Mark McGowan

Mark McGowan

Minister for Education and Training; South West

    Record number of new courses available for Year 11 students in 2008

    5/02/2008 5:11 PM
     
    5/2/08

    A record 13 exciting new courses are on offer for Year 11 students this year as part of the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).

    Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said the new courses offered students opportunities in areas such as Marine and Maritime Technology, Outdoor Education, Career and Enterprise and Italian.

    “These courses will not replace the current core subjects such as maths, chemistry and English; rather, they will complement the traditional learning areas and ensure that students are prepared for the world beyond school - whether that be university, training or employment,” Mr McGowan said.

    “We are living in a dynamic, successful State and our education system is keeping pace with the demands of our modern economy.”

    New courses available in 2008 include:
    • Career and enterprise;
    • Chinese: second language;
    • Computer science;
    • Dance;
    • Drama;
    • Italian;
    • Marine and maritime technology;
    • Materials design and technology;
    • Outdoor education;
    • Aboriginal and intercultural studies;
    • Aboriginal languages of Western Australia;
    • Philosophy and ethics; and
    • Psychology
    The Minister said each of the courses had been developed with extensive input from academic experts and, where relevant, industry representatives.

    He said high schools would typically offer between 20 and 40 courses, which best meet the interests and needs of their students.

    For a complete list of the new courses being introduced between 2005 and 2009, visit the Curriculum Council’s website at http://www.curriculum.wa.edu.au

    Minister's office - 9222 9111