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Religious Education: Good News for Living

Year 7 and 8

Year 7 and 8 Band Description

God, revealed in Jesus, enters into a relationship with humankind and calls each person to respond.

Students in Year Seven will study the Paschal Mystery, name and recall parables and miracle stories of Jesus and explore how the Holy Spirit inspires and guides the life and Mission of the Church. Students investigate the Bible as a library of books with many different genres and authors. Students...

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God, revealed in Jesus, enters into a relationship with humankind and calls each person to respond.

Students in Year Seven will study the Paschal Mystery, name and recall parables and miracle stories of Jesus and explore how the Holy Spirit inspires and guides the life and Mission of the Church. Students investigate the Bible as a library of books with many different genres and authors. Students study the sacramental nature of creation and the sacramentality of life. Students name and know about the three major purposes of the sacraments: initiation, healing and service. Students identify key features of Jesus’ teaching on prayer. Experimenting with different prayer forms including Christian meditation, students study the Catholic Principles of Social Justice investigating how Jesus is the embodiment of how God wants us to live justly and create a just world. Students in Year Seven explain the Christian imperative for justice revealed in the scripture from the Old Testament through to the New Testament. Students begin to explore ethical principles being able to identify the consequences of self-centred choices on relationships with God, others and the earth.

Students in Year Eight investigate why Christians say Jesus is the way the truth and the life. Students read and investigate the accounts in the Gospels of Jesus resurrection. Students are able to make a profile of how Jesus challenged people to change their lives. They can reflect on their own lives and identify aspects of modern culture that need to be transformed. Students research and analyse the Mission of the Church, God’s love for us and the role of Jesus in revealing this to the world. Students pose and answer questions about how people are healed, forgiven and invited into the Mission of God. They investigate where we encounter this: through the Scripture, the Sacraments and knowing Jesus. Building on the work done in Year Seven, students learn about how the Bible was written, the structure, the genres. They have an increasing knowledge of the geography and historical background of Bible stories. They develop skills in biblical criticism, and express personal interpretations of Scripture supported by evidence. Students in Year Eight can outline the covenant relationship between the people of the Hebrew Scriptures and their God. Students study the Sacraments as a visible sign of God’s active presence. They are given opportunities to think and reflect about the paradox and mystery of the Sacraments. Building on the study of the elements of prayer in Year Seven students in Year Eight engage in a variety of prayer forms and can lead meditative prayer with their peers and explore how prayer draws us into a mysterious encounter with God. Students explore how people develop their spiritual identity and how Christians are called as a community of faith to proclaim God’s love in the world. Students analyse issues of injustice in the light of the Church’s teachings on social justice and respond in practical ways to them.

The Content of this band level is organised into Three Strands: Religious Knowledge and Understanding, Inquiry and Communication, Discernment and Making Connections. These strands are interrelated and are taught in ways that are appropriate to specific Elements.

Key inquiry questions

A framework for developing students’ religious knowledge, understanding and communication skills and the capacity to discern life giving choices making connections in their lives between faith and lived experiences is supported by the inclusion of essential questions, specific inquiry skills, and opportunities to use and develop thinking skills.

The key inquiry questions for Year 7 are articulated below.

  • What does the Resurrection reveal about the power of God’s love?
  • What do the parables teach us about how God would like us to live?
  • What do just and compassionate actions look like?
  • Why do we need to know what, when, where and why the authors of Bible wrote?

The key inquiry questions for Year 8 are articulated below.

  • How does prayer allow us to honour a sense of the sacred in our time?
  • How can we contribute to a more just and compassionate world? Can just actions make a difference?
  • For whom and why was the Bible written?
  • Why are the Sacraments a visible yet limited sign of God’s presence?
  • Can everyone find God?

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Year 7 and 8 Content Descriptions

Knowledge and Understanding

Every person is a spiritual being whether this is acknowledged through religious practice or not (TCREK040)

Inquiry and Communications
Questioning and theorising

Identify their own questions about religious ideas, events or rituals and consider their own theological or philosophical theories, in relation to world-views including Christianity (TCREI013)

Communicating

Communicate religious or spiritual ideas and information (oral, graphic and written) to express personal understanding, using digital technologies as appropriate (TCREI015)

Discernment and Making Connections
See: identifying and reflecting

Explore personal or group observations, or extend their reflection, via contemplative prayer, shared conversation, journaling, to identify issues and questions which are important for living as persons and/or communities in a local, global or universal context (TCRED015)

Judge: evaluating and integrating

Investigate and decide, personally or collectively, through stages of evaluation, what may be the most worthwhile and holistic principles for living as authentic persons and/or communities in a local, global or universal context (TCRED016)

Act: responding and participating

Year 7 and 8 Achievement Standard

Achievement Standard Year 7 and 8

By the end of Year Eight, students understand that the mission of the church is to proclaim “good news to the poor”; and identify the ways Christians are called to be “missionary disciples” of Jesus. They also recognise that all people, irrespective of religious belief, are spiritual beings, and all attempts to live a spiritual life are to be respected and can be learned from. Students examine the Scriptures, Sacraments and Prayer, recognising that Christ offers life, joy and hope to all.

Students question, investigate and differentiate between a variety of religious ideas, stories, practices and rituals. They explore and evaluate issues and principles of Christian living, expressing their understanding in various ways. Students identify ways to act responsibly in local and global contexts.

 

English

Year 7

Year 7 Level Description

The English curriculum is built around the three interrelated strands of language, literature and literacy. Teaching and learning programs should balance and integrate all three strands. Together, the strands focus on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating. Learning in English builds on concepts, skills and...

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The English curriculum is built around the three interrelated strands of language, literature and literacy. Teaching and learning programs should balance and integrate all three strands. Together, the strands focus on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating. Learning in English builds on concepts, skills and processes developed in earlier years, and teachers will revisit and strengthen these as needed.

In Years 7 and 8, students communicate with peers, teachers, individuals, groups and community members in a range of face-to-face and online/virtual environments. They experience learning in familiar and unfamiliar contexts that relate to the school curriculum, local community, regional and global contexts.

Students engage with a variety of texts for enjoyment. They listen to, read, view, interpret, evaluate and perform a range of spoken, written and multimodal texts in which the primary purpose is aesthetic, as well as texts designed to inform and persuade. These include various types of media texts including newspapers, magazines and digital texts, early adolescent novels, non-fiction, poetry and dramatic performances. Students develop their understanding of how texts, including media texts, are influenced by context, purpose and audience.

The range of literary texts for Foundation to Year 10 comprises Australian literature, including the oral narrative traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, as well as the contemporary literature of these two cultural groups, and classic and contemporary world literature, including texts from and about Asia.

Literary texts that support and extend students in Years 7 and 8 as independent readers are drawn from a range of realistic, fantasy, speculative fiction and historical genres and involve some challenging and unpredictable plot sequences and a range of non-stereotypical characters. These texts explore themes of interpersonal relationships and ethical dilemmas within real-world and fictional settings and represent a variety of perspectives. Informative texts present technical and content information from various sources about specialised topics. Text structures are more complex including chapters, headings and subheadings, tables of contents, indexes and glossaries. Language features include successive complex sentences with embedded clauses, unfamiliar technical vocabulary, figurative and rhetorical language, and information supported by various types of graphics.

Students create a range of imaginative, informative and persuasive types of texts, for example narratives, procedures, performances, reports and discussions, and are beginning to create literary analyses and transformations of texts.

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Year 7 Content Descriptions

Language
Language variation and change

Understand the way language evolves to reflect a changing world, particularly in response to the use of new technology for presenting texts and communicating (ACELA1528)

Language for interaction

Understand how accents, styles of speech and idioms express and create personal and social identities (ACELA1529)

Understand how language is used to evaluate texts and how evaluations about a text can be substantiated by reference to the text and other sources (ACELA1782)

View additional details about Literacy Reading Writing Speaking Listening
Text structure and organisation

Understand and explain how the text structures and language features of texts become more complex in informative and persuasive texts and identify underlying structures such as taxonomies, cause and effect, and extended metaphors (ACELA1531)

Understand that the coherence of more complex texts relies on devices that signal text structure and guide readers, for example overviews, initial and concluding paragraphs and topic sentences, indexes or site maps or breadcrumb trails for online texts (ACELA1763)

Understand the use of punctuation to support meaning in complex sentences with prepositional phrases and embedded clauses (ACELA1532)

Expressing and developing ideas

Recognise and understand that subordinate clauses embedded within noun groups/phrases are a common feature of written sentence structures and increase the density of information (ACELA1534)

Understand how modality is achieved through discriminating choices in modal verbs, adverbs, adjectives and nouns (ACELA1536)

View additional details about Literacy Reading Writing Speaking Listening

Investigate vocabulary typical of extended and more academic texts and the role of abstract nouns, classification, description and generalisation in building specialised knowledge through language (ACELA1537)

Understand how to use spelling rules and word origins, for example Greek and Latin roots, base words, suffixes, prefixes, spelling patterns and generalisations to learn new words and how to spell them (ACELA1539)

Literature
Literature and context

Identify and explore ideas and viewpoints about events, issues and characters represented in texts drawn from different historical, social and cultural contexts (ACELT1619)

Responding to literature

Reflect on ideas and opinions about characters, settings and events in literary texts, identifying areas of agreement and difference with others and justifying a point of view (ACELT1620)

Discuss aspects of texts, for example their aesthetic and social value, using relevant and appropriate metalanguage (ACELT1803)

Examining literature

Recognise and analyse the ways that characterisation, events and settings are combined in narratives, and discuss the purposes and appeal of different approaches (ACELT1622)

Understand, interpret and discuss how language is compressed to produce a dramatic effect in film or drama, and to create layers of meaning in poetry, for example haiku, tankas, couplets, free verse and verse novels (ACELT1623)

Creating literature

Create literary texts that adapt stylistic features encountered in other texts, for example, narrative viewpoint, structure of stanzas, contrast and juxtaposition (ACELT1625)

Experiment with text structures and language features and their effects in creating literary texts, for example, using rhythm, sound effects, monologue, layout, navigation and colour (ACELT1805)

Literacy
Interacting with others

Identify and discuss main ideas, concepts and points of view in spoken texts to evaluate qualities, for example the strength of an argument or the lyrical power of a poetic rendition (ACELY1719)

Use interaction skills when discussing and presenting ideas and information, selecting body language, voice qualities and other elements, (for example music and sound) to add interest and meaning (ACELY1804)

Plan, rehearse and deliver presentations, selecting and sequencing appropriate content and multimodal elements to promote a point of view or enable a new way of seeing (ACELY1720)

Interpreting, analysing, evaluating

Analyse and explain the ways text structures and language features shape meaning and vary according to audience and purpose (ACELY1721)

Use comprehension strategies to interpret, analyse and synthesise ideas and information, critiquing ideas and issues from a variety of textual sources (ACELY1723)

Compare the text structures and language features of multimodal texts, explaining how they combine to influence audiences (ACELY1724)

Creating texts

Plan, draft and publish imaginative, informative and persuasive texts, selecting aspects of subject matter and particular language, visual, and audio features to convey information and ideas (ACELY1725)

Edit for meaning by removing repetition, refining ideas, reordering sentences and adding or substituting words for impact (ACELY1726)

Consolidate a personal handwriting style that is legible, fluent and automatic and supports writing for extended periods (ACELY1727)

Year 7 Achievement Standard

Receptive modes (listening, reading and viewing)

By the end of Year 7, students understand how text structures can influence the complexity of a text and are dependent on audience, purpose and context. They demonstrate understanding of how the choice of language features, images and vocabulary affects meaning.

Students explain issues and ideas from a variety of sources, analysing supporting evidence and implied meaning. They select specific details from texts to develop their own response, recognising that texts reflect different viewpoints. They listen for and explain different perspectives in texts.

Productive modes (speaking, writing and creating)

Students understand how the selection of a variety of language features can influence an audience. They understand how to draw on personal knowledge, textual analysis and other sources to express or challenge a point of view. They create texts showing how language features and images from other texts can be combined for effect.

Students create structured and coherent texts for a range of purposes and audiences. They make presentations and contribute actively to class and group discussions, using language features to engage the audience. When creating and editing texts they demonstrate understanding of grammar, use a variety of more specialised vocabulary and accurate spelling and punctuation.

Year 8

Year 8 Level Description

The English curriculum is built around the three interrelated strands of language, literature and literacy. Teaching and learning programs should balance and integrate all three strands. Together, the strands focus on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating. Learning in English builds on concepts, skills and...

Read full description ›

The English curriculum is built around the three interrelated strands of language, literature and literacy. Teaching and learning programs should balance and integrate all three strands. Together, the strands focus on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating. Learning in English builds on concepts, skills and processes developed in earlier years, and teachers will revisit and strengthen these as needed.

In Years 7 and 8, students interact with peers, teachers, individuals, groups and community members in a range of face-to-face and online/virtual environments. They experience learning in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts that relate to the school curriculum, local community, regional and global contexts.

Students engage with a variety of texts for enjoyment. They listen to, read, view, interpret, evaluate and perform a range of spoken, written and multimodal texts in which the primary purpose is aesthetic, as well as texts designed to inform and persuade. These include various types of media texts including newspapers, magazines and digital texts, early adolescent novels, non-fiction, poetry and dramatic performances. Students develop their understanding of how texts, including media texts, are influenced by context, purpose and audience.

The range of literary texts for Foundation to Year 10 comprises Australian literature, including the oral narrative traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, as well as the contemporary literature of these two cultural groups, and classic and contemporary world literature, including texts from and about Asia.

Literary texts that support and extend students in Years 7 and 8 as independent readers are drawn from a range of realistic, fantasy, speculative fiction and historical genres and involve some challenging and unpredictable plot sequences and a range of non-stereotypical characters. These texts explore themes of interpersonal relationships and ethical dilemmas within real-world and fictional settings and represent a variety of perspectives. Informative texts present technical and content information from various sources about specialised topics. Text structures are more complex including chapters, headings and subheadings, tables of contents, indexes and glossaries. Language features include successive complex sentences with embedded clauses, unfamiliar technical vocabulary, figurative and rhetorical language, and information supported by various types of graphics.

Students create a range of imaginative, informative and persuasive types of texts, for example narratives, procedures, performances, reports and discussions, and continue to create literary analyses and transformations of texts.

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Year 8 Content Descriptions

Language
Language variation and change

Understand the influence and impact that the English language has had on other languages or dialects and how English has been influenced in return (ACELA1540)

Language for interaction

Understand how conventions of speech adopted by communities influence the identities of people in those communities (ACELA1541)

Understand how rhetorical devices are used to persuade and how different layers of meaning are developed through the use of metaphor, irony and parody (ACELA1542)

Text structure and organisation

Analyse how the text structures and language features of persuasive texts, including media texts, vary according to the medium and mode of communication (ACELA1543)

Understand how cohesion in texts is improved by strengthening the internal structure of paragraphs through the use of examples, quotations and substantiation of claims (ACELA1766)

Understand how coherence is created in complex texts through devices like lexical cohesion, ellipsis, grammatical theme and text connectives (ACELA1809)

Understand the use of punctuation conventions, including colons, semicolons, dashes and brackets in formal and informal texts (ACELA1544)

Expressing and developing ideas

Analyse and examine how effective authors control and use a variety of clause structures, including clauses embedded within the structure of a noun group/phrase or clause (ACELA1545)

Understand the effect of nominalisation in the writing of informative and persuasive texts (ACELA1546)

Investigate how visual and multimodal texts allude to or draw on other texts or images to enhance and layer meaning (ACELA1548)

Recognise that vocabulary choices contribute to the specificity, abstraction and style of texts (ACELA1547)

View additional details about Literacy Reading Writing Speaking Listening

Understand how to apply learned knowledge consistently in order to spell accurately and to learn new words including nominalisations (ACELA1549)

View additional details about Literacy Reading Writing Speaking Listening
Literature
Literature and context

Explore the ways that ideas and viewpoints in literary texts drawn from different historical, social and cultural contexts may reflect or challenge the values of individuals and groups (ACELT1626)

Explore the interconnectedness of Country/Place, People, Identity and Culture in texts including those by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors (ACELT1806)

Responding to literature

Share, reflect on, clarify and evaluate opinions and arguments about aspects of literary texts (ACELT1627)

Understand and explain how combinations of words and images in texts are used to represent particular groups in society, and how texts position readers in relation to those groups (ACELT1628)

Recognise and explain differing viewpoints about the world, cultures, individual people and concerns represented in texts (ACELT1807)

Examining literature

Recognise, explain and analyse the ways literary texts draw on readers’ knowledge of other texts and enable new understanding and appreciation of aesthetic qualities (ACELT1629)

Identify and evaluate devices that create tone, for example humour, wordplay, innuendo and parody in poetry, humorous prose, drama or visual texts (ACELT1630)

Interpret and analyse language choices, including sentence patterns, dialogue, imagery and other language features, in short stories, literary essays and plays (ACELT1767)

Creating literature

Create literary texts that draw upon text structures and language features of other texts for particular purposes and effects (ACELT1632)

Experiment with particular language features drawn from different types of texts, including combinations of language and visual choices to create new texts (ACELT1768)

Literacy
Texts in context

Analyse and explain how language has evolved over time and how technology and the media have influenced language use and forms of communication (ACELY1729)

Interacting with others

Interpret the stated and implied meanings in spoken texts, and use evidence to support or challenge different perspectives (ACELY1730)

Use interaction skills for identified purposes, using voice and language conventions to suit different situations, selecting vocabulary, modulating voice and using elements such as music, images and sound for specific effects (ACELY1808)

Plan, rehearse and deliver presentations, selecting and sequencing appropriate content, including multimodal elements, to reflect a diversity of viewpoints (ACELY1731)

Interpreting, analysing, evaluating

Analyse and evaluate the ways that text structures and language features vary according to the purpose of the text and the ways that referenced sources add authority to a text (ACELY1732)

Apply increasing knowledge of vocabulary, text structures and language features to understand the content of texts (ACELY1733)

Use comprehension strategies to interpret and evaluate texts by reflecting on the validity of content and the credibility of sources, including finding evidence in the text for the author’s point of view (ACELY1734)

Explore and explain the ways authors combine different modes and media in creating texts, and the impact of these choices on the viewer/listener (ACELY1735)

Creating texts

Create imaginative, informative and persuasive texts that raise issues, report events and advance opinions, using deliberate language and textual choices, and including digital elements as appropriate (ACELY1736)

Experiment with text structures and language features to refine and clarify ideas to improve the effectiveness of students’ own texts (ACELY1810)

Year 8 Achievement Standard

Receptive modes (listening, reading and viewing)

By the end of Year 8, students understand how the selection of text structures is influenced by the selection of language mode and how this varies for different purposes and audiences. Students explain how language features, images and vocabulary are used to represent different ideas and issues in texts.

Students interpret texts, questioning the reliability of sources of ideas and information. They select evidence from the text to show how events, situations and people can be represented from different viewpoints. They listen for and identify different emphases in texts, using that understanding to elaborate on discussions.

Productive modes (speaking, writing and creating)

Students understand how the selection of language features can be used for particular purposes and effects. They explain the effectiveness of language choices they make to influence the audience. Through combining ideas, images and language features from other texts, students show how ideas can be expressed in new ways.

Students create texts for different purposes, selecting language to influence audience response. They make presentations and contribute actively to class and group discussions, using language patterns for effect. When creating and editing texts to create specific effects, they take into account intended purposes and the needs and interests of audiences. They demonstrate understanding of grammar, select vocabulary for effect and use accurate spelling and punctuation.

 

Mathematics

Year 7

Year 7 Level Description

The proficiency strands understanding, fluency, problem-solving and reasoning are an integral part of mathematics content across the three content strands: number and algebra, measurement and geometry, and statistics and probability. The proficiencies reinforce the significance of working mathematically within the content and describe how the content is explored or developed. They provide the...

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The proficiency strands understanding, fluency, problem-solving and reasoning are an integral part of mathematics content across the three content strands: number and algebra, measurement and geometry, and statistics and probability. The proficiencies reinforce the significance of working mathematically within the content and describe how the content is explored or developed. They provide the language to build in the developmental aspects of the learning of mathematics. The achievement standards reflect the content and encompass the proficiencies.

At this year level:

  • understanding includes describing patterns in uses of indices with whole numbers, recognising equivalences between fractions, decimals, percentages and ratios, plotting points on the Cartesian plane, identifying angles formed by a transversal crossing a pair of lines, and connecting the laws and properties of numbers to algebraic terms and expressions
  • fluency includes calculating accurately with integers, representing fractions and decimals in various ways, investigating best buys, finding measures of central tendency and calculating areas of shapes and volumes of prisms
  • problem-solving includes formulating and solving authentic problems using numbers and measurements, working with transformations and identifying symmetry, calculating angles and interpreting sets of data collected through chance experiments
  • reasoning includes applying the number laws to calculations, applying known geometric facts to draw conclusions about shapes, applying an understanding of ratio and interpreting data displays.

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Year 7 Content Descriptions

Number and Algebra
Number and place value

Investigate index notation and represent whole numbers as products of powers of prime numbers (ACMNA149)

Investigate and use square roots of perfect square numbers (ACMNA150)

Apply the associative, commutative and distributive laws to aid mental and written computation (ACMNA151)

Compare, order, add and subtract integers (ACMNA280)

Real numbers

Compare fractions using equivalence. Locate and represent positive and negative fractions and mixed numbers on a number line (ACMNA152)

Solve problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions, including those with unrelated denominators (ACMNA153)

Multiply and divide fractions and decimals using efficient written strategies and digital technologies (ACMNA154)

Round decimals to a specified number of decimal places (ACMNA156)

Connect fractions, decimals and percentages and carry out simple conversions (ACMNA157)

Find percentages of quantities and express one quantity as a percentage of another, with and without digital technologies. (ACMNA158)

Patterns and algebra

Introduce the concept of variables as a way of representing numbers using letters (ACMNA175)

Create algebraic expressions and evaluate them by substituting a given value for each variable (ACMNA176)

Measurement and Geometry
Using units of measurement

Establish the formulas for areas of rectangles, triangles and parallelograms, and use these in problem-solving (ACMMG159)

Calculate volumes of rectangular prisms (ACMMG160)

Shape

Draw different views of prisms and solids formed from combinations of prisms (ACMMG161)

Location and transformation

Describe translations, reflections in an axis and rotations of multiples of 90° on the Cartesian plane using coordinates. Identify line and rotational symmetries (ACMMG181)

Geometric reasoning

Identify corresponding, alternate and co-interior angles when two straight lines are crossed by a transversal (ACMMG163)

Investigate conditions for two lines to be parallel and solve simple numerical problems using reasoning (ACMMG164)

Demonstrate that the angle sum of a triangle is 180° and use this to find the angle sum of a quadrilateral (ACMMG166)

Classify triangles according to their side and angle properties and describe quadrilaterals (ACMMG165)

Statistics and Probability

Year 7 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 7, students solve problems involving the comparison, addition and subtraction of integers. They make the connections between whole numbers and index notation and the relationship between perfect squares and square roots. They solve problems involving percentages and all four operations with fractions and decimals. They compare the cost of items to make financial decisions. Students represent numbers using variables. They connect the laws and properties for numbers to algebra. They interpret simple linear representations and model authentic information. Students describe different views of three-dimensional objects. They represent transformations in the Cartesian plane. They solve simple numerical problems involving angles formed by a transversal crossing two lines. Students identify issues involving the collection of continuous data. They describe the relationship between the median and mean in data displays.

Students use fractions, decimals and percentages, and their equivalences. They express one quantity as a fraction or percentage of another. Students solve simple linear equations and evaluate algebraic expressions after numerical substitution. They assign ordered pairs to given points on the Cartesian plane. Students use formulas for the area and perimeter of rectangles and calculate volumes of rectangular prisms. Students classify triangles and quadrilaterals. They name the types of angles formed by a transversal crossing parallel line. Students determine the sample space for simple experiments with equally likely outcomes and assign probabilities to those outcomes. They calculate mean, mode, median and range for data sets. They construct stem-and-leaf plots and dot-plots.

Year 8

Year 8 Level Description

The proficiency strands understanding, fluency, problem-solving and reasoning are an integral part of mathematics content across the three content strands: number and algebra, measurement and geometry, and statistics and probability. The proficiencies reinforce the significance of working mathematically within the content and describe how the content is explored or developed. They provide the...

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The proficiency strands understanding, fluency, problem-solving and reasoning are an integral part of mathematics content across the three content strands: number and algebra, measurement and geometry, and statistics and probability. The proficiencies reinforce the significance of working mathematically within the content and describe how the content is explored or developed. They provide the language to build in the developmental aspects of the learning of mathematics. The achievement standards reflect the content and encompass the proficiencies.

At this year level:

  • understanding includes describing patterns involving indices and recurring decimals, identifying commonalities between operations with algebra and arithmetic, connecting rules for linear relations with their graphs, explaining the purpose of statistical measures and explaining measurements of perimeter and area
  • fluency includes calculating accurately with simple decimals, indices and integers; recognising equivalence of common decimals and fractions including recurring decimals; factorising and simplifying basic algebraic expressions and evaluating perimeters and areas of common shapes and volumes of three-dimensional objects
  • problem-solving includes formulating and modelling practical situations involving ratios, profit and loss, areas and perimeters of common shapes and using two-way tables and Venn diagrams to calculate probabilities
  • reasoning includes justifying the result of a calculation or estimation as reasonable, deriving probability from its complement, using congruence to deduce properties of triangles, finding estimates of means and proportions of populations.

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Year 8 Content Descriptions

Number and Algebra
Number and place value

Use index notation with numbers to establish the index laws with positive integral indices and the zero index (ACMNA182)

Carry out the four operations with rational numbers and integers, using efficient mental and written strategies and appropriate digital technologies (ACMNA183)

Patterns and algebra

Extend and apply the distributive law to the expansion of algebraic expressions (ACMNA190)

Factorise algebraic expressions by identifying numerical factors (ACMNA191)

Simplify algebraic expressions involving the four operations (ACMNA192)

Linear and non-linear relationships

Plot linear relationships on the Cartesian plane with and without the use of digital technologies (ACMNA193)

Solve linear equations using algebraic and graphical techniques. Verify solutions by substitution (ACMNA194)

Measurement and Geometry
Using units of measurement

Choose appropriate units of measurement for area and volume and convert from one unit to another (ACMMG195)

Find perimeters and areas of parallelograms, trapeziums, rhombuses and kites (ACMMG196)

Investigate the relationship between features of circles such as circumference, area, radius and diameter. Use formulas to solve problems involving circumference and area (ACMMG197)

Develop formulas for volumes of rectangular and triangular prisms and prisms in general. Use formulas to solve problems involving volume (ACMMG198)

Statistics and Probability
Data representation and interpretation

Investigate techniques for collecting data, including census, sampling and observation (ACMSP284)

Explore the practicalities and implications of obtaining data through sampling using a variety of investigative processes (ACMSP206)

Year 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 8, students solve everyday problems involving rates, ratios and percentages. They describe index laws and apply them to whole numbers. They describe rational and irrational numbers. Students solve problems involving profit and loss. They make connections between expanding and factorising algebraic expressions. Students solve problems relating to the volume of prisms. They make sense of time duration in real applications. They identify conditions for the congruence of triangles and deduce the properties of quadrilaterals. Students model authentic situations with two-way tables and Venn diagrams. They choose appropriate language to describe events and experiments. They explain issues related to the collection of data and the effect of outliers on means and medians in that data.

Students use efficient mental and written strategies to carry out the four operations with integers. They simplify a variety of algebraic expressions. They solve linear equations and graph linear relationships on the Cartesian plane. Students convert between units of measurement for area and volume. They perform calculations to determine perimeter and area of parallelograms, rhombuses and kites. They name the features of circles and calculate the areas and circumferences of circles. Students determine the probabilities of complementary events and calculate the sum of probabilities.

 

Science

Year 7

Year 7 Level Description

The science inquiry skills and science as a human endeavour strands are described across a two-year band. In their planning, schools and teachers refer to the expectations outlined in the achievement standard and also to the content of the science understanding strand for the relevant year level to ensure that these two strands are addressed over the two-year period. The three strands of the...

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The science inquiry skills and science as a human endeavour strands are described across a two-year band. In their planning, schools and teachers refer to the expectations outlined in the achievement standard and also to the content of the science understanding strand for the relevant year level to ensure that these two strands are addressed over the two-year period. The three strands of the curriculum are interrelated and their content is taught in an integrated way. The order and detail in which the content descriptions are organised into teaching and learning programs are decisions to be made by the teacher.

Incorporating the key ideas of science

Over Years 7 to 10, students develop their understanding of microscopic and atomic structures; how systems at a range of scales are shaped by flows of energy and matter and interactions due to forces, and develop the ability to quantify changes and relative amounts.

In Year 7, students explore the diversity of life on Earth and continue to develop their understanding of the role of classification in ordering and organising information. They use and develop models such as food chains, food webs and the water cycle to represent and analyse the flow of energy and matter through ecosystems and explore the impact of changing components within these systems. They consider the interaction between multiple forces when explaining changes in an object’s motion. They explore the notion of renewable and non-renewable resources and consider how this classification depends on the timescale considered. They investigate relationships in the Earth-sun-moon system and use models to predict and explain events. Students make accurate measurements and control variables to analyse relationships between system components. They explore and explain these relationships through appropriate representations and consider the role of science in decision making processes.

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Year 7 Content Descriptions

Science Understanding
Biological sciences

Classification helps organise the diverse group of organisms (ACSSU111)

Interactions between organisms, including the effects of human activities can be represented by food chains and food webs (ACSSU112)

Sustainability
Chemical sciences

Mixtures, including solutions, contain a combination of pure substances that can be separated using a range of techniques (ACSSU113)

Earth and space sciences

Predictable phenomena on Earth, including seasons and eclipses, are caused by the relative positions of the sun, Earth and the moon (ACSSU115)

Some of Earth’s resources are renewable, including water that cycles through the environment, but others are non-renewable (ACSSU116)

Physical sciences

Change to an object’s motion is caused by unbalanced forces, including Earth’s gravitational attraction, acting on the object (ACSSU117)

Science as a Human Endeavour
Nature and development of science

Scientific knowledge has changed peoples’ understanding of the world and is refined as new evidence becomes available (ACSHE119)

Science knowledge can develop through collaboration across the disciplines of science and the contributions of people from a range of cultures (ACSHE223)

Use and influence of science

Solutions to contemporary issues that are found using science and technology, may impact on other areas of society and may involve ethical considerations (ACSHE120)

People use science understanding and skills in their occupations and these have influenced the development of practices in areas of human activity (ACSHE121)

Science Inquiry Skills
Questioning and predicting

Identify questions and problems that can be investigated scientifically and make predictions based on scientific knowledge (ACSIS124)

Planning and conducting

Measure and control variables, select equipment appropriate to the task and collect data with accuracy (ACSIS126)

Processing and analysing data and information

Summarise data, from students’ own investigations and secondary sources, and use scientific understanding to identify relationships and draw conclusions based on evidence (ACSIS130)

Evaluating
Communicating

Year 7 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 7, students describe techniques to separate pure substances from mixtures. They represent and predict the effects of unbalanced forces, including Earth’s gravity, on motion. They explain how the relative positions of Earth, the sun and moon affect phenomena on Earth. They analyse how the sustainable use of resources depends on the way they are formed and cycle through Earth systems. They predict the effect of human and environmental changes on interactions between organisms and classify and organise diverse organisms based on observable differences. Students describe situations where scientific knowledge from different science disciplines and diverse cultures has been used to solve a real-world problem. They explain possible implications of the solution for different groups in society.

Students identify questions that can be investigated scientifically. They plan fair experimental methods, identifying variables to be changed and measured. They select equipment that improves fairness and accuracy and describe how they considered safety. Students draw on evidence to support their conclusions. They summarise data from different sources, describe trends and refer to the quality of their data when suggesting improvements to their methods. They communicate their ideas, methods and findings using scientific language and appropriate representations.

Year 8

Year 8 Level Description

The science inquiry skills and science as a human endeavour strands are described across a two-year band. In their planning, schools and teachers refer to the expectations outlined in the achievement standard and also to the content of the science understanding strand for the relevant year level to ensure that these two strands are addressed over the two-year period. The three strands of the...

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The science inquiry skills and science as a human endeavour strands are described across a two-year band. In their planning, schools and teachers refer to the expectations outlined in the achievement standard and also to the content of the science understanding strand for the relevant year level to ensure that these two strands are addressed over the two-year period. The three strands of the curriculum are interrelated and their content is taught in an integrated way. The order and detail in which the content descriptions are organised into teaching and learning programs are decisions to be made by the teacher.

Incorporating the key ideas of science

Over Years 7 to 10, students develop their understanding of microscopic and atomic structures; how systems at a range of scales are shaped by flows of energy and matter and interactions due to forces, and develop the ability to quantify changes and relative amounts.

In Year 8, students are introduced to cells as microscopic structures that explain macroscopic properties of living systems. They link form and function at a cellular level and explore the organisation of body systems in terms of flows of matter between interdependent organs. Similarly, they explore changes in matter at a particle level, and distinguish between chemical and physical change. They begin to classify different forms of energy, and describe the role of energy in causing change in systems, including the role of heat and kinetic energy in the rock cycle. Students use experimentation to isolate relationships between components in systems and explain these relationships through increasingly complex representations. They make predictions and propose explanations, drawing on evidence to support their views while considering other points of view.

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Year 8 Content Descriptions

Science Understanding
Biological sciences

Cells are the basic units of living things; they have specialised structures and functions (ACSSU149)

Multi-cellular organisms contain systems of organs carrying out specialised functions that enable them to survive and reproduce (ACSSU150)

Sustainability
Chemical sciences

Properties of the different states of matter can be explained in terms of the motion and arrangement of particles (ACSSU151)

Differences between elements, compounds and mixtures can be described at a particle level (ACSSU152)

Chemical change involves substances reacting to form new substances (ACSSU225)

Earth and space sciences

Sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks contain minerals and are formed by processes that occur within Earth over a variety of timescales (ACSSU153)

Physical sciences

Energy appears in different forms, including movement (kinetic energy), heat and potential energy, and energy transformations and transfers cause change within systems (ACSSU155)

Science as a Human Endeavour
Nature and development of science

Scientific knowledge has changed peoples’ understanding of the world and is refined as new evidence becomes available (ACSHE134)

Science knowledge can develop through collaboration across the disciplines of science and the contributions of people from a range of cultures (ACSHE226)

Use and influence of science

Solutions to contemporary issues that are found using science and technology, may impact on other areas of society and may involve ethical considerations (ACSHE135)

People use science understanding and skills in their occupations and these have influenced the development of practices in areas of human activity (ACSHE136)

Science Inquiry Skills
Questioning and predicting

Identify questions and problems that can be investigated scientifically and make predictions based on scientific knowledge (ACSIS139)

Planning and conducting

Measure and control variables, select equipment appropriate to the task and collect data with accuracy (ACSIS141)

Processing and analysing data and information

Summarise data, from students’ own investigations and secondary sources, and use scientific understanding to identify relationships and draw conclusions based on evidence (ACSIS145)

Evaluating
Communicating

Year 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 8, students compare physical and chemical changes and use the particle model to explain and predict the properties and behaviours of substances. They identify different forms of energy and describe how energy transfers and transformations cause change in simple systems. They compare processes of rock formation, including the timescales involved. They analyse the relationship between structure and function at cell, organ and body system levels. Students examine the different science knowledge used in occupations. They explain how evidence has led to an improved understanding of a scientific idea and describe situations in which scientists collaborated to generate solutions to contemporary problems. They reflect on implications of these solutions for different groups in society.

Students identify and construct questions and problems that they can investigate scientifically. They consider safety and ethics when planning investigations, including designing field or experimental methods. They identify variables to be changed, measured and controlled. Students construct representations of their data to reveal and analyse patterns and trends, and use these when justifying their conclusions. They explain how modifications to methods could improve the quality of their data and apply their own scientific knowledge and investigation findings to evaluate claims made by others. They use appropriate language and representations to communicate science ideas, methods and findings in a range of text types.

 

F–6/7 HASS

Year 7

Year 7 Level Description

Sustainable pasts, present, futures

The Year 7 curriculum deepens discipline-specific knowledge, understandings and skills with opportunities for integration across the sub-strands. Students study...

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Sustainable pasts, present, futures

The Year 7 curriculum deepens discipline-specific knowledge, understandings and skills with opportunities for integration across the sub-strands. Students study ancient societies of the East and West, how they are investigated, and what investigations show of their contribution to modern social, political and economic systems. Students investigate the nature of water as a natural resource in different global places and times, and the effects, issues and solutions of its use, management and value by different people, past and present. They also explore the liveability of places in relation to diverse people and places, familiar and global, past and present. Students examine work, consumers, producers and markets and their role in economic sustainability, across time and place. They investigate Australia’s commercial, social, legal and political institutions, processes and values and their role in enabling a stable, secular, multi-faith society, whereby organisations and individuals may operate effectively and individuals and groups may express their diverse identities.

The content provides opportunities for students to develop humanities and social sciences understanding through key concepts including significance; continuity and change; cause and effect; place and space; interconnections; roles, rights and responsibilities; and perspectives and action. These concepts may provide a focus for inquiries and be investigated across sub-strands or within a particular sub-strand context.

The content at this year level is organised into two strands: knowledge and understanding, and inquiry and skills. The knowledge and understanding strand draws from four sub-strands: history, geography, civics and citizenship and economics and business. These strands (knowledge and understanding, and inquiry and skills) are interrelated and have been developed to be taught in an integrated way, which may include integrating with content from the sub-strands and from other learning areas, and in ways that are appropriate to specific local contexts. The order and detail in which they are taught are programming decisions.

Inquiry Questions

A framework for developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills is provided by inquiry questions. The following inquiry questions allow for connections to be made across the sub-strands and may be used or adapted to suit local contexts: inquiry questions are also provided for each sub-strand that may enable connections within the humanities and social sciences learning area or across other learning areas.

  • How is the ancient world investigated and why are investigations of ancient key people, events, ideas and developments significant in the modern world?
  • How has the use, management and value of finite natural resources affected how people have lived and societies have evolved in the past and present, and what does this mean for future planning?
  • What principles and processes underpin Australia’s cohesive society and stable economy and what is the role of political, economic and social institutions in developing and maintaining this?

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Year 7 Content Descriptions

Inquiry and skills

Questioning

Construct significant questions and propositions to guide investigations about people, events, developments, places, systems and challenges (ACHASSI152)

Researching

Apply a methodology to locate and collect relevant information and data from a range of primary and secondary sources (ACHASSI153)

Organise, categorise and represent data in a range of appropriate formats using discipline-specific conventions, including different types of graphs, tables, field sketches and annotated diagrams, and maps at different scales (ACHASSI154)

Sequence information about events, developments, periods and phenomena using a variety of discipline-appropriate formats and conventions including chronological frameworks that use dating conventions (ACHASSI155)

Analysing

Interpret and analyse data and information displayed in a range of formats to identify and propose explanations for distributions, patterns, trends and relationships (ACHASSI158)

Communicating

Present ideas, findings, viewpoints, explanations and conclusions in a range of texts and modes that incorporate source materials, citations, graphic representations and discipline-specific terms, conventions and concepts (ACHASSI163)

Knowledge and Understanding

History

Concepts for developing understanding

The content in the history sub-strand provides opportunities for students to develop historical understanding through key concepts including evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy, significance and contestability. Students are introduced to an expansive chronology since ancient times to understand...

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Concepts for developing understanding

The content in the history sub-strand provides opportunities for students to develop historical understanding through key concepts including evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy, significance and contestability. Students are introduced to an expansive chronology since ancient times to understand broad patterns of historical change (continuity and change, cause and effect). Students apply these understandings in a series of depth studies of ancient societies of the East and West, exploring how these societies are investigated (evidence, contestability) and what investigations show of their contribution to modern social, political and economic systems (significance, perspectives, empathy).

Inquiry Questions

  • 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?

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Overview of the ancient world

The theory that people moved out of Africa around 60 000 BC (BCE) and migrated to other parts of the world, including Australia (ACHASSK164)

The evidence for the emergence and establishment of ancient societies (including art, iconography, writing tools and pottery) (ACHASSK165)

Investigating the ancient past

How historians and archaeologists investigate history, including excavation and archival research (ACHASSK167)

The range of sources that can be used in an historical investigation, including archaeological and written sources (ACHASSK168)

The methods and sources used to investigate at least ONE historical controversy or mystery that has challenged historians or archaeologists, such as in the analysis of unidentified human remains (ACHASSK169)

The nature of the sources for ancient Australia and what they reveal about Australia’s past in the ancient period, such as the use of resources (ACHASSK170)

The importance of conserving the remains of the ancient past, including the heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (ACHASSK171)

The Mediterranean world

The physical features of ancient Greece, Egypt or Rome and how they influenced the civilisation that developed there (ACHASSK172)

The significant beliefs, values and practices of ancient Greece, Egypt or Rome, with a particular emphasis on ONE of the following areas: everyday life, warfare, or death and funerary customs (ACHASSK174)

Contacts and conflicts within and/or with other societies, resulting in developments such as the conquest of other lands, the expansion of trade, and peace treaties (ACHASSK175)

The role of a significant individual in ancient Egyptian, Greek or Roman history (ACHASSK176)

The Asian world

The physical features of India or China and how they influenced the civilisation that developed there (ACHASSK177)

View additional details about Critical and Creative Thinking Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia

Roles of key groups in Indian or Chinese society in this period, including the influence of law and religion (ACHASSK178)

The significant beliefs, values and practices of Indian or Chinese society, with a particular emphasis on ONE of the following areas: everyday life, warfare, or death and funerary customs (ACHASSK179)

Contacts and conflicts within and/or with other societies, resulting in developments and the spread of philosophies and beliefs (ACHASSK180)

The role of a significant individual in ancient Indian or Chinese history (ACHASSK181)

View additional details about Critical and Creative Thinking Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia
Geography

Concepts for developing understanding

The content in the geography sub-strand provides opportunities to develop students’ understanding of place, space, environment, interconnection, sustainability and change. The curriculum in Year 7 focuses on understandings about water as a natural resource and the liveability of places. Students investigate the nature of...

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Concepts for developing understanding

The content in the geography sub-strand provides opportunities to develop students’ understanding of place, space, environment, interconnection, sustainability and change. The curriculum in Year 7 focuses on understandings about water as a natural resource and the liveability of places. Students investigate the nature of water as a natural resource and its flows through environments on different continents (environment, interconnections, place). Students examine how water is used and managed (sustainability), the causes and effects of phenomena such as scarcity and hazards (environment, change), and how diverse groups value water, (place, interconnection). Students also explore the liveability of places (place, space, environment, change) in relation to diverse people and places, familiar and distant (place, interconnection, environment). Students examine influences on the liveability of places (environment, interconnection, place) and strategies that enhance liveability, especially for young people (space, interconnection, sustainability, change).

Inquiry Questions

  • How does people’s reliance on places and environments influence their perception of them?
  • What effect does the uneven distribution of resources and services have on the lives of people?
  • What approaches can be used to improve the availability of resources and access to services?

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Unit 1: Water in the world

Classification of environmental resources and the forms that water takes as a resource (ACHASSK182)

The way that flows of water connect places as they move through the environment and the way these affect places (ACHASSK183)

The quantity and variability of Australia’s water resources compared with other continents (ACHASSK184)

Economic, cultural, spiritual and aesthetic value of water for people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and peoples of the Asia region (ACHASSK186)

View additional details about Critical and Creative Thinking View additional details about Intercultural Understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia
Civics and citizenship

Concepts for developing understanding

The content in the civics and citizenship sub-strand provides opportunities for students to develop understanding about government and democracy, laws and citizens and citizenship, diversity and identity. The year provides a study of Australia’s constitution and how its features shape Australia’s democracy (government and...

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Concepts for developing understanding

The content in the civics and citizenship sub-strand provides opportunities for students to develop understanding about government and democracy, laws and citizens and citizenship, diversity and identity. The year provides a study of Australia’s constitution and how its features shape Australia’s democracy (government and democracy) and how Australia’s legal system aims to provide justice (laws and citizens). Students explore diversity within Australian society, how groups express their identities and the role of shared values in promoting social cohesion (citizenship, diversity and identity).

Inquiry Questions

  • How is Australia’s system of democratic government shaped by the Constitution?
  • What principles of justice help to protect the individual’s rights to justice in Australia’s system of law?
  • How is Australia a diverse society and what factors contribute to a cohesive society?

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The key features of government under the Australian Constitution with a focus on: the separation of powers, the roles of the Executive, the houses of parliament and the division of powers (ACHASSK193)

How values, including freedom, respect, inclusion, civility, responsibility, compassion, equality and a ‘fair go’, can promote cohesion within Australian society (ACHASSK197)

Economics and business

Concepts for developing understanding

The content in the economics and business sub-strand develops key ideas, with a focus on developing an understanding of the relationship between consumers, producers and businesses. Students explore how consumers and producers interact in the market (business environment) and how consumers and businesses plan in personal,...

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Concepts for developing understanding

The content in the economics and business sub-strand develops key ideas, with a focus on developing an understanding of the relationship between consumers, producers and businesses. Students explore how consumers and producers interact in the market (business environment) and how consumers and businesses plan in personal, organisational and financial ways (resource allocation and making choices, consumer and financial literacy) to realise objectives. Students explore the world of work and income, and examine the relationship between entrepreneurial behaviour and successful business (business environment, work and work futures).

Inquiry Questions

  • Why is there a relationship between consumers and producers in the market?
  • Why is personal, organisational and financial planning for the future important for consumers and businesses?
  • How does entrepreneurial behaviour contribute to a successful business?
  • What types of work exist and in what other ways can people derive an income?

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Why individuals work, types of work and how people derive an income (ACHASSK202)

Achievement Standards

History Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 7, students explain the role of groups and the significance of particular individuals in past societies. They suggest reasons for change and continuity over time. They describe the effects of change on societies, individuals and groups and describe events and developments from the perspective of people who lived at the time. They identify past events and developments that have been interpreted in different ways.

Students sequence events and developments within a chronological framework, using dating conventions to represent and measure time. When researching, students develop significant questions to frame a historical inquiry. They identify and select a range of primary and secondary sources and locate, compare and use relevant information and evidence to answer inquiry questions. They analyse information and evidence to determine their origin, purpose and usefulness and to identify past and present values and perspectives. Students develop texts, particularly descriptions and explanations. In developing these texts and organising and presenting their findings, they use historical terms and concepts, incorporate relevant sources, and acknowledge their sources of information.

Geography Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 7, students describe geographical processes that influence the characteristics of places and how characteristics of places are perceived and valued differently. They explain interconnections between people and places and people and environments and describe how these interconnections change places and environments. They describe alternative strategies for a geographical challenge, referring to environmental, economic and social factors involved.

Students develop geographically significant questions to frame and guide an inquiry process. They locate, collect, organise and categorise useful data and information from a range of primary and secondary sources. They record and represent data and the location and distribution of geographical phenomena in a range of graphic forms, including large-scale and small-scale maps that conform to cartographic conventions. They analyse geographical data and other information to propose simple explanations for spatial patterns, trends and relationships, and draw conclusions. Students present findings and arguments using relevant geographical terminology, digital technologies and graphic representations in a range of communication forms. They propose action in response to a geographical challenge, taking account of environmental, economic and social factors, and describe the expected effects of their proposal.

Civics and citizenship Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 7, students identify the ideas, values and principles that underpin the institutions and processes in Australia’s political and legal systems. They explain the diverse nature of Australian society, and identify the importance of shared values in contemporary Australian society.

Students formulate significant questions to investigate Australia’s political and legal systems. They locate, collect and organise useful information from a range of primary and secondary sources. They examine sources to determine their origin, purpose and reliability and to identify and describe values and perspectives. They evaluate and synthesise information to draw conclusions. When planning for action, students take into account multiple perspectives to develop solutions to an issue. They reflect on their learning to identify ways they can be active and informed citizens. Students present ideas, viewpoints, explanations and conclusions in a range of communication forms that incorporate source materials, citations, and civics and citizenship terms and concepts.

Economics and business Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 7, students describe the interdependence of consumers and producers in the market. They explain the importance of short- and long-term planning to individual and business success and identify different strategies that may be used. They describe the characteristics of successful businesses and explain how entrepreneurial capabilities contribute to this success. Students identify the reasons individuals choose to work and describe the various sources of income that exist.

Students formulate significant questions and propositions to guide investigations about an economics or business issue, challenge or event. They locate and collect useful data and information from a range of primary and secondary sources. They examine sources to determine their origin, purpose and reliability and evaluate and synthesise evidence to draw conclusions. They interpret, categorise and represent data in a range of appropriate formats using economics and business conventions. They make informed decisions by collaborating with others to generate alternatives and comparing the potential costs and benefits of each. Students reflect on their learning to propose individual and collective action in response to an issue or challenge, taking account of different factors and multiple perspectives and predicting the probable effects of their proposal. They apply economics and business knowledge, skills and concepts to familiar problems. They present ideas, findings, viewpoints, explanations and conclusions in a range of communication forms that incorporate source materials, citations, economics and business terms, conventions and concepts.

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Year 7 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 7, students explain the role of groups and the significance of particular individuals in past societies. They suggest reasons for continuity and change over time. They describe the effects of change on societies, individuals and groups and describe events and developments from the perspective of people who lived at the time. They identify past events and developments that have been interpreted in different ways. Students describe geographical processes that influence the characteristics of places. They explain interconnections between people and places and people and environments, describing how these interconnections change places and environments. Students identify the ideas, values and principles that underpin the institutions and processes in Australia’s...

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By the end of Year 7, students explain the role of groups and the significance of particular individuals in past societies. They suggest reasons for continuity and change over time. They describe the effects of change on societies, individuals and groups and describe events and developments from the perspective of people who lived at the time. They identify past events and developments that have been interpreted in different ways. Students describe geographical processes that influence the characteristics of places. They explain interconnections between people and places and people and environments, describing how these interconnections change places and environments. Students identify the ideas, values and principles that underpin the institutions and processes in Australia’s political and legal systems. They explain the diverse nature of Australian society, and identify the importance of shared values in contemporary Australian society. Students describe the interdependence of consumers and producers in the market and identify factors and strategies that contribute to the financial success of businesses and individuals. They identify why individuals choose to work and the various sources of income that exist. Students recognise that people have different perceptions of places, events and issues and explain how this and other factors influence views on how to respond to an issue or challenge.

Students formulate significant questions and propositions to guide investigations. They locate and collect useful data, information and evidence from a range of primary and secondary sources. They examine sources to determine their origin, purpose and reliability and to identify past and present values and perspectives. They interpret and analyse data to propose simple explanations for distributions, patterns, trends and relationships, and evaluate and synthesise evidence to draw conclusions. Students sequence events and developments within a chronological framework, using dating conventions to represent and measure time. They organise, categorise and represent data in a range of appropriate formats using discipline-specific conventions. They make informed decisions by collaborating with others to generate alternatives, comparing the potential costs and benefits of each and developing and using criteria to make a reasoned judgement. Students reflect on their learning to propose individual and collective action in response to an issue or challenge, taking account of different factors and multiple perspectives, and predict the probable effects of their proposal. They present ideas, findings, viewpoints, explanations and conclusions in a range of communication forms that incorporate source materials, citations, discipline-specific terms, conventions and concepts.

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7–10 History

Year 7

Year 7 Level Description

The ancient world

The Year 7 curriculum provides a study of history from the time of the earliest human communities to the end of the ancient period, approximately 60 000 BC (BCE) – c...

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The ancient world

The Year 7 curriculum provides a study of history from the time of the earliest human communities to the end of the ancient period, approximately 60 000 BC (BCE) – c.650 AD (CE). It was a period defined by the development of cultural practices and organised societies. The study of the ancient world includes the discoveries (the remains of the past and what we know) and the mysteries (what we do not know) about this period of history, in a range of societies in places including Australia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, India and China.

The content provides opportunities to develop historical understanding through key concepts, including evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy, significance and contestability. These concepts may be investigated within a particular historical context to facilitate an understanding of the past and to provide a focus for historical inquiries.

The history content at this year level involves two strands: historical knowledge and understanding, and historical skills. These strands are interrelated and have been developed to be taught in an integrated way, and in ways that are appropriate to specific local contexts. The order and detail in which they are taught are programming decisions.

Key inquiry questions

A framework for developing students’ historical knowledge, understanding and skills is provided by inquiry questions through the use and interpretation of sources. The key inquiry questions for Year 7 are:

  • 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?

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Year 7 Content Descriptions

Historical Knowledge and Understanding
Overview of the ancient world

The following content is to be taught as part of an overview for the historical period. It is not intended to be taught in depth. Overview content identifies important features of the period, approximately 60 000 BC (BCE) – c.650 AD (CE), as part of an expansive chronology that helps students understand broad patterns of historical change. As such, the overview provides the broader context for the teaching of depth study content and can be built into various parts of a teaching and learning program. This means that overview content can be used to give students an introduction to the historical period; to make the links to and between the depth studies; and to consolidate understanding through a review of the period.

Overview content for the ancient world (Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, Greece, Rome, India, China and the Maya) includes the following:

Depth studies

There are three depth studies for this historical period. For each depth study, there are up to three electives that focus on a particular society, event, movement or development. It is expected that ONE elective will be studied in detail. The content in each depth study elective is designed to allow detailed study of specific aspects of this historical period. As part of a teaching and learning program, depth study content can be integrated with the overview content and/or with other depth study electives.

1 Investigating the ancient past
Students build on and consolidate their understanding of historical inquiry from previous years in depth, using a range of sources for the study of the ancient past.
2 The Mediterranean world
Students investigate ONE of these Mediterranean societies in depth: Egypt or Greece or Rome.
3 The Asian world

Students investigate ONE of these Asian societies in depth: India or China

Historical Skills
Chronology, terms and concepts

Use historical terms and concepts (ACHHS206)

Explanation and communication

Develop texts, particularly descriptions and explanations that use evidence from a range of sources that are acknowledged (ACHHS213)

Year 7 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 7, students suggest reasons for change and continuity over time. They describe the effects of change on societies, individuals and groups. They describe events and developments from the perspective of different people who lived at the time. Students explain the role of groups and the significance of particular individuals in society. They identify past events and developments that have been interpreted in different ways.

Students sequence events and developments within a chronological framework, using dating conventions to represent and measure time. When researching, students develop questions to frame a historical inquiry. They identify and select a range of sources and locate, compare and use information to answer inquiry questions. They examine sources to explain points of view. When interpreting sources, they identify their origin and purpose. Students develop texts, particularly descriptions and explanations. In developing these texts and organising and presenting their findings, they use historical terms and concepts, incorporate relevant sources, and acknowledge their sources of information.

Year 8

Year 8 Level Description

The ancient to the modern world

The Year 8 curriculum provides a study of history from the end of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern period, c.650– 1750 AD (CE). This was when...

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The ancient to the modern world

The Year 8 curriculum provides a study of history from the end of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern period, c.650– 1750 AD (CE). This was when major civilisations around the world came into contact with each other. Social, economic, religious and political beliefs were often challenged and significantly changed. It was the period when the modern world began to take shape.

The content provides opportunities to develop historical understanding through key concepts, including evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy, significance and contestability. These concepts may be investigated within a particular historical context to facilitate an understanding of the past and to provide a focus for historical inquiries.

The history content at this year level involves two strands: historical knowledge and understanding, and historical skills. These strands are interrelated and have been developed to be taught in an integrated way, and in ways that are appropriate to specific local contexts. The order and detail in which they are taught are programming decisions.

Key inquiry questions

A framework for developing students’ historical knowledge, understanding and skills is provided by inquiry questions through the use and interpretation of sources. The key inquiry questions for Year 8 are:

  • How did societies change from the end of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern age?
  • What key beliefs and values emerged and how did they influence societies?
  • What were the causes and effects of contact between societies in this period?
  • Which significant people, groups and ideas from this period have influenced the world today?

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Year 8 Content Descriptions

Historical Knowledge and Understanding
Overview of the ancient to modern world

The following content is taught as part of an overview for the historical period. It is not intended to be taught in depth. Overview content identifies important features of the period, c.650 AD (CE) – 1750, as part of an expansive chronology that helps students understand broad patterns of historical change. As such, the overview provides the broader context for the teaching of depth study content and can be built into various parts of a teaching and learning program. This means that overview content can be used to give students an introduction to the historical period; to make the links to and between the depth studies; and to consolidate understanding through a review of the period.

Overview content for the ancient to modern world (Byzantine, Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, Viking, Ottoman, Khmer, Mongols, Yuan and Ming dynasties, Aztec, Inca) includes the following:

Depth studies

There are three depth studies for this historical period. For each depth study, there are up to four electives that focus on a particular society, event, movement or development. It is expected that ONE elective will be studied in detail. The content in each depth study elective is designed to allow detailed study of specific aspects of this historical period. As part of a teaching and learning program, depth study content can be integrated with the overview content and/or with other depth study electives.

1 The Western and Islamic world
Students investigate ONE of these societies/empires from the Western or Islamic world in depth: the Vikings or Medieval Europe or the Ottoman Empire or Renaissance Italy.
2 The Asia-Pacific world
Students investigate ONE of these Asia-Pacific societies in depth: the Angkor/Khmer Empire or Shogunate Japan or the Polynesian expansion across the Pacific. N.B. Where appropriate, this depth study may include some reference beyond the end of the period c.1750.
3 Expanding contacts
Students investigate ONE of the following historical developments in depth to explore the interaction of societies in this period: the Mongol expansion or the Black Death in Africa, Asia and Europe or the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs and Incas.
Historical Skills
Chronology, terms and concepts

Use historical terms and concepts (ACHHS149)

Explanation and communication

Develop texts, particularly descriptions and explanations that use evidence from a range of sources that are acknowledged (ACHHS156)

Year 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 8, students recognise and explain patterns of change and continuity over time. They explain the causes and effects of events and developments. They identify the motives and actions of people at the time. Students explain the significance of individuals and groups and how they were influenced by the beliefs and values of their society. They describe different interpretations of the past.

Students sequence events and developments within a chronological framework with reference to periods of time. When researching, students develop questions to frame a historical inquiry. They analyse, select and organise information from primary and secondary sources and use it as evidence to answer inquiry questions. Students identify and explain different points of view in sources. When interpreting sources, they identify their origin and purpose, and distinguish between fact and opinion. Students develop texts, particularly descriptions and explanations, incorporating analysis. In developing these texts, and organising and presenting their findings, they use historical terms and concepts, evidence identified in sources, and acknowledge their sources of information.

 

7–10 Geography

Year 7

Year 7 Level Description

There are two units of study in the Year 7 curriculum for Geography: ‘Water in the world’ and ‘Place and liveability’.

‘Water in the world’ focuses on water as an example of a renewable environmental resource. This unit examines the many uses of water, the ways it is perceived and valued, its different forms as a resource, the ways it connects places as it...

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There are two units of study in the Year 7 curriculum for Geography: ‘Water in the world’ and ‘Place and liveability’.

‘Water in the world’ focuses on water as an example of a renewable environmental resource. This unit examines the many uses of water, the ways it is perceived and valued, its different forms as a resource, the ways it connects places as it moves through the environment, its varying availability in time and across space, and its scarcity. ‘Water in the world’ develops students’ understanding of the concept of environment, including the ideas that the environment is the product of a variety of processes, that it supports and enriches human and other life, that people value the environment in different ways and that the environment has its specific hazards. Water is investigated using studies drawn from Australia, countries of the Asia region, and countries from West Asia and/or North Africa.

‘Place and liveability’ focuses on the concept of place through an investigation of liveability. This unit examines factors that influence liveability and how it is perceived, the idea that places provide us with the services and facilities needed to support and enhance our lives, and that spaces are planned and managed by people. It develops students’ ability to evaluate the liveability of their own place and to investigate whether it can be improved through planning. The liveability of places is investigated using studies drawn from Australia and Europe.

The content of this year level is organised into two strands: geographical knowledge and understanding, and geographical inquiry and skills. These strands are interrelated and have been developed to be taught in an integrated manner, and in ways that are appropriate to specific local contexts. The order and detail in which they are taught are programming decisions.

Key inquiry questions

A framework for developing students’ geographical knowledge, understanding and skills is provided through the inclusion of inquiry questions and specific inquiry skills, including the use and interpretation of maps, photographs and other representations of geographical data.

The key inquiry questions for Year 7 are:

  • How do people’s reliance on places and environments influence their perception of them?
  • What effect does the uneven distribution of resources and services have on the lives of people?
  • What approaches can be used to improve the availability of resources and access to services?

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Year 7 Content Descriptions

Geographical Knowledge and Understanding
Unit 1: Water in the world

The way that flows of water connects places as it moves through the environment and the way this affects places (ACHGK038)

The quantity and variability of Australia’s water resources compared with other continents (ACHGK039)

The nature of water scarcity and ways of overcoming it, including studies drawn from Australia and West Asia and/or North Africa (ACHGK040)

Economic, cultural, spiritual and aesthetic value of water for people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and peoples of the Asia region (ACHGK041)

View additional details about Critical and Creative Thinking View additional details about Intercultural Understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia
Geographical Inquiry and Skills
Observing, questioning and planning

Develop geographically significant questions and plan an inquiry, using appropriate geographical methodologies and concepts (ACHGS047)

Collecting, recording, evaluating and representing

Represent data in a range of appropriate forms, for example climate graphs, compound column graphs, population pyramids, tables, field sketches and annotated diagrams, with and without the use of digital and spatial technologies (ACHGS049)

Represent spatial distribution of different types of geographical phenomena by constructing appropriate maps at different scales that conform to cartographic conventions, using spatial technologies as appropriate (ACHGS050)

Interpreting, analysing and concluding

Interpret geographical data and other information using qualitative and quantitative methods, and digital and spatial technologies as appropriate, to identify and propose explanations for spatial distributions, patterns and trends, and infer relationships (ACHGS051)

Communicating

Present findings, arguments and ideas in a range of communication forms selected to suit a particular audience and purpose; using geographical terminology and digital technologies as appropriate (ACHGS053)

Reflecting and responding

Reflect on their learning to propose individual and collective action in response to a contemporary geographical challenge, taking account of environmental, economic and social considerations, and predict the expected outcomes of their proposal (ACHGS054)

Year 7 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 7, students describe geographical processes that influence the characteristics of places and how the characteristics of places are perceived and valued differently. They explain interconnections between people and places and environments and describe how these interconnections change places and environments. They describe alternative strategies to a geographical challenge referring to environmental, economic and social factors.

Students identify geographically significant questions to frame an inquiry. They evaluate a range of primary and secondary sources to locate useful information and data. They record and represent data and the location and distribution of geographical phenomena in a range of forms, including large-scale and small-scale maps that conform to cartographic conventions. They interpret and analyse geographical maps, data and other information to propose simple explanations for spatial distributions, patterns, trends and relationships, and draw conclusions. Students present findings and arguments using relevant geographical terminology and digital technologies in a range of communication forms. They propose action in response to a geographical challenge, taking account of environmental, economic and social factors, and describe the expected effects of their proposal.

Year 7 Work Sample Portfolios

Year 8

Year 8 Level Description

There are two units of study in the Year 8 curriculum for Geography: ‘Landforms and landscapes’ and ‘Changing nations’.

‘Landforms and landscapes’ focuses on investigating geomorphology through a study of landscapes and their landforms. This unit examines the processes that shape individual landforms, the values and meanings placed on landforms and landscapes...

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There are two units of study in the Year 8 curriculum for Geography: ‘Landforms and landscapes’ and ‘Changing nations’.

‘Landforms and landscapes’ focuses on investigating geomorphology through a study of landscapes and their landforms. This unit examines the processes that shape individual landforms, the values and meanings placed on landforms and landscapes by diverse cultures, hazards associated with landscapes, and management of landscapes. ‘Landforms and landscapes’ develops students’ understanding of the concept of environment and enables them to explore the significance of landscapes to people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. These distinctive aspects of landforms and landscapes are investigated using studies drawn from Australia and throughout the world.

‘Changing nations’ investigates the changing human geography of countries, as revealed by shifts in population distribution. The spatial distribution of population is a sensitive indicator of economic and social change, and has significant environmental, economic and social effects, both negative and positive. The unit explores the process of urbanisation and draws on a study of a country of the Asia region to show how urbanisation changes the economies and societies of low- and middle-income countries. It investigates the reasons for the high level of urban concentration in Australia, one of the distinctive features of Australia’s human geography, and compares Australia with the United States of America. The redistribution of population resulting from internal migration is examined through case studies of Australia and China, and is contrasted with the way international migration reinforces urban concentration in Australia. The unit then examines issues related to the management and future of Australia’s urban areas.

The content of this year level is organised into two strands: geographical knowledge and understanding, and geographical inquiry and skills. These strands are interrelated and have been developed to be taught in an integrated manner, and in ways that are appropriate to specific local contexts. The order and detail in which they are taught are programming decisions.

Key inquiry questions

A framework for developing students’ geographical knowledge, understanding and skills is provided through the inclusion of inquiry questions and specific inquiry skills, including the use and interpretation of maps, photographs and other representations of geographical data.

The key inquiry questions for Year 8 are:

  • How do environmental and human processes affect the characteristics of places and environments?
  • How do the interconnections between places, people and environments affect the lives of people?
  • What are the consequences of changes to places and environments and how can these changes be managed?

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Year 8 Content Descriptions

Geographical Knowledge and Understanding
Unit 1: Landforms and landscapes

Different types of landscapes and their distinctive landform features (ACHGK048)

Spiritual, aesthetic and cultural value of landscapes and landforms for people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (ACHGK049)

Geomorphic processes that produce landforms, including a case study of at least one landform (ACHGK050)

Unit 2: Changing nations

Causes and consequences of urbanisation, drawing on a study from Indonesia, or another country of the Asia region (ACHGK054)

Differences in urban concentration and urban settlement patterns between Australia and the United States of America, and their causes and consequences (ACHGK055)

Reasons for, and effects of, internal migration in both Australia and China (ACHGK056)

Reasons for, and effects of, international migration in Australia (ACHGK058)

Management and planning of Australia’s urban future (ACHGK059)

Geographical Inquiry and Skills
Observing, questioning and planning

Develop geographically significant questions and plan an inquiry using appropriate geographical methodologies and concepts (ACHGS055)

Collecting, recording, evaluating and representing

Represent data in a range of appropriate forms, for example, climate graphs, compound column graphs, population pyramids, tables, field sketches and annotated diagrams, with and without the use of digital and spatial technologies (ACHGS057)

Represent spatial distribution of different types of geographical phenomena by constructing appropriate maps at different scales that conform to cartographic conventions, using spatial technologies as appropriate (ACHGS058)

Interpreting, analysing and concluding

Interpret geographical data and other information using qualitative and quantitative methods, and digital and spatial technologies as appropriate, to identify and propose explanations for spatial distributions, patterns and trends, and infer relationships (ACHGS059)

Communicating

Present findings, arguments and ideas in a range of communication forms selected to suit a particular audience and purpose; using geographical terminology and digital technologies as appropriate (ACHGS061)

Reflecting and responding

Reflect on their learning to propose individual and collective action in response to a contemporary geographical challenge, taking account of environmental, economic and social considerations, and predict the expected outcomes of their proposal (ACHGS062)

Year 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 8, students explain geographical processes that influence the characteristics of places and explain how places are perceived and valued differently. They explain interconnections within environments and between people and places and explain how they change places and environments. They compare alternative strategies to a geographical challenge, taking into account environmental, economic and social factors.

Students identify geographically significant questions from observations to frame an inquiry. They evaluate a range of primary and secondary sources to locate useful and reliable information and data. They select, record and represent data and the location and distribution of geographical phenomena in a range of appropriate digital and non-digital forms, including maps at different scales that conform to cartographic conventions. They analyse geographical maps, data and other information to propose explanations for spatial distributions, patterns, trends and relationships, and draw reasoned conclusions. Students present findings, arguments and ideas using relevant geographical terminology and digital technologies in a range of appropriate communication forms. They propose action in response to a geographical challenge, taking account of environmental, economic and social factors, and predict the outcomes of their proposal.

Year 8 Work Sample Portfolios

 

7–10 Civics and Citizenship

Year 7

Year 7 Level Description

The Year 7 curriculum provides a study of the key features of Australia’s system of government and explores how this system aims to protect all Australians. Students examine the Australian Constitution and how its features, principles and values shape Australia’s democracy. They look at how the rights of individuals are protected through the justice system. Students also explore...

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The Year 7 curriculum provides a study of the key features of Australia’s system of government and explores how this system aims to protect all Australians. Students examine the Australian Constitution and how its features, principles and values shape Australia’s democracy. They look at how the rights of individuals are protected through the justice system. Students also explore how Australia’s secular system of government supports a diverse society with shared values.

The civics and citizenship content at this year level involves two strands: civics and citizenship knowledge and understanding, and civics and citizenship skills. These strands are interrelated and have been developed to be taught in an integrated way, and in ways that are appropriate to specific local contexts. The order and detail in which they are taught are programming decisions.

Key inquiry questions

A framework for developing students’ civics and citizenship knowledge, understanding and skills at this year level is provided by the followingkey questions:

  • How is Australia’s system of democratic government shaped by the Constitution?
  • What principles of justice help to protect the individual’s rights to justice in Australia’s system of law?
  • How is Australia a diverse society and what factors contribute to a cohesive society?

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Year 7 Content Descriptions

Civics and Citizenship Knowledge and Understanding
Laws and citizens

How Australia’s legal system aims to provide justice, including through the rule of law, presumption of innocence, burden of proof, right to a fair trial and right to legal representation (ACHCK050)

Civics and Citizenship Skills
Analysis, synthesis and interpretation

Critically analyse information and ideas from a range of sources in relation to civics and citizenship topics and issues (ACHCS056)

Year 7 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 7, students explain features of Australia’s Constitution, including the process for constitutional change. They explain how Australia’s legal system is based on the principle of justice. Students explain the diverse nature of Australian society and identify the importance of shared values in promoting a cohesive society.

When researching, students develop a range of questions and gather and analyse information from different sources to investigate Australia’s political and legal systems. They consider different points of view on civics and citizenship issues. When planning for action, students take into account multiple perspectives to develop solutions to an issue. Students develop and present arguments on civics and citizenship issues using appropriate texts, terms and concepts. They identify ways they can be active and informed citizens.

Year 8

Year 8 Level Description

The Year 8 curriculum provides a study of the responsibilities and freedoms of citizens and how Australians can actively participate in their democracy. Students consider how laws are made and the types of laws used in Australia. Students also examine what it means to be Australian by identifying the reasons for and influences that shape national identity.

The civics and citizenship content...

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The Year 8 curriculum provides a study of the responsibilities and freedoms of citizens and how Australians can actively participate in their democracy. Students consider how laws are made and the types of laws used in Australia. Students also examine what it means to be Australian by identifying the reasons for and influences that shape national identity.

The civics and citizenship content at this year level involves two strands: civics and citizenship knowledge and understanding, and civics and citizenship skills. These strands are interrelated and have been developed to be taught in an integrated way, and in ways that are appropriate to specific local contexts. The order and detail in which they are taught are programming decisions.

Key inquiry questions

A framework for developing students’ civics and citizenship knowledge, understanding and skills at this year level is provided by the following key questions:

  • What are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens in Australia’s democracy?
  • How are laws made and applied in Australia?
  • What different perspectives are there about national identity?

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Year 8 Content Descriptions

Civics and Citizenship Knowledge and Understanding
Government and democracy

The freedoms that enable active participation in Australia’s democracy within the bounds of law, including freedom of speech, association, assembly, religion and movement (ACHCK061)

How citizens can participate in Australia’s democracy, including use of the electoral system, contact with their elected representatives, use of lobby groups, and direct action (ACHCK062)

Laws and citizens

The types of law in Australia, including criminal law and civil law, and the place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customary law (ACHCK064)

Civics and Citizenship Skills
Analysis, synthesis and interpretation

Critically analyse information and ideas from a range of sources in relation to civics and citizenship topics and issues (ACHCS070)

Year 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 8, students analyse features of Australian democracy, and explain features of Australia’s democracy that enable active participation. They recognise different types of law in Australia and explain how laws are made. They identify the diverse belief systems in Australia and analyse issues about national identity and the factors that contribute to people’s sense of belonging.

When researching, students develop a range of questions to investigate Australia’s political and legal systems and critically analyse information gathered from different sources for relevance. They explain different points of view on civics and citizenship issues. When planning for action, students take into account multiple perspectives, use democratic processes, and develop solutions to an issue. Students develop and present reasoned arguments on civics and citizenship issues using appropriate texts, subject-specific language and concepts. They identify ways they can be active and informed citizens in different contexts.

 

7–10 Economics and Business

Year 7

Year 7 Level Description

The Year 7 curriculum gives students the opportunity to further develop their understanding of economics and business concepts by exploring what it means to be a consumer, a worker and a producer in the market, and the relationships between these groups. Students explore the characteristics of successful businesses and consider how entrepreneurial behaviour contributes to business success. Setting...

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The Year 7 curriculum gives students the opportunity to further develop their understanding of economics and business concepts by exploring what it means to be a consumer, a worker and a producer in the market, and the relationships between these groups. Students explore the characteristics of successful businesses and consider how entrepreneurial behaviour contributes to business success. Setting goals and planning to achieve these goals are vital for individual and business success, and students consider approaches to planning in different contexts, while also considering different ways to derive an income. The emphasis in Year 7 is on personal, community, national or regional issues or events, with opportunities for concepts to also be considered in the global context where appropriate.

The economics and business content at this year level involves two strands: economics and business knowledge and understanding, and economics and business skills. These strands are interrelated and have been developed to be taught in an integrated way, and in ways that are appropriate to specific local contexts. The order and detail in which they are taught are programming decisions.

Students are expected to be taught the content through contemporary issues, events and/or case studies. Teachers will design programs that cover appropriate contexts and meet the needs of their students.

Key inquiry questions

A framework for developing students’ economics and business knowledge, understanding and skills at this year level is provided by the following key questions:

  • Why is there a relationship between consumers and producers in the market?
  • Why is personal, organisational and financial planning for the future important for consumers and businesses?
  • How does entrepreneurial behaviour contribute to a successful business?
  • What types of work exist and in what other ways can people derive an income?

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Year 7 Content Descriptions

Economics and Business Knowledge and Understanding

Why and how individuals and businesses plan to achieve short-term and long-term personal, organisational and financial objectives (ACHEK018)

Why individuals work, types of work and how people derive an income (ACHEK020)

Economics and Business Skills
Interpretation and analysis
Economic reasoning, decision-making and application

Generate a range of alternatives in response to an observed economic or business issue or event, and evaluate the potential costs and benefits of each alternative (ACHES024)

Apply economics and business knowledge, skills and concepts in familiar and new situations (ACHES025)

Communication and reflection

Present evidence-based conclusions using economics and business language and concepts in a range of appropriate formats, and reflect on the consequences of alternative actions (ACHES026)

Year 7 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 7, students describe the interdependence of consumers and producers in the market. They explain the importance of short- and long-term planning to individual and business success and identify different strategies that may be used. They describe the characteristics of successful businesses and explain how entrepreneurial capabilities contribute to this success. Students identify the reasons individuals choose to work and describe the various sources of income that exist.

When researching, students develop questions and gather data and information from different sources to investigate an economic or business issue. They interpret data to identify trends. They propose alternative responses to an issue and assess the costs and benefits of each alternative. They apply economics and business knowledge, skills and concepts to familiar problems. Students develop and present conclusions using appropriate texts, terms and concepts. They identify the effects of their decisions and the possible effects of alternative actions.

Year 8

Year 8 Level Description

The Year 8 curriculum gives students the opportunity to further develop their understanding of economics and business concepts by exploring the ways markets – including traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander markets – work within Australia, the participants in the market system and the ways they may influence the market’s operation. The rights, responsibilities and...

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The Year 8 curriculum gives students the opportunity to further develop their understanding of economics and business concepts by exploring the ways markets – including traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander markets – work within Australia, the participants in the market system and the ways they may influence the market’s operation. The rights, responsibilities and opportunities that arise for businesses, consumers and governments are considered along with the influences on the ways individuals work now and into the future. The emphasis in Year 8 is on national and regional issues, with opportunities for the concepts to also be considered in relation to local community or global issues where appropriate.

The economics and business content at this year level involves two strands: economics and business knowledge and understanding, and economics and business skills. These strands are interrelated and have been developed to be taught in an integrated way, and in ways that are appropriate to specific local contexts. The order and detail in which they are taught are programming decisions.

Students are expected to be taught the content through contemporary issues, events and/or case studies. Teachers will design programs that cover appropriate contexts and meet the needs of their students.

Key inquiry questions

A framework for developing students’ economics and business knowledge, understanding and skills at this year level is provided by the following key questions:

  • Why are markets needed, and why are governments involved?
  • Why do consumers and businesses have both rights and responsibilities?
  • What may affect the ways people work now and in the future?
  • How do different businesses respond to opportunities in the market?

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Year 8 Content Descriptions

Economics and Business Knowledge and Understanding

The ways markets in Australia operate to enable the distribution of resources, and why they may be influenced by government (ACHEK027)

The traditional markets of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and their participation in contemporary markets (ACHEK028)

The rights and responsibilities of consumers and businesses in Australia in terms of financial and economic decision-making (ACHEK029)

Types of businesses and the ways that businesses respond to opportunities in Australia (ACHEK030)

Influences on the ways people work and factors that might affect work in the future (ACHEK031)

Economics and Business Skills
Interpretation and analysis
Economic reasoning, decision-making and application

Generate a range of alternatives in response to an observed economic or business issue or event, and evaluate the potential costs and benefits of each alternative (ACHES035)

Apply economics and business knowledge, skills and concepts in familiar and new situations (ACHES036)

Communication and reflection

Present evidence-based conclusions using economics and business language and concepts in a range of appropriate formats, and reflect on the consequences of alternative actions (ACHES037)

Year 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 8, students explain how markets operate and recognise why governments may influence the market’s operation. They explain the rights and responsibilities of consumers and businesses in terms of financial and economic decision-making. They explain why different types of businesses exist and describe the different ways businesses can respond to opportunities in the market. Students describe influences on the way people work and factors that may affect work in the future.

When researching, students develop questions and gather relevant data and information from different sources to investigate an economic or business issue. They interpret data to identify trends and relationships. They propose a range of alternative responses to an issue and evaluate the costs and benefits of each alternative. They apply economics and business knowledge, skills and concepts to familiar and unfamiliar problems. Students develop and present evidence-based conclusions using appropriate texts, subject-specific language and concepts. They identify the effects of an economic or business decision and the potential consequences of alternative actions.

 

Dance

Years 7 and 8

Years 7 and 8 Band Description

In Dance, students:

  • make and respond to dance independently and with their classmates, teachers and communities
  • explore dance as an art form through choreography, performance and appreciation
  • build on their awareness of the body through body part articulation
  • extend their understanding and use of space, time, dynamics and relationships including performing in groups, spatial relationships and...

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In Dance, students:

  • make and respond to dance independently and with their classmates, teachers and communities
  • explore dance as an art form through choreography, performance and appreciation
  • build on their awareness of the body through body part articulation
  • extend their understanding and use of space, time, dynamics and relationships including performing in groups, spatial relationships and using interaction to communicate their choreographic intention
  • extend the combinations of fundamental movement skills to explore dance styles
  • extend technical skills from the previous band, increasing their confidence, accuracy, clarity of movement and projection
  • draw on dances from a range of cultures, times and locations as they experience dance
  • explore the dance and influences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and of the Asia region
  • learn about style and choreographic intent in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dances, and how these dances communicate social contexts and relationships
  • learn about sustainability through the arts and sustainability of practices in the arts
  • explore meaning and interpretation, forms and elements, and social, cultural and historical contexts of dance as they make and respond to dance
  • evaluate choreographers’ intentions and expressive skills in dances they view and perform
  • understand that safe dance practices underlie all experiences in the study of dance
  • perform within their own body capabilities and work safely in groups.

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Years 7 and 8 Content Descriptions Examples of knowledge and skills

Combine elements of dance and improvise by making literal movements into abstract movements (ACADAM013)

Develop their choreographic intent by applying the elements of dance to select and organise movement (ACADAM014)

Structure dances using choreographic devices and form (ACADAM016)

Rehearse and perform focusing on expressive skills appropriate to style and/or choreographic intent (ACADAM017)

Analyse how choreographers use elements of dance and production elements to communicate intent (ACADAR018)

Identify and connect specific features and purposes of dance from contemporary and past times to explore viewpoints and enrich their dance-making, starting with dance in Australia and including dance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (ACADAR019)

Years 7 and 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 8, students identify and analyse the elements of dance, choreographic devices and production elements in dances in different styles and apply this knowledge in dances they make and perform. They evaluate how they and others from different cultures, times and places communicate meaning and intent through dance.

Students choreograph dances, demonstrating selection and organisation of the elements of dance, choreographic devices and form to communicate choreographic intent. They choreograph and learn dances, and perform them with confidence and clarity, and with technical and expressive skills appropriate to the dance style.

 

Drama

Years 7 and 8

Years 7 and 8 Band Description

In Drama, students:

  • build on their understanding of role, character and relationships
  • use voice and movement to sustain character and situation
  • use focus, tension, space and time to enhance drama
  • incorporate language and ideas and use devices such as dramatic symbol to create dramatic action and extend mood and atmosphere in performance
  • shape drama for audiences using narrative and non-narrative...

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In Drama, students:

  • build on their understanding of role, character and relationships
  • use voice and movement to sustain character and situation
  • use focus, tension, space and time to enhance drama
  • incorporate language and ideas and use devices such as dramatic symbol to create dramatic action and extend mood and atmosphere in performance
  • shape drama for audiences using narrative and non-narrative dramatic forms and production elements
  • draw on drama from a range of cultures, times and locations as they experience drama
  • explore the drama and influences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and those of the Asia region
  • learn that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have converted oral records to other technologies
  • learn that over time there has been further development of different traditional and contemporary styles of drama, including contemporary styles developed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dramatists, as they explore drama forms
  • explore meaning and interpretation, forms and elements including voice, movement, situation, space and time, and tension as they make and respond to drama
  • consider social, cultural and historical influences of drama
  • evaluate the directors’ intentions and expressive skills used by actors in drama they view and perform
  • maintain safety in dramatic play and in interaction with other actors
  • build on their understanding from previous bands of the roles of artists and audiences as they engage with more diverse performances.

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Years 7 and 8 Content Descriptions Examples of knowledge and skills

Combine the elements of drama in devised and scripted drama to explore and develop issues, ideas and themes (ACADRM040)

Develop roles and characters consistent with situation, dramatic forms and performance styles to convey status, relationships and intentions (ACADRM041)

Develop and refine expressive skills in voice and movement to communicate ideas and dramatic action in different performance styles and conventions, including contemporary Australian drama styles developed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dramatists (ACADRM043)

Analyse how the elements of drama have been combined in devised and scripted drama to convey different forms, performance styles and dramatic meaning (ACADRR045)

Identify and connect specific features and purposes of drama from contemporary and past times to explore viewpoints and enrich their drama making, starting with drama in Australia and including drama of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (ACADRR046)

Years 7 and 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 8, students identify and analyse how the elements of drama are used, combined and manipulated in different styles. They apply this knowledge in drama they make and perform. They evaluate how they and others from different cultures, times and places communicate meaning and intent through drama.

Students collaborate to devise, interpret and perform drama. They manipulate the elements of drama, narrative and structure to control and communicate meaning. They apply different performance styles and conventions to convey status, relationships and intentions. They use performance skills and design elements to shape and focus theatrical effect for an audience.

 

Media Arts

Years 7 and 8

Years 7 and 8 Band Description

In Media Arts, students:

  • build on their understanding of structure, intent, character, settings, points of view and genre conventions and explore media conventions in their media artworks
  • build on their understanding and use of time, space, sound, movement, lighting and technologies
  • examine the ways in which audiences make meaning and how different audiences engage with and share media artworks
  • draw...

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In Media Arts, students:

  • build on their understanding of structure, intent, character, settings, points of view and genre conventions and explore media conventions in their media artworks
  • build on their understanding and use of time, space, sound, movement, lighting and technologies
  • examine the ways in which audiences make meaning and how different audiences engage with and share media artworks
  • draw on media arts from a range of cultures, times and locations as they experience media arts
  • explore the media arts and influences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and of the Asia region
  • learn that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have converted oral records to other technologies
  • explore social and cultural values and beliefs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as represented in media artworks and consider how these may influence the media artworks they make
  • learn that over time there has been further development of different traditional and contemporary styles as they explore media forms
  • explore meaning and interpretation, forms and elements including structure, intent, character, settings, points of view, genre conventions and media conventions as they make and respond to media artworks
  • consider social, cultural and historical influences and representations in media arts
  • evaluate how established behaviours or conventions influence media artworks they engage with and make
  • maintain safety in use of technologies and in interaction with others, including the use of images and works of others
  • develop ethical practices and consider regulatory issues when using technology
  • build on their understanding from previous bands of the roles of artists and audiences as they engage with more diverse media artworks.

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Years 7 and 8 Content Descriptions Examples of knowledge and skills

Analyse how technical and symbolic elements are used in media artworks to create representations influenced by story, genre, values and points of view of particular audiences (ACAMAR071)

Identify specific features and purposes of media artworks from contemporary and past times to explore viewpoints and enrich their media arts making, starting with Australian media artworks including of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media artworks (ACAMAR072)

Years 7 and 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 8, students identify and analyse how representations of social values and points of view are portrayed in the media artworks they make, distribute and view. They evaluate how they and other makers and users of media artworks from different cultures, times and places use genre and media conventions and technical and symbolic elements to make meaning. They identify and analyse the social and ethical responsibility of the makers and users of media artworks.

Students produce representations of social values and points of view in media artworks for particular audiences and contexts. They use genre and media conventions and shape technical and symbolic elements for specific purposes and meaning. They collaborate with others in design and production processes, and control equipment and technologies to achieve their intentions.

 

Music

Years 7 and 8

Years 7 and 8 Band Description

In Music, students:

  • build on their aural skills by identifying and manipulating rhythm, pitch, dynamics and expression, form and structure, timbre and texture in their listening, composing and performing
  • aurally identify layers within a texture
  • sing and play independent parts against contrasting parts
  • recognise rhythmic, melodic and harmonic patterns and beat groupings
  • understand their role...

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In Music, students:

  • build on their aural skills by identifying and manipulating rhythm, pitch, dynamics and expression, form and structure, timbre and texture in their listening, composing and performing
  • aurally identify layers within a texture
  • sing and play independent parts against contrasting parts
  • recognise rhythmic, melodic and harmonic patterns and beat groupings
  • understand their role within an ensemble and control tone and volume
  • perform with expression and technical control
  • identify a variety of audiences for which music is made
  • draw on music from a range of cultures, times and locations as they experience music
  • explore the music and influences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and those of the Asia region
  • learn that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have converted oral records to other technologies
  • learn that over time there has been further development of techniques used in traditional and contemporary styles of music as they explore form in music
  • explore meaning and interpretation, forms, and elements including rhythm, pitch, dynamics and expression, form and structure, timbre and texture as they make and respond to music
  • consider social, cultural and historical contexts of music
  • evaluate the expressive techniques used in music they listen to and experience in performance
  • maintain safety, correct posture and technique in using instruments and technologies
  • build on their understanding from previous bands of the roles of artists and audiences as they engage with more diverse music.

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Years 7 and 8 Content Descriptions Examples of knowledge and skills

Develop musical ideas, such as mood, by improvising, combining and manipulating the elements of music (ACAMUM093)

Practise and rehearse a variety of music, including Australian music to develop technical and expressive skills (ACAMUM094)

Structure compositions by combining and manipulating the elements of music using notation (ACAMUM095)

Perform and present a range of music, using techniques and expression appropriate to style (ACAMUM096)

Analyse composers’ use of the elements of music and stylistic features when listening to and interpreting music (ACAMUR097)

Identify and connect specific features and purposes of music from different eras to explore viewpoints and enrich their music making, starting with Australian music including music of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (ACAMUR098)

Years 7 and 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 8, students identify and analyse how the elements of music are used in different styles and apply this knowledge in their performances and compositions. They evaluate musical choices they and others from different cultures, times and places make to communicate meaning as performers and composers.

Students manipulate the elements of music and stylistic conventions to compose music. They interpret, rehearse and perform songs and instrumental pieces in unison and in parts, demonstrating technical and expressive skills. They use aural skills, music terminology and symbols to recognise, memorise and notate features, such as melodic patterns in music they perform and compose.

 

Visual Arts

Years 7 and 8

Years 7 and 8 Band Description

In Visual Arts, students:

  • build on their awareness of how and why artists, craftspeople and designers realise their ideas through different visual representations, practices, processes and viewpoints
  • extend their thinking, understanding and use of perceptual and conceptual skills
  • continue to use and apply appropriate visual language and visual conventions with increasing complexity
  • consider...

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In Visual Arts, students:

  • build on their awareness of how and why artists, craftspeople and designers realise their ideas through different visual representations, practices, processes and viewpoints
  • extend their thinking, understanding and use of perceptual and conceptual skills
  • continue to use and apply appropriate visual language and visual conventions with increasing complexity
  • consider the qualities and sustainable properties of materials, techniques, technologies and processes and combine these to create and produce solutions to their artworks
  • consider society and ethics, and economic, environmental and social factors
  • exhibit their artworks individually or collaboratively, basing the selection on a concept or theme
  • document the evolution of selected art styles and associated theories and/or ideologies
  • reflect on the ‘cause and effect’ of time periods, artists and art styles influencing later artists and their artworks
  • draw on artworks from a range of cultures, times and locations as they experience visual arts
  • explore the influences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and those of the Asia region
  • learn that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have converted oral records to other technologies
  • learn that over time there has been further development of techniques used in traditional and contemporary styles as they explore different forms in visual arts
  • identify social relationships that have developed between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and other cultures in Australia, and explore how these are reflected in developments in visual arts
  • design, create and evaluate visual solutions to selected themes and/or concepts through a variety of visual arts forms, styles, techniques and/or processes as they make and respond to visual artworks
  • develop an informed opinion about artworks based on their research of current and past artists
  • examine their own culture and develop a deeper understanding of their practices as an artist who holds individual views about the world and global issues
  • acknowledge that artists and audiences hold different views about selected artworks, given contexts of time and place, and established ideologies
  • extend their understanding of safe visual arts practices and choose to use sustainable materials, techniques and technologies
  • build on their experience from the previous band to develop their understanding of the roles of artists and audiences.

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Years 7 and 8 Content Descriptions Examples of knowledge and skills

Experiment with visual arts conventions and techniques, including exploration of techniques used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, to represent a theme, concept or idea in their artwork (ACAVAM118)

Develop planning skills for art-making by exploring techniques and processes used by different artists (ACAVAM120)

Present artwork demonstrating consideration of how the artwork is displayed to enhance the artist’s intention to an audience (ACAVAM122)

Identify and connect specific features and purposes of visual artworks from contemporary and past times to explore viewpoints and enrich their art-making, starting with Australian artworks including those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (ACAVAR124)

Years 7 and 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 8, students identify and analyse how other artists use visual conventions and viewpoints to communicate ideas and apply this knowledge in their art making. They explain how an artwork is displayed to enhance its meaning. They evaluate how they and others are influenced by artworks from different cultures, times and places.

Students plan their art making in response to exploration of techniques and processes used in their own and others’ artworks. They demonstrate use of visual conventions, techniques and processes to communicate meaning in their artworks.

 

Design and Technologies

Years 7 and 8

Years 7 and 8 Band Description

Learning in Design and Technologies builds on concepts, skills and processes developed in earlier years, and teachers will revisit, strengthen and extend these as needed.

By the end of Year 8 students will have had the opportunity to create designed solutions at least once in the following four technologies contexts: Engineering principles and systems, Food and fibre production, Food specialisations...

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Learning in Design and Technologies builds on concepts, skills and processes developed in earlier years, and teachers will revisit, strengthen and extend these as needed.

By the end of Year 8 students will have had the opportunity to create designed solutions at least once in the following four technologies contexts: Engineering principles and systems, Food and fibre production, Food specialisations and Materials and technologies specialisations. Students should have opportunities to design and produce products, services and environments.

In Year 7 and 8 students investigate and select from a range of technologies − materials, systems, components, tools and equipment. They consider the ways characteristics and properties of technologies can be combined to design and produce sustainable designed solutions to problems for individuals and the community, considering society and ethics, and economic, environmental and social sustainability factors. Students use creativity, innovation and enterprise skills with increasing independence and collaboration.

Students respond to feedback from others and evaluate design processes used and designed solutions for preferred futures. They investigate design and technology professions and the contributions that each makes to society locally, regionally and globally through creativity, innovation and enterprise. Students evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of design ideas and technologies.

Using a range of technologies including a variety of graphical representation techniques to communicate, students generate and clarify ideas through sketching, modelling, perspective and orthogonal drawings. They use a range of symbols and technical terms in a range of contexts to produce patterns, annotated concept sketches and drawings, using scale, pictorial and aerial views to draw environments.

With greater autonomy, students identify the sequences and steps involved in design tasks. They develop plans to manage design tasks, including safe and responsible use of materials and tools, and apply management plans to successfully complete design tasks. Students establish safety procedures that minimise risk and manage a project with safety and efficiency in mind when making designed solutions.

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Years 7 and 8 Content Descriptions

Design and Technologies Knowledge and Understanding

Investigate the ways in which products, services and environments evolve locally, regionally and globally and how competing factors including social, ethical and sustainability considerations are prioritised in the development of technologies and designed solutions for preferred futures (ACTDEK029)

Analyse how motion, force and energy are used to manipulate and control electromechanical systems when designing simple, engineered solutions (ACTDEK031)

Analyse how food and fibre are produced when designing managed environments and how these can become more sustainable (ACTDEK032)

Analyse how characteristics and properties of food determine preparation techniques and presentation when designing solutions for healthy eating (ACTDEK033)

Design and Technologies Processes and Production Skills

Critique needs or opportunities for designing and investigate, analyse and select from a range of materials, components, tools, equipment and processes to develop design ideas (ACTDEP035)

Years 7 and 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 8, students explain factors that influence the design of products, services and environments to meet present and future needs. They explain the contribution of design and technology innovations and enterprise to society. Students explain how the features of technologies impact on designed solutions and influence design decisions for each of the prescribed technologies contexts.

Students create designed solutions for each of the prescribed technologies contexts based on an evaluation of needs or opportunities. They develop criteria for success, including sustainability considerations, and use these to judge the suitability of their ideas and designed solutions and processes. They create and adapt design ideas, make considered decisions and communicate to different audiences using appropriate technical terms and a range of technologies and graphical representation techniques. Students apply project management skills to document and use project plans to manage production processes. They independently and safely produce effective designed solutions for the intended purpose.

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Years 7 and 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 8, students explain how social, ethical, technical and sustainability considerations influence the design of innovative and enterprising solutions to meet a range of present and future needs. They explain how the features of technologies influence design and production decisions. Students make choices between different types of networks for defined purposes.

Students explain a range of needs, opportunities or problems and define them in terms of functional requirements and constraints. They collect, authenticate and interpret data from a range of sources to assist in making informed judgements. Students generate and document in digital and non-digital form, design ideas for different audiences using appropriate technical terms, and graphical representation techniques including algorithms. They independently and safely plan, design, test, modify and create a range of digital solutions that meet intended purposes including user interfaces and the use of a programming language. They plan, document and effectively manage processes and resources to produce designed solutions for each of the prescribed technologies contexts. They develop criteria for success, including innovation and sustainability considerations, and use these to judge the suitability of their ideas, solutions and processes. Students use appropriate protocols when collaborating, and creating and communicating ideas, information and solutions face-to-face and online.

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Digital Technologies

Years 7 and 8

Years 7 and 8 Band Description

Learning in Digital Technologies focuses on further developing understanding and skills in computational thinking such as decomposing problems and prototyping; and engaging students with a wider range of information systems as they broaden their experiences and involvement in national, regional and global activities.

By the end of Year 8, students will have had opportunities to...

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Learning in Digital Technologies focuses on further developing understanding and skills in computational thinking such as decomposing problems and prototyping; and engaging students with a wider range of information systems as they broaden their experiences and involvement in national, regional and global activities.

By the end of Year 8, students will have had opportunities to create a range of digital solutions, such as interactive web applications or programmable multimedia assets or simulations of relationships between objects in the real world.

In Year 7 and 8, students analyse the properties of networked systems and their suitability and use for the transmission of data types. They acquire, analyse, validate and evaluate various types of data, and appreciate the complexities of storing and transmitting that data in digital systems. Students use structured data to model objects and events that shape the communities they actively engage with. They further develop their understanding of the vital role that data plays in their lives, and how the data and related systems define and are limited by technical, environmental, economic and social constraints.

They further develop abstractions by identifying common elements while decomposing apparently different problems and systems to define requirements, and recognise that abstractions hide irrelevant details for particular purposes. When defining problems, students identify the key elements of the problems and the factors and constraints at play. They design increasingly complex algorithms that allow data to be manipulated automatically, and explore different ways of showing the relationship between data elements to help computation, such as using pivot tables, graphs and clearly defined mark-up or rules. They progress from designing the user interface to considering user experience factors such as user expertise, accessibility and usability requirements.

They broaden their programming experiences to include general-purpose programming languages, and incorporate subprograms into their solutions. They predict and evaluate their developed and existing solutions, considering time, tasks, data and the safe and sustainable use of information systems, and anticipate any risks associated with the use or adoption of such systems.

Students plan and manage individual and team projects with some autonomy. They consider ways of managing the exchange of ideas, tasks and files, and techniques for monitoring progress and feedback. When communicating and collaborating online, students develop an understanding of different social contexts, for example acknowledging cultural practices and meeting legal obligations.

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Years 7 and 8 Content Descriptions

Digital Technologies Processes and Production Skills

Years 7 and 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 8, students distinguish between different types of networks and defined purposes. They explain how text, image and audio data can be represented, secured and presented in digital systems. Students plan and manage digital projects to create interactive information. They define and decompose problems in terms of functional requirements and constraints.

Students design user experiences and algorithms incorporating branching and iterations, and test, modify and implement digital solutions. They evaluate information systems and their solutions in terms of meeting needs, innovation and sustainability. They analyse and evaluate data from a range of sources to model and create solutions. They use appropriate protocols when communicating and collaborating online.

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Years 7 and 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 8, students explain how social, ethical, technical and sustainability considerations influence the design of innovative and enterprising solutions to meet a range of present and future needs. They explain how the features of technologies influence design and production decisions. Students make choices between different types of networks for defined purposes.

Students explain a range of needs, opportunities or problems and define them in terms of functional requirements and constraints. They collect, authenticate and interpret data from a range of sources to assist in making informed judgements. Students generate and document in digital and non-digital form, design ideas for different audiences using appropriate technical terms, and graphical representation techniques including algorithms. They independently and safely plan, design, test, modify and create a range of digital solutions that meet intended purposes including user interfaces and the use of a programming language. They plan, document and effectively manage processes and resources to produce designed solutions for each of the prescribed technologies contexts. They develop criteria for success, including innovation and sustainability considerations, and use these to judge the suitability of their ideas, solutions and processes. Students use appropriate protocols when collaborating, and creating and communicating ideas, information and solutions face-to-face and online.

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Health and Physical Education

Years 7 and 8

Years 7 and 8 Band Description

The Year 7 and 8 curriculum expands students’ knowledge, understanding and skills to help them achieve successful outcomes in classroom, leisure, social, movement and online situations. Students learn how to take positive action to enhance their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing. They do this as they examine the nature of their relationships and other factors that influence...

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The Year 7 and 8 curriculum expands students’ knowledge, understanding and skills to help them achieve successful outcomes in classroom, leisure, social, movement and online situations. Students learn how to take positive action to enhance their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing. They do this as they examine the nature of their relationships and other factors that influence people’s beliefs, attitudes, opportunities, decisions, behaviours and actions. Students demonstrate a range of help-seeking strategies that support them to access and evaluate health and physical activity information and services.

The curriculum for Years 7 and 8 supports students to refine a range of specialised knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to their health, safety, wellbeing, and movement competence and confidence. Students develop specialised movement skills and understanding in a range of physical activity settings. They analyse how body control and coordination influence movement composition and performance and learn to transfer movement skills and concepts to a variety of physical activities. Students explore the role that games and sports, outdoor recreation, lifelong physical activities, and rhythmic and expressive movement activities play in shaping cultures and identities. They reflect on and refine personal and social skills as they participate in a range of physical activities.

Focus areas to be addressed in Years 7 and 8 include:

  • alcohol and other drugs (AD)
  • food and nutrition (FN)
  • health benefits of physical activity (HBPA)
  • mental health and wellbeing (MH)
  • relationships and sexuality (RS)
  • safety (S)
  • challenge and adventure activities (CA)
  • games and sports (GS)
  • lifelong physical activities (LLPA)
  • rhythmic and expressive movement activities (RE).

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Years 7 and 8 Content Descriptions

Personal, Social and Community Health
Movement and Physical Activity
Moving our body

Use feedback to improve body control and coordination when performing specialised movement skills in a variety of situations (ACPMP080)

Years 7 and 8 Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 8, students evaluate strategies and resources to manage changes and transitions and investigate their impact on identities. Students evaluate the impact on wellbeing of relationships and valuing diversity. They analyse factors that influence emotional responses. They investigate strategies and practices that enhance their own, others’ and community health, safety and wellbeing. They investigate and apply movement concepts and select strategies to achieve movement and fitness outcomes. They examine the cultural and historical significance of physical activities and examine how connecting to the environment can enhance health and wellbeing.

Students apply personal and social skills to establish and maintain respectful relationships and promote safety, fair play and inclusivity. They demonstrate skills to make informed decisions, and propose and implement actions that promote their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing. Students demonstrate control and accuracy when performing specialised movement sequences and skills. They apply movement concepts and refine strategies to suit different movement situations. They apply the elements of movement to compose and perform movement sequences.

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