Year 11: Depth, Direction and Discipline

Term 1 — Reading to Write

Weeks 1–3: Introduction to the Craft of Writing – Explore how composers use language, form, and structure to shape meaning. Analyse purpose, audience, and context to understand how texts engage responders.
Weeks 4–6: Deconstructing Model Texts – Study short stories, essays, and speeches to identify techniques such as tone, imagery, and syntax. Develop your own writing style through experimentation with language.
Weeks 7–9: Imaginative and Discursive Writing – Compose original pieces informed by your study of literary techniques. Focus on cohesion, creativity, and reflective commentary.
Week 10: Assessment and Reflection.
Term 1 Holidays: Review key writing conventions, refine drafts, and practise textual analysis through reading diverse short texts.

Term 2 — Narratives that Shape Our World

Weeks 1–3: Context and Representation – Explore how cultural, social, and historical contexts influence storytelling. Analyse how composers shape perspectives through narrative voice and structure.
Weeks 4–6: Close Study of Text – Engage deeply with a prescribed text, examining themes, motifs, and values that reveal human experiences.
Weeks 7–9: Analytical Writing – Develop sophisticated essay structures with strong thesis statements and textual integration.
Week 10: Assessment Practice.
Term 2 Holidays: Review narrative form and how stories shape identity and perspective.

Term 3 — Critical Study of Text

Weeks 1–3: Close Reading and Interpretation – Analyse how language, form, and style express complex ideas about individuals and society.
Weeks 4–6: Evaluating Texts – Engage with literary criticism and secondary sources to develop deeper analytical insight.
Weeks 7–9: Essay Development – Construct extended analytical essays with sustained arguments and evaluative commentary.
Week 10: Assessment Preparation.
Term 3 Holidays: Revise analytical frameworks and plan extended essay responses using multiple interpretations.

Term 4 — Multi-Modal and Comparative Study

Weeks 1–3: Textual Conversations – Examine how two connected texts explore shared concerns, values, and human experiences. Compare context, form, and meaning.
Weeks 4–6: Composition and Presentation – Create comparative or multimodal responses that synthesise perspectives across texts.
Weeks 7–9: Comprehensive Review – Consolidate all writing and analysis skills from the year.
Week 10: Final Assessment.
Term 4 Holidays: Review comparative essay techniques and language precision for Year 12 English.

Term 1 — Algebra and Functions

Weeks 1–3: Algebraic Manipulation – Simplify and factorise complex algebraic expressions using indices, surds, and polynomials. Apply equations to model mathematical and real-world problems.
Weeks 4–6: Equations and Inequalities – Solve quadratic and simultaneous equations algebraically and graphically. Explore inequalities and absolute value functions.
Weeks 7–9: Functions and Graphs – Investigate domain, range, and transformations of linear, quadratic, and inverse functions.
Week 10: Assessment and Review.
Term 1 Holidays: Review function properties and graphical analysis in preparation for calculus concepts.

Term 2 — Trigonometry and Calculus

Weeks 1–3: Trigonometric Relationships – Study sine, cosine, and tangent functions. Model periodic phenomena and solve angle problems using trigonometric identities.
Weeks 4–6: Introduction to Calculus – Develop an understanding of limits and the concept of a derivative. Differentiate simple polynomial, exponential, and trigonometric functions.
Weeks 7–9: Applications of Differentiation – Apply calculus to motion, optimisation, and rate of change problems.
Week 10: Exam Preparation.
Term 2 Holidays: Review trigonometric functions and differentiation techniques through practice tasks.

Term 3 — Exponentials, Logarithms, and Financial Maths

Weeks 1–3: Exponential Functions – Model exponential growth and decay, interpreting real-world applications in population and finance.
Weeks 4–6: Logarithmic Functions – Explore the properties and graphs of logarithmic functions as inverses of exponentials.
Weeks 7–9: Financial Mathematics – Calculate interest, annuities, and loan repayments using exponential and logarithmic models.
Week 10: Assessment Preparation.
Term 3 Holidays: Review key financial and exponential relationships through problem-solving tasks.

Term 4 — Statistics and Review

Weeks 1–3: Descriptive Statistics – Analyse data sets using measures of central tendency and spread. Interpret results and identify outliers.
Weeks 4–6: Probability and Distributions – Apply probability concepts and use normal distributions to model data.
Weeks 7–9: Cumulative Review – Integrate algebra, calculus, and statistics in complex problem-solving scenarios.
Week 10: Exam Preparation.
Term 4 Holidays: Review advanced algebra and function applications to prepare for Year 12 Mathematics Advanced.

Term 1 — Functions and Trigonometry

Weeks 1–3: Functions and Graphical Relationships – Extend understanding of functions, exploring transformations, combinations, and inverses. Investigate even, odd, and composite functions using algebraic and graphical methods.
Weeks 4–6: Trigonometric Functions – Extend trigonometric ratios to include radians, reciprocal functions, and compound angle formulas. Analyse sine, cosine, and tangent across extended domains.
Weeks 7–9: Applications of Trigonometry – Solve complex equations and model periodic phenomena in navigation and engineering.
Week 10: Assessment and Review.
Term 1 Holidays: Revise function transformations and trigonometric modelling.

Term 2 — Calculus and Further Algebra

Weeks 1–3: Limits and Introduction to Calculus – Develop understanding of limits and instantaneous rates of change. Explore differentiability and continuity.
Weeks 4–6: Differentiation Techniques – Apply derivative rules to polynomial, trigonometric, and exponential functions. Investigate tangents, normals, and motion.
Weeks 7–9: Further Algebraic Methods – Simplify rational expressions, manipulate surds, and solve inequalities.
Week 10: Exam Preparation.
Term 2 Holidays: Review differentiation and algebraic techniques.

Term 3 — Combinatorics and Proof

Weeks 1–3: Counting and Arrangements – Explore counting principles, permutations, and combinations. Apply to probability and sequences.
Weeks 4–6: Binomial Theorem – Expand and simplify binomial expressions, identifying general terms and coefficients. Apply to algebraic problems.
Weeks 7–9: Mathematical Proofs – Develop reasoning through direct proof, contradiction, and induction.
Week 10: Assessment Practice.
Term 3 Holidays: Review proof and combinatorial methods.

Term 4 — Advanced Topics and Integration

Weeks 1–3: Integration and Applications – Introduce integration as the reverse of differentiation. Evaluate definite and indefinite integrals to find areas under curves.
Weeks 4–6: Parametric Equations and Graphs – Explore parametric forms and sketch curves using derivatives and integrals. Examine links between algebraic and geometric models.
Weeks 7–9: Cumulative Review – Integrate understanding of calculus, algebra, trigonometry, and proof through problem-solving.
Week 10: Final Assessment.
Term 4 Holidays: Consolidate all concepts to prepare for Year 12 Mathematics Extension 1.

Term 1 — Properties and Structure of Matter

Weeks 1–3: Separation of Mixtures – Explore physical and chemical properties used to separate mixtures, linking to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filtration methods.
Weeks 4–6: Atomic Structure and Electron Configuration – Examine emission spectra, isotopes, and electron shells to understand atomic behaviour.
Weeks 7–9: Periodic Trends and Bonding – Study atomic radius, ionisation energy, and bonding types (ionic, covalent, metallic). Relate bonding to observable material properties.
Week 10: Assessment Preparation.
Term 1 Holidays: Conduct a practical investigation analysing bonding strength and intermolecular forces.

Term 2 — Quantitative Chemistry

Weeks 1–3: Conservation of Mass and Moles – Explore relationships between reactants and products using stoichiometric calculations and balanced equations.
Weeks 4–6: Solutions and Concentrations – Prepare standard solutions and calculate molarity, linking theoretical understanding to titration experiments.
Weeks 7–9: Gas Laws and Stoichiometry Applications – Apply ideal gas equations to chemical processes and industrial scenarios.
Week 10: Exam Preparation.
Term 2 Holidays: Review mole ratios and experimental calculations to strengthen problem-solving accuracy.

Term 3 — Chemical Reactions

Weeks 1–3: Reaction Types – Examine synthesis, decomposition, combustion, and redox reactions, linking to energy transformations.
Weeks 4–6: Rates and Energy Changes – Investigate activation energy, catalysts, and temperature effects using calorimetry and collision theory.
Weeks 7–9: Catalysts and Energy Diagrams – Explore endothermic and exothermic profiles, focusing on reaction efficiency and sustainability.
Week 10: Exam Preparation.
Term 3 Holidays: Review kinetics, enthalpy, and energy conservation through laboratory analysis and model simulations.

Term 4 — Review and Integration

Weeks 1–3: Comprehensive Revision – Reinforce understanding of atomic structure, bonding, and stoichiometry through applied case studies.
Weeks 4–6: Applied Chemistry Investigations – Design and conduct extended investigations testing reaction conditions and yield optimisation.
Weeks 7–9: Assessment Preparation.
Week 10: Final Exam.
Term 4 Holidays: Reflect on analytical accuracy and practical reporting skills to prepare for Year 12 Chemistry.

Term 1 — Kinematics

Weeks 1–4: Motion in One and Two Dimensions – Describe displacement, velocity, and acceleration. Apply equations of motion to analyse straight-line and projectile motion in real-world scenarios.
Weeks 5–7: Forces and Dynamics – Investigate Newton’s laws of motion through experimental and mathematical modelling, including friction, tension, and inclined planes.
Weeks 8–9: Practical Investigations – Conduct quantitative experiments linking acceleration, force, and mass to verify Newton’s second law.
Week 10: Assessment Review.
Term 1 Holidays: Revise motion and forces with data interpretation, simulation analysis, and vector problem-solving exercises.

Term 2 — Waves and Thermodynamics

Weeks 1–3: Wave Behaviour – Explore reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference. Examine how energy transfers through longitudinal and transverse waves.
Weeks 4–6: Sound and Light Waves – Investigate sound frequency, pitch, and amplitude alongside light properties such as reflection, refraction, and colour dispersion.
Weeks 7–9: Heat Transfer and Energy Conservation – Study conduction, convection, and radiation. Relate particle motion to changes in temperature and phase.
Week 10: Assessment Preparation.
Term 2 Holidays: Review wave and heat experiments, focusing on data accuracy and experimental reliability.

Term 3 — Electricity and Magnetism

Weeks 1–3: Electrical Circuits – Analyse current, voltage, and resistance using Ohm’s Law. Design and interpret series and parallel circuits.
Weeks 4–6: Electromagnetism – Explore magnetic fields, solenoids, and induced currents through hands-on experiments.
Weeks 7–9: Energy and Applications – Study the generation, transmission, and efficiency of electrical energy in technological systems.
Week 10: Exam Preparation.
Term 3 Holidays: Review key principles of electromagnetism and circuit analysis through applied investigations.

Term 4 — Advanced Mechanics and Review

Weeks 1–3: Momentum and Energy Transfer – Explore impulse, collisions, and energy conservation in open and closed systems.
Weeks 4–6: Comprehensive Review – Integrate kinematics, dynamics, and energy concepts in advanced problems.
Weeks 7–9: Assessment Practice.
Week 10: Final Exam.
Term 4 Holidays: Reflect on major topics and refine data analysis skills in preparation for HSC Physics.

Term 1 — Cells as the Basis of Life

Weeks 1–3: Cell Structures and Functions – Explore prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells using microscopy. Identify organelles and describe how structures support essential processes like protein synthesis and energy production.
Weeks 4–6: Cell Membranes and Transport – Investigate diffusion, osmosis, and active transport through the fluid mosaic model. Examine how surface area and gradients affect efficiency.
Weeks 7–9: Biochemical Processes and Enzymes – Study photosynthesis and cellular respiration, exploring enzyme action and reaction conditions.
Week 10: Assessment and Consolidation.
Term 1 Holidays: Review cell structure and metabolic processes through practical activities.

Term 2 — Organisation in Living Systems

Weeks 1–3: Levels of Organisation – Examine how cells form tissues, organs, and systems. Understand how structure enhances function and survival.
Weeks 4–6: Plants as Autotrophs – Investigate photosynthesis, transpiration, and gas exchange.
Weeks 7–9: Animals as Heterotrophs – Study digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems, highlighting interdependence in maintaining stability.
Week 10: Assessment Preparation.
Term 2 Holidays: Review feedback loops and system coordination.

Term 3 — Evolution and Ecosystem Dynamics

Weeks 1–3: Natural Selection and Adaptation – Explore genetic variation and selective pressures driving adaptation.
Weeks 4–6: Evolutionary Processes and Evidence – Evaluate fossils, anatomy, and DNA evidence for evolution.
Weeks 7–9: Ecosystem Dynamics – Examine energy flow, nutrient cycles, and species interactions shaping ecosystems.
Week 10: Assessment Practice.
Term 3 Holidays: Review adaptation, biodiversity, and conservation themes.

Term 4 — Review and Scientific Skills

Weeks 1–3: Scientific Investigations – Design experiments with valid methods ensuring reliability and accuracy.
Weeks 4–6: Data Analysis and Interpretation – Use graphs and models to analyse patterns in biological data.
Weeks 7–9: Comprehensive Review – Integrate understanding of cells, systems, and ecology.
Week 10: Final Assessment.
Term 4 Holidays: Reflect on investigation and data evaluation ahead of Year 12 Biology.