Core Subjects - Years 7, 8 and 9

English

The study of English is central to the learning and development of all Wheelers Hill Secondary College students.  It helps create confident communicators, imaginative thinkers and informed citizens.  It is through the study of English that individuals learn to analyse, understand, communicate with and build relationships with others and with the world around them.  The study of English helps young people develop the knowledge and skills needed for education, training and the workplace.  It helps them become ethical, thoughtful, informed and active members of society.

Mathematics

Learning Mathematics creates opportunities for, and enriches the lives of, all Wheelers Hill Secondary College students.  The Victorian Curriculum: Mathematics provides students with essential mathematical skills and knowledge in Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability.  It develops the numeracy capabilities that all students need in their personal, work and civic life, and provides the fundamentals on which mathematical specialities and professional applications of mathematics are built.

Humanities

At Wheelers Hill Secondary College, the Humanities in Years 7 to 9 cover four areas of study: History, Economics and Business, Geography and Civics and Citizenship.

History will study such topics as Skills of the Historian, gaining an overview of the Ancient Past, and investigating Ancient societies.

Economics and Business explores the ways individuals, families, the community, businesses and governments make decisions in relation to the allocation of resources. It aims to enable students to understand the process of economic and business decision-making and its effects on themselves and others, now and in the future.

Geography is a structured way of exploring, analysing and understanding the characteristics of the places that make up our world, using the concepts of place, space, environment, interconnection, sustainability, scale and change.

Civics and Citizenship is essential in enabling students to become active and informed citizens who participate in and sustain Australia’s democracy. Through the study of Civics and Citizenship, students investigate political and legal systems, and explore the nature of citizenship, diversity and identity in contemporary society.

Science

At Wheelers Hill Secondary College, Science in Years 7 to 9 gives students the opportunity to consider the world around them by thinking and behaving like scientists.  It covers key inquiry and thinking skills, as well as several areas of study involving biological, chemical, physical and psychological sciences.

Languages

As of 2020, Wheelers Hill Secondary College will be transitioning to French and Mandarin as the two languages offered at the college where previously we have offered French and Indonesian.  This means French and Mandarin will be the languages available at Year 7, while for 2020 only French and Indonesian will be offered at Year 8.

The language course aims to enable students to communicate effectively in speech and writing in the target language. We aim to develop and build upon understanding and awareness of the similarities and differences between Australian society and those of France and China or Indonesia through the study of language and cultural units.  Students are required to learn one Language in Years 7 and 8 for the whole year and may choose a Language at Year 9 as part of their elective choices.

Health and Physical Education

In Year 7 all students study an integrated subject of Physical and Health Education.  The course aims to improve student fitness levels and to extend their competencies in the fundamental motor skills through their application to movement, striking, ball, racket, dance, gymnastics and teamwork skills.  Students investigate aspects of health including personal identity and relationships, physical changes in puberty and the dangers involved in smoking.

At Year 8, students continue with Physical Education through the year and in one semester they undertake a specific Health Education subject covering physical and social development during adolescence, reproductive health, relationships and the effects of alcohol on health.

In Year 9 Physical Education will evaluate their personal fitness and set goals for improvement.  They will evaluate individual and group tactics, together with the skill and movement patterns employed in games, to improve team skills.  Students will elect to undertake units in fitness and various sports and activities.  In Year 9 Health the focus is on issues that are both significant and of interest to adolescents, such as: adolescent development and health issues; strategies to enhance resilience and minimise harm; cyberbullying; the effects of illegal drugs; and sexuality.