Year 8 Curriculum Overview

ENGLISH	Students develop their critical and creative thinking through the study of set novels, films and poetry. They explore concepts such as connections between language and identity, and ethical behaviour and responsibilities as global citizens. They build skills in identifying and using literary and filmic devices in a variety of texts and forms. They actively maintain a wide reading program, recording and reporting on their text choices. Students continue to build their vocabularies and to use more complex sentence structures.
MATHEMATICS	Students study topics including Algebra, Equations, Straight Lines, Measurement, Geometry, Probability and Statistics. Initial concepts are introduced and students gain practice with standard skill questions as well as problem solving exercises and project work. Students have the opportunity to take part in range of enrichment activities such as Australian Mathematics Competition, Maths Games Days and the Australian Maths Challenge.
HUMANITIES	Students continue their study of History by learning to identify and explain patterns of change and continuity over time. They analyse the causes and effects of events and developments and identify the motives and actions of people at the time, as they analyse the significance of individuals and groups and how they were influenced by the beliefs and values of their society. They evaluate different interpretations of the past. They apply these skills in the study of Medieval Europe, the Mongol Expansion and the Spanish Conquest of the Americas. In Geography compare strategies for a geographical challenge, taking into account a range of factors and predict the likely outcomes. Students study different types of landscapes & hazards and the impact on places and humans. A unit on the causes and consequences of urbanisation is also studied. All year 8 students participate in a mock election task to learn about Australian voting, elections & democracy.
SCIENCE	Students build on skills developed in Year 7. They investigate the composition of matter, including particle theory and then follow onto chemical reactions. They investigate energy and explore the periodic table looking at elements, compounds, mixtures, atoms and molecules. Cells and processes in biological sciences are followed by experimental work with microscopes. Digestion, breathing, respiration, circulation and waste disposal systems are studied. Then on to the earth and its rocks, including igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Minerals are also investigated. The course finishes with sexual reproduction and the human reproductive system.
SHAPE Sport, Health and PE	Students participate in two periods of PE, one period of Sport and one period of health in a week. Students participate in various sports and activities aimed at developing the fundamental motor skills of striking, throwing, catching, kicking and water safety. Students work in both individual, group and team settings to improve skills and fitness. Health lessons will focus on resilience training, nutrition, healthy behaviours, relationships and sexuality.
LANGUAGE French or Italian	Students develop an understanding of all aspects of language through a variety of topics as well as gain an insight into Italian or French history, culture and geography.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY PERFORMING ARTS VISUAL ARTS	The Junior School Design Technology / Performing Arts / Visual Arts program is a two year rotation that runs through Year 7 and 8. This rotation program is designed as an introduction to the Design Technology, Performing Arts and Visual Arts areas during the student’s first two years at secondary college. Each subject is of semester duration (half year) for three semesters. The fourth semester (Year 8 Semester 2) is elective based and students will have an opportunity to select their subjects. Over the two years in junior school students will experience working in most of the following areas: Ceramics, 2D Art, 3D Art (Sculpture), Printmaking, Photography, Visual Communication Design, Photography, Wood, Metal, Textiles, Food, Glass, Drama and Music.