South Australian Matriculation (SAM)
Subjects Offered
SAM Subject Combinations
Subject Descriptions
The New SAM @ Taylor's 

SAM Subject Combinations
Each student in the SAM programme is required to study 5 subjects. In order to enable you to qualify for a wider range of courses and also to gain entry into top universities, Taylor's College requires you to take Mathematical Studies.

Click here to download the South Australian Matriculation subject combinations offered for the March / April 2013 intake at Taylor's College Subang Jaya.

Click here to download the South Australian Matriculation subject combinations offered for the March / April 2013 intake at Taylor's College Sri Hartamas.

Subject Description

Accounting
  
You will participate in a learning circle that explores the changing social, legal, and economic environment. In your lessons, you will develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and the use of information and communication technologies. These skills enable you to apply accounting information in financial decision-making. With an understanding of accounting concepts in financial management and decision-making, you will develop skills in, and an appreciation of, active and responsible citizenship.

You will acquire knowledge and skills related to the accounting process for organisation and business applications. You will understand the processes involved in generating, recording, classifying, analysing, interpreting, and reporting accounting information as a basis for planning, control, and effective decision-making. You will learn how to interpret the financial information of an accounting entity and how to convey this information to interested users.
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Biology
  
In Biology you investigate and learn about the structure and function of a range of living organisms, how they interact with other living things, and with their environments. You will have the opportunity to engage with the work of biologists and to join and initiate debates about how biology impacts on their lives, on society, and on the environment.
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Chemistry
  
The study of Chemistry involves investigating and learning about the properties, uses, means of production, and reactions of natural and processed materials. It also includes a critical study of the social and environmental impact of materials and chemical processes.
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Economics
  
Studying economics enables you to understand how an economy operates, the structure of economic systems, and the way in which they function. You will develop an understanding of different economic systems and institutions, and can assess the degree to which these systems and institutions help satisfy people's needs and wants.

You will research, analyse, evaluate, and apply economic models that are expressed in graphical and/or diagrammatic form. You will also evaluate issues for individuals and groups in local, national, and global settings, and learn how some of these issues affect your lives and how to use the knowledge and skills of economics to inform their participation in society.
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English as Second Language Studies
  
You will examine and analyse texts that they use and respond to in an English-speaking environment for social and academic purposes. You will work independently and collaboratively, to solve problems by using contextual clues to predict and confirm the meaning of a text. You will learn when and how to use a strategy such as asking questions to monitor your understanding of texts.
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Information Technology
  
You will develop and apply specialised skills and techniques in the use of software in a number of information technology areas. You will investigate existing information technology systems to discover their nature and components. You will develop a range of information technology skills and techniques while creating your own systems that can be tested and evaluated. In addition, you will develop the ability to analyse and reflect on issues related to the increased use of an dependence on computer-based systems in society, and the ethics associated with these issues.
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Legal Studies
  
Legal Studies explores Australia's legal heritage and the dynamic nature of the Australian legal system within a global context. You are provided with an understanding of the structures of the Australian legal system and how that system responds and contributes to social change while acknowledging tradition.
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Mathematical Studies
  
Through the study of Mathematical Studies you explore, describe and explain aspects of the world around you in a mathematical way. You will understand fundamental concepts, demonstrate mathematical skills, and apply routine mathematical procedures, making informed and critical use of electronic technology.
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Physics
  
The study of physics offers opportunities for you to understand and appreciate the physical world. This subject requires the investigation and interpretation of phenomena of physics through a study of motion in two dimensions, electricity and magnetism, light and matter, and atoms and nuclei.
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Psychology
  
The study of psychology enables you to understand your own behaviours and the behaviours of others. It has direct relevance to your personal lives. Psychological knowledge can be applied to improve outcomes and the quality of experience in various areas of life, such as education, intimate relationships, child rearing, employment and leisure. 
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Specialist Mathematics
  
Through the study of Specialist Mathematics you gain the insight, understanding, knowledge, and skills to follow pathways that will lead you to become designers and makers of technology. The subject provides pathways into university courses in mathematical sciences, engineering, computer science, physical sciences, and surveying. For those of you envisaging careers in other related fields, including economics and commerce, may also benefit from studying this subject.  
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The New SAM @ Taylor's
The New SAM is designed to enable students to:

  • Develop the capabilities* to live, learn, work, and participate successfully in a changing world;
  • Plan and engage in a range of challenging, achievable, and manageable learning experiences, taking into account their goals and abilities;
  • Build their knowledge, skills, and understanding in a variety of contexts, for example, schools, workplaces, and training and community organisations;
  • Gain credit for their learning achievements against performance standards.
 

You will have more control of your learning as you take charge of your own progress through:

  • 70% college-based assessment comprising tests & quizzes, assignments, reports, presentations, lab work, research projects; marked by your subject teachers and moderated by the SACE Board.
  • 30% external assessment (final examination); marked by external assessors and monitored by the SACE Board.
  • Standards are set for each subject so you know what you need to achieve to earn a particular grade.
  • The SACE Board makes sure the same standards are applied across all schools.
 

What are the capabilities focused in your studies in SAM? 
The capabilities enable you to make connections in their learning within and across subjects in a wide range of contexts. These include the knowledge and skills essential for people to act in effective and successful ways. The aim is to develop well-rounded, capable young people who can make the most of their potential. 

The five capabilities are:

  • Communication
  • Citizenship
  • Personal development
  • Work
  • Learning
 

Why the New SAM @ Taylor's? 
We assist you in realizing your potential by:

  • Preparing you with a strong and sound understanding of concepts of your subject matter
  • Building your lifelong and problem-solving skills, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills through team work, activities
  • Learning through application, i.e. hands-on learning
  • Learning beyond the classroom
  • Learning through various mediums.