SUBJECT INFORMATION

 

ENGLISH:

The aim of English in Years 7 to 10 is to enable students to strive towards personal excellence in the understanding and use of language.  Students will need to consider:

·       what is said

·       how it is said

·       why it is said

·       the worth of what is said

 

Students are required to participate fully in all areas of emphasis, which are speaking, listening, reading, writing and the study of literature, media and film.

 

 

 

MATHEMATICS:

Mathematics in Year 7 covers the topics - Number, Measurement, Geometry, Statistics, Algebra and Problem solving.

 

 

 

SCIENCE:

In Science students will learn about:

Knowledge and Understanding

·          history of science

·          nature and practice of science

·          applications and uses of science

·          implications of science for society and the environment

·          current issues, research and development

·          models, theories and laws and structures and systems related to the physical world, matter, the living world and Earth and space

·          interactions

 

Skills

·          planning investigations

·          conducting investigations

·          communicating information and understanding

·          developing scientific thinking and problem-solving techniques

·          working individually and in teams

 

Values and attitudes

·          themselves

·          others

·          learning as a lifelong process

·          science

·          the environment

 

 

 

GEOGRAPHY

The aim of Geography is to develop students knowledge, understandings, skills and attitudes about the distribution of human and natural appearances, in order to promote active and informed citizenship.

 

Students in Year 7 organise, gather and identify geographical information eg interprets, sketches and labels photographs.

 

They use a range of written, oral and graphic forms to communicate geographical information eg maps, atlases, satellite imagery and 3D models. They identify and discuss geographical issues from a range of perspectives eg world heritage sites such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Pyramids.

 

Assessment will be based on testing of their outcomes. This will be achieved through written and oral reports, and listening exercises.

 

During the year the general marking system will be:

 

Exercise book                        10%

Spelling                                   10%

Assignments                           30%

Testing                                   50%

 

 

HISTORY

The Year 7 History course concentrates on providing a comprehensive introduction to History, with the emphasis on the ancient world.

 

Focus Issues

The two sections covered focus on the following specific issues:

1.          Why do we study history and how do we find out about the past?

2.         How did people in past societies and periods live?

3.         What contribution have past societies and periods made to world cultural      heritage?

 

Content

Topic 1:           Introducing History

·          What is evidence?

·          Archaeological evidence: sites and artefacts

·          The work of archaeologists

·          History as detective work

·          How historians investigate and research the past

·          Conservation of the past

 

Topic 2:          Ancient Societies

A selection of Case Studies of ancient societies

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Greece

Ancient Rome

Ancient China

 

Students will learn skills which will help them to research, interpret and communicate historical information about evidence and ancient societies.

 

 

 

MUSIC

In Year 7 students study Music three lessons per cycle.

 

Music is essentially a practical subject, where students perform, compose and listen to music. Performance involves both singing and instrumental work.  All students need a descant recorder which is used extensively over Years 7 and 8.

 

A variety of musical styles are studied and performed with a focus on instruments of the orchestra.  Students are prepared for the music elective course in Years 9 and 10.

 

 

 

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Participation in this subject is compulsory.  Students have five lessons over a two week cycle.These consist of both practical and theory lessons.

 

Students are required to wear the school PE uniform (light blue polo shirt, royal blue shorts) during the practical lesson.  If there are any problems in purchasing the uniform please don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

Students unable to participate for a period of time must present a doctor’s certificate to their respective teacher.  Students who for some reason are unable to participate in a particular lesson are to present a note of explanation from their parent or caregiver on the day.  Students who are unable to bring their uniform on a particular day  (eg it is in the wash) must also present a note of explanation from the parent or caregiver on the day.

 

PD/H/PE theory is mainly concerned with understanding factors contributing to a healthy lifestyle, roles and responsibilities in relationships, growth and development, drug education and safety education including child protection strategies.

 

Practical sessions involve a balanced program including basic skills, athletics,  cross country, gymnastics, dance, aquatics and fitness development through the cross country unit and fitness testing unit.  Games units are completed as part of the integrated sports program.

 

 

 

 

SPORT

Year 7 participate in what is called on Integrated Sports Program.  Integrated Sport is conducted at school and is considered an extension of PD/H/PE.  However, the emphasis is always on participation and skill development.  Students learn the general skills of traditional sports/games and are encouraged to develop positive attitudes towards competition and sportsmanship.  It is taught by the PD/H/PE staff and other interested staff members.  Students are required to wear sports uniform (see Uniform Policy) during sports lessons.  N.B.  Year 7 do not participate in the traditional Thursday afternoon sport with Year 8  to Year 11 students.

 

Year 7 students participate in School House Carnivals, such as the Swimming, Athletics and Cross-Country Carnivals.  If they are successful at this level they have the opportunity to proceed to Zone, Region and State levels. (CHS)

 

Our swimming carnival for 2001 will be held on 8th February, 2001 and the Area Swimming Carnival on the 22^nd and 27^th of March 2001.  Attendance for students is compulsory.  Parents are welcome to attend as either spectators,  or,  if prepared may offer their services as officials.  All carnivals aim to encourage participation and school spirit and should be viewed as a valuable socialisation experience.

 

SCRIPTURE -

A separate letter outlining Scripture organisation at Colo High School will be issued early in 2001.

 

 

LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH

Most Year 7 classes will be studying Japanese and French. Students learn basic practical communication skills in the targeted language.  They also begin to learn to write basic script.  During their study, students gain an insight into the cultural background of the language under study.

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGICAL AND APPLIED STUDIES

(HOME ECONOMICS, INDUSTRIAL ARTS AND AGRICULTURE)

 

The Design and Technology 7-10 Syllabus involves students undertaking Design Projects which must use a Design Process to develop skills in:

 

·       designing

·       making

·       evaluating

·       marketing

·       communicating

·       managing

·       using computers

 

A Design Project is a practical activity involving students working through a planned series of steps to design and make solutions to identified needs or wants.  A Design Project results in an end product.

 

Students will gain knowledge through a study of areas such as:

Agriculture

The Built Environment

Clothing and Accessories

Engineered Systems

Food

Health and Welfare

Information and Communications

Leisure and Lifestyle

Manufacturing

Transport and Distribution

 

Each Design Project will involve students learning about:

à      the selection and use of resources

à      the impact of design and technology on society and the environment

à      the personal, commercial, industrial and global settings in which technological activity takes place.