Emmanuel Catholic College Curriculum Handbook
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Year 11 & 12

Learning Support

Eligibility for Preliminary Units

Preliminary courses are designed to promote students’ academic progress and independence whereby the student has either a learning disorder of a significant nature which has resulted in extended gaps in their learning, or for students who have an intellectual disability. There are no subject-based Prerequisites for Year 10 students enrolling into these courses. Preliminary courses provide a relevant option for students who cannot access the ATAR or General course content, or who are unable to progress directly to training from school, or who require modified and /or independent education plans.

It is important to note that instead of Preliminary courses contributing toward Western Australian Certificate of Achievement (WACE) attainment, the completion of these courses will be displayed on a student’s Western Australian Statement of Achievement (WASA) upon graduation.

For more information we encourage contact from families and students.

Preliminary Mathematics Units 1 and 2

In the Preliminary Mathematics course, the main emphasis is on developing a student’s understanding of the basic mathematics concepts that they need in order to make sense of, and to be able to function as independently as possible within their home, community and work environments.

The Preliminary Mathematics course aims to develop students’:

  • understanding of the basic mathematics concepts that they need in order to make sense of
  • ability to function as independently as possible within their home, community and work environments.
  • understanding of how our number system works in order to recognise the magnitude of numbers. Students develop basic number sense in relation to everyday routine, familiar mathematical tasks.
  • Ability to solve simple daily problems involving money and time, which is a particular focus for functional numeracy.

Preliminary Religion and Life Units 1 and 2

The Religion and Life Preliminary course provides students with opportunities to learn about one or more religions. They recognise features of religion and the role religion plays in human affairs. Through the course, students learn and apply skills that enable them to learn about religion and the role it plays in society and in the lives of people.   Students learn to use information about religion and follow suitable steps that assist with, and help them to. engage with their own learning.

The Religion and Life Preliminary course aims to develop students’:

  • understanding the place of religion in the lives of people
  • understanding of the place of religion in society and the role it plays in society
  • use of religious terms and concepts
  • use of skills and processes that enable them to engage with, and participate in, their own learning about religion and life
  • ability to share with others what they have learnt about religion and life

Preliminary English Units 1 and 2

The English Preliminary course recognises that language plays a central role in human life: it provides a vehicle for communication and independence. An understanding of language and the ability to use it effectively empowers students. It gives them access to knowledge, enables them to play an active part in society and contributes to their personal growth.  

The English Preliminary course aims to develop students’:  

  • understanding of how to use language in a variety of forms and situations, depending on individual needs and capabilities
  • receptive skills which can include reading, comprehending, listening and/or viewing
  • expressive skills which can include writing, speaking, acting, signing, gesturing and/or creating multimodal texts.

Preliminary Visual Arts Units 1 and 2

The Visual Arts Preliminary units encompass the broad areas of art and craft. Students have opportunities to express their imagination and engage in the making and presentation of artworks. The Visual Arts course encourages students to develop problem-solving skills together with thinking. The Visual Arts Preliminary course aims to contribute to a sense of enjoyment, engagement and fulfilment in students’ everyday lives.

The Visual Arts Preliminary course aims to develop students’:

  • development and communication of art ideas
  • use of creative techniques, processes and technologies to make artworks
  • respond to own artworks and the artworks of others

Contact Information
Mr Mark Cornish
Head of Learning Excellence
Mark.Cornish@cewa.edu.au