Year 8 Students 

Whole Year Studies  

SEMESTER UNITS per fortnight  

French 

In Year 8, students will build on the knowledge learned the year prior and will acquire the skills of communication for everyday conversations and situations. The students will be able to use the areas of speaking, writing, listening and reading to introduce, share and retrieve information on their own personal lives including food, school and personal routines. 

The Year 8 students will experience the French language through the exploration and the appreciation of the culture and way of life of Metropolitan France and the many other French-speaking countries.  

By the end of Year 8, our students will use language for communicating, interpreting, creating and exchanging meaning on topics such as foods and festivals in France, the time, their school-life, frequency of and opinions on school subjects. Vocabulary and grammar for each topic will be taught explicitly through active learning, through games and other hands-on activities all the while using the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Mandarin 

The Year 8 Chinese course builds on the knowledge and skills students have learned from Year 7. Students will continue to explore a wide range of topics in Chinese, including school life, hobbies, daily routine and shopping. By the end of the year, students will be able to discuss preferences in school subjects, express opinions on personal interests, justify their actions with reasons and negotiate prices and deals for shopping in Chinese. Students will also be engaged in cultural activities, such as debating, discussion, online research and hands-on workshops or excursions, to develop a deeper understanding in various aspects of the Chinese culture. 

SEMESTER UNITS 

Performing Arts (Drama) 

Year 8 Drama builds upon the foundations established in Year 7, immersing students in the world of indigenous scripts, slapstick, and expressive skills. Students explore themes and issues through engaging performances, working individually and in groups to create meaningful performances for diverse audiences. As they refine their communication and collaboration skills, students will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for a range of styles of drama, developing their artistic vocabulary and critical analysis abilities. 

Performing Arts (Music)

In Year 8 Music, students dive deeper into the elements of music, discovering how composers create mood and atmosphere in their works. They will experiment with Bandlab to craft their own unique compositions while honing their instrumental skills on the guitar, keyboard, and drum kit. Students form ensembles to rehearse and perform a three-chord song for the class, fostering collaboration and communication skills. Through these immersive experiences, students will develop a greater appreciation for the power of music and its ability to evoke emotions and connect people. 

Food Technology 

Food Technology is introduced and students study nutrition and develop food preparation skills. Students are involved in the research, design, production and evaluation of food products. The emphasis is on learning new skills and making informed and appropriate nutritional choices in selecting foods for a healthy lifestyle. Topics explored include food safety; the healthy living pyramid; the importance of breakfast; healthy meals; packaging and labeling of food products; recycling; cooking for family and friends and creating new foods. 

Visual Art 

Students further the skills they have acquired in Year 7. Students will explore various media such as drawing, ceramics, printmaking, mixed media and ICT. Each of these art forms will be used to create finished works. This course encourages students to explore themes and to develop their creative and technical skills to communicate ideas and feelings. Students develop skills in thinking creatively and reflecting on their own progress by using a visual diary to plan visual responses and ideas. They also use their visual diary to record class notes and their experiments with a wide variety of media. At Year 8, they begin to understand the cultural and historical context of art. They will contribute to discussion about how artists construct meaning in selected art works and use this learning as a basis for their written work. 

Year 8 STEM & Design Technology 

In STEM Digital/Design students are involved in the research, design, production and evaluation of resistant material products and electromechanical systems. Through the design process, students further their capacity with traditional tools and techniques whilst engaging with modern design practices. The course emphasizes sustainability and workshop safety, whilst requiring students to problem-solve in the selection of the most appropriate tools and materials. Through project-based learning, the development of skills is emphasized to meet the requirements of a design brief. Students gain further experience in the product design process through CAD software and modern manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing and laser cutting. Students engineer solutions by analysing how motion, force and energy impact on the success of their products