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Years 5 - 9




Next year the school will be organised according to the stages of learning. There will be three subschools, Year P-4,
Year 5-9, and Years 10-12. Years 5-9 are called the middle years of schooling.

YEAR 7

Year 7 students remain together as a class for most subjects for the entire year. They participate in a traditional secondary system, with different teachers teaching different subjects. Core subjects include English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Health and PE, Indonesian, Music, and Art. A number of Arts-Technology subjects will also be offered.

The day begins with the morning roll call taken by the Homegroup teacher who also teaches the class for a significant number of periods per week. In 2009 Year 7 students will be blocked with Year 8 students for the Arts-Technology Block and for Health and PE.

The College commitment to literacy is exemplified by our Year 7 RESTART program. Over the course of a week all students are withdrawn in small groups to improve or advance their skills.

English
11 Periods per fortnight
All English units will address the following domains:
• English
• ICT
• Communication.
• Thinking
Spelling strategies and grammar are explicitly taught in English with regular homework to reinforce these skills. Students are strongly encouraged to read regularly at home, including novels and current newspapers.
Use of computers and the Library are integral components of the English curriculum.
Lee Kelly will be teaching English in 2009, she will also be the Year 7 Homegroup teacher.

Maths
9 Periods per fortnight
Mathematics covers the following VELS dimensions :
Number,
Space
Measurement, chance and data,
Structure and
Working Mathematically.
Maths topics are studied for 2-4 weeks at a time, using a variety of learning activities. Weekly homework sheets based on current topic and revision of a variety of skills are prepared, collected and corrected for regular student feedback. Topic assessment tasks, such as assignments and tests, are used to help to assess students understanding of the concepts studied. There is considerable emphasise on consistency of work practices in written, spoken and cognitive forms and student engagement with the curriculum. Students would typically be working at level 5 of VELS in year 7. Level 5 is broadly associated with Years 7 and 8 of schooling.

Science
6 Periods per fortnight
Chemistry – Everyday Reactions
Physics – Forces, Using Magnets, How Things Work
Biology – Seeing and Hearing, The Living World, Living Things and Places, Rocks
Science Skills and Working in a lab

Humanities
6 Periods per fortnight
History, geography, economics, civics and citizenship will be incorporated in the following topics:
• Ancient Civilisations
• Mapping - Basic Geography Skills
• Endangered Habitats
• Apollo Bay Community
• The be Real Game

Health and PE 7/8
9 Periods per fortnight
Students will complete one double per week of PE or Outdoor Education and one single period per week of Health. Students will be split into male and female groups for one period of activities. Sport will occur for a double period once a fortnight.

Music
4 Periods per fortnight
The Year 7 program incorporates an intensive music program where all students are introduced to a string and keyboard instrument.

Art
2 periods per fortnight
The Year 7 Art program is designed to introduce students to the variety of art methods and techniques. It will also introduce students to Art History and how to look and appreciate artworks.

LOTE (Indonesian)
6 Periods per fortnight
Students will develop and expand language and cultural understandings they already have. Themes and topics are selected to allow students to build new skills within the dimensions of communication and intercultural knowledge and language awareness.

Technology Arts 7/8
7 Periods per fortnight
Over the two years students will complete units of work from the following areas of study: Drama, Materials (Textiles/Wood/Metal), Visual Communication, Food.

YEAR 8

All Year 8 students will undertake core studies in English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Health and PE. There will be some choice with Arts-Technology subjects. Students will be combined with Year 7 students for Health, PE and part of their Arts-Technology program. They will be combined with Year 9 students for Science, Humanities, English and Arts-Technology. Students will remain together as a year level for Maths and Personal Learning. The Homegroup teacher will deliver the Personal Learning program which will run for two periods per week.

English
The English semester units at Years 8-10 aim to develop students skills in:
• Reading – set class texts, media texts and multi-media texts, film, wider reading.
• Writing – in multiple styles for different purposes and audiences, with an emphasis on proof reading and editing.
• Speaking and Listening – delivering a variety of oral presentations with specific aims and audiences.
All English units will address the following domains:
• English
• ICT
• Communication.
• Thinking
Spelling strategies and grammar are explicitly taught in English with regular homework to reinforce these skills. Students are strongly encouraged to read regularly at home, including novels and current newspapers.
Use of computers and the Library are integral components of the English curriculum.


Maths
Mathematics covers the following VELS dimensions :
Number,
Space
Measurement, chance and data,
Structure and
Working Mathematically.
Maths topics are studied for 2-4 weeks at a time, using a variety of learning activities. Weekly homework sheets based on current topic and revision of a variety of skills are prepared, collected and corrected for regular student feedback. Topic assessment tasks such as assignments and tests. There is considerable emphasise on consistency of work practices in written, spoken and cognitive forms and student engagement with the curriculum. Students would typically be working toward completing level 5 of VELS in year 8. Level 5 is broadly associated with Years 7 and 8 of schooling.

Technology Arts 7/8
Over the two years students will complete units of work from the following areas of study: Drama, Materials (Textiles/Wood/Metal), Visual Communication, Food.

Science
In year 8 and 9, students study four units in science.
The Structure of Matter, Forensic Science and Science in the Modern World
Students begin by study mixing and separating, the particle theory of matter and basic atomic structure. They apply what they have learnt in Forensic science, Science at work and scientific Issues and ethics
Humans, Plants and Animals: Ag Hort
Students study living systems, cells the building blocks of life, systems of biological control, photosynthesis and respiration and digestive systems. They apply what they have learnt in studies of agriculture and horticulture in the school farm/hothouse
Earth and Beyond
Students study the environment and geology of planet earth and its position in space. They apply what they have learnt in studies of our ocean planet communication and space exploration
Atomic Structure and Energy
Students study atoms structure, the structure and properties of matter, heat, light and electricity. They apply what they have learnt in studying the use of energy in our lives


Humanities
Students will study the four disciplines of geography, history, civics & citizenship and economics. Students will be encouraged to develop their research skills and inquiry processes in planning their investigations. Studies will also be linked to other areas of the curriculum, particularly in relation to the out of school experiences.
We plan to offer two units each semester, in many cases both will be from the same VELS strands.
All units cover at least two VELS strands
2009 Semester 1 The Be Real Game, Deserts and Indigenous People
Semester 2 Australian History, Asian and Pacific Studies
2010 Semester 1 Medieval History (Castles, Knights, Kings and Queens), Disasters
Semester 2 The “Be Real” Game, Deserts

Deserts and Indigenous People
The polar and desert regions are exotic and remote. This unit explores why they occur and where they are located. Mapping skills will be emphasised and a study of the indigenous people who live in these regions will be examined.

Castles, Knights, Kings and Queens
Historians generally agree that the Middle Ages began in 500AD and ended in 1500AD. Our journey begins with the Battle of Hastings but we will also learn about the life of peasants, the plague, the sports they played and the customs of the time. Individual research skills will be encouraged and a comparison of law and order with today’s society.

The Be Real Game
Also the Age of Exploration. Involves History, Geography, Economics.
The Game provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to develop career and learning plans.

Asia and Pacific Studies
This unit will look at the Asia – Pacific region, its history, geography and current politics, lifestyles, economic role and requirements now and in the future.

Disasters and Other Issues
Natural disasters such as earthquakes, bushfires, volcanic eruptions, floods and droughts occur regularly throughout the world. This unit explores why and how these phenomena occur. Students will also be challenged to explore and understand some social issues confronting them through a range of investigative and analytical techniques.

Australian History
Beginning with the Aborigines and the coming of white men, we will trace the unfurling of the British flag in 1788, cover convicts and settlers, exploration, immigrants and squatters, politics, the gold rushes and bushrangers.


Health and PE
Students will complete one double per week of PE or Outdoor Education and one single period per week of Health. Students will be split into male and female groups for one period of activities. Sport will occur for a double period once a fortnight.

Personal Learning
This subject will involve goal setting and personal organisation. Students will also be involved in various group activities such as the production and planning of Creating Conversations.

Music
This will focus on the individual skills required to perform in a musical band. Students will need to elect a “main” instrument and procure the use of an appropriate instrument for the duration of the semester. Skills to be developed include: performance techniques, ensemble playing, arranging composition , analysis of musical styles and the capabilities and usage of musical instruments and equipment. A component of the course will be theoretical, work place related.

Art 8/9
The Art elective offered to years 8 & 9 consists of four art disciplines:
1. Printmaking – lino and woodblock printing
2. Painting - acrylic
3. Drawing – experimental techniques
4. 3D art/Sculpture – found objects/environmental sculpture
Students will be introduced to Art History by studying and experiencing a variety of art movements and periods and their artists. Students will also be introduced to the art elements and principles.

Information Technology
Students will learn how to use a number of software tools that they will be able to use in other areas of learning. Examples include use of databases, more advanced use of spreadsheets, blogs and virtual environment communication software.
Students will learn the basics of programming using an older language called Pascal, they will then progress to Visual Basic where they will learn the fundamentals by writing simple games. Gamemaker will also be used to create games.

YEAR 9

Year 9 is now the final year in our middle school. The curriculum maintains a focus on developing essential literacy and numeracy skills. In addition we will be concentrating on personal development and growth through a comprehensive camps and co-curricula program. During year 9 students will develop a comprehensive Managed individual Pathway plan which will be updated in each subsequent year and support students in planning their further education, training and employment.

The key focus of the Year 9 program is on assisting students to understand themselves and their value to the groups and communities to which they belong. This is done within a curriculum context where students assume responsibility for designing and managing their learning

All Year 9 students will undertake core studies in English, Maths, Science and Humanities. There will be some choice with Arts-Technology and PE subjects. Students will be combined with Year 8 for Science, Humanities, part of their Arts-Technolgy program and English. There will be the opportunity to advance students into Year 10 English. Students will remain together as a year level for Maths, Personal Learning and Health. The Homegroup teacher will deliver the Personal Learning and Health program which will run for three periods per week.

Our successful Surf Life Saving Cadets program will continue to be offered to Year 9 and 10 students as part of the PE program. In addition we will offer a second cadets program with a community service focus.

English
The English semester units at Years 8-10 aim to develop students skills in:
• Reading – set class texts, media texts and multi-media texts, film, wider reading.
• Writing – in multiple styles for different purposes and audiences, with an emphasis on proof reading and editing.
• Speaking and Listening – delivering a variety of oral presentations with specific aims and audiences.
All English units will address the following domains:
• English
• ICT
• Communication.
• Thinking
Spelling strategies and grammar are explicitly taught in English with regular homework to reinforce these skills. Students are strongly encouraged to read regularly at home, including novels and current newspapers.
Use of computers and the Library are integral components of the English curriculum.

Units Offered
Year 10 students complete Year 10 English units during each semester.
Students will have MIP, designed in consultation with parents. This may involve Learning Outcomes designed to suit individual needs.
Where a Year 9 student has demonstrated achievement of VELS progression points 5.5 in all English Dimensions (Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing) they will be considered for promotion to a Year 10 class. Some students who are making exemplary progress may be promoted to year 10 English at mid-year.

There is a 2 year cycle of material taught to ensure students do not repeat any texts.
Texts: (full booklists are available at the school office)
Years 8 and 9: I’m Not Scared
Year 10: Story of Tom Brennan and Macbeth

Maths
Mathematics covers the following VELS dimensions :
Number,
Space
Measurement, chance and data,
Structure and
Working Mathematically.
The focus is on improving essential numeracy skills while also introducing students to new areas of mathematics in trigonometry and advanced algebra skills used in linear and quadratic equations. An emphasis is on organisation and appropriate mathematical notation. Students are encouraged to adopt consistent study techniques in preparation for later years.

Science
In year 8 and 9, students study four units in science.
The Structure of Matter, Forensic Science and Science in the Modern World
Students begin by study mixing and separating, the particle theory of matter and basic atomic structure. They apply what they have learnt in Forensic science, Science at work and scientific Issues and ethics
Humans, Plants and Animals: Ag Hort
Students study living systems, cells the building blocks of life, systems of biological control, photosynthesis and respiration and digestive systems. They apply what they have learnt in studies of agriculture and horticulture in the school farm/hothouse

Earth and Beyond
Students study the environment and geology of planet earth and its position in space. They apply what they have learnt in studies of our ocean planet communication and space exploration
Atomic Structure and Energy
Students study atoms structure, the structure and properties of matter, heat, light and electricity. They apply what they have learnt in studying the use of energy in our lives

Humanities
Students will study the four disciplines of geography, history, civics & citizenship and economics. Students will be encouraged to develop their research skills and inquiry processes in planning their investigations. Studies will also be linked to other areas of the curriculum, particularly in relation to the out of school experiences.
We plan to offer two units each semester, in many cases both will be from the same VELS strands.
All units cover at least two VELS strands
2009 Semester 1 The Be Real Game, Deserts and Indigenous People
Semester 2 Australian History, Asian and Pacific Studies
2010 Semester 1 Medieval History (Castles, Knights, Kings and Queens), Disasters
Semester 2 The “Be Real” Game, Deserts

Deserts and Indigenous People
The polar and desert regions are exotic and remote. This unit explores why they occur and where they are located. Mapping skills will be emphasised and a study of the indigenous people who live in these regions will be examined.

Castles, Knights, Kings and Queens
Historians generally agree that the Middle Ages began in 500AD and ended in 1500AD. Our journey begins with the Battle of Hastings but we will also learn about the life of peasants, the plague, the sports they played and the customs of the time. Individual research skills will be encouraged and a comparison of law and order with today’s society.

The Be Real Game
Also the Age of Exploration. Involves History, Geography, Economics.
The Game provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to develop career and learning plans.

Asia and Pacific Studies
This unit will look at the Asia – Pacific region, its history, geography and current politics, lifestyles, economic role and requirements now and in the future.

Disasters and Other Issues
Natural disasters such as earthquakes, bushfires, volcanic eruptions, floods and droughts occur regularly throughout the world. This unit explores why and how these phenomena occur. Students will also be challenged to explore and understand some social issues confronting them through a range of investigative and analytical techniques.

Australian History
Beginning with the Aborigines and the coming of white men, we will trace the unfurling of the British flag in 1788, cover convicts and settlers, exploration, immigrants and squatters, politics, the gold rushes and bushrangers.


Surf Cadets / PE
Surf Cadets will require students to attain a Surf Rescue Certificate or Surf Bronze Medallion. During this program students will develop skills in surf lifesaving and become patrolling members of the Apollo Bay Surf Lifesaving Club. This will enable students to complete an Advance Certificate.
Physical education will incorporate aquatic and outdoor education based units as well as regular PE units based around current VELS.


Community Cadets/ PE
Community cadets will require students to have active and regular contact with old aged care in Apollo Bay. This will enable students to complete an Advance Certificate.
Physical Education will incorporate aquatic and outdoor education based units as well as regular PE units based around current VELS.

Personal Learning / Health
Personal learning will allow students to develop a MIP. Complete a Duke of Edinburgh award and level 1 First Aid Certificate. It will also provide students with the opportunity to have input into the planning of camps throughout the year.
Health will consist of relevant VELS units of work as well as guest speaker presentations.

Music
This will focus on the individual skills required to perform in a musical band. Students will need to elect a “main” instrument and procure the use of an appropriate instrument for the duration of the semester. Skills to be developed include: performance techniques, ensemble playing, arranging composition , analysis of musical styles and the maintenance and usage of musical instruments and equipment. A component of the course will be theoretical, work place related.

Art 8/9
The Art elective offered to years 8 & 9 consists of four art disciplines:
1. Printmaking – lino and woodblock printing
2. Painting - acrylic
3. Drawing – experimental techniques
4. 3D art/Sculpture – found objects/environmental sculpture
Students will be introduced to Art History by studying and experiencing a variety of art movements and periods and their artists. Students will also be introduced to the art elements and principles.

Art 9/10
The Art elective offered to years 9 & 10 consists of 4 art disciplines:
1. Drawing – still life
2. Ceramics – free form/wheel
3. Printmaking – screen-printing and etching
4. Painting – watercolour and oils?
This program is similar to the 8/9 elective with different techniques explored and higher skill requirements expected. Art History will continue as will an emphasis on the art elements and principles.

Visual Communication and Design
This elective will introduce the students to a variety of technical drawing techniques, computer programs Illustrator and Photoshop and expose them to a variety of design disciplines such as graphic design and web design. Students will also have the opportunity to design and create the school magazine.


Materials (Wood/Metal)
This will focus on the design and making using wood or metal as the basic material. The process includes design brief, ideas and designs, materials and tools used, finishing techniques and evaluation. Tis may include some jewellery and furniture construction.

Information Technology
Students will learn how to use a number of software tools that they will be able to use in other areas of learning. Examples include use of databases, more advanced use of spreadsheets, blogs and virtual environment communication software.
Students will learn the basics of programming using an older language called Pascal, they will then progress to Visual Basic where they will learn the fundamentals by writing simple games. Gamemaker will also be used to create games.
In this unit there will be the flexibility for students to progress on to new software tools if they have previously learnt the skills.


We have a booking for a city School Experience early in term 1. More information relating to this will come later in the year. For any further information relating to Year 9 please contact :


 

 
 

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