2014 Year 8

Subjects Overview

Agriculture

Students choosing to study Agriculture in Year 8 will learn about:

  • What agriculture is and why it is important;
  • Poultry and growing meat chickens including plotting their growth and development and observing their anatomy;
  • Designing a pond for redclaw crayfish and producing crayfish; including making structures for inside the pond and breeding crayfish;
  • Growing vegetables: including preparing soil, planting, harvesting and eating;
  • Introductory cattle handling skills with Lowline Cattle.
  • Propagation of ornamental plants and vegetable seedlings.
  • Maintenance work of the citrus orchard.

Students will spend 50% of their class time on the school farm doing practical activities.

Apart from students participating in planting and managing their own class garden, students will be involved in planting a large corn plot. The produce from this garden will be sold to staff. Students will have the opportunity to take some of this produce home.

This course provides a solid grounding to study Ag Science in latter high school years.

Graphics

This unit focuses on the nature of graphical information through the underlying principles of two dimensional and three dimensional viewing systems and the techniques for manipulating and presenting information by both manual and computer aided drafting methods.

Students will be allowed to install a copy of Pro/DESKTOP (3D Modelling Software) and Autocad 2013 onto their home computers to enable them to practice and further develop their skills.

Home Economics

This unit’s main objective is to teach students basic living skills. There are two major focuses. One is food and nutrition, the other is clothing and textiles. Students will learn how to work independently in the home kitchen. To this end they will learn about safety and hygiene as well as develop skills using the stove top, grill, oven and microwave oven. They will also have the opportunity to use various kitchen appliances such as an electric frypan, hand held mixer and milkshake maker. All of these skills are developed around a theme of healthy foods for teenagers, students will learn how to plan and prepare healthy meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner. The study of clothing and textiles will enable students to explore new machines and concepts. Students will learn how to use the sewing machine, an iron and ironing board and how to properly care for their clothes. The students will make a drawstring bag and a pair of shorts as part of their study. This unit is highly recommended as it teaches students essential skills for independent living.

Industrial Technology

This unit is designed around tools, materials, processes and safety. Students will be brought into contact with various hand and machine tools, so that they can expand their skills in the design and manufacture of articles using a range of materials, eg. wood, plastic and various metals.

This unit is designed to be primarily a “hands on” a practical unit with a small theory related component. Industrial technology is a subject which will lead to a future in the trade areas of Carpentry, Fitting and Machining and various other trades and professions and provides skills for the home handyperson.

Japanese

Extension Japanese is a subject which builds upon and enhances the learnings of Primary school Japanese. It promotes practical knowledge which enables students to communicate in the Japanese language at an elementary level. Students will study the language, culture and social customs of Japan. It is a course of study which aims to:

♦ develop increased confidence in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing

♦ develop an awareness of Japanese culture

♦ enable students to gain insights which will equip them to adapt to the changing patterns of life in Australia and the world.

Studying Japanese is beneficial to students in a number of ways because it helps them:

  • communicate effectively in another language
  • develop a love of languages and an appreciation of our own and other cultures
  • develop become aware of new concepts and ways of thinking
  • prepare for a world in which nations and peoples are increasingly interdependent
  • become more literate as they gain an increased confidence in, and awareness of, the use of English
  • develop study skills essential for learning
  • have improved self esteem and enjoyment of learning

Vocational/Life Skills:

 Multicultural education International perspectives

 Tolerance and understanding of other cultures  Working with technology

 Self discipline and independent study skills  Team dynamics

Characteristics of a student who would want to do this subject:

 Previous success with and enjoyment of Japanese

 A motivation to be able to compose and comprehend Japanese

 An interest in Japanese culture

 A disciplined approach to self study and homework

All units studied provide students with a wide range of learning experiences that are relevant and interesting and which will develop the student’s knowledge of Japanese language and culture. All units are influenced by the core objectives as stated in the Essential Learnings and Standards documents (Elementary stage).Possible topics which may be covered in the Year 8 Extension Japanese course include:

Semester 1

  • Crazy Creatures- which animals do you love? Create a book about them!
  • I Love Sports! - discover Japanese sports, such as sumo, kendo and karate, plus examine contemporary sports like baseball and soccer
  • Yummy, Yummy! learn about traditional and modern Japanese cooking – do some taste testing!
  • Semester 2
  • School Life - become involved in making a film about Aldridge SHS for our SisterSchool in this unit which explores the similarities and differences between Australian and Japanese schools
  • What do I have to wear? - a unit which explores clothing and fashion
  • All I want for Christmas - learn about the importance of gift giving in Japan

In addition, an exchange trip to our sister school Kasukabe Junior High School in Japan is offered every two years. Our next trip is planned for 2010. There are also opportunities to host Japanese students. These exchanges provide students with a great chance to make friends, practise their Japanese skills and gain an insight into the rich and fascinating Japanese culture.

Music

Music in Year 8 is designed to give students the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills in positive, enjoyable and safe environment. The learning experiences offered in music develop social skills such as teamwork, higher order thinking skills such as analysis and evaluation and gives students the opportunity to express their creativity in a structured learning environment.

Music is offered in both Semesters of Year 8. Students may elect to take music for either one semester or the whole year if they have a keen interest and wish to develop their knowledge and skills to a more sophisticated level. Units of study in Year 8 Music are based on music in popular culture. Students will learn to play drums, guitar and keyboard as well as learning and working with new technology. Assessment dimensions include performance in small and large groups, improvisation and composition and analysis of music and social contexts. Students will also have the opportunity to take part in extra-curricular activities such as “Aldridge Got Talent” and “Showcase Band”.

This subject is ideal for students who have had experience with music in primary school or are currently learning an instrument. However, the most important requirement is a positive attitude and a willingness to participate and learn new skills.