English

Students interact, listen and collaborate through the creation of multimodal texts and the analysis of varying text structures using an Explicit Direct Instruction model. A direct instruction approach encompassing syntax, morphology, reading comprehension, Spelling Mastery and explicit writing sessions gives opportunity for vital foundational skills to progress and deepen. A class novel is explored in depth alongside opportunities for students to be curious and creative in their writing.

Mathematics

The skills, knowledge and understanding within the content of the six strands: Number, Measurement, Algebra, Space, Probability and Statistics continue to be developed and tracked using an Explicit Direct Instruction approach. Concrete materials to support understanding and scaffolds to support reasoning and applied thinking are a feature of this subject. All students undertake the daily Number Fluency program to ensure strong foundational skills. Students who demonstrate high aptitude are selected to be part of the Newhaven College Middle School Extension Program.

Humanities and Science (HAS)

Through a variety of Science and Humanities topics, students make predictions, describe patterns and relationships, as well as communicating ideas and findings. There is a focus on developing an understanding of why decisions need to be made and the factors involved in allocating resources. The Grade Five camp at Sovereign Hill is linked to the study of Australian History in the 1800s, which is linked in Grade Six to a focus on the development of Australia as a nation after 1900.

Music

All Year 5/6 students can learn an instrument in small groups. Read more about our Music program.

Language (Japanese)

Students learn about Japanese culture, basic sentences, vocabulary, and reading hiragana and katakana.

Physical Health and Wellbeing

Students further develop the knowledge, skills, and understandings needed to lead healthy, active lives. By the end of the program, students have strengthened both their physical abilities and their social skills, supporting positive interactions and teamwork. Sport program.

Social Emotional Learning Program (SEL Program)

This program focuses on the wellbeing and engagement of Year 5/6 students. It connects them with the wider community through structured activities, workshops and excursions.

Art

Students will study a number of artists and styles which pay special attention to colour, pattern, texture and line. They will also experience a combination of materials to create and develop a range of three-dimensional works.

Drama

Students build confidence, communication, and teamwork through a range of collaborative activities. They extend their understanding of theatrical techniques to create dramatic action and explore how mood and atmosphere influence performance.

English

Through an Explicit Direct Instruction model students in Years 7/8 focus on improving skills in reading, speaking, listening and writing. Students read, analyse and engage imaginatively and
critically with more complex texts. These analytical processes give inspiration to their own writers' craft. Foundational Literacy skills are enhanced through the use of a Direct Instruction model with a focus on morphology. Students study a range of speeches, using devices to craft their own persuasive speech.

Mathematics

The skills, knowledge and understanding within the content of the six strands: Number, Measurement, Algebra, Space, Probability and Statistics continue to be developed and tracked using an Explicit Direct Instruction Approach. Students requiring further foundational number fluency skills will have the opportunity to be involved in a daily Number Fluency Program. Students who demonstrate high aptitude are invited to be part of the Newhaven College Middle School Extension Program, as well as engage in competitions. 

Humanities and Science (HAS)

This subject aims to develop in students an understanding of the world in which they live and how the world works. All strands of Humanities and Science are explored over the two year program: Geography, History, Civics and Citizenship, Economics, Business, Biological Science, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth and Space Sciences. This exploration, however, is within a connected curriculum, creating authentic, meaningful studies between the two disciplines.  

Physical Health and Wellbeing

Year 7/8 students take part in activities that improve fitness and motor skills. They engage in athletics, minor games, team sports, and more. The Respectful Relationships curriculum is engaged with during this subject to support students to create positive interactions. They examine their changing lifestyles in adolescence and how it affects their health. They get an understanding of healthy diet and nutrition and issues around drug use.

Language (Japanese)

In Year 7, students learn new techniques for Japanese language and culture. They learn hiragana, kanji, vocabulary, and expressions. In Year 8, they continue studying hiragana, kanji, and katakana. They explore topics like daily routines, school life, and Japanese cities. 

Music

Year 7/8 students play in music ensembles using various instruments. They create, explore, and respond to music, learning notation, performance, composition, styles, and instruments.

Modules and Community Projects

Year 7 students have semester based modules in Art, Design Technology, Drama, Food Studies and Digital Literacy.

Year 8 students take a deep dive into four community projects – one per term drawn from: Art, Textiles, Characters and Clowning, Animation soundtracks, music performance, Get designing, Bird Box builders, Water Bottle Rockets and Food Studies.

Sport/Music

(SM)

Once a week, students engage in either a sport or a music activity of their choice. The sport activities provide an opportunity to be involved in interschool sport (SEISA) and the music activities to perform in an ensemble or write/create music.