For more detailed information click here to access the Year 8 Information Booklet
English
The English curriculum is built around the 3 interrelated strands of Language, Literature and Literacy. Together, the 3 strands focus on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating. Learning in English is recursive and cumulative, building on concepts, skills and processes developed in earlier years. Students interact with others for a variety of purposes. Students engage with a variety of texts for enjoyment. They listen to, read, view, analyse, interpret, create and perform a range of spoken, written and multimodal texts. Texts may include various types of media, online and digital texts, novels, non-fiction, film, poetry and dramatic performances. The features of these texts may be used by students as models for creating their own work.
Mathematics
Mathematics and numeracy skills are critical to the learning and overall education of all students. Studying mathematics allows students to be able to think critically, problem solve using logic, think outside the box to develop multiple solutions, manage their time effectively and make connections creatively. Students will learn to use arithmetic, algebraic, spatial awareness and logical skills to solve contextual and abstract problems using a range of strategies.
Students are encouraged to participate in the free maths tutorials our teachers organise both after school, Tuesday 3:10pm to 4:30pm, and during school, Tuesday second break and Thursday second break.
Students participate in a numeracy groups program that allows students to develop their basic numeracy skills in a small group setting using highly engaging activities and resources.
Students are encouraged to complete one hour of study at home every week to consolidate their learning in class.
Science
In Science, students participate in hands on experiments and activities under teacher supervision to provide opportunities for them to develop an understanding of important concepts and processes. There are strict laboratory rules to ensure safety with chemicals and equipment.
Science provides an empirical way of answering interesting and important questions about the biological, physical and technological world. The curriculum supports students to develop the scientific knowledge, understandings and skills to make informed decisions about local, national, and global issues.
Humanities
Through the study of Humanities, students develop their knowledge about the complex interactions between people, and between people and their environments by investigating historical, geographical, economic, legal and political ideas and issues. They clarify their personal values and acknowledge others’ values and world views in a range of contexts and settings.
Therefore, Humanities provides students with fascinating and challenging units that enable them to develop valuable research and communication skills; think critically; make informed decisions; and become responsible and active citizens.
Health and Physical Education
Health and Physical Education (HPE) Course aims to involve students in regular physical activity each week, as well as regular classroom lessons on key topics. Physical activity is essential for all students. Regular active and purposeful participation in physical activity promotes health and wellbeing and supports the achievement of academic goals.
There are 2 main strands included in the subject - Personal, Social and Community Health and Movement and Physical Activity. Health and Physical Education is compulsory.
Japanese
Through the study of Japanese, students will produce formulaic Japanese language and short phrases. They will develop proficiency in reading and writing the hiragana alphabet. Students will engage in processes such as analyzing, comparing and reflecting on aspects of Japanese language and cultural and their own. All students will study Japanese in Year 8. Japanese is offered as an elective in Year 9, 10, 11 and 12.
Art
Art is the study of visual communication and visual expression. Students design and produce their own expressive artworks in a variety of 2D mediums and processes. Through this they develop skills in visualising and planning work.
The Art course is designed to give students a foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of art with the focus on portraiture. Students will experience different two-dimensional media and learn fundamental art theory. As they create art works which relate to the world they live in. The elements and principles of design are taught, and students are expected to apply them to artwork they make and analyse.
Drama
In Drama, students will explore, depict and celebrate human experience by imagining and representing other people through live enactment. Drama is a collaborative art, combining physical, verbal, visual and aural dimensions. Students will experience theatre and develop an understanding of the performer/audience relationship. They will combine the elements of drama to make, present and respond to representations of human situations, characters, behaviour and relationships. Students will make drama through dramatic play, role-play and improvisation, structuring the elements into play-building, directing and scriptwriting. In presenting drama they will learn, as actors, to use body and gesture, voice and language, in responding, students will learn about how drama contributes to personal, social and cultural identity.
Music
In Music, students will listen to, compose and perform music from a diverse range of styles, traditions and contexts. They will create, shape and share sounds in time and space and critically analyse. Music practice is aurally based and focuses on acquiring and using knowledge, understanding and skills about music and musicians.
The music course is designed to provide a firm base from which students are exposed to the world of music. Students learning music listen, perform and compose. They will learn about the elements of music: rhythm, pitch, dynamics and expression, form and structure, timbre and texture. Aural skills and ear training are the particular listening skills students will develop to identify and interpret the elements of music. Students will learn to make music using the voice, body, instruments, found sound sources and information and communication technology.
Design Technologies
Design Technologies is studied for two lessons per week over a Semester. Students will focus on the knowledge and understanding, and processes and production skills required to manage projects from conception to realisation. Students will work independently and collaboratively. They apply design and systems thinking, and design processes, to investigate ideas, generate and refine ideas, plan, produce and evaluate designed solutions.
Students will engage in the designing and manufacturing of simple wood, metal and/or plastic products.
Design Technologies students will focus on knowledge, understanding and skills required to create design solutions. These solutions will be designed to promote healthy living and wellbeing. Food preparation, textile production and management skills will be included. Students will be working independently and collaboratively. They will be using a range of equipment in both the kitchen and textile classroom.
Ingredients will be required to be brought from home to produce food items (which are then taken home) on 3-4 occasions. Providing ingredients from home is essential for learning and succeeding in this subject.