Military Rd, Mosman 2088
Tel. 61 2 9968 1006
Fax. 61 2 9968 1203
mosman-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

The curriculum for Year 8

In Year 8 all students follow the same course of study, with the exception of 8 Blue who study extra Visual Arts or Drama. This curriculum is designed to provide a wide range of experiences in all key learning areas. Emphasis is placed on English, Mathematics and Science. Although students are taught by the different specialist subject teachers in specialist rooms, they remain in the same class grouping throughout the year.

English

In English, students work on developing skills in writing, reading, listening, viewing and speaking. Writing will concentrate on the development of paragraphs, spelling, using correct punctuation, the writing of dialogue and writing in both the first and third person with an emphasis on drafting and redrafting. Wide reading is encouraged and specific novels are studied in depth. Each student will give a speech in class and participate in a public speaking contest. A newspaper unit will be studied to develop the students' discernment as readers.

<Top

Mathematics

The Year 8 course consists of the following strands:
Number:
Language of number, basic number skills, decimals, directed numbers, fractions, whole number theory.
Geometry:
Plane shapes, solid shapes, using geometrical instruments, angles, triangles and quadrilaterals.
Algebra:
Introduction (through patterns), algebraic expressions, operations in algebra
Measurement:
Length and time, area, mass and volume
Problem solving:
Contents of problems will come from such areas as number, estimation, combinatorics, geometry and logic.

<Top

Science

All students study science in Stages 4 and 5 which correspond to Years 7 and 8 and Years 9 and 10. The course over the four years aims to develop scientific knowledge and understanding, skills and values and attitudes within the broad, traditional disciplines of chemistry, physics, biology and earth sciences. Students learn about the need to conserve, protect and maintain the environment, the use and role of technology and how to select resources to solve problems.

<Top

History

History is a compulsory subject for all students in Years 7 and 8 and will occupy 100 hours of study (four periods per week for two terms each year or two periods per week for the whole year). The syllabus is comprised of a series of inquiry questions which will be related to the study of Aboriginals before 1900, Medieval History, Vikings, Medieval Japan, Plains Indians and the Aztecs/Incas.

<Top

Geography

Year 7 & 8 students will study Geography from a global perspective. This world Geography course uses geography as a vehicle to facilitate investigation of the world. Areas to be studied are:

• Introduction - What is Geography?
• Global Environments

Within these areas the topics to be considered may include:

• Investigating the World
• Environments and Communities
• Mountain Lands
• Deserts
• Tropical Forests

<Top

Design and Technology

Design and Technology is a mandatory course of study for Years 7 & 8. Students undertake a series of problem solving exercises, based closely on the Industrial Design process. They are required to complete a minimum of six design problems, from a variety of context areas. These include:

Agriculture, Clothing and Accessories, The Built Environment, Food, Engineered Systems, Health and Welfare, Information and Communication, Leisure and Lifestyle, Manufacturing and Transportation and Distribution.

Within this context students complete approximately 50 hours of ?hands on? computer studies and will explore the implications of computer technology.

<Top

Language

Each Year 8 class has 3 periods of language per week.
The aims of the Year 8 language course are to:

• introduce the students to the study of Italian, French and Japanese
• teach the students useful communicative skills in each language
• instill in the students an enthusiasm for the language, the country and its culture
• promote an awareness of Australia as being a multi-cultural and multi-lingual society.

The course content will equip students with the language skills needed in particular situations such as conversing with friends, asking and giving information, finding places in towns, ordering food and drinks and so on. The emphasis is on speaking and listening. The study of the culture of each country is included so the students will develop an understanding of the people, their culture and their country.

<Top

Music

Music aims to give students the opportunity to be involved in the performance art of music within class and, if they wish, as an extra curricula activity.

Year 8 students learn to perform on guitar, bass, drums and voice. Music theory taught is enough to support the performance standards we aim at in practical work. Listening and Musicology studies develop aural skills and introduce students to the broader musical culture.

<Top

PD/H/PE (Personal Development/Health/Physical Education)

Students in Year 8 will have 3 periods per week devoted to PD/H/PE. This subject is concerned with development of the whole person and the improvement of quality of life of all.

The 10 content strands that will be covered over Year 7-10 are as follows:

1. What is Health?
2. Physical Fitness
3. Understanding Ourselves
4. Growing and Changing
5. Smoking
6. Decision Making
7. Family and Friends
8. Water Safety

The above areas are theory based. However, participation in regular and varied physical activity is an inherent component of the syllabus.

<Top

Visual Arts

In our Year 8 program the experiences are intended to increase perception of the real world, to heighten responses and to improve manipulative skills and organisational abilities. Students should develop a critical awareness, and be able to evaluate the work of the other artists, and their own work. The work for the year may be summarised as follows:

• Making marks upon a surface - an exploration of the variety of approaches, methods and techniques of drawing.
• Constructing a Form - an exploration of 3D, of multiple view points and multiple surfaces.
• Graphics - an exploration of graphics and graphic techniques.

There will also be a theory component that involves assignment and class work based on Art History and Art Criticism.

<Top

Sport

Carnivals are held in Athletics and Swimming.

Cross Country tryouts are held during Sports afternoon. Students who are successful can then represent the school at the Zone Athletics, Swimming and/or Cross Country Carnivals.

Year 8 sport has been integrated into the formal timetable of the school. The students will take part in a program designed to improve their skills in various sports that we contest in grade competitions.

<Top