Year 7 History
In year 7 students begin their studies by learning something about how historians work. In a unit called Time Detectives, ideas of using historical evidence to come to conclusions about peoples of the past are explored. The work of archaeologists is examined and students are asked to apply historical skills to mysteries of the past. Students go on to study an ancient society such as Egypt or Rome and finish the course with a study of Medieval Society.
Year 7 Geography
The focus here is on World Geography and year 7 learn about the different physical environments that are present on planet Earth. They will study one of these environments in depth, learning about different aspects of the eco-system and the impact that human beings have had on the natural world. Students learn about why physical environments occur in some places on the planet, but not in others. Students will also learn to read and interpret maps, to use latitude and longitude to pin point places on the Earth and various other geographical skills.
Year 8 History
In year 8, students will learn about the concepts of colonialism and imperialism and the impact that these have had on the history of particular peoples. They will learn about the culture and way of life of the Aztecs of Central America, and the beliefs that turned the attention of this sophisticated society to the conquest and control of the peoples around them. They will then learn about the Aboriginal culture of the First Australians and how that way of life was affected by the coming of the British in 1788, and the creation of an outpost of the British Empire here at the other end of the world. The focus of the course is a comparison between the two imperial experiences.
Year 8 Geography
The Geography curriculum in year 8 is as current as today's newspaper as students grapple with the concept of global warming and what climate change might mean for the society that they and their children will inherit. Possible solutions to the problem are also explored. Students also look at the concept of Globalisation and the impact that this is having on the world. The inequalities on life are also examined in year 8, with students being introduced to concepts of poverty and hunger in the world. The reasons for these inequalities are examined and the lifestyles of peoples in the developing world are explored.
Assessment in Years 7-8
Emphasis is placed on the importance of the work that students complete in their workbooks, during lesson time and for homework. The organisation and presentation of work is also closely monitored and good practice encouraged. Student workbooks are collected roughly every two weeks and feedback to students provided. 50% of students' assessment is based on these activities. In addition, 25% of assessment is provided by assignment work, and the final 25% by tests. Assessment is class based in Stage Four.