Year 7-8 Curriculum

Years 7 & 8 Curriculum  

The Year 7-8 curriculum is designed to challenge and engage students whilst building a strong foundation for further study. 

English - Year 7-8 students learn to read, view, speak, listen, write, create and reflect on increasingly complex and sophisticated texts.  Students participate in an independent reading routine program supported by the school's teacher librarian. 

Mathematics – In Year 7 students are introduced to algebra and plotting graphs on the Cartesian plane.  In Year 8 a greater focus is placed on algebraic techniques such as solving equations, simplifying expressions, graphing lines, directed numbers, probability and ratios. 

Science - Year 7 Science introduces students to the Science laboratory, branches of Science and the use of digital technologies in the collection and analysis of data. In the laboratory, students practice simple separation techniques, classify organisms in our living world, investigate the nature of ecosystems, measure forces and observe the predictable phenomena relative to the positions on the Earth, Moon and Sun. Year 8 Science extends student inquiry in the use of microscopes to study cells as building blocks of body systems. Students physically demonstrate the transfer of energy within systems, examine the earths history through the study of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and investigate the nature of all matter through atomic theory.

  
Humanities - Year 7 students are introduced to the basic language and skills of Geography and History. They explore ancient civilisations, Australian environments and Global environmental change.  Year 8 students investigate key geographic features in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and study The Western and Islamic World, The Asia Pacific World, and Expanding Contacts. Students gain a developed understanding of Australian systems of government in Civics and Citizenship. 

Physical Education - Year 7 students participate in activities that develop fitness as well as individual motor skills. The variety of experiences include athletics, minor games, softball, soccer, gymnastics, netball, hockey, football and cricket. Year 8 is based on five-week units of major. Fitness is also emphasised with regular activities aimed at improving strength, endurance, flexibility and speed. Within this program is the Interschool competition, where the students compete against other schools. Visit our Sport page for details.  


Health - Students examine their changing lifestyles as they move into the challenging adolescent stage of the human lifespan, and how this impacts on their health. Students investigate the different types of relationships that exist between friends and family.  Some aspects of drug use in the community are also explored. Exploring healthy diet and nutrition is also a key element of this course. 

Japanese - Whilst some Year 7 students may have had some prior experience with languages and Japanese itself, students are introduced to a variety of methods for studying a language other than English including the skills needed to formulate language. Students study hiragana, kanji (Japanese scripts), vocabulary and expressions in the topics of Greetings, Myself, My friends and My family. They are encouraged to have an awareness of Japanese culture and customs associated with family and body language when introducing one's self and greetings.

Year 8 students continue their studies of hiragana, refining their knowledge and ability to read and write the script with proficiency. They continue to learn the kanji (Chinese characters) throughout the course which is relevant to the topic, vocabulary and grammar studied. Also, the katakana script (words from other languages) is introduced. Language areas of study are: my town, daily routines including time, daily activities and school life. Students explore Japanese cities, students’ daily life and school life, making comparisons with their lives in Australia. They have opportunities using digital resources to learn and reinforce new vocabulary and expressions, and to create a PowerPoint video message. Year 7-8 students develop an intercultural understanding by exploring Japanese culture. In July/August students host Japanese students in their classes.

Music - Through participation in ensemble work, using a range of instruments, the Year 7-8 curriculum focuses on enhancing students’ ability to create, make, explore and respond to music. Students are introduced to simple notation, performance, composition, music styles and instruments.

Modules & Electives

Year 7 Semester Modules – Art, Design Technology, Drama, Food Technology, Multi Media and Visual Communication Design.  Year 8 Electives – Art, CAD Designing, Design Technology, Drama, Food Technology, Get Designing, Music Extension 1 & 2, Photography, Textiles, Economics & Business.