Year 7 Curriculum Students at Our Lady of Sion College undertake a broad curriculum covering all Learning Areas of the Victorian Curriculum. A feature of the learning program is that it is strategically personalised to help cater for the learning needs of all students. Students are placed into mixed ability classes. The Learning Enhancement Leader consults with teachers to provide assistance for students as required. A dedicated Transition Program will operate in the first few weeks of Term One. This enables students to consolidate their new friendships and helps them to settle into their new school. A wide range of electives is offered to students at both Years 9 and 10, which leads to the VCE or VCAL, where students are given much more freedom to tailor a program suited to their needs and their career aspirations. Support is always available through the College s sensitive pastoral care program. The Year 7 Curriculum Comprises: Religious Education Aim: The Year 7 course focuses on how individuals belong to communities and the Church. It also investigates the nature and content of the Bible. Dimensions: The dimensions covered in Religious Education from Year 7-10 include: Scripture and Jesus Church and Community God, Religion and Life Prayer, Liturgy and Sacraments Morality and Justice Courses of Study: The topics explored in Year 7 include: The formation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion and the History of Our Lady of Sion College, Box Hill, Belonging to the Church, Introduction to the Bible, Ways People Pray and Stories of the Bible. Opportunities to share experiences, reflect and gain knowledge are integral components to the teaching of these topic areas. The study of Religious Education in Year 7 incorporates the text To Know, Worship and Love (Second Edition), as prescribed by the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Students complete a variety of assessment tasks as part of the course. Students participate in the Year 7 Retreat Day, which provides them with the opportunity to reflect and develop their faith.
English The English program at Our Lady of Sion College is designed to develop in students the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, for a range of purposes and audiences. Students learn that language varies according to audience, purpose, situation and culture. Students explore the power of language and the ways it can influence roles and relationships, and represent ideas, information and concepts. Information communication technology as well as digital literacy is integral to English at Our Lady of Sion College. Students are guided through a variety of texts ranging from novels and short stories to plays and film texts. Mathematics The Year 7 Mathematics program at Our Lady of Sion College is designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop skills, concepts, applications and processes that allow for meaningful participation in society. Students work on a selection of both open/closed tasks of varying levels of difficulty. The following units are studied at Year 7: Number and Algebra - number and place value, real numbers, money and financial mathematics, patterns and algebra, linear relationships Statistics and Probability - chance and data representation and interpretation Measurement and Geometry - using units of measurement, shape, location and transformation, and geometric reasoning The following assessment tasks are used: Application of skills and knowledge (including tests and homework tasks) Guided investigation and problem solving tasks
Visual Art The aim of the course, is to develop each student s ability to make and appreciate Art and develop their skills. It involves the development of practical skills, techniques and processes in a range of media. The students work in both two and three dimensional form to express their ideas, feelings and beliefs. They reflect upon their own artworks and those of others, discussing, analysing, interpreting and evaluating visual art from past and present contexts. A range of ideas, material and technologies are explored and units may include: Mixed media Ceramics Drawing Sculpture Painting Printmaking Art Appreciation Visual Design Drama The course aims to provide opportunities for learning through exploring and expressing ideas through drama. Students explore and develop a range of dramatic and expressive skills. Students are encouraged to experiment with a range of forms, styles and conventions leading to an initial understanding of the value, purpose and qualities of drama. At this level students are introduced to dramatic skills such as character development, narrative structure, applied imagination and physical expression. Assessment tasks include: Voice Performance Movement Performance Storytelling Performance
Digital Technologies This subject encourages students to learn new skills and develop knowledge as they use the technology available. Responsible and safe use of equipment and resources is emphasized, and are expected to be demonstrated at all times. The impact of technology on society is considered in relation to the Internet and its use at Our Lady of Sion College. Digital Technology is integrated across all curriculum areas. Students become familiar with the basic computer terms related to hardware and software. They also develop basic skills in: File management Word processing Internet research Graphics software Presentation software Programming Health and Physical Education In Health students study the physical, social, emotional and cultural concepts of health in relation to themselves as individuals. They also cover a number of issues that aim to increase awareness of a healthy lifestyle, including factors that affect health, communicable and non-communicable diseases and agencies, which promote healthy living. Topics covered include: Taking responsibility for my health Factors that affect health Nutrition Ways of promoting healthy living Being sun smart Puberty Water safety The Physical Education program aims to introduce students to a variety of sports and activities that assist in the development of fitness and motor skills. Students take part in a range of activities including: Athletics Hockey Table Tennis Netball Fitness Volleyball Soccer Gymnastics
Humanities Humanities at Year 7, involves the study of human societies and environments and people and their cultures. The Humanities provide a framework for developing in students the key ideas and concepts that enable them to understand the way in which people and societies have organised their world under particular conditions and made meaning of it. The History discipline examines ancient civilisations and provides students with the knowledge and skills to understand their own world and the Geography discipline examines aspects of both physical and human geography, further increasing students understanding of the world that they live in. The Economics topic enables students to better understand the importance of setting financial goals both personally and from a business owner s perspective. Areas of study include: Historical evidence Ancient Civilizations Mapping Water in the world Place and livability Players in the Australian economy
Languages Our Lady of Sion College offers three languages: Chinese, French and Italian. Students in Year 7 undertake study in two of these, one for each semester. Chinese Students will cover the four main areas of language: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Units are structured to encourage confidence in speaking and to develop an ability to read and write Chinese characters. The course also aims to develop an understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture. Topics covered include: Rudimentary principles of character construction Pinyin pronunciation Greetings Counting 1 to 100 Talking about oneself Culture exercises French Students will cover the four main areas of language: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Units are structured progressively to encourage confidence in speaking and understanding, which leads to increased capacity to read and write. The course also develops an awareness and appreciation of the people and the culture of the language. Topics covered include: Meetings and greetings Describing oneself and introducing someone Describing other people Research project Italian Students cover the four main areas of language: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Units are structured progressively to encourage confidence in speaking and understanding, which leads to increased capacity to read and write. The course develops an awareness and appreciation of the people and the culture of the language. Topics covered include: Meetings and greetings Family members and telling the time Likes and dislikes People s ages Days of the week and months of the year School life in Italy Research project
Music Year 7 Music consists of three parts: Part A: Instrumental study All students will study one instrument from the list below for the duration of the year. String (Violin, Viola, Double Bass and Cello) Brass (Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone and Euphonium) Woodwind (Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Alto Saxophone, and Tenor Saxophone) Percussion (Orchestral Percussion and Drum kit) Voice Instruments will be loaned to each girl for the course of the year. Part B: Ensemble Rehearsal Each student will participate in a College Ensemble and will attend a one hour before or after school rehearsal each week for the whole year. Please note that the instrument of study will determine which ensemble times are available. Part C: Classroom Music Each student will study music literacy, aural development, and music appreciation which will greatly assist her instrumental study. Students will be given opportunities to apply their learning through composition.
Science The initial emphasis is on safety and familiarisation with equipment and procedures in the laboratory. Students will then be introduced to topics, which require experimentation, observation, measurement, recording and analysis of results. Topics covered include: Introduction to Science Biological Sciences: Ecology Physical Sciences: Forces Chemical Sciences: Matter and Mixtures Earth Sciences: Water Cycle Textiles The aim of this course is to develop technical skills in sewing and textile design with an emphasis on the imaginative and creative use of these skills. Students develop and refine images and forms, with documentation of all ideas and progress and develop a range of traditional and non-traditional textile techniques. The students will complete the following tasks: An introduction to the sewing machine Appropriate design work for set tasks Construct a variety of textile pieces Use appropriate presentation techniques for their work
Year 8 Curriculum Students at Our Lady of Sion College undertake a broad curriculum covering all Learning Areas of the Victorian Curriculum. At Year 8 students select one language to study for the full year and Food Technology is introduced into their curriculum. Students are placed into mixed ability classes. The Student Learning Enhancement Leader consults with teachers to provide assistance for students, as required. Support is always available through the College s sensitive pastoral care program. Advice regarding program development is available through the Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching, Ms Michelle Rosella. The Year 8 Curriculum Comprises: Religious Education Aim: The Year 8 course focuses on the life and message of Jesus and the call to service. Dimensions: The dimensions covered in Religious Education from Year 7-10 include: Scripture and Jesus Church and Community God, Religion and Life Prayer, Liturgy and Sacraments Morality and Justice Courses of Study: The topics explored in Year 8 include: Understanding Jesus as a model for living, Early Church History, St Paul a Christian Hero, Sacraments of Initiation and Service and Ministry. Opportunities to share experiences, reflect and gain knowledge, are integral components to the teaching of these topic areas. The study of Religious Education in Year 8 incorporates the text To Know, Worship and Love (Second Edition), as prescribed by the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Students participate in the Year 8 Retreat Day, which provides them with the opportunity to reflect and develop their faith. Students complete a variety of assessment tasks as part of the course.
English This course is designed to develop in students the ability to communicate effectively through writing, reading, speaking and listening. Students learn that oral and written language varies according to audience, purpose, situation and culture. Students begin to respond in more detached and critical ways to a wide range of print, visual, electronic and multimodal texts that explore familiar and more challenging themes and issues. They continue to explore the power of language and the ways it can influence roles and relationships and represent ideas, information and concepts. They learn that texts can be created for multiple purposes. Literacy forms an integral part of the curriculum with a focus on inference, grammar and communication. Assessment Tasks include the following: Writing Folio Text Response Oral Response Texts studied include: The Giver, A Bridge to Wiseman s Cove and the film text Edward Scissorhands. Mathematics The Year 8 Mathematics program at Our Lady of Sion College is designed to allow students to further develop skills and understanding in all areas of Mathematics. Students show their understanding by completing set work and tests, taking part in problem solving activities, and investigations, writing reports and talking about their work. The following units are studied at Year 8: Number and Algebra - number and place value, real numbers, money and financial mathematics, patterns and algebra, linear and non-linear relationships Measurement and Geometry - using units of measurement, shape, location and transformation, and geometric reasoning Statistics and Probability chance and data representation and interpretation The following assessment tasks are used: Applications of skill and knowledge (topic tests and homework tasks) Guided investigations and problem solving tasks
Visual Art The aim of the course is to develop each student's ability to make and appreciate Art and develop further skills in Visual Design. It involves the development of skills, techniques and processes in a range of media. The students work in both two and three dimensional form to express their ideas, feelings and beliefs. They reflect upon their own art works and those of others, discussing, analysing, interpreting and evaluating visual art from past and present contexts. Themes designed to encourage self expression will be explored. Units may include: Mixed media Ceramics Printmaking Drawing Painting Art analysis Visual design Digital Technologies Digital Technologies focuses on developing students knowledge, understanding and skills in computational thinking and on students engaging with a wider range of information systems as they broaden their experiences from personal and local to national, regional and global. Students think computationally by preferring automated solutions, structuring data in a manner that helps computation, and understanding why digital systems require unambiguous instructions. They further develop their understanding of the vital role that data play in their lives, and that their quality and availability directly impact on the success of their problem-solving when working computationally. Students apply practices that comply with legal obligations, particularly with respect to the ownership of information, and demonstrate an understanding of respect when communicating and collaborating in online environments. Students develop an understanding of how different social contexts impact on how they should approach communicating in online environments. They consider ways of managing the exchange of ideas and files when working in online teams, focusing on the application of technical protocols such as file management and techniques for monitoring progress and feedback. Safe practices underlie all experiences in the study of Digital Technologies. Students are assessed according to their: Knowledge and understanding Process and production skills
Drama The course aims to provide further opportunities to enhance learning through presenting and performing drama. Students also explore and express a range of dramatic and expressive skills. Students are encouraged to experiment with a range of forms, styles and conventions leading in an initial understanding of value, purpose and qualities of drama. At Year 8 students are encouraged to refine their performance skills with particular attention to script work, dramatic conventions and elements, stagecraft and group devising. Assessment tasks include: Greek Theatre Performance Commedia Dell Arte Performance Stagecraft Task Design and Technologies - Food Technology In this unit students develop an increased awareness of materials (food products) and their applications within the household and community. They consider products presently available and use and evaluate these during production classes. Students also develop and apply skills in the design and processing of materials, and demonstrate safe and hygienic work practices. Student products are assessed and evaluated on suitability, effectiveness and recommendations for further use. The following is part of the assessment of Food Technology: Coursework/Test Production skills
Health and Physical Education Students study the physical, social and emotional concepts of Health in relation to themselves as individuals. They also cover a number of issues that aim to increase awareness of a healthy lifestyle, including factors that affect health, lifestyle diseases and agencies which promote healthy living. Topics covered include: Lifestyle diseases Harm minimisation Drug education The Physical Education course aims to introduce students to a variety of sports and activities that assist in the further development of fitness and motor skills. Communication and cooperation skills are enhanced through individual and group activities such as: Cardiovascular Fitness Dance Basketball Softball Touch Football Sofcrosse Thunder Hoc Humanities Humanities in Year 8 provides students with a framework for understanding that the world is very complex and is constantly changing. In the History discipline students study ideas, people and events in medieval times and explore how societies have changed over time. Various physical and human environments and the impact that people and their activities may have on environments are examined in the Geography discipline of the course. The Economics discipline examines a variety of markets and the various influences that business owners must consider. It allows students to understand that the workplace is constantly changing and that they need to be prepared for this. Areas of study include: Sustainability and Urbanisation Landscapes The Medieval World The Market System and Government The Changing Work Environment
Languages Students in Year 8 undertake study in one of the three languages offered for the full year. Chinese The course aims to develop the four main areas of language: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Units are structured progressively to encourage confidence in speaking and understanding, leading to increased capacity to read and write. The course also aims to develop an awareness and appreciation of the people and the culture of the language being studied. The topics covered include animals, family, classroom objects, sports, introducing friends and the principles of character construction. The assessment tasks include: Oral tasks Reading comprehension tasks Listening comprehension tasks Writing tasks Cultural research task French The course aims to develop the four main areas of language: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Units are structured progressively to encourage confidence in speaking and understanding, leading to increased capacity to read and write. The course also aims to develop an awareness and appreciation of the people and the culture of the language being studied. The topics covered include family, weather, months and seasons, clothing, a comparison of schools in France and Australia, holidays and festivals and a research project on Paris (Semester One) and New Caledonia (Semester Two). The assessment tasks include: Oral tasks Reading comprehension tasks Listening comprehension tasks Writing tasks Cultural research task
Italian The course aims to develop the four main areas of language: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Units are structured progressively to encourage confidence in speaking and understanding, leading to increased capacity to read and write. The course also aims to develop an awareness and appreciation of the people and the culture of the language being studied. The topics covered include talking about oneself, hobbies, sports, animals, food, directions, types of transport and the cultural study on Ancient Rome and Italian Music. The assessment tasks include: Oral tasks Reading comprehension tasks Listening comprehension tasks Writing tasks Cultural research task Music Year 8 Music focuses on further development of music, literature, aural skills, exploration with composition and performance. The students will continue to develop their musicianship skills using percussion instruments, keyboard, voice and the guitar. Areas of study: Music literacy Aural development Guitar studies Keyboard studies Rhythm unit Popular Song Composition Science The Science course at Year 8 continues to focus on developing theoretical and practical skills. A range of topics are explored to enhance students understanding of the world around them. The topics covered include: Biological sciences: Cells and Body Systems Chemical sciences: Matter, Periodic table and Chemical reactions Physical sciences: Energy Forensic science: Science Inquiry Skills Earth Science: Geology