The provision of an excellent schooling experience for students in the twenty first century requires a multi-faceted and flexible approach.  Our society is characterised by rapid economic change, cultural diversity, pervasive growth in information and communication technology, and an increasingly competitive labour market.

Our school curriculum has been planned taking account of these changes, and incorporates the following principles:

• Teaching strategies and curriculum should focus on the maturity levels of students. The learning and development needs of middle school students (Year 8 & 9) are different to those of senior school students (Years 10, 11 & 12).
• Students exit Mountain Creek State High School with a ‘worthwhile’ secondary education that prepares them for further education and training or full-time employment.
• A target pass rate of 87% for student performance.  That is, 87% of students are expected to achieve a minimum of a C standard in all of the subjects they study.
• A Whole School Approach to Effective Learning and Teaching, which incorporates a Literacy Strategy and an Information and Communication Strategy.
• Achievement of a minimum standard for promotion (prerequisites) from one year level to the next with provisions to achieve minimum standards
• Provision of advanced placements in the Senior School

At Mountain Creek, it is recognised that our students require not only a meaningful and relevant curriculum but also a cleverly designed school structure that better integrates the key element of good pedagogical practice with a pastoral care framework that best supports young people in a rapidly changing world.  Our split-shift timetable allows us to operate a ‘Senior School’ and a ‘Middle School’, enabling us to focus programs and teaching styles very sharply on the maturity level of our students.  At the same time, the sub-schools improve student learning through the promotion of positive student-teacher relationships.

Our purpose in Year 10 is quite clear: to provide students with a rigorous preparatory year of study that will ensure they are well prepared for the rigours of Year 11 & 12 subjects. All students need to complete in Year 10 to ensure they are well prepared for gaining employment, further education and training or continuing their secondary studies in Years 11 & 12.  Year 10 should be considered a preparatory year for each of the options mentioned above. The Year 10 curriculum in 2009 is closely aligned with the prerequisite requirements for Year 11 & 12 study.  Students in year 10 will have the opportunity to commence study in Year 11 subjects early in order to enhance their opportunities for tertiary selection.  Year 10 will also provide options through the Transition Program for students who are seeking full time employment or an apprenticeship at the end of Year 10.

Expectations of students are high. Students will be expected to complete homework and assignments at home in their own time.  They will be expected to be task-oriented and business-like in their daily classroom activities. 

The subject choice in Year 10 is extensive catering for the range of students enrolled in the school.  This Subject Selection Handbook is a comprehensive overview of the courses of study in Year 10.  The handbook is designed to assist students and parents in making informed decisions about subject selection. Through the Education and Career Planning process students will receive further advice on the selection process. 

If you have any concerns or enquires, please do not hesitate to contact the school on 5457 8333.  Staff are always available to assist you with your selections.

Yours Sincerely,

Cheryl McMahon
Head of Senior School