Year 8 Term 1 Overview

Year 8: 

English:  In Term 1, the year 8 cohort will explore the reading and writing connection through storytelling. The first topic that we will cover is conveying a message through writing. As a class we will examine various indigenous dreamtime stories and identify the symbolism within them and their inferred meaning. We aim for students to show how ideas can be expressed in new ways through combining ideas, images and language features. Following on from this the Year 8’s will explore biographical narratives. In this unit students will examine the purpose of tone, mood, embellishment, anticipation and figurative language, and how it can be applied to their own narratives to make it more engaging for the reader. Lastly, students will explore the genre of Fantasy, where they will analyze an author's writing style and experiment by writing within a specific genre.

Humanities:  In Term 1, the year 8s will be looking at the history of Ancient Rome. In this unit, students will explore various aspects of Ancient Rome, focusing on its geography, politics, culture, people, and everyday life. They will learn about the modern countries that were once part of the Roman Empire and how geography influenced its military. Students will also examine Roman society, including social classes, the role of women, and everyday experiences. They will study key cultural landmarks like the Colosseum and explore how individuals like Julius Caesar impacted Roman politics. Additionally, students will look at Roman religion and its influence on daily life, as well as the lasting effects of Roman military advancements on the modern world.

Maths: (Wendy)

In Term 1, the year 8 students will recognize irrational numbers in applied contexts and explore the exponent laws with positive integer exponents and the zero exponent, using exponent notation with numbers. They will solve problems involving the 4 operations with integers and positive rational numbers. They will use mathematical modelling to solve practical problems involving ratios, percentages, and rates in measurement and financial contexts.

Science: (Nirmesha): This term in Science, students will explore biological sciences with a focus on body systems and how they support life processes. Through this unit, students will investigate the structure and function of cells, tissues, and organs in both plants and animals. They will learn how these systems work together to maintain the survival and well-being of living organisms. Additionally, students will examine the impact of disorders on these systems and how they can affect overall organism health. Students will engage in practical scientific investigations, developing key inquiry skills such as hypothesizing, conducting experiments, analysing data, and evaluating evidence. They will explore the scientific method, making predictions, drawing conclusions, and communicating findings effectively. Real-world applications and problem-solving will be emphasized to deepen their understanding of how biological knowledge applies to everyday life. By the end of the term, students will have enhanced their scientific reasoning and gained valuable experience in working collaboratively on hands-on experiments, setting the foundation for success in future science studies.

Technologies: (Zai/Nirmesha): 

In Term 1, Year 8 students will explore engineering principles and systems, focusing on the generation of electricity. They will learn key concepts related to circuits, including current, voltage, and resistance, and will build and test basic electrical systems using motors, switches, and LEDs. Students will further explore series and parallel circuits, comparing how these configurations affect circuit performance. They will investigate mechanical principles like balance, stability, and load distribution, applying these concepts to simple structures and systems. Students will examine material properties such as strength, flexibility, and conductivity, evaluating how these factors influence design performance. The unit emphasizes safety, ethics, and sustainability, encouraging students to incorporate these considerations in their projects. By the end of the term, students will develop a design plan, applying their knowledge to prepare for practical projects in Term 2.

In Term 1, Year 8 students will explore the fundamentals of food science through an inquiry-based approach. They will investigate what plants need to grow, soil types, and ecosystems while preparing and maintaining a vegetable garden. Students will engage in hands-on activities such as soil testing, planting seedlings, and garden maintenance. In the latter half of the term, they will apply systems thinking to design solutions for real-world challenges, such as irrigation and pest management while the students are away during the term holiday. Through collaboration and experimentation, students will develop problem-solving skills while deepening their understanding of sustainable food production.