Year 7 Program - Semester One 

English

In Reading during Semester 1 students participate in an individualised program based on literacy data. This allows for specially targeted lessons based on specific student needs. There is an in depth focus on decoding strategies to improve fluency and expression in reading. Students also learn a wide variety of comprehension skills across a range of different text types. They gradually learn how to apply these skills so they can build their confidence in the English classroom and all their subjects. In Writing, students will further develop and expand their knowledge of how to use formal language and grammatical techniques to compose persuasive and descriptive pieces of communication. When focusing on persuasive writing students recognise they can express views and values other than their own and discuss the ways in which persuasive texts present opinions and evidence, justify positions and persuade. They improve the accuracy and readability of their writing through the use of appropriate spelling and punctuation, utilising the editing process. When Speaking and Listening students develop confidence in the use of particular structures and features of language. They explore ways of using texts to enhance verbal communication.

Mathematics

In Year 7 Mathematics, students will be using an online learning environment to support their individualised development. This online learning environment is called Maths Pathways. Maths lessons will be tailored precisely to what each individual student is ready to learn. Students will be filling in gaps in prior learning or working on extension activities. As part of the curriculum, students will be involved in a learning cycle which lasts for a fortnight. In each learning cycle, students work on their own program along with engaging in Rich Tasks, which have a focus on problem solving and real world applications. Rich Tasks will either be individual tasks or activities that require students to work in small groups. They will focus on building a growth mindset towards their maths learning. Towards the end of each term, students will also participate in a Rich Project Task.

Inquiry

Students will explore the key question ‘Who Am I’. Initial explorations through the lens of physical, cultural, mental and numerical concepts will expose students to a wide range of possible answers to this question. Explicit skills such as question writing, research and data gathering and visible thinking routines will be taught. Students will then enter into an Inquiry process to answer the key question via an area of personal interest. The celebration of Learning at the end of the unit, ‘We are….Night’ will give students an opportunity to showcase their learning to a wider school audience including parents. The unit concludes with a reflection phase where students critique their approaches to learning with the goal of future improvements.

Humanities

In Term One students explore the key question ‘How have Ancient Civilisations Influenced Modern Times?’ As part of this unit students will examine historical evidence and determine what it tells us about Ancient Chinese and Egyptian societies. This includes the study of key features such as geography, daily life, systems of government and groups within society and the effect they had on them. Students will be participating in a learning inquiry investigation in which they will identify a particular area of interest and develop a series of research questions that will enable a deep exploration of the topic. 

In Term Two students are introduced to the concept of ‘Megacities’ and the impact human movement and action have on the environment people live in. Students will begin exploring some of the features of population distribution, economic and social change. They will explore the process of urbanisation and how it impacts on features such as safety, infrastructure, economics and environment. The focus will be on Jakarta, Indonesia and they will analyse the cause and effect of population growth on humans and environment.

Science 

Students develop scientific investigation skills through the use of problem based learning and through planning and conducting a range of experiments and fair tests. The content covered includes activities that explore various methods and separating techniques to isolate, purify and extract different substances. In order to best explore these separation techniques students will delve further into the three primary states of matter. Students learn that there are differences within, and between, groups of biological organisms through classification. They explore the role of food chains, food webs and human activity on the interactions between groups of living things.

Physical Education

Students participate in Physical Education classes designed to build confidence and develop manipulative and locomotor skills and abilities in a supportive and positive environment. They focus on developing specific skills by recording their actions and movements and use feedback from staff and their peers to consolidate their development. Students develop their understanding of a range of theoretical concepts which underpin Physical Education through to Year 12. These concepts are applied within a practical environment to consolidate learning. Concepts include projectile motion and game sense elements which underpin learning opportunities within students’ practical sessions.

Health

Students explore the changes associated with adolescence, including the identification of the physical, emotional and social changes that transpire during puberty. There is a strong focus on respectful relationships where they compare and analyse roles and responsibilities of friends and family. Students investigate the various forms of bullying and study the long and short term effects of tobacco smoking and high-risk behaviours. Additionally, students explore the impact physical activity and nutrition can have upon various aspects of health and wellbeing and are introduced to the different elements and diverse roles that are crucial within the sporting community. 

Music

Students will explore various aspects of contemporary music. They will engage with a variety of genres and explore the history of these while implementing their musical analysis skills in their research. Students will learn to analyse pieces of music using ‘The Elements of Music’ and develop their understanding of music terminology as well as their aural listening skills. They will also study the theoretical components involved in music composition and use these to create their own chord progressions. Collaboratively and independently, students will develop their performance skills and showcase these to the community at Song, Dance and Drama Night. 

Dance/Drama

Students will study various aspects of modern dance and choreography. They will begin to understand the concepts of making dances including processes, generating ideas and creating movements, whilst using a range of stagecraft elements to communicate. Students will work collaboratively in small groups to create and develop dance pieces that will be performed to the class. Students will also use dramatic conventions appropriate to theatrical styles and dramatic forms. Students explore aspects of dramatic elements and movement qualities for the stage. They gain knowledge in voice projection, exaggerated movement, facial expressions and the use of emotions. Students participate in a variety of activities, which allow for skill development, improvisation and creative thinking. Students work in small groups to create their own pieces, which displays their understanding of characterisation movement qualities and the use of stage. 

Visual Art

Art fosters resilience and a growth-mindset, as you to learn from the process and how to make a piece that you feel is your best. In Visual Art students will be encouraged to learn from mistakes and continually respond to feedback in order to create their own masterpieces! To develop their skills in Visual Art practices, they will learn how to use various tools, materials, and techniques appropriately. By discussing and analysing artworks, students will develop literacy skills as well as an informed opinion about artists and ideas from different cultures. This course will show you how to appreciate and see beauty and Art in our world, all while we expand your artistic skills and knowledge!

Food Technology (2019) 

Students begin their Food Technology journey learning the basic principles of cooking: how to work safely and hygienically in the kitchen and how to prepare simple meals. They develop an understanding of basic cooking processes and techniques by using a wide variety of kitchen tools and equipment. Students investigate the Australian food industry and the processes involved in the movement of various raw foods from the paddock to our plates. Students explore the importance of food labelling and nutritional panels and learn how to read these.

STEM

 Students are introduced to the acronym STEM and its interdisciplinary approach to learning that integrates the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Through STEM, students develop their skills in problem solving, creativity, teamwork, independent thinking and are introduced to careers that utilise these skills. They create and adapt design ideas, make considerable decisions and communicate to their peers using appropriate technical terms and a range of technologies. Students will equip themselves with skills to confidently use the laser cutter and 3D printer, and undertake projects that use the engineering design process which allow them to further extend on their knowledge.