YEAR 8 SUBJECTS @ PRESTON CAMPUS

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* NB. All offerings in Technology are subject to the availability of specialist teaching staff.  There will be limited numbers of classes with preference given to those who submit their forms earliest.

THE ARTS (VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS)

 Units in the Performing Arts are assessed using a range of methods including the following:

• Solo Performance
• Demonstration of Skills
• Ensemble Performance
• Research Projects & Assignments
• Theory Tests
• Topic Assignments
• Semester Examinations
• Film presentations
• Computer aided design
• Oral communication
• Analysis Tasks

Music

Introductory Music Performance– Code: 8aMP

This course builds on the fundamental concepts of instrumental performance and ensemble skills. On a chosen instrument students consolidate technical facility, tone production and conventions in reading notation in solo and group environments. Students are encouraged to undertake tuition in the College Instrumental Music Program. Musical comprehension is developed in the areas of notation, time signatures, scale patterns, key signatures and basic harmony. Students submit a research paper based on aural responses to a variety of musical styles and use technology to compose and arrange ensemble pieces.

Essential Learning Standards:

• Creating/making
• Exploring/Responding

Visual Arts

Art & Visual Communication – Code: 8aAV

Art is a means of expression and communication in all societies. In this unit students develop skills in a wide range of art areas including painting, drawing, sculpture and printing. They create and adapt images from a variety of sources to generate and express ideas. They learn to be inventive and imaginative and explore a range of media and materials. Students explore visual arts techniques and processes in the development of their visual arts knowledge and skills.  Graphic Communication is the conveying of visual information and ideas using design, free hand and technical drawings. Students are introduced to a variety of techniques, media and processes as they communicate through two-dimensional representation. Students participate in activities that develop practical knowledge of the graphic elements and devices so essential to effective visual communication.

Essential Learning Standards Level 5 - The Arts

• Creating and Making
• Exploring and Responding 

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ENGLISH

Assessment

• Writing Folio
• Text Responses
• Oral Response
• Literacy Skills
• Semester Examination

Click here for the English Pathways Diagram

Year 8 English (Semester 1) - Code: 8eEN1 & (Semester 2) - Code: 8eEN2

In Year 8 English, the students continue to develop their ability to use both written and oral language appropriately taking into account purpose and audience. Through historical fiction, students develop their awareness of how language changes over time and how it reflects its socio-historical context. Listening, speaking, reading and writing activities are designed to encourage effective expression of ideas and introduce students to concepts and issues relevant to their lives. Students respond to a variety of text modes, concentrating on building the skills of analysis and reflection. The Extended Reading Program encourages students towards becoming literate, broad minded individuals with the capacity to think critically.

Essential Learning Standards 5

• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking & Listening

English offered by Educational Support at Year 8

Educational Support Codes: 8eES1 & 8eES2

This course is designed to explicitly develop students’ language and learning skills using the same text books and novels being taught in Year 8 English. In this subject, students are in smaller class groups which allows for extensive individual attention. Students are expected to develop note-taking skills and skills in different styles of writing. Students have increased opportunities to enhance oral language skills. Explicit teaching of grammar is tailored to the needs of each individual.

These Units are available by invitation only.

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HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Assessment

• Fitness Testing
• Skill Acquisition
• Topic Tests
• Assignment Work
• Semester Examination

Health & Physical Education – Code: 8pPE

This unit is taken by all students in either semester 1 or 2. It is the foundation unit for all health and physical education electives for the years to come. It is a combination of health and physical education. Students will learn the importance of engaging in physical activity to enhance health and for enjoyment and fun. Basic health promotion ideals will be explored in areas such as health and the benefits of physical activity. Principles of a healthy diet and food preparation to enhance health, will be explored. They will be encouraged to cooperate with others in group work and to value their unique talents and abilities.

The practical activities studied are Fitness Tests, Australian Rules Football, Cricket and Water safety (pools).

Essential Learning Standards Level 5

• Movement and physical activity
• Health knowledge and promotion

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HUMANITIES

Assessment

Units in the Humanities are assessed using a range of methods including the following:

• Reports
• Oral Presentations
• Exercises
• Tests
• Research Assignments
• Semester Examination

Click here for the Humanities Pathways Diagram

Geography

Knights and Castles / Space and Place - Code: 8hHG

In this unit students will focus on gaining a solid introduction to the skills and knowledge of history and geography. They will study the key aspects of the Middle Ages including: daily life, the activities of the medieval knights and the building of castles and their defences. Students will also study key features of geography including: mapping, weather and climate, land degradation, pollution and global development.

Essential Learning Standards Level 5

• Historical knowledge and understanding
• Historical reasoning and interpretation
• Geographical Knowledge and understanding
• Geospatial skills

Commerce

World of Business – Code: 8hWB

This unit of study provides students with the life skills they need to be active citizens in our Consumer World. The subject encompasses such topics as: aim of business, marketing and advertising techniques, consumer rights, technology in business and basic economic concepts of supply, demand and prices.

Essential Learning Standards Level 5

• Economics knowledge and understanding
• Economics reasoning and interpretation

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LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH - LOTE

 
In Year 8 LOTE, students continue the study of Italian or French, begun at Year 7.

Assessment 

Units in LOTE are assessed using the following methods:

• Grammar and Vocabulary
• Writing Tasks
• Oral Tasks
• Comprehension Tasks
• Cultural Task
• Semester Examination

French Year 8 (Semester 1 & 2) – Codes: 8LFR1 and 8LFR2

Pre-requisite - Students are expected to have completed 8LFR1 before undertaking 8LFR2.

This subject is designed to extend students' knowledge of the French language and culture. Students will be provided with opportunities to enhance their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing, through the use of nouns, pronouns, verbs, prepositions, adjectives and functional expressions.

Essential Learning Standards - LOTE Pathway 2

• Communicating in a Language Other Than English
• Intercultural knowledge and language awareness

Italian

Italian Year 8 (Semester 1 & 2) – Codes: 8LIT1 and 8LIT2

Pre-requisite - Students are expected to have completed 8LIT1 before undertaking 8LIT2.

This subject is designed to extend students' knowledge of the Italian language and culture. Students will be provided with opportunities to enhance their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing, through the use of nouns, pronouns, verbs, prepositions, adjectives and functional expressions.

Essential Learning Standards - LOTE Pathway 2

• Communicating in a Language Other Than English
• Intercultural knowledge and language awareness

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MATHEMATICS

Assessment

Units in Mathematics are assessed from a range of the following methods:

• Topic Tests
• Application Tasks
• Modelling Problems
• Research assignments
• Technology related Tasks
• Semester Examinations

Year 8 Mathematics (Semester 1 & 2) – Codes: 8mMA1 & 8mMA2

Pre-requisite - Students are expected to have completed 8mMA1 before undertaking 8mMA2.

This Unit is part of a two unit course studied in Year 8 Mathematics. Workbooks are checked frequently and homework is regularly given. Throughout the Unit students are expected to complete an application task and several analysis tasks. The application task involves applying skills learnt in a practical situation. Analysis tasks entail finding solutions to non-routine problems. The use of technology is an integrated part of application tasks and coursework.

Essential Learning Standards Level 5

• Number
• Space
• Measurement, Chance and Data
• Structure
• Working mathematically

Alternative Mathematics Year 8 (Semester 1 & 2) – Codes: 8mMS1 & 8mMS2
Pre-requisite - Students are expected to have completed 8mMS1 before undertaking 8mMS2.

Alternative Mathematics is a modified course which aims to cater for students who experience difficulties with their numeracy skills. Students undertake outcome tests in the topics listed below as well as an end of semester examination. Homework is set on a regular basis. Throughout the semester, students are expected to complete application tasks and several analysis tasks.

Essential Learning Standards Level 5

• Number
• Space
• Measurement, Chance and Data
• Structure
• Working mathematically

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Assessment
Units in Religious Education are assessed throughout each unit of work using a range of methods including:

• Goal setting
• Work Sheets
• Presentations
• Journal writing
• Summarising activities
• Visual presentations: Posters, Power Points, Storyboards
• Case studies
• Projects
• Internet exploration and summary
• Class and group discussion
• Group activity
• Self-assessment
• Peer-assessment

The above ranges of assessment are completed as class work and homework activities and are preparation for the end of unit assessment task. At the end of each semester there is also a formal exam assessing the student’s knowledge and progression over the course of study.

Year 8 Religion Codes: 8rRE1 & 8rRE2
Each year, students examine topics within 5 Strands. The Units build on each other in a sequenced approach. These five Content strands provide the organisational framework within which the school based religious education curriculum is developed.

The Units within the Content Strands for Year 8 are as follows:

STRAND 1 - SCRIPTURE
Background to the Gospel
The teachings of Jesus

STRAND 2 - CHURCH AND COMMUNITY
People and Ministries in the Church
The First Christians
The Early Church
Before Constantine: Snapshot of the 3rd Century
A Closer look at St Paul

STRAND 3 - GOD, RELIGION AND LIFE
Experiences of Good and Evil
Catholic belief about life after death
Celebrate being Catholic

STRAND 4 - PRAYER LITURGIES AND SACRAMENTS
A closer look at Catholic symbol, Sacraments, Baptism and Confirmation
Eucharistic signs and symbols

STRAND 5 - MORALITY AND JUSTICE
Living the Christian life
In the world: A snapshot of Catholic life around the world

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SCIENCE

• Topic Tests
• Investigations
• Practical Exercises
• Semester Examination

Year 8 Science Codes: 8sSC1 & 8sSC2
In Year 8 students build and extend on the Year 7 work. The Chemistry unit covers elements, compounds, acids and bases and chemical reactions. Physics introduces electricity and includes a practical based unit on gear systems. The Earth and Space unit covers weathering and erosion and different rock types. The study of stars and the phases of the moon are also covered. The Biological Science unit incorporates the study of nutrients, immune, transport and reproductive systems and ecology.

Essential Learning Standards Level 5

• Science Knowledge and Understanding
• Science at work
  
  

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TECHNOLOGY*

Assessment

* NB. All offerings in Technology are subject to the availability of specialist teaching staff. There will be limited numbers of classes with preference given to those who submit their forms earliest.

Information & Communications Technology Code: 8iIT
This course is designed for students who want or need to increase their computer based skills. Students will learn to make efficient search strategies for the web and to evaluate the quality and usefulness of the information found. They will learn to use presentation, spreadsheet and word processing applications in preparation for their use in other subject areas. Students will be required to solve an information problem based on the technology methodology - investigation, planning, production and evaluation. Key features of the subject are: file management, the exploration of the use and features of a range of commonly used software tools - (spreadsheet, word processing, presentation); the production of a solution within a social context of an information problem in response to a design brief; communication skills; exploration of issues relating to Information & Communications Technology; Integration of all software tools to produce a comprehensive solution.

Essential Learning Standards Level 5

• ICT for creating
• ICT for communication
• Reasoning, processing and inquiry

Introduction to CAD & Production – Code: 8tCP
This unit introduces students to computer-aided design (CAD). Areas of study include set tutorials that enable students to learn skills and techniques through basic projects and design briefs that give the students the opportunity to apply these skills. Drawing skills are integrated with CAD skills as students learn to produce designs closely linked to essential standards and conventions. Students follow the Technology Process to investigate, design, produce and evaluate solutions to design problems. They learn about design and are introduced to design briefs. They study materials and apply this knowledge to their work. Students are introduced to a variety of basic hand tools and equipment. They develop their production skills while observing safety rules. Computer Aided Design (CAD) is used to develop solutions to design problems presented in design briefs.

Essential Learning Standards Level 5

• Investigating and designing
• Producing
• Analysing and evaluating
  
  

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