SACE Stage 1 Subjects
Explore Diverse SACE Stage 1 Subjects at Marden Senior College
At Marden Senior College, our SACE Stage 1 subjects offer a comprehensive curriculum for Year 11 and 12 students. Our diverse courses span across Arts & Technologies, Business & Innovation, Health, PE & Cross Disciplinary, English, Mathematics, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Science. Explore our 2027 Curriculum Guide and Subject Flyer for course information. With numerous options, students can tailor their learning journey to suit their interests and goals, ensuring a well-rounded education.
(Courses run subject to enrolment numbers)
More Choice Means More Life Opportunities For You.
At Marden Senior College, we offer a diverse range of SACE subjects across various disciplines, catering to the interests and career aspirations of our students. Each subject area is designed to provide comprehensive education and skill development, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future endeavours. Discover the possibilities within each field:
Arts & Technologies
Creative Arts
Stage 1
Semester
10 or 20 credits
Course Overview
This is a course for students interested in developing 2D or 3D artworks and exploring the areas of interest to them. Students develop theory and practical skills, before undertaking their own personal experimentation, negotiated with the teacher. The initial skill development enables them to produce a product that reflects a personal idea or theme. Students can enrol in two semesters of Creative Arts at Stage 1 but must not repeat learning, rather they should extend or diversify skills, experimentation and production.
Assessment
School based
50% – Product
30% – Folio – Skills development and reflection
20% – Folio – Inquiry
Further Information
This course is designed for students with little to no prerequisite skill requirement (some drawing skills an advantage).
It provides a SACE only pathway as well as good preparation for a SACE Stage 2 Creative Arts subject.
Design, Technology & Engineering
Stage 1
Semester
10 credit
Course Overview
In this subject you will develop skills with making images through Darkroom Photography and Processes, Scanning, and Digital Manipulation. You will have the choice of creating a Major Product with either Darkroom Photographic focus or Darkroom and Digital focus.
Assessment
School based
40% – AT1: Skills Tasks: Photo acquisition and Digital Art Techniques
40% – AT2: Design and Development Folio
20% – AT2: Product and Evalution
Design, Technology & Engineering
Stage 1
Semester
10 credit
Course Overview
In this subject you will develop skills with making digital images through Photography and Digital Manipulation. You will have the choice of creating a Major Product in either Photographic or Digital Art Mediums.
Assessment
School based
40% – AT1: Skills Tasks: Photo acquisition and Digital Art Techniques
40% – AT2: Design and Development Folio
20% – AT2: Product and Evalution
Design, Technology & Engineering
Stage 1
Semester
10 credit
Course Overview
Students develop skills that support the construction of up-cycled garments and accessories. Students learn to identify fabrics and their suitability for garments using commercial patterns as guides. They develop practical skills in both hand stitching and sewing machine construction techniques. Students will use the design cycle to effectively plan their product and present various ideas. Students apply problem-solving skills in planning and making appropriate design solutions to meet a brief.
Assessment
School based
40% – Specialised Skills Tasks
60% – Design Process and Solution
Design, Technology & Engineering
Stage 1
Semester
10 credit
Course Overview
Students develop skills in fabric embellishment and construction techniques using hand and machine methods, in addition to elementary illustration skills. Students will use the design cycle to effectively plan their product and present various ideas. Students apply problem-solving skills in planning and making appropriate design solutions to meet a brief. Students investigate areas of interest relating to emerging issues within the fashion industry.
Assessment
School based
40% – Specialised Skills Tasks
60% – Design Process and Solution
Integrated Learning
Stage 1 and 2
Full year or Semester
10 or 20 credit
Course Overview
This course will expose students to career pathways and provide them with skills and knowledge to enter the fast-growing industry of Cyber Security. With much of the content based on micro-credentials and online courses provided free by industry, students can choose to specialise in Networking, Coding or Cyber Security Generalist streams within the class.
This subject can be undertaken at Stage 1 as a 10 credit A and/or second semester B option, or at Stage 2 as a 20 credit full year option.
Suggested micro-credentials include; CISCO Network Essentials, Programming Essentials in Python and Cyber Security Essentials.
Students will also get to participate in Hack the Box, Cyber Security Capture the flag competition and visits to the new Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre and Cyber Range.
Assessment
School based
40% – Practical Inquiry
30% – Connections
External
30% – Personal Endevour
Further Information
No prerequisite knowledge is required, however curiosity and an interest in how IT systems can be both protected and compromised is desirable. This is one of the fastest growing employment areas in Australia and globally.
Business & Innovation
Stage 1
Semester
10 credit
Course Overview
Students will investigate what it takes to set up a business and explore what it is to be an entrepreneur. Throughout this course students will pitch an idea and work collaboratively in small groups; develop skills in financial awareness, decision-making, business information, communication, global, local, and digital connections. Students will use a range of project management tools such as Value Proposition Canvas, Lean Validation Board and Test Cards to develop, refine and improve businesses.
Assessment
School based
70% – Business Skills
30% – Business Pitch
Further Information
This subject is recommended preparation for SACE Stage 2 Business Innovation.
English
Stage 1
Full year or Semester
10 or 20 credit
Course Overview
Students are provided with a range of assessment tasks in responding to and creating texts. Exploring options in terms of the format of tasks is encouraged, ensuring students are able to use existing skills in: writing, multimodal and communication skills. One oral presentation is required.
Assessment
School based
50% – Responding to Texts
50% – Creating Texts
Further Information
Stage 1 Essential English is designed for a range of students including those who are seeking to make SACE Literacy requirements, those planning to pursue a career in a range of trades or vocational pathways and those intending to continue their study of Essential English at Stage 2.
Stage 1
Full year or Semester
10 or 20 credit
Course Overview
Students will explore a variety of text types through responding to texts, creating written, multimodal and oral texts and undertaking an intertextual study. Students critically and creatively engage with a range of novels, films, media, poetry or drama texts. Students compare texts and consider how they are created for specific purposes, contexts and audiences. Students can expect to complete two responses to texts, create one of their own and an intertextual study. One of these will be an oral.
Assessment
School based
50% – Responding to Texts
20% – Creating Texts
30% – Intertextual Study
Further Information
Stage 1 English is a pathway for Stage 2 English, Stage 2 Literary Studies or Stage 2 Essential English.
Health, PE & Cross Disciplinary
Stage 1
Semester
10 credit
Course Overview
This course is for students who want to gain knowledge about early childhood development from conception to eight years. Through several practical activities including a group task, students will gain knowledge about issues related to the growth, health and wellbeing of children.
Assessment
School based
50% – Practical Research and Action Plan
20% – Investigation
30% – Group Task
Stage 1
Semester
10 credit
Course Overview
The EIF is a SACE requirement which allows students to develop a pathway to thrive by exploring who they are and who they want to be.
EIF forms an integral part of students’ pathways to a thriving future. The subject supports students to learn more about themselves, their place in the world, and enables them to explore and deepen their sense of belonging, identity and connections to the world around them (agency, belonging, human connectedness).
Assessment
School based
50% – Exploring your past, present and future
50% – Putting your capabilities into action
Stage 1
Semester
10 credit
Course Overview
Students will focus on understanding the different types of health from an individual and global perspective. They will explore aspects of improving health including sleep, exercise or managing screen time. The practical tasks will build skills in self-awareness and self-management, designed to enhance personal health and wellbeing and build resilience for learning and life.
Assessment
School based
60% – Practical Action
40% – Issue Inquiry
Stage 1
Semester
10 credit
Course Overview
Students will explore how improved mental and emotional health contributes to overall wellbeing. Students develop an understanding of a range of mental health conditions, explore community health agencies, and their role in supporting mental health. Practical actions include demonstrating and engaging their peers in a wellbeing expo for the Marden Senior College community.
Assessment
School based
60% – Practical Action
40% – Issue Inquiry
Integrated Learning
Stage 1
Semester
10 credit
Course Overview
This subject will enable students to be more prepared for life after school. Students will participate in a wide range of practical activities that will teach them about personal finances, healthy cooking and the necessary steps to move out of home.
Assessment
School based
30% – Practical Exploration
40% – Connections
30% – Personal Venture
Further Information
Some small costs may be involved for excursions and cooking practicals.
Integrated Learning
Stage 1
Full year or Semester
10 or 20 credit
Course Overview
Students will participate in a range of different sports throughout this subject. They will reflect on their own skill development and offer advice to peers. There will be a group activity each semester enabling the class to work together towards a common goal.
Assessment
School based
40% – Practical Exploration x 2
30% – Connections
30% – Personal Venture
Humanities & Social Sciences
Stage 1
Semester
10 credit
Course Overview
In the study of Ancient Studies at Stage 1 students explore the archaeological evidence of early humans and their global spread with specific focus on Ancient Australia and the sites of First Australians. Students will also explore the beliefs, rituals, and mythology of Ancient Greece including The Iliad and The Odyssey as well as Ancient Greek warfare and conquest including the Greco-Persian Wars, Athens and Sparta and Alexander the Great.
Assessment
School based
80% – Skills and Applications
20% – Inquiry
Further Information
Stage 1 Ancient Studies is a pathway to Stage 2 Ancient Studies, however it is not a prerequisite.
Stage 1
Semester
10 credit
Course Overview
Students develop an appreciation and awareness of their role as a citizen in the Australian legal system. They will look at topics such as where our laws come from, the concept of justice, civil and criminal law, the adversary system of trial and young people and the law. Students will collaborate to prepare a mock trial presentation and consider how diverse groups in society influence, and are influenced by our legal system.
Assessment
School based
50% – Analytical Response
20% – Inquiry
30% – Presentation
This subject has an exam.
Further Information
Stage 1 Legal Studies is a pathway to Stage 2 Legal Studies. It is recommended that students take Stage 1 Legal Studies before Stage 2 but it is not a prerequisite.
Stage 1
Semester
10 credit
Course Overview
In the study of Modern History at Stage 1 students explore changes within France during the Enlightenment and the French Revolution, examining the reign of Louis 16th and Marie Antoinette, their overthrow, the Reign of Terror and the rise of Napoleon. Also explored will be France’s conflict with Great Britain and the expansion of the British Empire and birth of the United States together with an in-depth examination of the legacy of the British Empire. Assessment tasks will be source analysis, essay response, multimodal presentation and research inquiry.
Assessment
School based
70% – Historical Skills
30% – Historical Study
Further Information
Stage 1 Modern History is a pathway to Stage 2 Modern History. Stage 1 Modern History is recommended but is not a prerequisite for Stage 2 Modern History.
Stage 1
Semester
10 credit
Course Overview
This course introduces key political concepts through inquiry into what politics is, how Australian politics functions, differences between political parties, and the impact of voting. Students also examine the relationship between sport and politics, exploring identity, political influence, gender equality in sport, and whether Australian sport should remain independent from political involvement in contemporary society and democratic systems today globally.
Compulsory theme: Understanding how politics works
This compulsory theme consists of four inquiry questions that introduce fundamental concepts in the study of politics.
The four inquiry questions are:
- What is politics?
- What is Australian politics?
- How different are the political parties in Australia?
- In what ways does your vote count
Option theme 1: The game of sport and politics
In this theme, sport is explored as a powerful means of creating collective political and social identity. Sport is embedded within the local and national cultural character and has a strong influence on social and political behaviour. The physical games played in sport do not exist in isolation but rather are influenced by political and social perspectives.
The four questions are:
- How far can politics and sport be separated?
- To what extent can sport be a powerful catalyst for political change?
- Can gender politics create equality in sport?
- Should Australian sport be independent of political influence?
Opportunity for up to 3 students to participate in the SA. Schools Constitutional Convention
Assessment
School based
50% – Folio 2 Tasks
20% – Sources Analysis I Task
30% – Investigation
Further Information
Pathway for students interested in and looking to complete stage 2 Politics and Womens Studies.
Mathematics
Stage 1
Full year or Semester
10 or 20 credit
Course Overview
Essential Mathematics extends mathematical skills in ways that apply to practical problem-solving in everyday and workplace contexts. This includes choosing from a range of topics that may include: everyday calculations, financial management, earning, spending and budgeting, investing and loans, measurement and geometry and statistics. There is an emphasis on developing calculation skills using various technologies and applying mathematical skills in flexible and resourceful ways.
Assessment
School based
50% – Skills and Application Tasks
50% – Folio
Stage 1
Full year or Semester
10 or 20 credit
Course Overview
Students will extend their mathematical skills in different ways that apply to practical problem-solving and mathematical modelling in everyday contexts. In this subject, students will focus on measurement, geometry, finance, statistics, trigonometry, linear equations, matrices and networks by consolidating computational and algebraic skills, and expanding their ability to reason and analyse mathematically.
Assessment
School based
75% – Skills and Application Tasks
25% – Investigation Folios
This subject has an exam.
Stage 1
Full year or Semester
10 or 20 credits
Course Overview
Mathematical Methods builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills from year 10 Mathematics. The course is organised into topics that broaden students’ mathematical experiences and develops resilient problem-solving skills. Students will learn how to use mathematics as a powerful tool for describing, modelling and investigating the world around us. This course provides the assumed knowledge for Stage 2 Mathematical Methods.
Assessment
School based
75% – Skills and Application Tasks (Tests)
25% – Investigation Reports
This subject has an exam.
Further Information
Students aspiring to undertake Mathematical Methods and/or Specialist Mathematics in stage 2 must complete a full year of Stage 1 Mathematical Methods.
Stage 1
Semester
10 credits
Course Overview
Students that enjoy the challenge of problem solving and the exploration of new mathematical techniques should consider this subject. Specialist Mathematics builds upon a sound knowledge of year 10 Mathematics to develop sharp skills and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, opening pathways to tertiary courses such as engineering, mathematical science and physical sciences.
Assessment
School based
75% – Skills and Application Tasks (Tests)
25% – Investigation Reports
This subject has an exam.
Further Information
Students considering to undertake Specialist Mathematics in Stage 2 need to complete at least one semester of Stage 1 Specialist Mathematics (in conjunction with a full year of Stage 1 Mathematical Methods) as a bare minimum requirement.
It is highly recommended however, that students enrol in the full year for Stage 1 Specialist Mathematics, to fully prepare them for Stage 2. If only 1 semester is feasible, then semester 2 is recommended over semester 1.
Science
Stage 1
Full year or Semester
10 or 20 credits
Course Overview
Semester 1 students will learn what cells are and some of the processes that make them work. They will also learn about microbes and how some are beneficial and others can cause harm. Semester 2 students will look at how the human body works from cells to body systems. They will also explore how living and non-living things interact with their environment and each other. Students are recommended to purchase a copy of the Essentials Stage 1 Biology Workbook for this course.
Assessment
School based
50% – School Assessment Tasks (SAT’s)
50% – Folio’s
This subject has an exam.
Further Information
Completion of Year 10 science, with a B grade or higher would be ideal.
This subject will give you the foundations for Stage 2 Biology.
Stage 1
Full year or Semester
10 or 20 credits
Course Overview
This course explores the materials in the world around us. Students will learn about the periodic table, atoms and molecules and how they form materials. They will look at nanomaterials and explore forces holding things together and pushing things apart. In second semester, students will learn about mixtures and solutions, and we will explore the energy changes taking place in chemical reactions and how mobile phone and laptop batteries work. Students are recommended to purchase a copy of the Essentials Stage 1 Chemistry Workbook for this course. First semester is a pre-requisite for second semester.
Assessment
School based
50% – Investigations Folio
50% – Summative Assessment Tasks
This subject has an exam.
Further Information
First semester is a pre-requisite for second semester.
Students are advised to purchase a copy of Essentials SACE Stage 1 Chemistry Workbook.
Integrated Learning
Stage 1
Semester 2
10 credit
Course Overview
Did you know that Marden Senior College has the most success of any school in South Australia in students gaining entry to study Medicine at The University of Adelaide!
If you are a high achiever and see yourself on this path to Medicine or Dentistry, then this course is for you. It involves developing skills required for the UCAT, such as logical problem solving, verbal reasoning, decision making and quantitative reasoning. Students will also work together on an assignment to solve a medical industry-based problem. The semester will end with students doing a full mock UCAT to help shape their thinking and directions for the next year.
PRACTICAL EXPLORATION: Skills for UCAT (Logic/Literacy/Numeracy)
Students would work through logical problem solving, verbal reasoning problems, decision making problems and quantitative reasoning, doing sub-tests for each, recording their results and reflecting on where improvements can be made. They will then write a report reflecting on their chosen capability and how it has been improved.
CONNECTIONS: Real-world (industry) problem solving
Students will work in a group to solve an industry-based problem relating to medicine or dentistry. They will present their findings to the whole class and receive feedback on their efforts. They will then prepare a report reflecting on how this has helped them to improve a chosen capability.
PERSONAL VENTURE: To kill a mock
Students will undertake a full mock UCAT under timed conditions to identify where further improvement is required. They will write a report to evaluate what strategies and capabilities they need to work on to improve further.
Students having successfully completed this Stage 1 course will be given preferential entry into the limited number of places available for Medicine and Dentistry Preparation is Stage 2.
Assessment
School based
33% – Practical Exploration
33% – Connections
34% – Personal Venture
Further Information
Students will need to purchase a subscription to MedEntry to allow them to access sets of practise questions for the UCAT sub-tests. This subscription lasts for 12 months, so can also be used for Stage 2 Medicine and Dentistry Preparation.
Stage 1
Semester
10 credit
Course Overview
Students will investigate dietary, lifestyle, and healthy eating patterns with a specific focus on nutrients in foods. In addition, factors which affect food choices as well as learning how to read and compare food labels to ensure good health will be investigated. Students will explore these issues in Nutrition by applying their knowledge and understanding through a range of practical and written tasks.
Assessment
School based
60% – Investigation Folios
40% – Skills and Applications Tasks
This subject has an exam.
Further Information
This subject will give you the foundations for Stage 2 Nutrition.
Stage 1
Full year or Semester
10 or 20 credits
Course Overview
Looking at motion in two dimensions, electricity, heat and matter, students will be guided to explore and explain the physical world around us. Applying scientific knowledge to solve problems and develop inquisitive experimental skills is a core aspect of the course. Students will extend the knowledge of physics into everyday life, while walking, driving a car or using a phone.
Assessment
School based
40% – Investigation Folio
60% – Skills and Applications Tasks
This subject has an exam.
Stage 1
Full year or Semester
10 or 20 credits
Course Overview
Students will explore the brain, human behaviour, and emotions. They will learn about positive psychology methods to improve wellbeing and look at past psychological experiments to study the psychological theories that are used today in law enforcement, advertising, schools and business settings.
Assessment
School based
60% – Investigation Folio
40% – Skills and Applications Tasks
This subject has an exam.