junior-secondary-subject-guide - Toolooa State High School

T o o l o o a S H S 

T o o l o o a S t a t e 

H i g h S c h o o l 

J u n i o r S e c o n d a r y 

S u b j e c t G u i d e 

T o o l o o a S H S 

PO Box 8109 

Gladstone South Qld 4680 

Phone: (07) 4971 4333 

Fax: (07) 4971 4300 

Email: the.principal@toolooashs.eq.edu.au 

More information can be found on 

http://toolooashs.eq.edu.au 

2013

N o t e s a n d O t h e r I n f o r m a t i o n 

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“At Toolooa State High School we work with our students and community to develop the 

best personal learning outcomes for our students. Central to our core values is that, together, 

we are able to create a challenging learning environment for all students that 

caters for all and is based on academic excellence, quality vocational training and readiness 

for work or future study. Our belief is that our school is a significant contributor to 

preparing young people for their future success in life and, in doing so, adds to the construction 

of a strong and positive spirit in our community.‖ 

—Alan Whitfield, Principal Toolooa State High School 

Page 2 Toolooa SHS 

Page 15 Toolooa SHS

P A T H W A Y S T O S U C C E S S ( P 2 S ) 

This subject is most suitable for students who need 

extra assistance with numeracy, literacy and organisational 

skills. Structured as an individual tutorial program, 

students will learn strategies, overcome barriers 

and develop self-confidence in achieving learning outcomes 

that will enhance their Pathways to Success. 

C O N T E N T S 

S c h o o l b e l i e f s a n d v a l u e s 

Page 4 

S U B J E C T O F F E R I N G S 

Business and Information Technology Department Page 6 

English/LOTE Department Page 7 

Mathematics Department Page 8 

Physical Education/Health Department Page 8 

Social Science Department Page 9 

Science Department Page 10 

The Arts Department Page 11 

Vocational Studies and Design Department Pages 13 

Pathways to Success Page 15 

Page 3 



V a l u e s a n d B e l i e f s 

A t T o o l o o a w e v a l u e : 

The worth of every individual 

Equality of opportunity 

The spirit of co-operation 

Sincere effort 

The pursuit of excellence 

The desire to learn 

High ethical and moral behaviour 

I n d u s t r i a l W o r k s h o p 

S t u d i e s 

Students work on Woodworking, Woodturning, 

Plastics – (integrated with these are safety, 

project planning and design, workshop 

graphics, surface finishing). Units are project 

based – each project is considered to be one 

unit. Whole group demonstrations given, then 

students complete their own projects with 

individual help from teachers. There are 

theory components for each unit. Projects are 

marked at various stages. 

W i t h i n a p o s i t i v e , c a r i n g l e a r n i n g e n v i r o n - 

m e n t , w e b e l i e v e e a c h s t u d e n t h a s t h e o p - 

p o r t u n i t y t o : 

Enjoy learning 

Develop and maintain selfesteem 

Learn to respect the rights and 

opinions of others 

Prepare for vocational pursuits 

and lifelong learning 

Use relevant technology 

Develop mental and physical abilities 

to the fullest 

Develop an inquiring mind 

Contribute to the growth and development 

of the school community and 

Appreciate and protect the environment 

Learn to use leisure time effectively 

Students complete units on sheet metalwork, 

fitting and fabrication, metal turning, basic 

mechanics, basic electronics (integrated with 

these are safety, project planning and design, 

workshop graphics, surface finishing). Units 

are project based – each project is considered 

to be one unit. Whole group demonstrations 

given, then students complete their own 

projects with individual help from teachers. 

There are theory components for each unit. 

Projects are marked at various stages. Tests 

and practical units (projects) will use all three 

criteria. 

G r a p h i c s 

While the subject still retains many aspects of traditional 

Graphics, Toolooa‘s Graphics program has shifted with 

industry demands and is now primarily driven by 

Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawing. Students also 

cover plane geometry, orthographic projection, pictorial 

development, diagrams & charts and manual drafting 

using drawing boards and tee squares. Assessment 

consists of practical & theory tests after each unit of 

work, class work and homework. 



D r a m a t i c M e d i a 

Elements of drama and media will be 

studied in this new subject for 2013. Along 

with skills and themes associated with 

drama and performance, students will be 

exposed to studies in media. Media takes 

students behind the scenes of the 

production of television, film, radio, 

internet and print media forms. They gain 

the skills necessary to be able to 

comprehend and understand how media 

manipulates images and sounds to create meaning. 

Dramatic media aims to build confidence and develop communication skills that 

are valuable life-skills. Students are provided with opportunities to work both 

independently and as part of a group. 

M u s i c 

The core components of music consist of aural musicianship, performing skills, 

listening skills and composing skills. Students are able to work at multigroup 

computer workstations (independent), or teacher-directed whole class activities, 

or performance using band instruments. Students are assessed on aural skills, 

aural analysis and visual analysis. Learning experiences in music develop skills 

that are transferable into everyday life. 

P r i n c i p l e s r e f l e c t e d i n o u r 

s u p p o r t i v e s c h o o l e n v i r o n m e n t : 

A consistent approach by the whole school community is required to develop 

a Supportive School Environment 

Appropriate behaviour is expected from all students 

The school has in place a Behaviour Management Policy which provides support 

for all students to allow them to achieve in a Supportive School Environment 

Our school environment can positively influence students‘ behaviour and performance 

A proactive approach is preferable to a reactive approach 

Encouraging appropriate behaviour is better than managing misbehaviour 

A safe and supportive school environment is guaranteed when members of 

the school community relate to one another with mutual respect and when 

everyone is committed to establishing a positive and caring environment 

M a n a g e m e n t P o l i c i e s o f T o o l o o a S H S : 

Keep Safe 

Keep Clean 

Anti-Smoking 

Attendance Procedures 

Excursion Procedures 

Jewellery & Uniform 

Assignment Policy 

Points System 

Reporting Procedures 

Communications Device Policy 



Junior Secondary Subject Choices 

2013 

‘ R a i s i n g t h e B a r ’ 

A major focus at Toolooa SHS is our belief in maximising the potential 

of each of our students. To that end, in our subjects, as well as maintaining 

high expectations, we provide extension opportunities where 

selected students work with extended curriculum to be challenged outside 

their regular year level content. As an example, students in Year 8 

Mathematics extension classes have been involved in Year 10 Trigonometry 

and Algebra topics, while students displaying a high level of skill in 

English have been involved in writing, publishing and selling books such 

as ‗Untold Stories of Gladstone‘ and ‗Hometown Heroes.‘ 

V i s u a l A R T 

Visual art involves manipulating visual 

elements and processes to express 

ideas. Art consists of four major areas— 

painting, drawing, printing and 

sculpture. The structure of the course 

allows students to experiment in a 

range of art genres to develop their 

own style as an artist. The nature of the 

subject encourages students to explore 

a range of mediums and helps to 

develop creativity. Students are 

encouraged to display their work through opportunities provided by the Arts 

department such as Gallery exhibitions, showcase nights and the school 

musical. 

D a n c e 

The Dance course aims to foster an 

enthusiasm of dance as an individual 

and as a member of a group. Dance 

heightens awareness of, and develops 

respects for, the body and increases 

the quality of individual‘s physical well 

being. Students develop skills in 

choreography, performance and 

appreciation of a variety of dance 

genres to learn the history and 

functions of dance. Students are provided with opportunities to work both 

independently and as part of a group as they participate in practical dance 

techniques classes, dance workshops, view live performances, and work with 

community dancers, choreographers and artists. All tasks focus on 

Choreography, Performance or Appreciation using practical, written and oral 

instruments. 



S t u d y o f S o c i e t y a n d t h e E n v i r o n m e n t 

SOSE , the Study of Society and the Environment , 

centres on the way people interact with each other and 

the environment. The subject involves investigations of 

controversial and challenging issues and promotes 

critical thinking. 

Units include History, Culture and Identity, Geography, 

Democracy and Citizenship. 

Students are assessed using a variety of instruments 

including role-playing, design, orals, reports, stimulus 

response, examinations and extended writing. 

C o m p u t e r a n d B u s i n e s s S t u d i e s 

( C B S ) 

Students operate in an IT and Business context, in practical 

lessons using computers and various types of computer 

software. Students work on keyboarding, wordprocessing, 

display skills, spreadsheets, databases, Power- 

Point. Assessment is completed via exams and in class 

assignments. 

SAMPLE TOPICS 

Business Ventures 

Advertising and Marketing 

Internet Awareness and Safety 

Computer Programming 

Creating Business Stationery 

MYOB - Computerised book keeping 

Multimedia 

Robotics 

English 

S c i e n c e 

General Science covers Life & Living, Natural & 

Processes Materials, Energy & Change, Earth & 

Beyond and Science & Society. There are theory 

and practical classes, with an emphasis on 

hands-on experiences and the day-to-day 

applications of Science. All students complete a 

core component and then sit for a test. Those 

obtaining satisfactory marks proceed to do 

extensions of the core. Those who are not yet 

satisfactory have an opportunity to upgrade their 

marks. 

2013 will see a continuation of Science programs as part of the National 

Curriculum roll out across all schools in Australia. Further information at 

www.australiancurriculum.edu.au. 

The focus for English in junior 

secondary is consolidation of skills in 

the areas of language, literature and 

literacy. This is achieved through 

studies of various media texts, novels, 

and poems. Students respond to these 

texts in a variety of modes under a 

range of conditions. Grammar, spelling and reading for pleasure are valued as 

essential skills and time is allocated to develop these in the English program. 

2013 will see a continuation of English programs as part of the National 

Curriculum roll out across all schools in Australia. Further information on this 

can be found at www.australiancurriculum.edu.au. 



J a p a n e s e 

Look at different aspects of Japanese 

language and culture – basics of writing, 

listening, speaking and reading. The course 

takes an holistic view of Japanese, also 

focusing on customs, food, social life etc. 

Students complete their course book and 

learn through guest speakers and excursions. 

Assessment is via exams in writing, speaking, 

reading, listening and other assignments in 

research areas. 

H e a l t h & P h y s i c a l E d u c a t i o n 

Students in the Junior school work 

through units on dance, large ball sports, 

athletics, gymnastics, small ball sports, 

full-body activities, sport-related fitness, 

health-r elat ed fitnes s, Human 

Relationship Education, outdoor ed., first 

aid, nutrition, sociology, sports science 

and physical recreation. Students select 

from a variety of sports each term. 50% 

prac. 50% theory. Practical work is 

assessed through skills, drills, game play, 

participation and co-operation. 

M a t h e m a t i c s 

In junior Mathematics, students cover a broad cross section of Mathematical 

topics with emphasis on topics, such as number study, space, chance & data, 

patterns & algebra and measurement. Higher achievers are placed in extension 

classes who cover some levels of work more quickly, then spend more time on 

higher levels of work. Others are arranged in mixed groupings. Flexible 

interfacing between groups means Recovery classes may be formed if need 

arises for specific students who find Mathematics difficult. 2013 will see a 

continuation of Maths programs as 

part of the National Curriculum roll 

out across all schools in Australia. 

Further information on this can be 

f o u n d a t 

www.australiancurriculum.edu.au. 

H o m e E c o n o m i c s 

Two strands: Sewing – ―Creative Textiles‖ (Will run if sufficient numbers) Food 

Studies – 4 Modules ―Function Catering‖, ―Food Technology‖, ―Festivals and 

Celebrations‖, ―Towards Independence‖ The nature of these courses is 

weighted heavily toward a practical component with lessons completed in 

kitchen facilities.

junior-secondary-subject-guide - Toolooa State High School

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