Middle School
Year 8-9
The learning and developmental needs of Years 8 and 9 students are addressed in the Middle School through the curriculum, co-curriculum and wellbeing programs.
The breadth and depth of opportunities in and beyond the classroom facilitate multiple expressions of excellence.
A core curriculum continues to provide a rich and balanced learning program for Year 8 students. The Sydney Tour, offered annually in September, complements the personal and academic growth agenda. Tour activities are linked to English and Humanities studies.
The addition of electives to the core curriculum at Year 9 provides access to the range of pathways offered in the Senior School.
All Year 9 Students undertake R3: Responsibility, Relevance and Relationships
This full year subject involves students in age appropriate, relevant projects that foster resourceful, reflective, resilient and independent learners. Integral to this program is a community service component.
Students can also apply for a place in The Outer Edge (TOE), an optional full year outdoor education program that incorporates completion of the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.
Students in the Accelerated Curriculum and Enrichment (ACE) Program study the same subjects but at an accelerated pace and in greater depth.
The ‘I Explore’ and ‘I Focus’ steps of the Career Action Plan are also undertaken by Year 8 and 9 students respectively as part of the STRIVE program.
YEAR 8 CURRICULUM
English
Mathematics
Science
Humanities: History, Geography
Physical Education
Italian
Music, Drama
Food Technology, Design and Technology
Art
YEAR 9 CURRICULUM
English
Maths
Science
Humanities
R3
Health and PE
Electives
CHOOSE 4*
1 or more from Group 1: The Arts
1 or more from Group 2: Technology
1 or more from Group 3 Domains
* Italian is a full year subject, so is taken with 1 Arts elective in semester 1 and 1 Technology elective in semester 2.
Group 1 Electives: The Arts
Animation Café
Art in the 3rd Dimension
Fashion, Drawing and Illustration
Grand Design and Architecture
Music Legends of rock
Music Performance
Music Technology
Street Art and Design
The Artist’s Studio
Dance
Drama
Group 2 Electives: Technology
Create and Bake
Design it, Make it, Wear it
From Trees to Tables
Girls Fix Cars
Girls Design It and Build It
Micro-Electronics
Rev Heads
Rockets and Rocket Cars
The World of Food
Group 3 Electives: Domains
English – Beanbags and Books
Maths – Maths in Sport
Science – Animal Science, Aviation, Practical Chemistry
Italian – Music and Film, Travel and Culture, Regional Cuisine
Humanities – Geography of Terrorism, Managers and Manufacturers, Monsters and Maniacs,
Women in Power
Health and PE – Athlete Development Program (selected students only), Girls Lifestyles and Fitness,
The Ultimate Fitness Challenge
Info Tech – Build Your Own Apps, Digital Gaming
Group 1: Arts/Italian
Group 2: Technology/Italian or Additional elective
R 3 . Responsibility, Relevance and Relationships
Term 1
Theme
- My Identity
Content
- Developing understanding of identity; of self, others, the local and global community
- Explore: ancestry, cultural and national identities, personal qualities
Activities, Skill Development
- plan
- research
- present
outcomes
- Personal Project:
- What’s your story?
Term 2
Theme
- My Future
Content
- Reflect on skills, knowledge, interests and possible career paths
- Exposure to work options
- Visiting speakers
- Subject pathways expo
Activities, Skill Development
- teamwork
- collaboration
- research
- communication
outcomes
- Team Research Project
Semester 2
Theme
- My Community
Content
- City Experience
- CBD excursions
- City based research
- Community service
- Issues investigation: homelessness
Activities, Skill Development
- independence – travel
- interpersonal skills
- initiative
- citizenship
outcomes
- Community Learning Project
The Outer Edge (TOE)
- Students opting into this program must commit to a 1 hour after school class on Mondays.
- The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award involves completing a program of activities over four categories:
Service – to develop and encourage a sense of community spirit and responsibility to others
Skill – to encourage the development of personal interests and practical skills
Physical Recreation – to encourage participation in physical recreation and improvement in physical fitness and performance
Adventurous Journey – to encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery
- The St Helena expeditions: 2 x 3-day camps in Term 4 – The Grampians, the Alpine National Park
- This program is subsidised by the Victorian Government.
