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! 1

Table of Contents

The National Curriculum 2

The National Curriculum Explained 3

Rollout Timeline 4

Year 7 - 10 Course Structure (2006 - 2013) 5

English 6
English Course Progression Chart 7

Year 7 - 8 English 9

Year 9 - 10 English 12

Maths 15
Maths Course Progression Chart 16

Year 7 - 8 Maths 18

Year 9 - 10 Maths 20

Science 22
Science Courses Progression Chart 23

Year 7 - 10 Science 24

University Courses 25
Preparing for University 26

Personal Development 27
Habits of Successful Students 28

Improving your EQ 29

Conclusion & Additional Resources 30

Additional Resources 31

High School Survival Guide Copyright Matrix Education! 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 2014 2015

English 7&9 8 & 10

Syllabus and
Mathematics support 7&9 8 & 10
documents Planning and
release by Familiarisation
Science December 7&9 8 & 10
2012
History 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 N/A

Maths All students must complete 400 hours in
Science each of these subjects

Creative Arts Year 7 - 10 Dance

Visual Arts (100 hours) Drama

Music (100 hours) Music

Human Society and its Year 7 - 8 Aboriginal Studies

Environment (HSIE) History (100 hours) Commerce

Geography (100 hours) Geography Elective

History Elective
Year 9 - 10 Work Education
Australian History (100 hours)
Australian Geography (100 hours)

Languages One language over one continuous 12- List of languages available
month period (100 hours)
on Board of Studies website

Personal All students study PDHPE in Year 7 - 10 Physical Activity and Sports
(300 hours)
Development, Health Studies
and Physical
Education (PDHPE)

Technological and All students study Technology for 200 hours Agricultural Technology
during Year 7 & 8
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)

High School Survival Guide Copyright Matrix Education! 7

High School Survival Guide Copyright Matrix Education! 8
Year 7 - 8 English
Below is a breakdown of the current Year 7 - 8 English Course:

Content

Exposure to sophisticated texts: Learn language techniques:

Fiction 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!

High School Survival Guide Copyright Matrix Education! 11

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 composers 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-9-10-
holiday-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)

High School Survival Guide Copyright Matrix Education! 16

High School Survival Guide Copyright Matrix Education! 17
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 effectivetechniques insolving difficult Maths problems.
Matrix Resources feature unique questions that challenge students to use sophisticated multi-
step mathematical reasoning. As a result, students gainthe 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-7-
maths/

All course information is available at www.matrix.edu.au

Contact us on 1300 008 0

High School Survival Guide Copyright Matrix Education! 19

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-9-10-
holiday-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
Physics Current Issues, Research & Development

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 ATAR Cut-Off Year 11/12 Recommended Subjects

B. Medicine 99+ (UNSW) UMAT

English Advanced
Biology
Chemistry

B Medical Science 95.05 (UNSW) Biology

Chemistry
92.05 (USyd)
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

Studies Design & Technology
Visual Arts

B Actuarial 96.05 (Macquarie) Maths Ext 1 (Band E4)

Studies Maths Ext 2 (Band E4)

B Commerce 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 theyre 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 isnt 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! 28

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, self-
awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skill.

Self awareness Ability to have deep understanding of ones 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 & http://www.matrix.edu.au/all-about-atar-scaling/

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 well contact you!

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