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Subject Choice for Form 3

Scholastic Year 2017-18

BISHOP’S CONSERVATORY

SECONDARY SCHOOL

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Dear Students and Parents,

In this booklet you will find information about the subjects

studied as from Form 3, so that you will be able to make an

informed choice.

We feel that each student should have the possiblity to

develop according to her own potential. We understand

that everyone has different interests and we are offering a

variety of subjects which would cater for the different

interests and abilities of the students.

Every student needs to choose 3 subjects: a science and

another 2 subjects. All students will be guided individually

to make a good choice.

We appreciate that parents/guardians help their daughters

in this choice, but the final decision has to be that of the

students. Our wish is that every student is happy with the

choice made.

Good luck!

The Guidance teachers Ms. Claire and Ms. Lilian

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Some information about the subjects

Whatever the choice, one can always continue studying in

various educational institutes, such as at Sixth Form, MCAST and

ITS.

But before taking the decision each student has to:

Check which subjects interest her more and the skills

needed.

Find information about the subjects.

Consult with the guidance teachers in case of any difficulty

with this choice.

Parents shall be having an information meeting so as to be able

to further help students in their decision making process.

The language chosen in Form 1 will be studied till Form 5. But

students can opt to choose another language from those being

offered.

Students who want to study Design & Technology and /or Home

Economics have to choose them as one of their options, even if

they are already studying them. Students who do not choose

D&T and/or Home Economics mean that they will stop studying

them.

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Subjects studied in Form 3

Each subject will be studied from Form 3 till Form 5.

Subjects chosen will only be available if there is a good

number of students who have chosen that particular

subject.

To be able to choose Economics, a minimum of 65 marks

is required in the English Half Yearly exam.

To be able to choose Computing, a minimum of 65 marks

is required in Mathematics Half Yearly exam.

To be able to choose Chemistry, a minimum of 65 marks

is required in Science and Mathematics Half Yearly exam.

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Column C

Choose one of the following science subjects:

Physics

Biology

Column A

Choose one subject

from this column

Column B

Choose one subject

from this column

Accounts Biology

Art Computing

Chemistry Design and Technology

Design and Technology Economics

French/Italian/German/Spanish

Graphical Communication

Home Economics Hospitality

Prince’s Trust Applied Arts

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Physics

Physics is a science subject and it involves the studying of

materials and the energy around us. The laws learnt in this

subject do not apply only for living things but also for all

other living objects around us. Physics helps in the

understanding of other science subjects.

During Physics lessons, after learning the theory about a

particular topic, students carry out experiments which will

help them understand the theory.

Some topics covered in Physics are-:

The universe;

Material including radioactive material;

Electricity and magnets;

Waves, light and sound;

Forces and energy;

Moving objects.

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Computer Studies

Computing is the detailed study of:

How computers are built;

How they work;

How a computer is used at the work place;

Programming (Java);

Networking.

Students are expected to work on a project which carries an

essential number of marks for the SEC exams. It is

important to note that computing is different from ECDL. In

fact, computing helps the student to learn a programming

language.

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Biology

What is Biology?

It is the study of living organisms and their surroundings. Some topics covered in biology include:

The study of cells and different life processes.

Human anatomy including the circulatory system, digestive sys‐tem, respiratory system, reproductive system, nervous

system, endocrine system, excretory system and genetics.

Plant structure, reproduction and several other life processes.

Classification: how different organisms are classified into

different groups depending on their characteristics.

Ecosystems including many abiotic factors and

cycles.

The environment, including soil and pollution.

In Biology you need to:

· study and revise what you have covered in class every week.

· be able to explain your ideas in a lot of detail using very good English and biological terms.

· learn several technical words and equations.

· present organised and well‐planned reports of the several experiments. This is very important since 15% of the SEC exam is based on the practical experiments done in Form 3 till Form 5.

be able to draw neat labelled diagrams.

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Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, how and why

substances combine or separate to form other substances, and how

substances interact with energy.

The following are some topics covered in Chemistry:

separating mixtures, the atmosphere, water, qualitative and

quantitative analysis, the mole concept, the periodic table, the effect of

heat and electricity on compounds, carbon and its

compounds, acid, bases and salts and atomic structure.

In Chemistry you need to:

study and revise what you have covered in class every week.

be able to explain your ideas in good English.

learn different technical words, symbols and terms.

present organised and well‐planned reports of the several

experiments. This is very important since 15% of the SEC exam is

based on the practical experiments done in Form 3 till Form 5.

have good Mathematical skills.

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Accounts

Accounts covers topics related to book‐keeping of different types of businesses e.g. a sole owner, a partnerhip, family companies and companies which trade shares on the Malta Stock Exchange. Accounting involves a number of formats (a different format for every topic) which the student is expected to learn. Logic and sequence are an asset for this subject as the student has to be able to apply the accounting knowledge learnt to questions with different layouts. This subject helps students to instil a sense of budgeting which is useful for one’s personal life. It provides an understanding of how the banking system works and the different options available to invest in companies.

To be successful in accounts one needs to be prepared to practice the formats covered in class on a daily basis. Though it involves lots of numbers, mathematically it is not difficult. Only additions and subtractions are

involved. It is an interesting subject and students who work hard tend to enjoy learning it.

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Economics

Economics covers the topics of

commercial activites on three different

levels: the personal, national and

international levels.

This subject is divided into two main areas: the micro‐

economy and the macro‐economy. The former deals with

how the business operates within itself while the latter

deals with how the business operates within the economic

systems.

Topics include banking, insurance, taxes, public debt, study

of the population, trade unions, transport and consumer

protection. European Union and international trade are

dealt with in detail.

Students who opt for this subject will more likely make a

success if they intend to research on the topics and keep up

to date with current affairs. Students who are fluent in

English tend to do better in expressing themselves as this

subject requires the student to write essays in Enlgish.

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Foreign Languages

Choosing a foreign language increases the

possibility of being able to communicate

better with different nationalities. Before

choosing a language, consider how this particular language

might help you in your future career path as well as your

daily life. Our school offers 4 languages. All four languages

increase students’ ability to work in several industries within

the maltese economy, tourism as well as the culture of that

particular country.

Any language which can be chosen from

Form 3 will cover all the syllabus for the

SEC exam. All languages

cover some culture about their respective

country, however the main focus is on

communication.

One can choose 1 language from French,

German, Italian and Spanish.

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Applied Award in Art Appreciation and Techniques

This subject is intended to provide students with a basic

knowledge and application of a number of different art tech‐

niques. It helps students learn practical techniques with the

intention of inspiring their creativity, imagination and inno‐

vative thinking. The programme includes several workshops

and visits outside school.

Students shall have the opportunity to experiment using

different media such as pottery/ceramics, paperwork, mosa‐

ic, textile and jewelry making.

This course can lead to an MQF Level 3 (O level) if the stu‐

dent carries out all tasks.

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Graphical Communication

Graphical Communication is a subject used

by a wide variety of professionals including

architects, engineers, mechanics, techni‐

cians, interior designers and graphic design‐

ers. Some designs might include those of furniture, marine

projects, opening of new roads, and logos.

Objectives to be reached throughout the course:

Ability to interpret a number of designs;

Instil awareness of Graphical Communication as an

international language;

Ability to use various techniques

The topics covered throughout the years are divided into

the following areas:

Orthographic Projection

Plane Geometry

Solid Geometry

Pictorial Drawings

Design

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Home Economics

Home Economics focuses on the development,

the use and the management of human and

material resources. This subject helps you grow

as a person and gives you the necessary skills

which are needed to live in today’s dynamic world. We learn

about the ability to take a good decision, problem solving,

critical thinking and effective communication. Some topics

covered in Home Economics include:

Food and Health The Choice and Management

of resources

Family Living

A balanced diet Housing and accommo‐dation for every life style

Families

The role of food and nutrients

Personal hygiene Senior citizens and persons with disabililties.

Factors which affect the choice of food

Waste management The physical, intellec‐tual and social devel‐opment of children.

Preparation of healthy food and nutrition

Budgeting and different types of payment.

Children and their needs.

National guided for a healthy diet

Consumer rights and responsibilities

First aid in emergency cases.

Health conditions due to a healthy diet

Products and services with the lowest impact on the environment.

Packaging and food labeling.

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Design and Technology

Design and Technology focuses on four particular areas:

electronics, food, resistant materials and textiles. This

subject develops the students’ abitlities to design, produce

and evaluate and gives them opportunities to understand

which factors contribute to a good design and production.

The SEC exam involves a design portfolio, which is prepared

at school during the lessons.

You can also research on the sites below:

http:// www.technologystudent.com/

http:// www.design‐technology.info/

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Art

Art is a practice‐based subject which focuses on learning different approaches towards the application of various me‐dia and techniques to a surface or support. Talented or not, the art programme is entailed for all learners who really ap‐preciate art and who are willing to practice frequently in or‐der to develop and refine their artistic techniques; more im‐portantly create original works.

Our art department ensures that even un‐popular media in the field is taught; from graphite pencils to charcoal, aquarelles and acrylics, pastels, collage, lino printmaking and ink drawing, even clay modelling. Stu‐dents are also given the opportunity to work together on ambitious projects which

ultimately showcase their talents and give exposure to their artistic creativity by permanently exhibiting their work on our school walls. Importance is given to research and students are always en‐couraged to be inquisitive and look up other artists’ work so that they can be inspired and finally create their own pieces. This course in art leads to a SEC qualification, where a port‐

folio of works is presented carrying 20% of the total mark.

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Hospitality

Throughout the years so many job vacancies have been created to

properly fit the various roles that one can have in the tourism industry.

This is because the tourism industry generates a lot of income on the

Maltese islands. Knowing this, our school has identified the im‐

portance of preparing our students for this area and this year it shall

be offering the optional subject Hospitality. This is a subject which can

be chosen independently of other subjects. This said, a limited number

of students will be accepted.

This vocational subject has been developed and recognised by the

MATSEC Board and is a foundation course which leads to other cours‐

es offered by ITS (Institute of Tourism Studies). In fact, students who

are successful will obtain a SEC certificate just like in other subjects.

The aim is to help students acquire very important skills, namely; lead‐

ership, entrepreneurship, organisational, communication and catering

skills. Such skills are very important if the applicants aim to work in

tourism.

What does this subject concentrate on?

In Form 3 the focus is on Hospitality and the Tourism Industry,

where the students have the opportunity to meet with various

people coming from different sectors of the tourism industry.

They will have the opportunity to visit various places related to

tourism and gain hands on experiences.

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Then in Form 4 the focus shifts to The World of Food. Apart from

cooking, the students will visit different bars, restaurants and

hotels to gain experience.

Finally, in Form 5 the focus is on Hospitality Operations. Here the

students identify different aspects of travel, tourism and hospi‐

tality, focusing also on management. Various speakers will be

invited and also important venues related to this area will be vis‐

ited.

Three main areas shall assess this subject, these being:

the ‘Take Home’ area, which consists of written assignments;

the ‘Practical’ area, which does not only refer to cooking sessions

but also to role plays, presentations, documentaries and so on; and

the ‘Controlled’ area, which is a written exam set by the MATSEC

Board.

All of these areas are tackled in all of Forms 3, 4 and 5. There will also

be an opportunity for a re‐sit (every year) if a student fails a year.

Therefore, by the end of the third year, the student would have compiled

results in: 3Take Home assignments; 3 Practical assignments; and 3 Examina‐

tions.

Together these establish the grade for the SEC exam in this sub‐

ject. Hence, the mark for the SEC exam will be gradually gained

throughout the three years.

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Prince’s Trust

This is a student centred programme with individual atten‐

tion which allows hands on experiences. Prince’s Trust

Qualifications believe that all students should have a

chance to succeed. That is why it involves different modules that enhance

personal skills, qualities and attitudes which are then required by employers

in different sectors. Moreover, students engage learning that is relevant to

them, support their development of personal skills and attributes that are

crucial for life after school.

This non‐academic subject helps young people to investigate their own po‐

tential and encourage them to take responsibility of their own learning and

development. The attainment of the Prince’s Trust Certificate in Personal

Development and Employability Skills is a recognised qualification for entry

to post-secondary institutions despite any difficult backgrounds or academ‐

ic difficulties that students might have faced. Students start tackling modules

as from Form 3 and continue to do so until Form 5. All these modules are

then issued in either a certificate or an award according to the level ob‐

tained.

Students are continuously assessed through their portfolios which is then

reviewed during an Internal Verification and after that it is reassessed during

the External Verification. Some of the modules that Prince’s Trust offer are:

Career planning

Planning for personal development

Teamwork

Managing money

Presentation skills

Customer service