Curriculum Years 7 - 8

The aim of English in Years 7 and 8 is to enable students to use, understand, appreciate, reflect on and enjoy the English language in a variety of texts and to shape meaning in ways that are imaginative, interpretive, critical and powerful. Students learn English through explicit teaching of language and through their immersion in a diverse range of purposeful and increasingly demanding language experiences. During Years 7 and 8 the syllabus mandates the study of: Fiction Poetry Film/Video/DVD Non-fiction Drama Students must study examples of: Spoken texts Print texts Visual texts Media and multimedia

The texts studied include a widely defined Australian literature, literature from other countries and other times, and contemporary texts that deal with popular and youth cultures, picture books and everyday texts. Students refine and develop their skills in the mechanics of English — spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation — as well as becoming imaginative and confident users of information and communication technologies.

Alongside this mainstream study of English, students will continue to receive support in developing their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing English as a second language, as required.

Mathematics

The teaching and learning of Mathematics in Years 7 and 8 is based on the understanding of Mathematics as:

• A search for patterns and relationships leading to the development of concepts and generalisations that can be applied in finding solutions to problems
• A way of thinking characterised by processes such as exploring, manipulating, discovering, ordering, classifying, generalising, abstracting, estimating, calculating, predicting, describing, deducing, drawing and measuring
• A powerful, precise and concise means of communication used to represent, interpret, explain and predict
• A creative activity that may involve invention, intuition and discovery

• Space and Geometry
• Measurement
• Data
• Number
• Patterns and Algebra

• Working Mathematically

These strands are interwoven over the two-year program to provide a balanced program to meet the needs, interests and abilities of all students.

Science

The study of Science in Years 7 and 8 develops students’ knowledge and understanding, skills, values and attitudes within broad areas that encompass the traditional disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Earth Science. As well as acquiring scientific knowledge and skills, students apply their understanding to everyday life and develop an appreciation of Science as a human activity. Students learn about the need to conserve, protect and maintain the environment, the use and importance of technology in advancing Science and the role of Science in developing technology. Students are instructed in the safe use of the laboratory. They develop skills in identifying and confidently using a range of laboratory equipment to plan, design and perform simple investigations. The focus areas are: Knowledge and understanding Investigating scientifically The nature, practice and social implications of Science Scientific problem-solving

History

• Introduces students to the unique methodology of the historian
• Develops in students an understanding of the actions, motives and feelings of people in the past
• Prepares students for life in general by focusing on the skills of communication, logic, research, analysis and evaluation
• Develops in students an understanding of their own identity and shared heritage
• Develops a knowledge and understanding of other societies and cultures in the modern world
• Helps students to appreciate how the events, personalities and decisions of the past have helped to shape the present

Geography

• Shared space — mostly at the locality level e.g. a farming district or town
• Shared social organisation — implying links beyond a particular locality e.g. ethnic, indigenous or religious communities

• Focusing on the integration of the human and biophysical components of the environment
• Providing a basis for recognising and responding to the constant changes taking place in the environment
• Developing the skills of analysing and interpreting geographic information from a variety of sources

Technology

• An understanding of a range of technologies and their applications to personal, commercial and global contexts
• Confidence and competence in the use of technological resources and processes
• Creative and innovative skills through making decisions and producing working solutions
• An awareness and appreciation of the impact of design and technology on the quality of life
• An understanding of how to function safely in a working environment

Music

The study of Music in Years 7 and 8 aims to provide students with a sound general musical education that will assist them to develop a lasting interest in music. The cultural horizons of all students are extended by exposing them to many styles of music from Renaissance to Jazz and by developing the art of intelligent discrimination of sound. Music is studied through the elements: Tone colour Dynamics Pitch Duration Structure There is an emphasis on listening skills, and an introduction to some aspects of music technology. Music literacy is developed through learning to read and write musical notation, which is linked to performance and composition.

Visual Arts

• Making artworks
• Critical study
• Historical study

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

This integrated course aims to foster and enrich the development of students, enabling them to make informed decisions about health and physical activity and to take increasing responsibility for their own lifestyle choices. It encourages students to think responsibly about their own wellbeing and that of others, including the community in which they live. The program encourages participation in regular and varied physical activity. Movement experiences aim to develop not only those concepts and skills necessary to give a satisfying performance, but also interpersonal skills, self-awareness, aesthetic appreciation and problem-solving techniques.

Information and Communication Technologies Skills (ICT)

The aim of the ICT program is to: Ensure that all students develop the ICT competencies required in all syllabuses Enable students to become confident and competent users of ICT Develop in students critical thinking skills that support appropriate and ethical use of ICT Develop in students ICT skills and practices that are relevant in our world and valued in the workplace Skills are developed in the following areas: File management Word processing Spreadsheets Multimedia Web design Animation Digital video shooting, capture and editing Information literacy Communication Appreciation of the impact of ICT on society Back to Top^