maths Ext 1 (Band E4)

96.35 (UNSW)

• English Advanced • Economics • Maths Ext 1

B Laws Combined

99.70 (USyd)

• English Advanced

99.65 (UNSW)

• Pre-requisite subjects depend on the combined degree (eg: Law/Science will require Maths Advanced)

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Personal Development

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Habits of Successful Students Students who succeed in high school possess habits that ensure they do things the right way at the right time. They define their goals, track their progress and they’re disciplined. Here are steps to help you excel in high school: 1. Define your goals Having your goal clearly established will give you a clear sight to the finish line. For example, Matrix graduate Sally Kim wrote her ATAR goal of 99.96 on a poster and stuck it on her wall. She saw it everyday for two years to stay focused on her goal and eventually achieved the perfect ATAR of 99.95!

2. Install a system You should have a system to track and measure your progress timely. It will help you realise what is and isn’t working for you in an efficient manner. For example, at school you can monitor your progress through your rank for each test, quiz and other assessments instead of waiting for your report at the end of each semester or yearly exam marks. One way this is done at Matrix is through weekly quizzes which are returned with their mark and a ranking.

3. Be disciplined Being disciplined means getting things done on time. Every time! Get into a rhythm and make these new habits a routine activity in your daily life. One way to do this is through a priority matrix. Read more on our blog article How to Achieve 99.95 ATAR High School Survival Guide • Copyright © Matrix Education!

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Improving your EQ

What is EQ? Emotional intelligence is the powerful combination of self management skills as well as the ability to work with others. There are five components of emotional intelligence: self awareness, selfawareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skill. Self awareness

Ability to have deep understanding of one’s emotions, strengths, weaknesses, needs and drive

Self-regulation

Ability to control their impulses or even channel them for good purposes.

Motivation

A drive to achieve beyond expectations.

Empathy

Ability to take into account the feelings of others when making decisions.

Social skill

Ability to build rapport with others

What can students do to develop their EQ? Students can participate in a range of activities to support the development of their EQ. Some include: • Team Sports

• Debating

• SRC

• Peer Support

• Volunteer in Charity Work

• Duke of Edinburgh

Read more on our blog article Emotional Intelligence

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Conclusion & Additional Resources

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Additional Resources Many of the resources can be found on the Matrix Blog. The Matrix blog is updated weekly with helpful articles on academic advice, study tips and educational news. Here are links to some of our articles that you may find useful.

All About ATAR & Scaling

http://www.matrix.edu.au/all-about-atar-scaling/

Year 7 & 8

http://www.matrix.edu.au/year-7-8-stage-4-recommended-reading-list/

Recommended Reading List Year 9 & 10

http://www.matrix.edu.au/year-9-10-stage-5-recommended-reading-list/

Recommended Reading List 2012 University ATAR

http://www.matrix.edu.au/2012-atar-cut-offs/

Cut-offs Emotional Intelligence

http://www.matrix.edu.au/emotional-intelligence/

How to Enter a

http://www.matrix.edu.au/how-to-enter-a-selective-school-in-year-8-12/

Selective School in Year 8-12

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Year 7 - 10 Matrix Courses Enrol now for our Term Courses to gain a competitive advantage!

All course information is available at www.matrix.edu.au Contact us on 1300 008 008 or we’ll contact you! High School Survival Guide • Copyright © Matrix Education!

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