year 7 studies handbook 2021 - star of the sea college...• gymnastics • help force activities at...

Star of the Sea College - YEAR 7 STUDIES HANDBOOK 2021 1

Year 7 Studies Handbook

2021


TABLE OF CONTENTS

STAR OF THE SEA COLLEGE EDUCATION CHARTER � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �3

THE CURRICULUM AT A GLANCE � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �4

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �5

AIMS � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �7

YEAR 7 SUBJECTS � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �8

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �9

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �11

DRAMA � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �12

ENGLISH� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �13

FOOD TECHNOLOGY � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �15

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �16

PHYSICAL EDUCATION � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �17

HUMANITIES � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �18

LANGUAGES � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �19

GERMAN � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �21

ITALIAN � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �22

JAPANESE � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �23

MATHEMATICS � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �24

MUSIC � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �25

SCIENCE � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �26

VISUAL ARTS � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �27

STAR OF THE SEA COLLEGE EDUCATION CHARTER

Learning and Teaching at Star

We are a community of learners, who have a passion for learning, sharing knowledge, celebrating achievement, enabling growth and striving for excellence�

As students we��

• Understand that it is our responsibility to exercise initiative in order to be active learners.

• Embrace and celebrate our passion for education and our achievements

We have a dynamic and holistic approach to life� We are responsive to the needs of others, strive for justice and empower young women to make a difference in the world.

• Open our eyes and hearts to different people and issues and use the values we witness at Star to better our world and our future.

• Use our initiative to participate in the many enriching activities on offer and accept diversity within our community

• Build mutual, trusting relationships by encouraging, supporting, accepting and respecting each other.

We build authentic relationships founded on care, compassion and mutual respect�

We value personalised learning that is rigorous, relevant and engaging and provides ongoing support, challenge and success for all students�

• Take responsibility for discussing with our teachers how best to understand and improve our learning.

• Optimise all learning opportunities

We promote independence, interdependence and self-confidence through collaboration and effective communication.

• Uphold our identity as strong Star women in an environment that encourages and nurtures independence, creativity and positive relationships.

• Encourage each other in everything we do and collaborate with respect.

We create opportunities to engage in self-reflection to assist in the development of meaningful learning�

• Are open to discovering ourselves as learners.

• Embrace constructive feedback by reflecting on our achievements and our failures.

We encourage creativity and critical thinking, where risk-taking and problem solving is valued as an important contribution to learning.

As teachers we��

• Demonstrate a love of learning and a passion for our learning area.

• Are active members of our profession who seek to improve student learning and engagement through a commitment to 21st Century pedagogy, facilitated by ongoing professional learning.

• Validate and celebrate all achievements in our community.

• Respect, value and support the diversity of learners and learning activities at Star

• Recognise that learning and teaching contributes to each student recognising her place as a responsible, global citizen.

• Care for all members of our community and uphold the dignity of each individual

• Instil a sense of belonging, identity and pride amongst our students

• Develop relevant and innovative curriculum that seeks to challenge students and engage them in real world learning activities

• Support differentiation and personalisation of the curriculum

• Engage in respectful dialogue

• Instil the skills and confidence necessary to work effectively in both collaborative and individual settings

• Embrace opportunities that provide timely and constructive feedback to develop a community of reflective and responsive learners.

• Foster curiosity and deep thinking by creating an environment where students are encouraged to question, explore and appreciate learning through inquiry

• Invest in our learning through remaining open minded and curious in everything we do. We are prepared to question, explore more deeply and take risks to challenge ourselves. We value creativity and thinking outside the square.

80 Marti n Street, Brighton Victoria 3186 (03) 9595 9595 www.starmelb.catholic.edu.au

2021 ELECTIVE SELECTIONSCore Subjects

Electi ve Subjects

YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10 YEAR 11 YEAR 12Religious Education Religious Education Religious Education Religious Education Religious Education Religious Education

English English English English English or Literature English or Literature

Health & Physical Education Health & Physical Education Health & Physical Education Health & Physical Education

Humanities Humanities Humanities Modern History

Society & Money

Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics

Science Science Science Dynamic Science

Visual Arts Visual Arts

Endeavour

YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10 YEAR 11 YEAR 12Choose 2 Languages Choose 1 Language Choose 1 Language Choose 5 Choose 5 Choose 4

1 Language = 2 ElectivesLANGUAGES LANGUAGES LANGUAGES LANGUAGES LANGUAGES LANGUAGES

German German German German German German

Italian Italian Italian Italian Italian Italian

Japanese Japanese Japanese Japanese Japanese JapaneseRELIGIOUS EDUCATION RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religion & Society School-based Program

Texts & Traditions Texts & Traditions

MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS

Enhanced Methods/ Further Mathematics

Specialist Mathematics Mathematical Methods

Foundation Mathematics Specialist Mathematics

General Mathematics

Mathematical Methods

ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH

Dark Imaginings Essential Reads English English

Stranger Things Literature Now! Literature Literature

The Power of Persuasion

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION




Sports Coaching Sports Science Health & Human Development Health & Human Development

Physical Education Physical Education

HUMANITIES HUMANITIES HUMANITIES HUMANITIES

American History Geography Accounting Accounting

Law & Order: Juvenile Justice Australian & Global Politics Business Management

Economics Classical Studies

Geography Economics

History - 20th Century Geography

Legal Studies Global Politics

History - Australian

History - Revolutions

Legal Studies

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGIES DESIGN & TECHNOLOGIES DESIGN & TECHNOLOGIES DESIGN & TECHNOLOGIES DESIGN & TECHNOLOGIES DESIGN & TECHNOLOGIES

Food Technology Design Lab Design & Technolgy in Textiles Fashion & Culture Food Studies Food Studies

Digital Technology Food Technology Food Technology Fashion & Style Icons Product Design & Technology (Textiles & Fashion)

Product Design & Technology (Textiles & Fashion)

Illustrate & Animate Food Technology

Publish & BroadcastSCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE

Electronics In Sickness & Health Biology Biology

Environmental Science Mission to Mars Chemistry Chemistry

Nature versus Nurture Physics Physics

Science of Life Psychology Psychology

PERFORMING ARTS PERFORMING ARTS PERFORMING ARTS PERFORMING ARTS PERFORMING ARTS PERFORMING ARTS

Drama Drama Drama Drama Music Performance Music Performance

Music Music All That Jazz & All That Rocks Get a Job Sha na na na Theatre Studies Theatre Studies

So You Want to be a Rock & Roll Star

Rockin' All Over the World

VISUAL ARTS VISUAL ARTS VISUAL ARTS VISUAL ARTS

Art Art Art Media

Visual Communication Design Media Media Studio Arts (General)

Photography Studio Arts (Photography) Studio Arts (Photography)

Visual Communication Design: Design Studio

Visual Communication & Design

Visual Communication & Design

VCAL & VET VCAL & VET

VCAL VCAL

VET Business VET Business


CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIESCO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

* Central Australia Tour and Ski Trip alternate each year.

• ACER Languages Assessments• Aerobics• AFL Football• Art Ambassadors• Athletics• Australian Mathematics Competition• Backstage Crew• Badminton• Ballroom Dancing Lessons (Year 10)• Basketball• Big Science Comp (Year 7 – 10)• Big Sister Little Sister (Year 7 & 11)• Central Australia Tour (Year 9 & 10) (Biannual)*• China Study Tour (Year 11 & 12)• Companions (Year 9)• Cricket• Cross Country Running• Dancing• Deakin University Young Influencer Award• Debating• Diving• Drama Club• Drama Festival (Year 8, 9 & 10)• Environmental Committee• Exchange Programs (Japan & Germany)• Generations in Jazz• Global Politics Canberra Trip (Year 12)• Great Victorian Bike Ride (Biannual)• Gymnastics • Help Force Activities at Hostel (Year 9)• History Competitions (Year 7 – 10)• Hockey • Instrumental Music Lessons (Bass/ Double Bass, Cello, Clarinet, Drums, Flute, Guitar, Piano, Saxophone, Singing, Speech and Drama, Theory, Trombone, Trumpet, Violin/Viola)• Irish Dancing

• iTeam• Justice Program:

- Friday Night School (Year 11 - 12)- International Women’s Day Activities - Ministry Retreat (Year 11) - National Reconciliation Week Activities - Refugee Week Activities - Sacred Heart Mission Material Aid - Sacred Heart Mission Service (Year 10)- Social Justice Group - Social Justice Projects (House, Year Level) - Soup Van (Year 11 & 12) - St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers

• Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars - Melbourne University• Language Tours (Italy & Japan) (Year 9 – 11)• Library Monitors• Magazine Committee• Mathematics Challenge• Mathematics Help• Mathematics Peer Tutoring• Media Internship• Monash Scholars• Music Bands

- Concert Band- Guitar Ensemble- Junior Strings- Junior Concert Band- Piano Ensemble- Senior Strings- Show Band- Stage Band

• Music Festival• Music Soirees• Musical/Production

• Nano’s Walk• NASA Space Camp Study Tour (Year 9 & 10)• National Chemistry Quiz

• NEAA Iona Presentation College Exchange (Year 10)• Netball• Online CAT (Computational & Algorithmic Thinking) Competition• Public Speaking • Red Earth Immersion (Year 10)• S.R.C.• Sailing• Science Experience (Year 9)• Science Week Activities• Self Defence (Year 9)• Simpson Prize (Year 9 & 10)• Ski Trip (Biannual)*• Soccer• Softball• Sound & Lighting Technician• Spirit of Anzac Prize (Year 9)• Stacella Choral Program• Stage Crew• Star Reading Challenge• Star Spelling Games• Star Writers’ Collective• STEM Challenges• Swimming Activities• Tennis• The McWhirter Foundation• Triathlon• UNSW Maths Competition

• UNSW Science Competition (Year 11 & 12)• Vietnam Study Trip (Year 10 & 11)• Volleyball• Write a Book in a Day• World Scholar’s Cup (Year 7, 8 & 9)

Whilst attending Star of the Sea College students are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities outside the realm of the classroom. The following table gives an indication of the programs available in 2021.


AIMS


AIMS

The education policy of Star of the Sea College has emerged from a growing tradition developed throughout the years by the Presentation Sisters in conjunction with other dedicated staff members.

In formalising the aims of the College it is acknowledged that the school is not the sole educator; we affirm the importance and necessity of working with families in the educational process.

Your daughter will be in a happy and lively environment at Star of the Sea College. She will experience a challenging, forward-looking education. The wide-ranging curriculum is designed to meet her individual needs and to develop her gifts.

She will be given the opportunity to be part of a faith community and encouraged to develop a growing relationship with the person of Jesus revealed to us in the Gospels and through the teachings of The Catholic Church. This vision is integral to the Catholic environment and to the Presentation tradition at Star of the Sea College.

Your daughter will be encouraged to develop a strong sense of social justice, to live justly and compassionately in a spirit of Christian hope.

She will be urged to embrace a whole-hearted, enthusiastic approach to life, to reach her full creative potential and to aim for excellence in all that she undertakes. She will be challenged to think critically, research productively and express her opinions thoughtfully.

She will benefit from the Wellbeing Program and be supported and sustained by staff who believe in the value of caring for each student as an individual.

She will be encouraged to develop a positive and confident approach to the technological developments that are enriching modern education.

Your daughter will be educated within structures which are liberating rather than constraining and challenged to be responsible for her own life and the decisions she makes. She will be helped in her growth towards maturity, independence and interdependence. Understanding failure, rejoicing in success and knowing how to forgive will be important elements in this growth.

Your daughter will be encouraged to develop a capacity for personal reflection, to have a sense of wonder and appreciation of the complexity and beauty of our world, leading her to a commitment to care for the earth in order to preserve it for future generations.

She will be prepared to approach the future with confidence and encouraged to seek and stand by the truth in all aspects of her life. She will come to realise the power all women have to be peacemakers and to affirm the dignity of all peoples.


YEAR 7 SUBJECTS


RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Introduction

Star of the Sea is a Catholic school in the Presentation tradition and, as such, provides an environment in which students may experience what it is to live a truly Catholic life. The Religious Education curriculum, through its academic and formative dimensions and processes, is grounded in the theology of the human person. This is a theology which radically affirms the sacredness of life - the invitation to the individual and the community to cooperate with the Divine in and through Christ to renew all creation. Through processes of reflection, prayer, celebration, enquiry and response, students are enabled to become people for whom the way and the presence of Christ are the pattern of reality.

Course Description

Star of the Sea’s Religious Education program is based upon the Religious Education Curriculum Framework for the Archdiocese of Melbourne. The Year 7 units’ flow from an understanding of the Church and its life where the person of Jesus, known in the Scriptures, is central.

The learning structure has three integrated components that work together to build the foundations for a Pedagogy of Encounter:

• Knowledge and Understanding: seeking truth• Reasoning and Responding: making meaning• Personal and Communal Engagement: living story

The content of the learning in the framework is organised through five areas, in line with to Know, Worship and Love;

1. Scripture and Jesus (e.g. The Jewish Context of the Life and Words of Jesus)2. Church and Community (e.g. Church History: St. Paul and the early Christian communities)3. God, Religion and Life (e.g. Participating in the Life of the Church)4. Sacrament, Prayer and Liturgy (e.g. Expressing Faith)5. Morality and Justice (e.g. social justice initiatives across the year)

Assessment of student achievement across all units is dynamic, creative and varied. Students will be assessed on the following:

• Participation in class activities and discussions• Maintenance of workbook and study materials• Completion of a range of written and research tasks• Oral and group presentations

In addition to the academic study of Religious Education, Year 7 students are provided with a range of opportunities to explore and deepen their faith.


RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Year 7 Reflection Day

Reflection Days at Star of the Sea College are grounded in Presentation charism and spirituality, with the aim of providing students with opportunities to develop understanding and reflective skills to enhance their personal faith journeys. Year 7 students participate in a one-day reflection program where they engage in a range of activities focused on personal spiritual growth, and social justice and service in the Presentation context of the College.

Prayer and Liturgies

Year 7 students experience daily prayer in their mentor groups and classes. They are provided with opportunities for prayer at Eucharistic celebrations, including Foundation Day and Sacred Heart Masses, and Year level assemblies and liturgies.


DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Course Description

Digital Technologies incorporates a wide array of skills from both the business/education and entertainment aspects of digital technologies. Students learn how to use appropriate software to produce, save, retrieve, print and delete documents.

Students are exposed to a variety of software types - including image manipulation, audio editing and coding environments - and evaluate their usefulness for particular tasks. We offer students the opportunity to study and develop in several areas including:

• a working knowledge of the operation and use of the College network• appropriate application of Google Classroom and Google Drive functions using real-time collaboration and document authoring tools• understanding and applying image theory: file types, the relationship between resolution and image size, file size, pixelation and lossy and lossless compression.• learning about Digital Citizenship: ethics, responsibilities, protecting privacy, consequences, positive digital footprints, Australian Data Retention Laws and metadata. • coding for game development: develop, test and debug, and modify programs with user interfaces involving branching, iteration and functions using a visual programming language• searching for accurate information on the Internet, learning to research effectively and efficiently

Assessment

Throughout the course, students present samples of work to determine satisfactory progress and the appropriate development of their skills.

Students also undertake various projects, class exercises and assignments within work units.


DRAMA

Course Description

Drama at Year 7 provides an introduction to dramatic skills such as use of space, tension and timing. Emphasis is placed on group work, interpersonal skills and the development of cultural awareness. Students are provided with stimulus material to explore a range of Dramatic styles, improvisation, role-play and prepared performance.

Mime

Students are introduced to basic mime concepts and prepare a comic mime routine that explores their mime and comedy skills.

Greek Theatre Performance

Students study Greek Theatre and prepare a performance that demonstrates their understanding of this theatre style. They use classroom workshops to prepare and rehearse a performance for their class, peers and, where practicable, a wider audience.

Puppetry

In this unit students explore the world of shadow puppetry. They use a range of materials to create performances that experiment with light.

Genre Theatre

In this unit students will analyse and workshop specific genre conventions in performance. They will apply stagecraft and dramatic elements to present a specific genre narrative.

Drama Journal

Students will use a digital diary to document unit content work as well as reflect on the creating and presenting process.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on the level of participation, concentration and commitment to workshop and performance tasks within all classes. A work journal will be maintained wherein the student will keep a glossary of terms and evidence of class and home exercises. Students will also reflect critically on the content of lessons and the quality of their participation.


ENGLISH

Course Description

Studying English encourages students to develop an appreciation and confidence in using language in a variety of oral and written forms.

Year 7 English is designed to consolidate and build on skills developed at primary school in the areas of literature, language and literacy. These areas focus on developing knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, speaking, writing, creating and film analysis techniques.

Students will continue to participate in the wider-reading program with regular library visits and the opportunity to discover recent releases and must-read literature.

Areas of Skill Development

Language

The learning focus is on developing your understanding and knowledge of the English language and how it works, changes, develops meaning and allows people to communicate.

As students you learn the patterns of English such as grammar, punctuation and spelling. You will develop the ability to reflect on your own use of language in writing and speaking. The aim is to examine language in various contexts and how texts are structured for particular audiences and purposes.

Literature

Reading and viewing a wide range of texts will help you to understand and appreciate a range of literary texts which explore ideas, views and information related to challenging themes and issues.

You will develop a critical awareness of the way that texts are produced in order to position readers and learn to evaluate the decisions that must be made to create certain effects. You compare texts that explore similar themes and come to recognise how different historical, cultural and social contexts shape texts and your understanding of them.

After exploring the work of others, you will learn to develop your own literary texts.

All students are expected to read and reflect on a variety of Literature in the wider reading program.


ENGLISH

Literacy

The focus is to develop an ability to interpret and create texts with appropriate language use, accuracy and fluency for school and the wider world. You learn to adapt your language to use to meet the demands of the purpose, context and audience of their work. You explore and learn the way that written, multimedia and cinematic texts entertain, inform and persuade an audience.

You are required to keep a folder of class notes, handouts, research material and homework, and need to keep your work on the laptop in an orderly manner.

Assessment

Assessment in English is both during a unit and at the end of a unit of work. It includes homework, class tasks and peer assessment. The assessment feedback needs to be looked at and understood so that the students can improve. Assessment tasks are completed in each area over the semester and major tasks are reported on at the end of that semester.


FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Course Description

Food Technology at Year 7 level offers students an introduction to how various food materials and kitchen equipment can be used to produce different products. The program is also designed to assist students in developing confidence when working in a practical setting. It allows the students the opportunity to experiment with various cookery processes to assist them in developing a breadth of knowledge in the fundamental aspects of cookery. The course is both skills-based in practical work through hands-on experiences in the kitchen and theory work in the classroom.

Students are instructed in the design process and how to follow the steps in responding to a design brief. This forms the basis of the major assignment task for the course. Students are shown how to access online resources to assist them in responding to design briefs and create a healthy snack.

In addition to practical work, students complete research, planning and evaluation work related to what they prepare.

Topics covered in this subject include:

• Principles of safety and hygiene• Kitchen management: measurement of ingredients, reading a recipe, creating a risk assessment• Sensory analysis of food • The nutrient groups of protein, carbohydrates and fats• Methods of food preparation and cookery• Responding to design briefs• The Healthy Eating Pyramid as a guide to food selection

Assessment

Work assessed:

• Practical work/production performance• Design task with practical and written components• Test


Course Description

The Health Education program at Year 7 is aimed at developing in students the ability to make informed decisions about their personal health and wellbeing.

Health Education aims to expand students’ knowledge, skills and understanding in assisting them to make informed decisions pertaining to their health and wellbeing in classroom, leisure, social, movement and online situations.

Students learn how positive actions enhance their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing. They discuss significant transitions between life stages, particularly the changes associated with puberty and the changing roles and responsibilities during these stages. They examine the nature of their relationships: their changing identity and other factors that influence people’s beliefs, attitudes, decisions, behaviours and actions.

Students research The Australian Dietary Guidelines to gain an understanding of how good nutrition is essential for normal growth and development. Understanding different food models and the nutrients and energy that food provides assists students in making healthy eating choices.

In the final area of study, students will examine the short and long-term effects of smoking. They will critique the Critics’ Choice anti-smoking advertising campaigns and create their own advertisement to discourage young people from smoking.

Topics covered:

• An introduction to Health Education• Sexuality • Personal development and identity• Nutrition• Smoking (harm minimisation)

Assessment

Graded criterion-referenced assessment is based on the following tasks:

• Nutrition: case study• Healthy snack recipe/cooking show• Puberty test• Anti-smoking advertisement and group project• ‘Personal Identity’ portfolio



PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Course Description

Students will have the opportunity to experience a range of activities during Year 7 Physical Education. The College offers a large range of activities and sports to cater for the needs of all students, allowing the development of new skills as well as existing talents.

The purpose of Physical Education is to provide a foundation to make positive lifestyle choices regarding physical activity. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle is the main objective and preparing students with the appropriate skills is the major goal. Year 7 Physical Education also has a focus on the development of the student, aiming to increase their knowledge, improve their skills and provide them with positive experiences to stimulate a positive attitude towards Physical Education. Each student will have the opportunity to develop a greater self-awareness and awareness of others through participation in the program.

The students will participate in a number of activities:

• athletics

• basketball

• dance/aerobics/cheer

• gymnastics

• hockey

• netball

• softball

• soccer

• Star cycle

• swimming/diving

• volleyball

Assessment

Descriptive assessment is based on the following:

• Performance analysis• Performance of motor skills• Knowledge of games, team positions and rules• Tactical play• Hand/eye coordination• Safe and fair play• Spatial awareness and movement patterns• Ability to work cooperatively and responsibly• Level of participation in all activities


HUMANITIES

Course Description

Humanities involves the study of human societies and environments and people and their cultures in the past and the present. The year will be divided into two semesters with one focusing on Economics and Geography and the other on ancient societies. Throughout the year students will also explore elements of Civics and Citizenship within these focus areas. Students will be guided to ask questions of the past and present in order to develop an understanding of the world in which they live.

Economics

Within a unit of work on Economics, students will gain an understanding of concepts such as demand, goods, services, needs and wants, producers and resources. They will reflect on what type of consumer they are and what the immediate, and future, consequences may be of the consumer-based economy on our environment. They will investigate a business and apply the key economic concepts they have studied.

Geography

During the Geography component of Humanities, there are two units of study: Water in the World and Liveability. Students explore the role of water as a vital natural resource and sustainability. The second unit focuses on the topic ‘Place and Liveability’. Students are encouraged to consider the needs of local suburbs and the factors that influence the decisions people make about where they live and their perceptions of the liveability of places.

History: Ancient History

The Ancient History course provides an in-depth study of two Ancient Civilizations. Skills of chronology, historical research, analysis and communication will be taught and developed throughout the units of work. Students will be encouraged to explore creative ways of exploring the past and presenting their knowledge. They will be guided through key inquiry questions such as:

• How do we know about the ancient past?• Why and where did the earliest societies develop?• What emerged as the defining characteristics of ancient societies?• What have been the legacies of ancient societies?

ICT

Throughout the year students will utilise their laptops in a variety of ways. They will learn online research skills and be taught the correct ways to reference the material they use. They will be able to access online resources from the publisher and from Google Sites. They will have the opportunity to respond to topics in creative digital ways through a variety of programs.

Assessment

Throughout the year, students will be assessed both formally and informally. The formal pieces of assessment will include assignments, tests and group tasks.


LANGUAGES

Course Description

At Star of the Sea College we are proud to offer three vibrant and dynamic Language programs. We teach German, Italian and Japanese from Year 7 through to Year 12. Our Language courses offer students a wide variety of cultural and communicative experiences.

Year 7 students choose two of three languages to study in Year 7. They will study one Language in first semester and the other in second semester.

In Year 8 students will choose one of the two Languages they chose in Year 7 to study for the full year. They will continue the study of the Language they choose for Year 8 into Year 9 for the full year. Languages study is completely optional from Year 10.

At the junior years, the focus is on developing listening and speaking skills. In the senior years, students investigate the structure of their chosen language in more detail in order to be able to express their ideas orally and in writing.

We offer students many opportunities to interact with speakers of their chosen language through a range of visitor sessions, cultural activities and excursions.

Please refer to the pages below for information on each of the three languages.

Learning Outcomes

There are two main strands to all Languages in the Victorian Curriculum at Year 7: Communicating and Understanding.

Communicating: Using language for communicative purposes in interpreting, creating and exchanging meaning.

• Socialising: Interacting orally and in writing to exchange ideas, opinions, experiences, thoughts and feelings.

• Informing: Obtaining, processing, interpreting and conveying information.

• Creating: Engaging with imaginative experience by participating in, responding to and creating a range of texts.

• Translating: Moving between languages and cultures orally and in writing.

• Reflecting: Participating in intercultural exchange, questioning reactions and assumptions.

Understanding: Analysing and understanding language and culture as resources for interpreting and shaping meaning in intercultural exchange.

• Systems of language: Develop understanding of the systematic nature of grammatical structures and how Language is used to perform particular functions.

• Language variation and change: Understanding how languages vary in use.

• The role of language and culture: Explore connections between languages and cultures.


LANGUAGES

Assessment

There are four main areas for assessment:

• Performance in basic conversations and oral presentations• Listen to and understand short dialogues• Read, view and understand short written passages• Complete simple written tasks Please Note: In Japanese, progress in the script is also assessed.


GERMAN

Why would you learn German?

Approximately 110 million speakers in Europe consider German their mother tongue – more than any other language in Europe.

Germany has the largest national economy in Europe and the fourth largest in the world.

You can study at a German university where you pay no fees (or very little), so no HECS.

There are also well-established partnership programs between almost all Australian universities and their counterparts in Germany. More than 600 German companies create over 100,000 Australian jobs. About 145 of these companies are based in Victoria. There are 200 Australian companies in Germany.

Germany is Australia’s fifth largest import partner and Australia’s largest source of imports from Europe. 68% of Japanese students study German because they understand the business advantages that a knowledge of German will bring them.

German and English belong to the same language family and are very similar in phonetics (sounds), vocabulary and grammar, so there are plenty of German words that will already sound familiar to you!

Course Description

The Year 7 German language course is all about you, ‘Alles über mich’. You will learn how to introduce yourself, tell about how you’re feeling, your family, your age, your birthday, where you live and more. You’ll also be able to form questions to ask others. This means you’ll be able to have a conversation!

There is an internet site designed for you which includes interactive activities and extension and revision tasks. Games, videos and a workbook are among the other resources you will use to build your language skills. You will also learn about German pronunciation and examine similarities and differences between German and English.

Not only will you learn the language, you will also have an introduction to Germany and its people, culture and history. When you continue your German studies into Year 9 and 10, you become eligible to apply for a 10-week exchange visit to Germany.

So, why wouldn’t you learn German!


ITALIAN

Apart from helping you acquire a useful skill and an understanding of another culture, study of a foreign language can be a transformative experience, changing the way you think about the world.

Italian is the romance language closest to Latin.

It is also the language closest to English, since English contains many roots from Italian and Latin.

Italian is the language having the ‘best phonetic fit’. It is the easiest foreign language to read, write and pronounce because there is only one sound per letter of the alphabet and four consonant blends.

There are over 70 million speakers in the world

Knowing Italian is greatly beneficial in several career fields, for example interior design, fashion, graphic design, furniture design, machine tool manufacturing, construction machinery and transportation equipment.

Italy has long been a magnet for the tourism industry.

Course Description

The Year 7 course covers introductions, simple dialogues, greetings, numbers to 100, dates, time, adjectives and nouns. Simple linguistic structures are introduced – singular/plural, masculine/feminine, essere and avere (singular), negative forms.

The course also enables the students to study the culture where the target language is spoken.

Cultural units include background information on Italy, famous Italian people (past and present), Carnevale, Easter and Christmas.

Each chapter starts with a cartoon story plus audio as a way to introduce new grammar and vocabulary.

Language taught is reinforced with the use of videos and multimedia programs. Students are encouraged to read and write simple sentences in Italian and to take part in role-plays, songs and educational games.

ICT and Multimedia presentations are a part of the course whereby students incorporate cross-curricular knowledge and skills.

Students who study Italian through to Year 10 are eligible to apply for a school - organised study tour to Italy which occurs every two years.


JAPANESE

The 21st Century has been called the Asian Century with cultural, political and economic links between Australia and Asian countries growing day by day.

In many ways, Japan is a bridge between Asia and the rest of the world, with its stable democracy and strong economy. Australia is one of Japan’s most important partners with annual trade between the two countries valued at over 71 billion dollars in 2017. If you can speak Japanese, there are many opportunities waiting for you in the business and political worlds.

Japan is a country blessed with beautiful nature and a very unique culture. A knowledge of Japanese will give you access to a whole new world of special sights and sounds in Japan where it seems as though there is a festival every day!

Japan is also a very modern country, leading the way to the future with some of the world’s most advanced technologies and innovative ideas. If you are interested in science and technology, Japanese can open doors to a wealth of new ideas and applications for you.

For fans of anime and cutting edge fashion, Japan is a pop culture paradise. From the quirky to the sublime, there is plenty to capture a young person’s interest in Japan today.

Course Description

The Year 7 Japanese course will introduce you to the basics of the Japanese language. You will learn how to introduce yourself, count, talk about your age and your friends and family, and much more.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to get by meeting new people in Japan!

The emphasis in the classroom is on communicative activities that encourage you to use Japanese. We use lots of video, songs, YouTube clips and games in the classroom to help you master how to speak Japanese and to make sure your Japanese classes are fun. The Year 7 Japanese website offers a wide range of support and extension material to help you achieve success.

Some students worry about learning the Japanese writing system, but once they get started, many students find learning the script fun and not as hard as they thought it would be – a bit like learning a secret code!

In Year 8, you will have a chance to host a student from Shibuya in Tokyo for two weeks. If you continue with Japanese until Year 10, you can join us on our Japan study tour and start your own adventures in the wonderful country that is Japan.


MATHEMATICS

Course Description

Year 7 Mathematics is a time to not only consolidate and extend previously learnt skills but to explore the use of mathematics in real life. Students who have already mastered the basic skills, as outlined in the Victorian Curriculum, for the topic about to be taught will be extended in other areas. Collaborative learning through group work is encouraged.

Topics covered include:

• Whole numbers• Geometry• Number properties and patterns• Algebra• Fractions• Polygons• Decimals and percentages• Measurement• Statistics and probability• Transformations, symmetry and nets

As using technology effectively has become increasingly more important in our world, calculators and computers are incorporated into the course wherever possible to assist, enhance and extend learning.

In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in the UNSW Mathematics Competition, the Australian Mathematics Competition and the Australian Mathematics Challenge.

Assessment

A variety of formal and informal assessment instruments are used. Teachers monitor each student’s progress so as to identify areas where extra assistance or supplementary activities might be necessary for skill consolidation. Skill mastery tests are given at the end of each topic. Throughout the year, students complete various problem-solving tasks and investigations. Some of these are written up as a report and submitted for assessment.


MUSIC

Course Description

Music is a single semester core subject at Year 7 consisting of four lessons per ten-day cycle.

The aim of the course is for all students to enjoy and develop their musical skills and awareness through a sequential, skills-based program.

In this course, students will experience the following:

• Class choir• Keyboard and ukulele tuition• Music theory and aural training• Instruments of the Orchestra: listening and appreciation• Introduction to Composition

Assessment

• Keyboard and ukulele performances• Theory and aural exercises and tests• Orchestra research assignment• Composition exercises


SCIENCE

Course Description

Science provides us with views of the universe, extending from the unseen world of atoms to the almost unimaginable vastness of outer space. It is concerned with all of nature, medicine and technology.

Science provides students with a powerful tool for understanding how their world operates and how they can interact with their physical surroundings. Science encourages students to learn through inquiry-based approaches and to formulate their ideas accurately.

The learning area of Science is organised into two strands:

• Science Understanding provides understanding of key concepts and involves applying appropriate scientific knowledge to new situations. It examines the role of Science in influencing changes in our society that affect people’s lives. Students will develop science - literacy skills by analysing articles of recent scientific discoveries.

• Science Inquiry Skills involves planning, conducting and reflecting on class investigations. Students will undertake STEM challenges to further develop their problem-solving skills.

The topics that are studied:

• Science Toolkit• Thinking Scientifically• Separating Mixtures• Forces and Motion• Staying Alive (classification & ecosystems)

Through this study, students practise and develop skills of observation, analysis, expression and communication. Students experience a variety of learning approaches through the use of practical experimental work, digital simulations, Googlesites, textbook exercises, written investigations, individual work and group work. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in the Big Science Competition, the National Chemistry Quiz and Science Week challenges.

Assessment

Assessment is continuous and is based on the work requirements below. Details of the work requirements are set out on the task sheet for each topic studied.

• Participation - cooperative and responsible participation in all aspects of class work• Practical work - conducting activities and experiments, recording observations and writing scientific reports• Written work - class work, worksheets and homework tasks are maintained in an organised workbook• Assessment tasks - a range of practical activities which require research and planning over an extended period of time• Topic tests - unit tests consisting of multiple choice and short answer questions


Course Description

The Year 7 Art course is structured around four themes to introduce students to a range of skills and art experiences including: The Face, exploring the expressive qualities of the face; Wacky and Wonderful, exploring creatures, mythological beings and the make-believe; Places, Spaces and Time, exploring perspectives and viewpoints relating to physical spaces and sense of place, and Amaze, exploring the natural and the man-made environment.

Students will:

• use observation, research and experience as starting points to develop artworks• be introduced to a range of media and techniques • be encouraged to explore materials to discover their qualities and possibilities• undertake simple research and design tasks and to keep a visual and written record of their work• analyse and evaluate their own work and the artwork of others• become familiar with the ‘language’ of art (the elements and principles of art and design) and the terminology of different media and techniques• be introduced to a wide range of artists and art periods, depending on the practical tasks they undertake with their teacher• be encouraged to perceive the visual arts in their cultural contexts and to look at art and issues through historical and contemporary perspectives

Assessment

Students will be assessed upon the following work requirements:

Art Production visual diary – evidence of research and design planning

folio – all practical work produced

Art Appreciation oral and written analyses of artworks

evaluation of student’s own work

VISUAL ARTS

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