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Subject Selection Book 2020

Years 7 and 8 electives

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Subject Selection Booklet Years 7 and 8 2020

Cover page

1

Contents

2

YEAR 7 ELECTIVES ONLY

5

Creative Arts

Drama 6

Music 6

Visual Design 6

Aspire Creative Arts 7

Practical Arts

Food Studies 8

Product Design and Manufacturing 8

YEAR 8 ELECTIVES ONLY

9

Creative Arts

Drama 11

Music 11

Visual Design 11

Aspire Creative Arts 12

Practical Arts

Food Studies 13

Product Design and Manufacturing 13

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YEAR 7 Subjects and Electives organisation 2020 Students will study the core units of English, Mathematics, Science and Social Science (History and Geography), Engineering and Health and Physical Education. Students will also study one semester of LOTE Chinese.

English

Social Science History and Geography

Mathematics

Science

Health and Physical Education

Engineering Technology (one semester)

LOTE: Chinese (one semester)

Elective 1

Elective 2

Elective choices include: Creative Arts: Music, Drama or Visual Design Practical Arts: Food Studies, Product Design and Manufacturing Support classes: Numeracy Support, Literacy Support

Positive Education Our Positive Education curriculum blends academic learning with character and wellbeing. It is purposefully designed to build the skills and mindsets of wellbeing by encouraging students to identify and develop their strengths of character and cultivate life skills such as grit, optimism, growth mindset and resilience. Equipping them with strategies for life in the 21st century, students study the importance of positive relationships, positive emotions and healthy lifestyles to enhance their wellbeing, and that of others, and accomplish meaningful goals that will enable them to thrive in life.

DARE Program The DARE Program (Deliberate practice, Academic improvement, Relationship building and Entrepreneurship) develops study habits, thinking skills, digital literacy and provides useful strategies for students to be successful in their course of study. It provides opportunities for additional support in their core subjects, homework and assignment preparation, data tracking, building grit and understanding how effort is the key to success. It harnesses “the power of yet” and building a growth mindset. It also provides opportunities for selected students to explore and engage in STEM activities such as robotics, makerspace and coding. This program also provides selected students the opportunity to participate in the Bridge program (the level before Duke of Edinburgh).

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ASPIRE Programs Varsity College offers a variety of excellence programs based on the four pillars of the College: Academic, Sporting, Culture and Community.

English and Social Science Academy (ESSA)

Academy of Maths and Science (AMS)

ASPIRE Chinese Immersion

ASPIRE Music

ASPIRE Visual Design

Aspire Drama

Athlete Development Program

GIPSA Sport Varsity College participates in the Greater Independent Public Schools Alliance (GIPSA) Sport competition. Please be advised that the list below may change and selection occurs in Term 1, 2020.

AFL Basketball Bodyboarding Cricket Netball

Rugby League Soccer Surfing Table Tennis Ten Pin Bowling

Tennis Touch Volleyball Martial Arts Competitive Chess

Non GIPSA Activities

Art Club or Alternate GIPSA Sport program

LOTE All students in Years 7 will participate in the compulsory 6 month LOTE (Chinese) Program. Students who wish to extend their language acquisition can apply to be part of the ASPIRE Chinese Program. This program provides a deeper, more advanced 12 month program in the study of Chinese.

Chinese becomes an elective course of study in Year 9, and students can carry this program through to Year 12.

Engineering Technology All students will participate in the compulsory 6 month course of Engineering Technology as part of the STEM focus of Varsity College.

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Subject Selection and ASPIRE options

Subject Selection Athlete Development

Program

Aspire ESSA and Maths | Science

ASPIRE Chinese ASPIRE Music ASPIRE Visual Design

or ASPIRE Drama

Core areas of study Core areas of study Core areas of study Core areas of study Core areas of study Core areas of study

English

Mathematics

History |

Geography

Science

English

Mathematics

History |

Geography

Science

Aspire

English (ESSA)

Mathematics

(Academy)

History |

Geography

Science

English

Mathematics

History |

Geography

Science

English

Mathematics

History |

Geography

Science

English

Mathematics

History |

Geography

Science

Health and

Physical

Education

Athlete

Development

program

Health and

Physical

Education

OR

Athlete

Development

program

Health and

Physical

Education

OR

Athlete

Development

program

Health and

Physical

Education

OR

Athlete

Development

program

Health and

Physical

Education

OR

Athlete

Development

program

Chinese Chinese OR

ASPIRE

Chinese

Chinese OR

ASPIRE

Chinese

ASPIRE

Chinese

Chinese OR

ASPIRE Chinese

Chinese OR

ASPIRE Chinese

Positive

Education/

DARE

Positive

Education/

DARE

Positive

Education/

DARE

Positive

Education/

DARE

Positive

Education/

DARE

Positive

Education/

DARE

Students can choose

2 electives

Students can choose

2 electives

Students can choose

2 electives

Students can choose

1 elective

Students Select Aspire

Music

Students Select Aspire

Physical Theatre

Elective 1 Elective 1

Elective 1 Elective 1

ASPIRE

Chinese

Elective 1

Music Sem 1

Elective 1

Aspire

Sem 1

Elective 2 Elective 2

Elective 2 Elective 2

Elective 2

Music Sem 2

Elective 1

Aspire

Sem 2

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Electives: Year 7 Creative Arts

DRAMA

SUBJECT INTRODUCTION

Year 7 Drama is a semester long elective program that develops the knowledge and understanding necessary for success in further Drama studies. Drama students will explore linear and non-linear narratives with specific focus on how meaning is communicated through action. Students develop an understanding of how people’s stories can be shared through Drama. They will work with published play texts and student devised texts as both individuals and as part of an ensemble. Examples of Assessment

Performance (Making)

Project: Dramatic Concept (Making & Responding)

MUSIC SUBJECT INTRODUCTION In Music, students listen to, compose and perform music from a diverse range of styles, traditions and contexts. They create, shape and share sounds in time and space and critically analyse music. Music practice is aurally based and focuses on acquiring and using knowledge, understanding and skills about music and musicians. Students who choose music must be motivated to play an instrument and/or sing, as these skills are key components of the course. This course caters for all students, regardless of experience, who are enthusiastic about participating in challenging musical activities.

Performing: Developing students’ musical talent so they can perform in an ensemble.

Composing: Selecting appropriate musical structures and devices to create their own music using technology.

Listening/Theory: Focus on developing music listening and notation skills as a way of audio communication.

Analysing: Determining the individual characteristics of music from different genres/styles and how particular compositional devices are used.

VISUAL DESIGN SUBJECT INTRODUCTION Year 7 Visual Design is an elective, semester-long program that develops knowledge and understanding of content and skills necessary for success in Media and Visual Art electives. The course engages students in making and responding tasks centred on the topic: Place. Students explore two-dimensional and three-dimensional media and techniques, including tonal drawing, painting, digital imaging using Photoshop and ephemeral sculpture. Students develop and expand their creative skills and techniques, imagination, perception and conceptual approaches to Art. Examples of Assessment

Folio (Making)

Project (Making)

Exam (Responding)

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Electives: Year 7 Aspire Creative Arts ASPIRE DRAMA

SUBJECT INTRODUCTION

Year 7 Aspire Drama is a year-long program that develops and extends knowledge and skills necessary for success in further Drama studies. In the first semester students study similar content to the standard classroom Drama program and in the second semester Aspire Drama students build on their knowledge and skills of acting and devising and begin to develop directing skills. They will work with published play texts and student devised texts as both individuals and as part of an ensemble. Examples of Assessment

Performance (Making)

Project: Dramatic Concept (Making & Responding)

Project: Directorial Vision and Performance (Making)

Exam (Responding)

ASPIRE MUSIC SUBJECT INTRODUCTION The Aspire Music Program endeavours to provide a more challenging/accelerated environment for music performance and composition. It also provides a more rigorous and supported music analysis, theory and aural curriculum than the standard classroom Music program. Students study a wide range of musical styles and genres that align with their individual instrument studies. Aspire Music students must continue to regularly attend lessons with a qualified instructor on their chosen instrument/voice with at least two years of ensemble/solo performance experience. Entry to this program is by audition, entrance exam and interview. Once in the Aspire Music program, students continue year by year as long as they maintain high grades, external instrument tuition and the behaviour standards expected by the college.

Performing: Developing confident performance skills in a small ensemble or as a soloist.

Composing: Selecting appropriate musical structures and devices to create your own music using notation technology.

Listening/Theory: Working through guided aural programs and AMEB Musicraft theory curriculum with in class support to gain accredited outcomes that are recognised by tertiary institutions.

Analysing: Determining the individual characteristics of music from different genres/styles and how particular compositional devices are used.

ASPIRE VISUAL DESIGN SUBJECT INTRODUCTION Year 7 Aspire Visual Design is a year-long program that develops and extends knowledge and understanding of content and skills necessary for success in Media and Visual Art electives. The course engages students in making and responding tasks centred on the topics: Place and Self. Students explore two-dimensional and three-dimensional media and techniques, including tonal drawing, mixed media, painting, digital imaging using Photoshop, ephemeral and papier-mâché sculpture. Students are offered the opportunity to develop and expand their creative skills and techniques, imagination, perception and conceptual approaches to Art.

Examples of Assessment

Projects (Making)

Exam (Responding)

Assignment (Responding)

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Electives: Year 7 Practical Arts

FOOD STUDIES SUBJECT INTRODUCTION Food Studies will help develop in students an appreciation of the flavour and texture of a variety of different foods. Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between eating well and enjoying good health. Students will develop respect for growing things and caring for the environment as well as gain knowledge and understanding of the social etiquettes involved in preparing, presenting and sharing food. Learning Themes

Principles of Food,

Personal and Environment Hygiene and Measurement,

Time and Resource Management

PRODUCT DESIGN & MANUFACTURING SUBJECT INTRODUCTION Product Design and Manufacturing involves the design and manufacture of products that comprise the made environment. Students create products to solve real world problems, satisfy human needs and wants, and to capitalise on opportunities. They develop an informed understanding of the characteristics of materials, and an ability to select and manipulate materials to meet design challenges. Students identify potential hazards and risks in workshop and industrial environments and demonstrate safe practices in their own work environment. Learning Themes

Skill Development Exercise: Developed through guided practice the correct/safe use of hand/power tools

and marking out, separating, forming, combining and finishing techniques.

Product Design & Manufacture: Students are challenged to design and produce an article using recycled

plastic, learning about sustainability upcycling within the workshop environment.

•

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YEAR 8 Subjects and Electives organisation 2020 Students will study the core units of English, Mathematics, Science and Social Science (History and Geography), Engineering and Health and Physical Education. Students will also study one semester of LOTE Chinese.

English

Social Science History and Geography

Mathematics

Science

Health and Physical Education

Engineering Technology (one semester)

LOTE: Chinese (one semester)

Elective 1

Elective 2

Elective choices include: Creative Arts: Music, Drama or Visual Design Practical Arts: Food Studies, Product Design and Manufacturing Support classes: Numeracy Support, Literacy Support

Positive Education Our Positive Education curriculum blends academic learning with character and wellbeing. It is purposefully designed to build the skills and mindsets of wellbeing by encouraging students to identify and develop their strengths of character and cultivate life skills such as grit, optimism, growth mindset and resilience. Equipping them with strategies for life in the 21st century, students study the importance of positive relationships, positive emotions and healthy lifestyles to enhance their wellbeing, and that of others, and accomplish meaningful goals that will enable them to thrive in life.

DARE Program The DARE Program (Deliberate practice, Academic improvement, Relationship building and Entrepreneurship) develops study habits, thinking skills, digital literacy and provides useful strategies for students to be successful in their course of study. It provides opportunities for additional support in their core subjects, homework and assignment preparation, data tracking, building grit and understanding how effort is the key to success. It harnesses “the power of yet” and building a growth mindset. It also provides opportunities for selected students to explore and engage in STEM activities such as robotics, makerspace and coding. This program also provides selected students the opportunity to participate in the Bridge program (the level before Duke of Edinburgh).

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ASPIRE Programs Varsity College offers a variety of excellence programs based on the four pillars of the College: Academic, Sporting, Culture and Community.

English and Social Science Academy (ESSA)

Academy of Maths and Science (AMS)

ASPIRE Chinese Immersion

ASPIRE Music

ASPIRE Visual Design

ASPIRE Drama

Athlete Development Program

GIPSA Sport Varsity College participates in the Greater Independent Public Schools Alliance (GIPSA) Sport competition. Please be advised that the list below may change and selection occurs in Term 1, 2020.

AFL Basketball Bodyboarding Cricket Netball

Rugby League Soccer Surfing Table Tennis Ten Pin Bowling

Tennis Touch Volleyball Martial Arts Competitive Chess

Non GIPSA Activities

Art Club or Alternate GIPSA Sport program

LOTE All students will participate in the compulsory 6 month LOTE (Chinese) Program. Students who wish to extend their language acquisition can apply to be part of the ASPIRE Chinese Program. This program provides a deeper, more advanced 12 month program in the study of Chinese.

Chinese becomes an elective course of study in Year 9, and students can carry this program through to Year 12.

Engineering Technology All students will participate in the compulsory 6 month course for Engineering Technology as part of the STEM focus of Varsity College.

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Please note: While year 8 electives may have titles and descriptions identical to Year 7 electives, all Year 8 electives cover different and more challenging content. Also, Year 8 electives do not require students to have completed the matching Year 7 elective as a pre-requisite.

Electives: Year 8 Creative Arts DRAMA

SUBJECT INTRODUCTION

Year 8 Drama is a semester long elective program that develops knowledge and understanding necessary for success in further Drama studies. Drama students will explore linear and non-linear narratives with specific focus on how meaning is communicated through action. Students develop an understanding of contemporary styles of Realism. They will work with published play texts and student devised texts as both individuals and as part of an ensemble. Examples of Assessment

Project: Directorial Vision and Performance (Making)

Exam (Making)

MUSIC SUBJECT INTRODUCTION Students of Music will participate in learning, creating and performing within the styles of Blues and Jazz. Students must be motivated to play an instrument and/or sing, as these skills are key components of the course. This course caters for all students, regardless of experience, who are enthusiastic about participating in challenging musical activities. Listening /Theory: Focus on an understanding of music notation as one of many ways of communicating musical ideas. Composing: Selecting appropriate musical structures and devices to create their own music using music/notational software. Performing: Developing their musical talent so students can operate confidently as a soloist or ensemble performer. Analysing: Determining the individual characteristics of music from different genres/styles and how particular compositional devices are used.

VISUAL DESIGN SUBJECT INTRODUCTION Visual Design is an semester long elective program where the students will participate in learning, creating and presenting works of Art across a range of traditional and digital media exploring the topic of Memories. This course will develop visual design skills while also providing opportunities for students to build on their individual artistic interests and strengths. Students must be motivated to creatively express ideas through a variety of visual forms; such as painting, photography, film and drawing. Examples of Assessment

Projects (Making and Responding)

Exam (Responding)

Assignment (Responding)

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Electives: Year 8 Aspire Creative Arts

ASPIRE DRAMA

SUBJECT INTRODUCTION

Year 8 Aspire Drama is a year-long program that develops and extends knowledge and understanding of content and skills necessary for success in further Drama studies. In the first semester students study similar content to year 8 Drama and in the second semester Aspire Drama students build and extend on their knowledge of the elements of drama and skills of acting, devising and directing. They will work with published play texts and student devised texts as both individuals and as part of an ensemble. Examples of Assessment

Performance (Making)

Project: Dramatic Concept (Making & Responding)

Project: Directorial Vision and Performance (Making)

Exam (Responding)

ASPIRE MUSIC SUBJECT INTRODUCTION The Aspire Music Program endeavours to provide a more challenging/accelerated environment for music performance and composition. It also provides a more rigorous and supported music analysis, theory and aural curriculum than the standard classroom music program. Students study Blues (Semester 1) and Popular music (Semester 2). Aspire Music students must be regularly attending lessons with a qualified instructor on their chosen instrument/voice with at least two years of ensemble/solo performance experience. Entry to this program is by audition, entrance exam and interview. Once in the Aspire Music program, students continue year by year as long as they maintain high grades, external instrument tuition and the behaviour standards expected by the college. Performing: Developing confident performance skills in a small ensemble or as a soloist in the Blues and Popular music styles. Composing: Selecting appropriate musical structures and devices to create Blues & Popular music using notation technology. Listening/Theory: Working through guided aural programs and Musicraft theory curriculum with in-class support to gain accredited outcomes that are recognised by tertiary institutions. Analysing: Determining how composers manipulate musical structures and compositional devices to create Blues and Popular music.

ASPIRE VISUAL DESIGN SUBJECT INTRODUCTION Year 8 Aspire Visual Design is a year-long program that develops and extends knowledge creative thought processes and an understanding of content and skills. The course will extend on visual design skills while covering the topic of emotions. Students will study the Expressionist art movement, which will inform their print making project. Their knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of this movement will be assessed under exam conditions. Last assessment project will incorporate skills and techniques learnt throughout the semester in a multimedia project.

Examples of Assessment

Projects (Making)

Exam (Responding)

Assignment (Responding)

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Electives: Year 8 Practical Arts

FOOD STUDIES SUBJECT INTRODUCTION Food Studies will help develop in students an appreciation of the flavour and texture of a variety of different foods. Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between eating well and enjoying good health. Students will develop respect for growing things and caring for the environment as well as gain knowledge and understanding of the social etiquettes involved in preparing, presenting and sharing food. Learning Themes

Principles of Food

Personal and Environment Hygiene and Measurement

Time and Resource Management

PRODUCT DESIGN & MANUFACTURING SUBJECT INTRODUCTION Product Design and Manufacturing involves the design and manufacture of products that comprise the made environment. Students create products to solve real world problems, satisfy human needs and wants, and to capitalise on opportunities. They develop an informed understanding of the characteristics of materials, and an ability to select and manipulate materials to meet design challenges. Students identify potential hazards and risks in workshop and industrial environments and demonstrate safe practices in their own work environment. Learning Themes

Skill Development Exercise: Developed through guided practice the correct/safe use of hand/power tools

and marking out, separating, forming, combining and finishing techniques. Students will also learn some

electronics skills.

Product Design & Manufacture: Students are challenged to design and produce an article that satisfies a

descriptive brief.

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Be

Be

Be

Use your manners Simple acts of courtesy - remember to say please and thank you,

Say good morning and excuse me and I’m sorry.

Follow instructions Follow teacher instruction – direction without debate.

Be kind and grateful Treat people how you would like to be treated. Help others.

Say things that lift a person up rather than puts them down.

Safety first Keep your hands and feet to yourself, keep your negative opinions to yourself.

“If you don’t have anything nice to say, you are just not thinking hard enough” Kid President

Be eSmart – Social media is forever and nothing online is private.

Wear your hat in the sun, wear your helmet on your bike, and wear the school uniform

with pride!

Be a responsible citizen and part of the Varsity community Pick up litter and pick up after yourself.

Get involved – find something in the school that you can belong to

Wherever you go, whatever you do, you represent our school.

Effort is everything Attendance matters – every day counts.

Practice and deliberate practice is important for success.

Complete your homework, take notes, study and revise your work. Your effort is vital!

Don’t give up, don’t give in. Don’t do it alone! Embrace the “POWER of YET!

Be prepared – be organised Set reminders, make lists, have a schedule, use a diary, use a digital organiser.

Bring all of your equipment.

Be curious and investigate Learning is all about taking risks, trying something new, making mistakes and perfecting practice. Try new things,

take risks – don’t be afraid to fail

If you don’t know – seek help and ask!