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2027 MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM HANDBOOK Year 7 -9

At St Michael’s College, success looks different for every student. We celebrate achievement in all areas, supporting our students to challenge themselves in embracing different experiences and celebrate success in their own way. SMC provides students with a diverse range of skills, values and knowledge to become successful lifelong learners. Whatever the calling, we’re here to support each students’ unique journey towards a life of exploration, fulfillment and achievement. At St Michael’s College we pride ourselves on our subject selection procedures using our successful Year 12 results as a gauge of the rigour of the process. To ensure the best possible approach, students are provided with information in regards to the elective subjects on offer. We stress to students to choose their elective subjects wisely because once the line structures and number of classes are determined based on original student preference, it may not be possible to change to another subject. St Michael’s College will always endeavour to enrol students into the most appropriate course. However, there are practical matters that must be taken into consideration. Changes in the Middle Secondary School are often problematic and not necessarily in the best interests of the student. More often, we are finding that students in the Middle School seek changes that, unfortunately, are not made for sound educational reasons, such as wanting to be with their friends in a particular class or preferring one teacher to another. In Years 7, 8 and 9, subject changes after subject selections are made, are not supported. We understand that preferences can change, however, students can select different electives in Years 9 and 10 without prejudice from previous years’ studies. Thus, generally, unless there has been an administrative error, Years 8 and 9 students are expected to remain in the subjects of their original choice for the duration of the term or semester. This will allow teachers to begin each semester with a minimum of disruption which is necessary to ensure a quality learning environment and ultimately a successful outcome for all students. At times, Subject Teachers may use their professional judgment as to whether a particular student is able to cope with the demands of their course and recommend an alternative option. Our senior cohort, namely Years 10, 11 and 12 students undertaking the SACE, will still be able to make modifications at the beginning of the school year, and also mid-year for Year 10 and 11’s, if they are concerned as to whether they will be successful in a particular subject. A number of factors impact on the selection of appropriate subjects for senior students including: the timing of Subject Selection, exam results, a change to career pathway and subject requirements of interstate and international scholarship opportunities. To conclude, I would like to reiterate the importance of careful planning to ensure the most appropriate subjects are chosen in the first instance. Ms Kia Sheidow Director of Middle School, Learning & Engagement

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Content list Year 9

General Information Subject Choice Considerations

Year 7

Year 9 Introduction

Year 9 Subject Information

Year 9 Core Subjects

Year 7 Introduction

Year 7 Subject Information

Year 7 Core Subjects

English

History

Mathematics

Design, Technology and Engineering

Digital Technologies and STEM

Religious Education

English

Science

Geography

The Rite Journey

Health and Physical Education

Year 9 Elective Subjects

History

Art/Design

Italian

Mathematics

Athlete High Performance Program

Religious Education

Business, Finance and the Law

Science

Dance

Design, Technology and Engineering

Year 7 Elective Subjects Dance

Digital Animation

Drama

Digital Media Creations

Music

Digital Technologies

Visual Arts

Drama

Fashion and Textiles*

Year 8 Year 8 Introduction

Food Technology

Year 8 Subject Information

Health Education*

Italian A

Italian B

Music Practical

Music Practical Extension

Music Technology: Track to Stage

Year 8 Core Subjects English

Geography

Health and Physical Education

History

Italian

Mathematics

Society and Environment

Religious Education

Sport Education

Science

Year 8 Elective Subjects Business, Finance and the Law

Dance

Design, Technology and Engineering

Digital Technologies

Drama

Music Practical

Music Technology: From Beats to Booth

Visual Arts

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Subject Pathways Subject Pathways

Subject Choice Considerations This Curriculum Handbook has been prepared by College staff to provide information all Years 7, 8 and 9 courses offered. The Middle School Curriculum and Timetable at St Michael’s College has been planned very carefully to provide challenge and choice and to ensure students are exposed to the full gamut of subjects on offer. In the Middle School years students will undertake a curriculum that is contemporary, engaging and challenging within a supportive environment. Year 7 and 8 are years of discovery and exploration in which students build on their prior learning and experiences, and prepare for the rigours of the senior secondary years.

Year 7 Curriculum As Year 7 students transition from a Primary to a Secondary setting, and with co-educational classes at St Michael’s College, we are committed to providing a safe environment where each individual is known, valued, and cared for. As such, each Year 7 class stays together for all core subjects; the Pastoral Care Teacher takes the class for a minimum of two subjects. Specialist teachers will take the class for all other subjects either in the classroom assigned to each Year 7 class or in a specialist area such as the Art Studio, Music Suite, Design and Technologies Workshops, Drama Space, Science Laboratory etc. In Year 7, students will have the opportunity to experience STEM (Science, Technologies, Engineering, and Mathematics), Health and Physical Education, Humanities, Languages, Religious Education, and The Arts as outlined in the Australian Curriculum Framework.

During the course of the year, all students will experience core subjects as well as those specialist subjects that generally become “elective subjects” in subsequent years. Some of these will be undertaken for a full-year, others for a semester: Art Dance Design, Technology and Engineering (Woodwork, Metals) Computer Aided Design-CAD, Electronics, Engineering, Plastics etc) Digital Technologies Drama English

Geography Health and Physical Education History Italian Mathematics Music Religious Education Science STEM.

As students progress through the Middle School years, they will gain more confidence, increased independence as learners, and have more choice of subjects to explore their curiosities and specialise in those areas in which they are interested and in which they excel academically.

Years 7 and 8 Subject Selection Year 7 and 8 students and parents/caregivers will be engaged in the process of subject selection; that is, choosing elective subjects for their course of study for the upcoming year. It is vital that information provided in this Handbook is read carefully. Students are advised to choose those subjects that will keep their options open going forward and for which they have shown an aptitude and interest. Please note that entry into subjects is not automatic and may depend of class size, availability of resources, and the student’s academic performance.

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Year 7 Be Curious In Year 7 students will follow an experiential curriculum that is contemporary, engaging, and challenging within a supportive environment. Years 7 and 8 are years of discovery and exploration in which students build on the experiences and learning of their junior years and prepare for the rigours of the senior years. That is why our Middle School curriculum follows a distinct pattern beginning with Year 7 where student are exposed to all aspects of the curriculum.

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Year 7 Subject Information A relevant curriculum is paramount in engaging students in Years 7 and 8. Our approach ensures that STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Humanities and The Arts, are experienced by all Year 7 students. The Australian Curriculum framework has been developed to ensure consistent high standards for what all young Australians should learn as they progress through schooling.

Semester

Lessons per week

Semester

Lessons per week

Requirement

Length

Extended PC

Compulsory

Whole Year

English

Compulsory

Whole Year

Mathematics

Compulsory

Whole Year

Religious Education

Compulsory

Whole Year

Science

Compulsory

Whole Year

Health and Physical Education

Compulsory

Whole Year

Italian

Compulsory

Whole Year

History

Geography

Compulsory

One Semester

Design, Technology and Engineering

Digital Technologies and STEM

Compulsory

One Semester

Elective 1

Elective 2

Compulsory

One Semester

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Year 7 Core Subjects Design, Technology and Engineering

Digital Technologies and STEM

Step into a world where ideas take shape and creativity comes to life!

The Digital Technologies course allows students to develop an understanding in basic computer systems and networks. Students develop programming skills and concepts. They learn to format and analyse data and consider ethical use of social media as digital citizens.

In this hands-on course, you’ll explore a range of exciting technologies and materials, including metalwork, woodwork, plastics, electronics, and structures. You’ll also get to use cuttingedge tools like Computer Aided Design (CAD), 3D printers, and laser cutters to turn your designs into real, working projects. You’ll develop practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a strong understanding of design processes, all while learning how to work safely and confidently in a workshop environment. From building unique products to experimenting with new technologies, this course is all about imagining, creating, and making your ideas a reality.

STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) is a problem-based methodology that allows students to solve problems through designing and inventing, using skills learned from within the subject area of Digital Technologies. The work throughout this unit of the course is student centred and allows creativity and individuality.

Content

Students learn how to create and collaborate using a variety of online tools.

Students will develop skills and knowledge during the production of projects, They will study three of the following areas:

Students are introduced to robotics using a range of technologies and are taught how to code them to achieve outcomes.

Woodwork

Topics covered in this course: Digital Citizenship

Gum ball machine and/or chopping board.

Interactions, impacts, and ethical use of social media.

CAD Developing a personalised sticker for their laptop and/or T-Shirt printing Learn how to use a 3D printer and Laser cutter.

Digital Systems Types of networks, security, and performance. Data Information

Metalwork

Data types and representation using binary.

Sheet metal developments e.g. dustpans or clocks.

Creating Digital Solutions

Plastics

Game creation using text-based programming.

Key tag, desk tidy, toys.

STEM

Electronics Simple circuits, soldering, basic programming, light circuit, electric model car.

Assessment

Structures Bridge building and model houses.

Assessment Practical projects: Processes and production Skills:

Robotics project exploring digital solutions for real-world problems.

60%

Students will be assessed on a variety of practical skills tasks with some written work including introduction to creating a design brief. Students complete a major project towards the end of the course where they use their knowledge, skills and understanding of robotics and coding.

Design Work: Knowledge and Understanding Planning and Evaluating

20% 20%

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Year 7 Core Subjects English

Geography

The English curriculum is built around the three interrelated strands of Language, Literature and Literacy.

Geography helps students understand the wellbeing and sustainability of the environment and our society.

Together the strands focus on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating.

Year 7 Geography provides students with an understanding of water as an example of a renewable resource and factors that influence the liveability of places.

Content

Students engage with a variety of texts.

Students will complete work from two themes; ‘Water in the World’ and ‘Places and Liveability.’

They interpret, create and evaluate a wide range of literary and everyday texts. These include various types of media texts, film and digital texts, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, dramatic performance and multimodal texts. Texts studied often address themes and issues, higher order thinking and intertextual references. Students develop critical understanding of ways texts are created to appeal to their target audiences and achieve a variety of purposes. Students create a range of imaginative, informative and persuasive types of texts including narratives, procedures, performances, reports and discussions.

Water in the World Students examine the many uses of water, how it is valued and its availability. They will study how water connects and affects places. Places and Liveability Students examine what influences the decisions people make about where to live. They will study the influences of factors such as accessibility to services, environmental quality and community identity on the liveability of places.

Assessment This may include the following:

Assessment

Fieldwork Report:

Assessment is based on responding to texts and creating texts, including written, oral and multimodal tasks.

This is based on an excursion. Assignments and quizzes: One Inquiry Research Portfolio of class work.

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Year 7 Core Subjects Health and Physical Education

History

Across this course, students will undertake eight practical units consisting of individual and team sorts, and recreational activities. Students will be challenged to develop their understanding of movement concepts and apply their understanding to successfully transfer movement skills and concepts to a variety of physical activities.

The Ancient world: The Year 7 Australian Curriculum for History 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.

They will explore the role that physical activity plays in shaping cultures and identities and the impact this has on lifelong physical activity participation. Emphasis will also be placed on refining and reflecting on personal and social skills for improved physical literacy.

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.

Content The areas of learning in the movement and physical activity strand to be addressed include, but is not limited to: Challenge and adventure activities Games and sports Lifelong physical activities Rhythmic and expressive movement activities.

Content The content provides opportunities to develop historical understanding through key concepts, including evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy, significance and contestability. Students undertake an overview and two Depth Studies which include: Investigating the ancient past The Mediterranean world: Ancient Egypt or Ancient Rome

Assessment Assessment is based on Australian Curriculum Achievement Standards and will include both practical and theoretical assessment. Per term students will be assessed on: Major practical unit Minor practical unit One theory task.

The Asian world: India or China.

Assessment This may include the following: Sources Analysis Multi-modal and/or displays Extended writing (e.g. developing essay skills, reports and note-taking).

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Year 7 Core Subjects Mathematics

Italian Italian is one of Australia’s most spoken languages. In Year 7, students learn to communicate in Italian for specific purposes. By comparing Italian and English language systems, students also develop their overall literacy. They reflect on what it means to operate between and across cultures, developing intercultural skills through an understanding of the role of language and culture in communication. Italian is used in classroom routines, structured discussions, and to communicate about students’ immediate world, including during excursions. English is used to compare language and cultural systems, offer opinions, and reflect on learning.

Year 7 Mathematics provides students with essential mathematical skills and knowledge in number and algebra, measurement and geometry, and statistics and probability. It develops the numeracy capabilities that all students need in their personal, and professional lives. It also establishes the foundations on which future mathematical specialities and applications are built. Students are assessed according to the Australian Curriculum Version 9, with class structures being designed so students can be extended or supported as required.

Content Integers

Content Students listen to, view and respond to a variety of authentic texts. They interpret information, interact with others, and create simple texts to describe people, places, events, conditions, likes, dislikes and preferences, make plans, narrate events and talk about their personal world. Topics include:

Fractions, Decimals and Percentages Factors and Multiples Algebra Linear Algebra Space and Measurement Geometry Statistics

Introducing Self and Others

Probability

Celebrations and Festivals School in Italy

Assessment

Regions of Italy and the weather

Each Semester

Food and Cultural Celebrations The Animal Kingdom and pets

Three Tests at 25% each

75%

One Directed Investigation

25%

Assessment Communication tasks: Listening, speaking, reading and writing Understanding language: grammar and vocabulary tasks

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Year 7 Core Subjects Religious Education

Science

Religious Education at St Michael’s College provides students with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Catholic Tradition and the teachings of Jesus Christ; to nurture and enrich their spiritual and religious growth; to introduce them to the Lasallian story, so that they may participate in a lively dialogue between young people of different religions and social backgrounds, empowering them to become people of integrity and people who show care for others and the world.

In Year 7 Science, 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.

Two Catholic Education South Australia curricula underpin the teaching and learning of Religious Education in Catholic Schools in South Australia - the renewed Crossways Curriculum, and Made in the Image of God (MITIOG) Curriculum.

Content

Students 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. They 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.

St Michael’s College and Belonging to a Community Introduction to the Catholic Faith and Prayer Starting to explore the Bible Healthy Relationships (MITIOG) Caring for Creation

Content

Advent - Christmas

Biology Classification Ecosystems and Food Webs

Assessment Semester 1 Belonging to a Community

30%

Introduction to the Catholic Faith and Prayer

30%

Starting to explore the Bible

30%

Core Work and Participation Grade

10%

Chemistry Introduction to the laboratory Mixtures and Separating Techniques Physics Forces and Motion

Semester 2 Healthy Relationships (MITIOG)

30%

The way we live: Do Unto Others

30%

Caring for Creation

30%

Course Work and Participation Grade

10%

Earth and Space Sciences Earth, Sun and the Moon

Assessment Topic Tests Research Assignments Practical Investigations

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Year 7 Elective Subjects

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Year 7 Elective Subjects Dance Dance in Year 7 is an introduction to the artform of Dance. Students will be taught how to develop movements into their own short dance works. Students will be required to work collaboratively and creatively with others, having opportunities to view their peers and professional performances and respond in written and multimodal forms.

Content Students are guided to perform with confidence and clarity, and with technical and expressive skills appropriate to the dance style.

Assessment Small group Dance Compositions performed to an audience. Responding to a Dance Performance live or recorded.

Drama Students will build confidence in working with others whilst they develop creative projects. They will experiment with creating characters, as well as explore their voice and movement skills, and the elements of performance. This is a practically orientated course in which the emphasis is on growing in confidence, having fun and gaining dramatic knowledge, understanding and skills. Students will view a professional theatre performance and will reflect upon the various storytelling devices, the actor’s performances and the design elements. This experience will also inspire students in their own creative work and will develop their understanding of how the elements of Drama are used most effectively.

Content Teamwork and working with others Elements of Drama

*Students are invited onto our Performance Passport Program where they can opt in to perform in our Semester Dance Showcase.

Ensemble performance skills Improvisation Using voice and body to develop a character Viewing professional performance Creating group performances.

Assessment May include the following: Devised group performances Clowning and circus skills Response to live theatre.

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Year 7 Elective Subjects Music

Visual Arts

Do you have an interest in exploring what it means to be a musician? Have you ever wanted to play an instrument but have just not got around to it? Have you ever wanted to be part of a real band?

This course is designed to cater for students of all artistic abilities, with an emphasis on exposing them to a broad range of achievable, creative experiences. Our aim is to give students the confidence to express their ideas in a visual manner and to teach them the skills to do so.

In Year 7 Music you will get to explore all these areas of music and have lots of fun along the way. This course will have all students, regardless of their musical background, engaged in the art of music creation with both instruments as well as music technology. Year 7 Music leads to pathways into either Music Practical or Music Technology in Year 8 depending on what specific area of Music you are looking to explore.

Students will create, make, present and respond to artworks by exploring a variety of artistic styles, methods and media. This wide exposure to different ways of making art will afford students the opportunity to make a meaningful connection with one or more of the disciplines.

Content Students can expect to be exposed to a range of learning opportunities which could include:

Content Students will learn the simple chords and rhythms to popular songs which will culminate in them participating in a class ensemble as well as learn how to use computer software to create musical compositions. The table below shows a breakdown of your musical adventure in Year 7.

Term

Painting Observational Drawing 3D Studies Graphic Design Printmaking.

Assessment

Task

Weeks

Intro

Folio

Drums

2 and 3

Research

Bass

4 and 5

Ukulele/Guitar

6 and 7

Piano

8, 9 and 10

Band/Tech

1-10

Methods and Materials exercises:

Idea generation

Term 1

Experiments Written Responses Resolved Major/Minor works of Art/Design.

Term 2

Assessment Assessment is based on: Student Participation

50%

On a range of rhythm section instruments.

General Musicality

50%

On instruments, theory concepts and technology.

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Year 8 Be Engaged In Year 8, the curriculum continues to embrace all key learning areas and is responsive to the changing demands of a modern, forwardlooking education system providing all students with the opportunity to reach their full potential. Learning experiences are authentic and intentional, incorporating real-world contexts, problem-solving activities, and higher-order thinking. Students are engaged in real-world problem-solving activities and projects that connect learning to their own lives and experiences. It is also flexible to accommodate the diverse needs and abilities and individual student’s learning styles and preferences.

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Year 8 Subject Information The following pages contain information regarding core (compulsory) subjects along with elective subjects for Year 8. Students will select one technology subject and one arts subject as their core electives for one semester.

Semester

Lessons per week

Semester

Lessons per week

Requirement

Length

Extended PC

Compulsory

Whole Year

English

Compulsory

Whole Year

Mathematics

Compulsory

Whole Year

Religious Education

Compulsory

Whole Year

Science

Compulsory

Whole Year

Health and Physical Education

Compulsory

Whole Year

Italian

Compulsory

Whole Year

History

Geography

Core Elective

One Semester

Technology Subject

Arts Subject

Core Elective

One Semester

Elective 1

Elective 2

Core Elective

One Semester

Learning Area Technology

Arts

Elective Subjects

Length

Design, Technology & Engineering

1 Semester

Digital Technologies

1 Semester

Visual Arts

1 Semester

Drama

1 Semester

Dance

1 Semester

Music Practical

1 Semester

Music Technology

1 Semester

Choose from the following Free Choice Elective Subjects Students can select two subjects from the following electives in order of preference along with two reserve subjects. Please note, if you have selected Design, Technology & Engineering as a core elective above, you are also able to select Digital Technologies as a free choice elective below.

Free Choice Elective Subjects

Length

Business, Finance and the Law

1 Semester

Dance

1 Semester

Digital Technologies

1 Semester

Drama

1 Semester

Music Technology

1 Semester

Music Practical

1 Semester

Visual Arts

1 Semester

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Year 8 Core Subjects English

Geography

The English curriculum is built around the three interrelated strands of Language, Literature and Literacy.

Year 8 Geography provides students with an understanding of the processes that shape landforms and landscapes and why places are important to people.

Together the strands focus on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating.

Content Students engage with a variety of texts. They interpret, create and evaluate a wide range of literary and everyday texts. These include various types of media texts, film and digital texts, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, dramatic performance and multimodal texts. Texts studied often address themes and issues, higher order thinking and intertextual references. Students develop critical understanding of ways texts are created to appeal to their target audiences and achieve a variety of purposes. Students create a range of imaginative, informative and persuasive types of texts including narratives, procedures, performances, reports and discussions.

Assessment Assessment is based on responding to texts and creating texts, including written, oral and multi-modal tasks.

Students will consider why the Adelaide Metropolitan coastline is changing. They investigate how populations around the world are changing as a result of migration and urbanisation and why our suburbs are changing. The students will also complete the Honest Learning program which considers issues such as plagiarism and the importance of referencing. This course consists of six lessons per week for one semester.

Content Restless Earth Students gain an understanding of landscapes and landforms and why they are important to people. They study the significance of the Adelaide region for the Kaurna peoples. They complete units of work exploring the way deserts and coastal environments are shaped by processes of erosion, deposition and weathering. Restless People Students gain an understanding of urbanisation and migration and how they shape our cities. They complete units of work exploring the impact of these processes on Australia, the United States of America and China.

Assessment This includes: Fieldwork Report based on an excursion to Seacliff and Brighton Group task Inquiry research task Portfolio of classwork.

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Year 8 Core Subjects Health and Physical Education

History

The Ancient to the Modern World:

Content The areas of learning in the movement and physical activity strand to be addressed include, but is not limited to: Challenge and adventure activities

The content provides opportunities to develop historical understanding through key concepts, including evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy, significance and contestability. Students undertake an overview and three Depth Studies which include:

Japan under the Shoguns (c.794-1867) Polynesian expansion across the Pacific (c.700-1756)

Assessment Assessment is based on Australian Curriculum Achievement Standards and will include both practical and theoretical assessment

One theory task.

Content

Angkor/Khmer Empire (c.802-1431)

Rhythmic and expressive movement activities

Minor practical unit

It was the period when the modern world began to take shape

Empires and Expansions:

Lifelong physical activities

Major practical unit

Social, economic, religious and political beliefs were often challenged and significantly changed.

Medieval Europe (c.590-c.1500)

Games and sports

Per term students will be assessed on:

The Year 8 Australian Curriculum for History 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.

The Asia-Pacific World - Japan under the Shoguns (c.794-1867)

Assessment This may include the following: Sources Analysis Multi-modal and/or displays Extended writing (e.g. developing essay skills, reports and note-taking).

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Year 8 Core Subjects Italian

Mathematics

Through the study of Italian, students enhance their literacy, while developing communication skills in both Italian and English. Students reflect on their first language, themselves and others, developing intercultural understanding, a valuable and soughtafter 21st century capability for effective communication.

Year 8 Mathematics provides students with essential mathematical skills and knowledge in number and algebra, measurement and space, and statistics and probability.

Italian is used in classroom routines, structured discussions and to communicate about both the students’ immediate world and the Italian-speaking communities. English is mostly used to compare language and cultural systems, offer opinions and reflect on learning.

Content Students listen to, view, read and respond to a variety of authentic texts. They interpret information, interact with others and create more detailed descriptions of people, places, events, conditions, likes, dislikes and preferences, narrate events and talk about their personal world. Topics include: Self and others Italy’s contributions to the Modern World Hobbies and Sport Cultural Celebrations Home and Family Entertainment and Movies Italy’s contributions to the Modern World

Assessment

It develops the numeracy capabilities that all students need in their personal, and professional lives. It also establishes the foundations on which future mathematical specialities and applications are built. Students are assessed according to the Australian Curriculum Version 9, with class structures being designed so students can be extended or supported as required.

Content Fractions, Decimals and Percentages Index Laws Factorising and Expanding Linear Equations and Inequations Linear Functions and Relations Measurement Space Statistics Probability.

Assessment Each semester: Three tests at 25% each

75%

One Directed Investigation

25%

Communicating tasks: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing Understanding Language: Grammar and vocabulary tasks

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Year 8 Core Subjects Religious Education

Science

Religious Education at St Michael’s College provides students with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Catholic Tradition and the teachings of Jesus Christ; to nurture and enrich their spiritual and religious growth; to continue to explore the Lasallian story, so that they may participate in a lively dialogue between young people of different religions and social backgrounds, empowering them to become people of integrity and people who show care for others and the world.

In Year 8 Science 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 flow of matter between interdependent organs. Similarly, they explore changes in matter at a particle level, and distinguish between chemical and physical change.

Content St John Baptist de La Salle & the Lasallian Tradition, Saints and Mission Today A closer look at the Eucharist A closer look at the Old Testament A closer look at Jesus and the New Testament

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.

A closer look at the First Christians and Early Christianity

Content

Catholicism around the world today Our wellbeing and relationship with God in prayer A closer look at the Christian meaning of Advent and Christmas.

Biological Sciences Cells and multi-cellular organisms. Chemical Sciences

Assessment

Matter, The Particle Theory and Chemical Changes.

Semester 1 In the Footsteps of De La Salle

20%

The Mass and the Eucharist

20%

A closer look at the Old Testament

20%

A closer look at Jesus and the New Testament

30%

Course Work and Participation Grade

10%

Physical Sciences Types of Energy Energy Transfer and transformation Earth Science The Rock Cycle Plate Tectonics

Semester 2 A closer look at Christians and Early Christianity

20%

Catholicism around the world today

30%

Prayer through Meditation

20%

Our Wellbeing and Relationship with God

20%

Course Work and Participation Grade

10%

Assessment Topic Tests Research Assignments Practical Investigations

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Year 8 Elective Subjects Business Finance and the Law

Dance

This course allows students to explain the rights and responsibilities of consumers. It also explores how governments and individuals create budgets. They describe influences on the way people work and factors that may affect work in the future. Students analyse features of the Constitution and explain features of Australia’s democracy that enable active participation. 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.

This course develops students’ skills in using the body as a medium for expression and communication and increases their abilities to work, create and perform individually and in a group.

Content Rights and Responsibilities: Students are to study what rights we have as Australian Citizens and what responsibilities go with those rights. They then branch out into International Human Rights and explore examples of situations where people are denied these rights.

It gives students the opportunity to explore and experience a variety of dance styles and to understand dance as an art form within a traditional and contemporary context.

Content Students will learn specialised dance terminology and use this to analyse and respond to dance works. Students will develop and apply understanding of the processes of dance composition for choreography using a range of dance elements, genres, styles, techniques, conventions and practices. This course is predominantly practical in nature and students will be expected to actively participate.

Budgets: Students will be shown the process of creating a budget and the importance of them. Australian Values: Students will study the concepts of Freedom, Equality, Compassion, Inclusion and Responsibility. These concepts are then brought together to explain the secular nation that we currently live in.

Dance: Focuses on technique, composition and performance Will allow students to develop an understanding of the components of dance composition Hip Hop and contemporary are the predominant styles studied.

The Changing Work Environment:

Assessment

Students are to explore the notions of why people work and the changing nature of work in Australia.

The assessment in this subject is continuous and incorporates: Skill development

Changing the Constitution:

Performances

Student will discover what the constitution is and how can it be changed via a Referendum.

Reflective and analytical skills through written responses.

Assessment ase Study outlining a particular Human right that has been C violated Create a budget for an overseas holiday Cost/Benefit Analysis of living in Australia’s contemporary multicultural society Interview an adult who has changed their job in the past with the focus on why they made the change.

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Year 8 Elective Subjects Design, Technology and Engineering

Digital Technologies

Bring your ideas to life and take your creativity to the next level!

In this course students will distinguish between different types of networks and their defined purposes.

In this exciting elective, you’ll design, plan, and build your own projects using a wide range of materials and technologies. You’ll explore areas such as metalwork, woodwork, jewellery making, photography, plastics, electronics, and structures. You’ll also work with advanced tools and techniques, including Computer Aided Design (CAD), laser cutting, and 3D printing. Safety is a key focus as you learn to use equipment and workshop spaces with confidence. Along the way, you’ll develop practical skills, STEM knowledge, and problem-solving abilities—turning your designs from sketches into real, working creations.

Content Students will develop skills and knowledge during the production of projects, they will study four of the following areas: Woodwork liding lid box, Dragcar, native habitat boxes and/or chopping S boards.

Students use a BBC micro: bit, (which is a pocket-sized computer) as a tool for learning the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science. Students gain practical experience of writing computer programs to solve problems. Students further their knowledge in programming using online learning and robotics. They apply these programming skills to the developments of digital solutions.

Content Students will plan and manage digital projects to create interactive information. They will define and deconstruct problems design user experiences and algorithms. Students, test, modify and implement digital solutions. Students evaluate information systems and their solutions in terms of meeting needs, innovation, and sustainability. Students analyse and evaluate data from a range of sources to model and create solutions. They use appropriate protocols when communicating and collaborating online. Topics covered in this course:

CAD Developing a personalised sticker for their laptop. Laser Cutting Engineering drawings of their designs - glass etching.

Social Media Communities: Discussion and exploration of: are we connected or distracted, informed, or misinformed?

Metalwork Sheet metal developments e.g. pencil tins, dustpans.

Digital Systems:

Plastics

Networks types, network protocols, sending data via a network and cyber crime.

Keytag, desk tidy, toys. Electronics

Data and Information:

Simple circuits, soldering, basic programming, light circuit.

Collect, sort, and visualise data.

Jewellery

Creating Digital Solutions:

Necklace beads, custom casting of pendants.

xplore the way computer programming uses a collection of E smaller programs - functions to solve problems.

Assessment Process and Production Skills

60%

Knowledge and Understanding

20%

Planning and Evaluating

20%

Assessment Students will be assessed on a variety of practical skills tasks and some theory assessment. Practical Components: Networking with Micro:bit Data Presentation omputational Thinking: Logical and creative problem solving C activity Object Orientated Programming Game Development Task Robotic Challenges. Theory Components Cyber Security Challenge Social Media Analysis.

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Year 8 Elective Subjects Drama

Music Practical

This is a practically orientated course which emphasises students’ developing confidence, having fun and gaining dramatic knowledge and skills. Students will have the opportunity to explore topics such as mime, comedy, filmmaking and character building. Students will present their creative work for audiences within the class and will also rehearse and perform a class production for a live audience.

The focus of Music Practical is to have students actively involved in performing on either an instrument of choice or voice.

Students will view a professional theatre performance and will reflect upon the various theatrical elements, the actor’s performances and the themes and ideas within the text. This experience will also inspire students in their own creative work and will develop their understanding of how the elements of Drama are used most effectively.

Content Teamwork and ensemble skills Using the body and voice

Students will use their previous experience in Year 7 Music to further explore what it takes to be a musician. Any instrument they may have learnt in the past can also be incorporated into the class band where they will learn to play a selection of contemporary songs. Students will also have the option of taking up a brass (trumpet, trombone) or woodwind (saxophone, clarinet, flute) instrument which will be supplied by the music department. Students taking Instrumental Music lessons will be strongly encouraged to perform a solo piece at the end of each school term.

Content Practical: Playing music in a class band: Solo Performance

Developing a character

Theory:

Viewing a professional performance

Aural and the Elements of Music

Creating a group performance for an audience

Music in Culture, Styles and History:

Assessment Reflective response to live theatre Creative group presentations Mime and physical comedy skills Melodrama. Class performance for a live audience

Learning about influential bands and performers through research assignments.

Assessment Ensemble performance/Class band

30%

Solo Performance

30%

Auralia and Musition (Online Theory/Theory)

20%

Music in Culture, Styles and History

20%

Research and presentation on a nominated topic of choice.

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Year 8 Elective Subjects Visual Arts

Music Technology: From Beats to Booth Ever wondered how a simple beat becomes a full song, how producers shape the sounds in your favourite tracks, or how DJs keep the music flowing at a live event? Music Technology: From Beats to Booth puts you in control of the sound. Students create original music using Ableton Live Intro, learning how beats, bass lines, chords, melodies, loops, samples and effects work together to build a finished track. Students also design an original sound story and produce a short podcast exploring the people and inventions that changed music forever. Then it is time to step behind the decks. Using Serato DJ Lite and DJ controllers, students learn to select compatible tracks, match BPMs, use hot cues, loops, filters, and effects, and perform their own live mini-set. Whether students are into hip-hop, EDM, pop, rock or another style entirely, this subject is for those who want to do more than listen to music - they want to make it.

This course has been specifically designed for students who wish to extend their skills by exploring a variety of artistic styles, methods and media. Exposure to new ways of making art is an important step in the journey of all young artists as it opens up opportunities of discovery and self-expression. Like all art forms, this course has the capacity to engage, inspire and enrich all students, exciting the imagination and encouraging them to reach their creative and expressive potential.

Content Students can expect to be exposed to a range of learning activities which could include: Painting Observational drawing Printmaking Sculpture

Content

Collage

Arrangement and Composition:

Design and illustration techniques

Create beats using loops and samples Learn how to make chords and melodies for your own songs Understand music creating software and hardware.

Computer graphics.

Assessment

Aural Skills and The Elements of Music Edit audio and MIDI, applying FX to music and soundscapes Develop basic piano skills for composing Apply Rhythm, pitch, dynamics, form, timbre and texture to music production.

Methods and Materials Exercises. Folio Research/Idea generation/experiments/written responses Resolved Major Works.

Music in Cultures, Styles and History Discover the history behind today’s music industry xplore technology that changed how we make and listen to E music Learn about the musical genres that have embraced technology.

Assessment Project 1

20%

Track Breakdown and Rebuild: create and arrange original tracks in Ableton live. Project 2

20%

Beat Lab: build beats, chord progressions, bass lines and melodies. Project 3

20%

Studio Session: experiment with sound effects, automation and sound design. Project 4

20%

Simpole Flip: Reimagining Sound: discover how music technology has shaped the music industry. Course Work and Participation

20%

roducer Portfolio: Plan a DJ playlist and perform P using Serato DJ Lite and DJ controllers

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Year 9 Be Empowered In Year 9 the aim is to continue to foster a love of learning in students whilst building on previous learning experiences, inspiring thinking, and questioning. Learning in a Lasallian school refers to the educational philosophy and approach and it emphasises the holistic development of students, focusing on academic excellence, character formation, faith, service to others, and creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. It involves the art and science of guiding and supporting learners’ cognitive, social, and emotional development.

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Year 9 Subject Information Semester

Lessons per week

Semester

Lessons per week

Requirement

Length

Extended PC

Compulsory

Whole Year

English

Compulsory

Whole Year

Mathematics

Compulsory

Whole Year

Science

Compulsory

Whole Year

The Rite Journey

Compulsory

Whole Year

History

Religious Education

Core

One Semester

Elective 1

Elective 2

Elective

One Semester

Elective 3

Elective 4

Elective

One Semester

Learning Area

Elective Subjects

Length

Art/Design

1 Semester

Athlete High Performance Program

1 Semester

Business, Finance and the Law

1 Semester

Dance

1 Semester

Elective row on supplied 1 Semester Design, Technology and hidden Engineering doc. Is this to be included?

Electives

Digital Animation

1 Semester

Digital Media Creations

1 Semester

Digital Technologies

1 Semester

Drama

1 Semester

Fashion and Textiles*

1 Semester

Food Technology

1 Semester

Health Education*

1 Semester

Italian A

1 Semester

Italian B

1 Semester

Music Practical

1 Semester

Music Practical Extension

1 Semester

Music Technology

1 Semester

Society and Environment

1 Semester

Sport Education

1 Semester

* Subjects These elective subjects can be selected in either Year 9 or Year 10. Should Year 9 students select one of the below subjects in Year 9, they will be precluded from selecting that subject again in Year 10 the following year. Health Education Fashion and Textiles

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Year 9 Core Subjects English

History

The English curriculum is built around the three interrelated strands of Language, Literature and Literacy. Together the strands focus on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating.

The Year 9 History curriculum provides a study of the history of the making of the modern world from 1750 to 1918.

Students engage with a variety of texts. They interpret, create and evaluate a wide range of literary and everyday texts. These include various types of media texts, film and digital texts, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, dramatic performance and multimodal texts.

Content Students create a range of imaginative, informative and persuasive types of texts including narratives, procedures, performances, reports and discussions. Texts studied often address themes and issues, higher order thinking and intertextual references. Students develop critical understanding of ways texts are created to appeal to their target audiences and achieve a variety of purposes.

Assessment Assessment is based on responding to texts and creating texts, including written, oral and multi-modal tasks.

It was a period of industrialisation and rapid change in the ways people lived, worked and thought. It was an era of nationalism and imperialism, and the colonisation of Australia was part of the expansion of European power. The period culminated in World War I, 1914–1918, the ‘war to end all wars’.

Content 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. Students undertake an overview and three Depth Studies which include: Making a Better World? - The Industrial Revolution (1750-1918) Australia, Asia and the World - China (1750-1918) World War I (1914-1918) Building the Australian nations (1750-1914).

Assessment This may include the following: Sources Analysis Empathy task Multi-modal and/or displays Extended writing.

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Year 9 Core Subjects Mathematics

Religious Education

Year 9 Mathematics provides students with essential mathematical skills and knowledge in numbers and algebra, measurement and space, and statistics probability.

Religious Education at St Michael’s College provides students with the opportunity to deepen, within a Lasallian community, their knowledge and understanding of the Catholic Tradition and the teachings of Jesus Christ; to nurture their spiritual growth; and to engage respectfully with diverse beliefs, cultures and perspectives. Through the study of interfaith dialogue, including visits to a local Masjid and St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, students learn to appreciate difference and build understanding across faith traditions. Two Catholic Education South Australia curricula underpin the course: the renewed Crossways Curriculum and Made in the Image of God (MITIOG), through which students explore topics such as Healthy Relationships, personal identity and human dignity, empowering them to become people of integrity who show care and respect for others and the world around them.

It develops the numeracy capabilities that all students will need in their future personal and professional lives. It also establishes the foundations on which future mathematical specialities and applications are built. Students are assessed according to the Australian Curriculum Version 9, with class structures being designed so students can be extended or supported as required. In Year 9, students are place into Level A, B or C based on previous results, diagnostic testing and teacher recommendations.

Content Number skills and Index Laws

Content

Expanding, Factorising and Quadratics

What Do Catholics Believe?

Transformations of Functions

Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Peace

Coordinate Geometry and Right-Angled Triangles

I n Right Relationships, Sexuality and the Human Person (MITIOG and CPC)

Surface Area and Volume Time and Scientific Notation

ocation: The Calling of God in My Life (Lasallian Vocations, V Catholics Making a Difference and Saints).

Proportions and Constructions Statistics

Assessment

Probability.

Assessment Each semester:

What Do Catholics Believe?

20%

Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Peace

30%

In Right Relationship

20%

Three tests at 25% each

75%

Vocation: The Calling of God in My Life

20%

One Directed Investigation

25%

Course Work and Participation

10%

Mathematical Pathways into Year 10 Upon entering Year 10, students and their families select the mathematics option that best suits their desired future pathway. For information on further year levels, please refer to the Senior Secondary Curriculum Handbook. We recommend selecting the most challenging option that students feel they can experience success in.

NOTE: Italian Footnote. Students who select Italian A in Semester 1 will be grouped together for Religion/Italian in Semester 2, in order to maintain some contact with the language through their Religion lessons in possible preparation for Year 10 Italian, should they wish to continue. Religion will cover the same content as the regular Year 9 Religion course, but will be taught by a teacher who is also a teacher of Italian. This will allow the teacher to integrate Italian into the lessons, where appropriate, in order to provide some level of continuity to students who may then decide to select Year 10 Italian in 2027. Assessment for Religion will be in English.

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Year 9 Core Subjects Science

The Rite Journey

Year 9 Science students explore ways in which the human body, and life in general, responds to its environment. They are introduced to atomic theory, subatomic particles and nuclear decay. They learn that matter can be rearranged through chemical change and that these changes play an important role in many systems.

The Rite Journey is a year long program that aims to support Year 9 students in their transition from childhood to adulthood. The program recognises the significance of celebrating this rite of passage and provides opportunities for conversation and experiences to guide this transition. In collaboration with parents/ guardians, teachers will support the development of self-aware, responsible, respectful, resilient, reflective, and resourceful adults. Over the course of the year, students will aim to complete a variety of tasks in order to conquer the seven C’s of Courage, Collaboration, Consideration, Compassion, Commitment, Camp, and Challenge.

Students begin to develop their understanding of the conservation of energy and matter in chemical reactions and eventually apply their understanding to global systems such as continental movement.

Content Biological Sciences Control and Regulation Reproduction Chemical Sciences Atomic theory Chemical Reactions. Physical Sciences Heat, Light and Sound (energy) Earth Science Global Systems (Atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere)

Content The Rite Journey specific features will include: Single sex classes Teachers as mentors Milestone ceremonies Rites of passage opportunities Camp experience Extensive reflection/discussion/sharing Involves parents and other mentors.

Yearly Overview Term 1 - Who am I really? Term 2 - How do I get along with others?

Assessment Topic Tests Research Assignments Practical Investigations

Term 3 - Is there something more? Term 4 - What is my purpose and what do I have to give? The Health and Physical Education component will focus on preparation for challenge events/activities scheduled throughout the year. These lessons will encompass aspects of physical fitness and conditioning, teamwork and group dynamics, and initiative.

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Year 9 Core Subjects

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Year 9 Elective Subjects Art/Design The Year 9 Art/Design elective has been created for students who have a particular interest in both Art and Design and wish to broaden their skills and appreciation of the role of the visual artist in society. There is a strong emphasis on exposing students to a variety of arts practice and the processes associated with creating art and design works. Students will also be taught the use of appropriate visual language in the expression and analysis of their works and the work of others. Students will be studying One Term of Art and One Term of Design.

Content Art: Methods and Materials Painting Drawing, Printmaking Collage Sculpture Mixed Media

Athlete High Performance Program: Performance Analytics* Take your sporting performance beyond the scoreboard and discover what it takes to succeed in high-performance sport. The Athlete High Performance Program: Performance Analytics is designed for motivated student-athletes who want to better understand how elite athletes train, perform, and improve. Throughout the semester, students will explore how professional sporting organisations use video analysis, performance data, sports psychology, and athlete support systems to gain a competitive advantage. Students will analyse footage of their own performances, compare themselves against elite athletes, investigate how mental skills influence performance, and participate in professional sporting experiences that provide insight into high-performance environments. Through practical activities, industry immersion opportunities, and performance investigations, students will develop a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to sporting success. This subject serves as the foundation of the Athlete High Performance Program pathway and is ideal for students who are passionate about sport and committed to improving their performance.

Design: ethods and Materials: rendering, stippling, watercolour M illustration Product Design: Packaging Computer Graphics: corporate logo/branding/poster design Environmental Design: Perspective/isometric drawings/design of a futuristic building Fashion Design and Textile design.

Assessment Making: Methods and Materials exercises Folio Research Idea generation Experiments

Content Through undertaking this subject, students will learn: Performance analysis techniques used in elite sport Video analysis and athlete feedback processes Sports psychology and mental performance strategies Goal setting, visualisation, self-talk and concentration techniques Performance profiling and athlete development High-performance sporting environments and career pathways

Assessment Game Analysis

40%

Sports Psychology Analysis

40%

Professional Immersion Project

20%

Resolved Major Works. Responding: Annotations/analysis Evaluations/research.

*NOTE: This subject is designed for student-athletes competing at school, zone, state, national, academy, or equivalent representative levels. Students aspiring to compete at higher levels may also apply and will be considered subject to available places. Students are required to complete an Athlete High Performance Program application form. Acceptance is subject to meeting the program entry requirements and available places. TO APPLY: Click on the link below to submit your application:

Application Form

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Year 9 Elective Subjects Business, Finance and the Law The aim of this course is to introduce students to many new and interesting topics relating to the financial world. There will be a focus on Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation.

Content Stock Market Students investigate how the Stock Market works and how investors can make significant amounts of money. Young People and the Law Students will also learn about their legal rights. They investigate particular points of law that may impact on them in coming years. Political Parties Students investigate the wide variety of political parties. Students learn how these parties are formed and what their ideologies may be. Buying a House The emphasis of this topic is to investigate why housing prices vary so much. Marketing This topic will explore brand recognition and the power of branding.

Assessment Folio of Houses Students are to find and present a number of different houses that are currently on the market. They need to explain why there are differences in the prices. PowerPoint Presentation Students will choose an obscure political party and present to the class what that party stands for. Oral Presentation Students, in pairs, present a particular law of interest to them. Report Students are to complete a report on an ASX listed company. They are required to analyse recent changes in share prices and make observations about why these changes have occurred.

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Year 9 Elective Subjects Dance

Design, Technology and Engineering

Year 9 Dance aims to immerse students in viewing professional performances with a focus on dance films. Students are guided through creative explorations through dance composition and reflect on Dance through multimedia responses.

Push your creativity further, master advanced workshop skills, and take on design challenges that mirror real-world engineering and manufacturing.

This course gives students the opportunity to explore and experience a variety of dance styles and to understand dance as an art form. Contemporary dance is the basis for the course and students can have input on the other style they would like to present for performance.

Content In small groups students devise, plan, choreograph and film their own dance films. Students will learn specialised dance terminology and use this to analyse and respond to dance films. This course is predominantly practical in nature and students will be expected to actively participate. Dance: Focuses on technique, composition and performance Will allow students to develop an understanding of the components of dance composition Hip Hop, Jazz and Contemporary are the predominant styles studied.

Assessment The assessment in this subject is continuous and incorporates: Group work and devising of Dance Films Performances to a live audience Technique and skill development Reflective and analytical skills through written responses and or multimodal responses

In this course, you’ll move beyond the basics to design, plan and produce complex projects using a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. You’ll work with materials such as metals, wood, plastics and electronics, while also exploring CAD design, CNC machining, laser cutting, 3D printing and precision measurement tools. You’ll learn about technical processes like cutting, shaping, joining, finishing, and assembling - developing the ability to choose the right materials, tools and methods for each project. Safety remains a top priority as you build the confidence to operate advanced equipment and manage your workspace efficiently. This course is perfect for students who want to explore engineering, product design, or trades pathways, or simply love the challenge of making high-quality, functional products. You’ll finish the course with projects you can be proud of and the skills to bring even bigger ideas to life.

Content Students will study three of the following areas of study: Woodwork Wooden footstool, laptop stand or guitar. CAD Custom made logos on t-shirts, glass etching, 3D printing student’s designs, laser engraving and/or cutting Metalwork Metal art animal creations, welded items, sheet metal developments Plastics Photo frames, toys. Electronics Arduino programming robots, electronic listening bugs or games. Jewellery Rings, pendants, cuttlefish casting belt buckles and brooches.

Assessment Practical projects

60%

Processes and Production Skills

20%

Design work

20%

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Year 9 Elective Subjects Digital Animation

Digital Media Creations

In this course students will use specialised software applications to produce a range of digital animation projects. Students will learn graphic creation, motion graphics, 2D designs and how to animate characters through the use of ActionScript programming language.

The objective of this course is for students to develop skills in using Photoshop and a variety of Adobe software applications for the production of film, photography, digital publishing and web development.

Content Students will learn: Vector based graphic creation using Adobe Illustrator 2D character creation using Adobe Animate

Content Students will learn how to: esign and develop publishing materials using Photoshop, D Illustrator and InDesign

ActionScript programming

ake and manipulate sound files, present sound, images and M create short film using Digital Video Media

Storyboard and plan using an iterative design process

Develop web pages with an introduction to Web Design.

Motion graphics using Adobe After Effects File preparation for animation

Assessment

Sound recording processes and implementation.

Practical Components: Digital Publishing products

Assessment

Logo design using Illustrator

Practical Components:

Image editing and formatting

Vector graphic creation

Photo Restoration and Photographic composition

Motion graphic Task

Making and editing sound ﬁles for use in presentations

2D character development

Filmmaking Digital Video Media

ActionScript Project.

Webpage development.

Theory Components: Issues Analysis: moral representations through animation.

Theory Components: Issues Analysis relating to Digital Media creators.

NOTE: *This subject can be selected only once over Years 9 and 10. Should you wish to select this subject in Year 9 you will be precluded from selecting this subject again in Year 10.

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Year 9 Elective Subjects Digital Technologies

Drama

Students will develop their skills and understanding in coding through a range of skills tasks. While using a STEM based approach to achieve successful digital solutions, students will develop an understanding of design, computational and systems thinking, and organisational and project management skills.

Drama develops skills in teamwork, creativity and problem solving. Students will explore performance skills in improvisation, play building and learn how to devise new work. Students may explore the role, skills and techniques of a theatre designer in their creative presentations. Students will present their group performance to an audience as negotiated with their teacher. Students will view and reflect upon a professional theatre performance, developing their skills of evaluation and analysis. This experience will inspire students in their own creative work and will develop their understanding of how the elements of drama are used most effectively.

Students will use computational thinking skills to design and plan their tasks by developing a pseudocode algorithm and flow chart. Students will also learn about computer systems and develop skills in data processing and data management.

Content In this practical based subject, students will: Complete a range of game making and robotics activities Learn fundamental coding concepts and skills Use computational thinking skills to design and plan their tasks by developing algorithms and flow charts.

Assessment

Content Gothic theatre (style) Improvisation and play building Viewing live theatre Creating a group performance for an audience Technical theatre production; lighting, costume, sound, set and prop designs.

Practical Components: STEM Robotics Game Challenges Data management and analysis. Theory Components: Computer Systems.

Assessment Creative response to live theatre Devised group performances Group performance to a public audience Multimodal documentary style presentations.

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Year 9 Elective Subjects Fashion and Textiles*

Food Technology*

This course will introduce the students to basic trade drawing skills required to work in the fashion industry as well as how to use an Industrial Sewing Machine and complete a small textile project.

Turn up the heat and take your cooking skills to the next level!

Students will focus on the development of skills, product design and development, technology, and garment production.

Content The unit will require students to: Apply the design process to achieve a product Fashion Illustration and Textiles Pattern making Safely operate an Industrial Sewing Machine and Overlocker.

Assessment Type 1: Folio Completion of a design folio demonstrating the design process, including production skills. Type 2: Practical Resolved illustration and garment, including practitioner’s statement. Type 3: Visual Study

In this course, you’ll get hands-on in the kitchen every week, creating mouth-watering sweet and savoury dishes while learning the techniques and tips used by great cooks. From perfect pasta to decadent desserts, each recipe connects to the theory you’ll explore in class—helping you understand not just how to cook, but why certain ingredients and methods work. You’ll also discover how food impacts health and wellbeing, learn to plan balanced meals, and explore the connection between cooking, culture, and community. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to grow your own ingredients, experiment with flavours, and share your creations with others. Whether you dream of becoming a chef, want to impress family and friends, or simply love the idea of making food that looks and tastes amazing, Year 9 Food Technology will give you the skills and confidence to make it happen.

Content Through undertaking this subject, students will learn: Personal and food hygiene Safety in the kitchen Healthy meal planning

Investigation of Designers in the industry and their works.

Native Australian flavours Influences on contemporary Australian cuisine.

NOTE: *This subject can be selected only once over Years 9 and 10. Should you wish to select this subject in Year 9 you will be precluded from selecting this subject again in Year 10.

Assessment Weekly Cooking Practicals

50%

Safety, Hygiene, Weighing and Measuring Test

10%

One x Individual Project

20%

Two x Collaborative Projects

20%

NOTE: *Students are required to write an email of application outlining their interests in Food Technology. This email should be emailed to foodtech@smc.sa.edu.au by 31 August. Please note that due to very high demand, places are limited and not all applicants can be guaranteed a position in this subject.

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Year 9 Elective Subjects Health Education*

Italian A

This course focuses on supporting students to make decisions about their own health, safety and well-being.

This one-semester course allows students to further develop communication skills in both Italian and English, enhancing their overall literacy and understanding of the role of language, culture and perspective in communication in a globalised world.

Through a critical inquiry approach, students will research, analyse, apply and evaluate contextual factors that decisionmaking, behaviours and actions. This will encourage greater awareness of the overall impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals, groups and communities. The critical inquiry process will also enhance and improve health literacy so that students are better able to understand and actively engage in health and well-being decisions.

Content

Italian is used in classroom routines, written tasks, in structured discussions and during excursions. A combination of Italian and English is used to compare language and cultural systems, offer opinions, and reflect on learning. Italian A is pre-requisite for Year 10 Italian.

Content

Mental Health and Well-being

Students listen to, view, read, and respond to a variety of texts. They use Italian to share experiences, describe events and justify opinions through correspondence, reflections, poems, and recounts.

Health Promotion

Topics include:

Topics could include: Determinates of Health

Respectful Relationships

Cultural celebrations

Safety.

Italian influences in South Australia

Assessment nderstanding and knowledge of practical and theoretical U components Research assignments Behaviour, application and participation levels.

NOTE: *This subject can be selected only once over Years 9 and 10. Should you wish to select this subject in Year 9 you will be precluded from selecting this subject again in Year 10.

Rome and Florence Travel and Tourism Italian Cinema Food and Cooking Italian is a one-semester subject in Year 9, all students who select Italian A in Semester 1 will be grouped together for Religion/Italian in Semester 2. This will be taught by an Italian teacher and will provide an opportunity for continued contact with the language through their Religion lessons, as appropriate, in possible preparation for Year 10 Italian, should they then decide to continue. Please see the section on Religious Education for more information.

Assessment Communicating tasks: Listening, speaking, reading, writing Understanding Language: grammar and vocabulary tests

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Year 9 Elective Subjects Italian B

Music Practical

This course runs in Semester 2 and is open to all students of Italian and builds on the skills developed in Italian A. Students must choose Italian A to enter into Italian B in Semester 2.

This course is designed for students who are considering studying Music in Year 10. Therefore, students wishing to participate in Year 9 Music should:

Content Students listen to, view, read, respond to and create a range of texts in Italian on topics including: Youth culture Summer festivals

e prepared to be actively involved in being part of a class B band where they will need to interpret sheet music and chord charts on their instrument of choice. Be prepared to perform a solo performance piece in front of classmates at the end of each term on their instrument of choice. By taking music lessons on an instrument or be prepared to begin taking music lessons.

Italian Music Festival Fashion Pizza Making Penpal Letters

Have a particular love for Music, and a desire to further increase their musical skills, in an environment of similarly minded students.

Students dive into the vibrant world of Italian youth culture, discovering how technology, media and globalisation influence trends, tastes and traditions. Through topics like summer festivals, the Sanremo Italian Music Festival, fashion, pizza-making workshops and pen pal letter exchanges, they will build their language skills while experiencing Italy’s rich cultural life.

Content Practical Playing music in a class band: Solo Performance Theory

Students will compare their own experiences with those of young Italians, exploring how practices, values and beliefs have evolved over time. Students share ideas, negotiate perspectives, and reflect on similarities and differences, all while extending their grammar knowledge in meaningful, real-world contexts.

Aural and the Elements of Music

Italian B also includes an excursion in Term 4 to Bottega Gelateria, which allows students to meet up with their pen pals from Nazareth College to practice their spoken Italian with other students of their age groups.

Assessment

Assessment Communicating tasks: Listening, speaking, reading, writing Understanding Language: written tasks and letter writing

Music in Culture, Styles and History Learning about influential bands and performers through research assignments

Ensemble Performance/Class Band

30%

Solo Performance

30%

Music Theory

20%

Music in Culture, Styles and History:

20%

Research and presentation on a nominated topic of choice.

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Year 9 Elective Subjects Music Practical Extension

Music Technology: Track to Stage

This course is designed for students wishing to further extend their musical knowledge from Semester 1 in readiness for Music in Year 10.

Students have made the beat - now it is time to make it move. Students create drum patterns, play melodies and chords, launch clips, adjust sounds, build arrangements and manipulate effects in real time. Through practical workshops, students explore how electronic musicians and producers use controllers to move from studio production to live performance, learning to use the Ableton Push 2 as a hands-on instrument, beat-making tool and live-performance controller.

Students must complete Music Practical from Semester 1 to qualify for this option. Students will continue with concepts covered in Semester 1 Music Practical, with a focus on extending their musical attributes in the areas of: Solo performance Advanced Ensemble performance Advanced Song Composition/Analysis Music Literacy.

Students explore how producers build energy, create hooks, layer sounds, and shape complete songs. They create genre-based beats, record original sounds, remix musical ideas and learn how to turn separate clips into a polished track or live performance. Pre-requisit: Year 8 Music Technology - From Beats to Booth

Content

Practical

Arrangement and Composition

Playing music in a class band: Solo Performance.

Make and use your own loops and samples for original compositions

Theory Aural and the Elements of Music.

Develop song writing skills by learning beats, chords and melodies

Music in Culture, Styles and History Learning about influential bands and performers through research assignments.

Apply basic keyboard skills to control software synthesisers. Aural Skills and The Elements of Music Use audio effects and automations to produce tracks

Assessment Ensemble Performance/Class Band

30%

Solo Performance

30%

Hook Theory

10%

Hookpad Composition

10%

Music in Culture, Styles and History:

20%

Research and presentation on a nominated topic of choice.

Understand and use audio and MIDI hardware (Microphones, mixing desks, launchpads, etc) Edit audio and program MIDI to explore dynamics, form, timbre and texture. Music in Cultures, Styles and History xplore the techniques used in genres such as: pop, hip-hop, E rock, dance and indie Discover technology’s impact in shaping music creation and music listening earn about the legends of music technology who changed the L industry.

Assessment Project 1

20%

Track Build Challenge: turn supplied musical materials into a structured 60-90 second Ableton track Project 2

20%

Genre Beat and Hook: create an original 90 second to 2-minute track in a chosen genre Project 3

20%

Capture and Create: record and manipulate original audio (voice, instrument or found sound) Project 4

20%

Live Remix: perform a 3-4 minute live set Course Work and Participation Producer Portfolio

41 I St Michael’s College Year 7-9 Curriculum Handbook 2027 Back to Content List

20%

Year 9 Elective Subjects Society and Environment

Sport Education

Year 9 Society and Environment provides students an understanding of the role of our environment in producing the food and fibre we need and to consider the significance of the environmental challenges of increasing demand for these resources, and how this can be achieved sustainably.

Year 9 Physical Education Sport Education provides students with opportunities to practise and refine specialised movement skills, game strategies, and performance concepts across a range of sporting environments. Students apply movement concepts and tactical strategies to evaluate and improve both their own and others’ performances. Through participation in a class-based sporting competition, students investigate methods for assessing movement quality, decision-making, and personal behaviours in competitive settings.

Students also investigate how we are connected to places throughout the world through our choices of transport, information and communication technologies, activities and shopping. In addition students will explore the extent of global influence on their local places.

Content Biomes and the Future of Food Security Just how sustainable is the world’s food production? Discover the answer to this question by exploring the characteristics of the world’s biomes and how they are changed by humans to meet the demand for food security. Apply your studies through hands-on practical management of our Lawre Street vegetable garden and orchard. Tourism, Travel and Trade A Study of Global Interconnections. How can we manage the effects of global tourism on local communities and environments? Explore our connections to other places around the world through a study of global tourism, travel and trade. Apply your studies by designing, making and appraising your own sustainable tourism initiative. Develop your mapping skills using traditional mapping techniques and spatial technologies. Excursions This course involves excursions to locations such as the Food Forest at Hillier, Monarto Zoo and the Adelaide CBD.

This includes: Portfolio of classwork Data analysis Inquiry research task Field Report.

Content Throughout the semester, students complete two major assessment tasks. The first is a Sport Education in Physical Education Program (SEPEP) task, where students participate in and analyse a structured sporting competition. The second is a Technology Task, which incorporates biomechanical principles and requires students to analyse and evaluate their performance in a selected sport. Specific content includes: Culture and Team Values Diversity, Respect, Leadership and Inclusivity Planning a Training Session Coaching, Managing and Umpiring Games

Mapping Skills

Assessment

Students are encouraged to adapt and modify their movement responses to meet a variety of challenges, situations, and stimuli. The course also promotes the development of leadership, teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills through active participation in a range of physical activities.

Introduction to Biomechanics Sequential Summation of Focus Projectile Motion Height, Angle and Speed of Projectile Release Theory assessments contribute to 40% of the overall semester grade, while practical performance contributes the remaining 60%.

Assessment Students will undertake the following assessment tasks: One term of: Practical Application of Skills (Invasion Games)

30%

Sport Education (SEPEP) Task

20%

One term of: Practical Application of Skills (Net/Wall and Striking & Fielding Games)

30%

Technology and Biomechanics in Sport Task

20%

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Subject Pathways

English pathways Year 9

Year 10

Year 11 (Stage 1)

Year 12 (Stage 2)

COMPULSORY

OPTIONAL Full Year Subjects

English

English Studies

English Literary Studies

English Core

English

Essential English

English As An Additional Language

Mathematics pathways Year 10

Year 11 (Stage 1)

Year 12 (Stage 2)

COMPULSORY

COMPULSORY Semester 1

COMPULSORY Semester 2

OPTIONAL Full Year Subjects

Pre-Methods

Mathematical Methods A and Mathematical Methods B

Mathematics Specialist A and Mathematics Specialist B

Mathematics Specialist and Mathematical Methods

Mathematical Methods C

Mathematical Methods

Pre-General

Mathematics General A

Mathematics General B

Mathematics General

Pre-Essentials

Mathematics Essential A

Mathematics Essential B

Mathematics Essential Mathematics for the Workplace

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Subject Pathways

Health and Physical Education pathways Year 9

Year 10

Year 11 (Stage 1)

Year 12 (Stage 2) Full Year Subjects

CORE - Students select ONE option of: Specialist PE Recreation Outdoor Education Dance for Health

ELECTIVE Physical Education B

ELECTIVE Health Education

ELECTIVE Health and Wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing

ELECTIVE Sports Education

ELECTIVE VET Sport Coaching

ELECTIVE Sport Studies (IL)

Sport Studies (IL)

ELECTIVE Athletic High Performance Program

STAGE 2 ELECTIVE Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education

Year 10

Year 11 (Stage 1)

Year 12 (Stage 2)

ELECTIVE Sports Education

ELECTIVE Physical Education A Physical Education

Science pathways Year 9

Full Year Subjects COMPULSORY Science Full Year

Any Science subject below

Health Science

Nutrition (1 semester)

Nutrition

Psychology (1 semester)

Psychology

Biology A &/or B (1 semester or full year)

Biology

Pre-Physics and Chemistry QUALIFIES FOR US SCHOLARSHIPS

Chemistry A & B (Full year)

Chemistry

Pre-Nutrition and Biology

Physics A & B (Full year)

Physics

COMPULSORY Science Semester 1 Science Semester 2

Pre-Psychology and Biology

St Michael’s College Year 7-9 Curriculum Handbook 2027 I 44 Back to Content List

Secondary Campus 15 Mitton Avenue Henley Beach SA 5022 T (08) 8356 5966 E smc@smc.sa.edu.au Primary Campus 78 East Avenue Beverley SA 5009 T (08) 8346 6548 E smcprimary@smc.sa.edu.au smc.sa.edu.au