INTRODUCTION TO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL YEAR 7
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INTRODUCTION TO THE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
YEAR 7
2022
Principal: Mr Glenn Morris
Assistant Principal (Middle School): Ms Gina Carroll
Middle School Leader: Ms Lisa Chiuchiarelli
College Address: 123 Church Rd, Doncaster VIC 3108
Phone number: 03 9848 4677
Facsimile: 03 9840 1390
Email: Doncaster.sc@education.vic.gov.au
Website: www.doncastersc.vic.edu.au
Page 1 of 26CONTENTS
PURPOSE & VALUES................................................................................................................................................ 3
PROFILE ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3
INTRODUCTION TO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL ..................................................................................................... 4
CURRICULUM GRID ................................................................................................................................................ 5
CURRICULUM PROFILE ......................................................................................................................................... 7
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS ............................................................................................. 8
MIDDLE SCHOOL-SPECIFIC CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS ............................................. 9
CLUBS........................................................................................................................................................................ 11
LIBRARY ................................................................................................................................................................... 11
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM ................................................................................................................. 12
ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING ........................................................................................................................ 13
AWARDS ................................................................................................................................................................... 14
DISCOVERY PROGRAM ........................................................................................................................................ 15
SELECT ENTRY ACCELERATED LEARNING (SEAL)...................................................................................... 16
YEAR 7 CORE SUBJECTS ...................................................................................................................................... 17
ENGLISH .................................................................................................................................................................. 18
ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL) ......................................................................................... 19
MATHEMATICS....................................................................................................................................................... 20
SCIENCE ................................................................................................................................................................... 21
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION ............................................................................................................. 22
HUMANITIES .......................................................................................................................................................... 23
LANGUAGES: FRENCH, ITALIAN & MANDARIN............................................................................................ 24
ART & TECHNOLOGY ............................................................................................................................................ 25
Page 2 of 26PURPOSE & VALUES
At Doncaster Secondary College we are working together to enable all students to achieve their potential and
become confident, effective learners who contribute productively to society. This core purpose is reflected in
the College motto ‘Working Together, Learning Together’ and is underpinned by the following values:
Respect for ourselves, each other and the environment
Responsibility for our own actions
Resilience to embrace challenges with optimism and perseverance
Teamwork working co-operatively and constructively with others
PROFILE
Doncaster Secondary College regularly performs above state and ‘like schools’ in its academic outcomes. This
is reflected by excellent VCE outcomes, which open a variety of pathways for students beyond school. Over
95% of students enroll in tertiary studies at the end of VCE, with over 70% attending university and around
25-30% moving on to TAFE. Regular participation of Doncaster Secondary College students in national and
international academic competitions, as well as regular inclusion amongst the Premier’s Awards recipients,
is another reflection of the high quality outcomes achieved.
At Doncaster Secondary College, there are two sub-schools:
Middle School: Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9
Senior School: Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12
The sub-schools reinforce the College values and expectations. It forms the basis of a well-defined student
management structure. Heads of School and Level Coordinators are also responsible for the general welfare
and counselling of students. Should you have any questions about the College or Middle School, please do
not hesitate to contact:
Year 7 Coordinator: Ms Anna Ditchburn
Year 7 Transition Coordinator: Mr Paul Annakis
Year 8 Coordinator: Ms Sousanna Katiforis
Year 9 Coordinator: Ms Courtney Taylor
Head of Middle School: Ms Lisa Chiuchiarelli
Head of Curriculum: Mr Kirk Dunn
Assistant Principal (Middle School): Ms Gina Carroll
Principal: Mr Glenn Morris
Page 3 of 26INTRODUCTION TO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Middle School, in particular Year 7, is a transitional stage in schooling. Students move from the integrated
approach of primary school to the more diverse, subject-oriented approach of secondary school. In Year 7 at
Doncaster Secondary College, the focus is upon assisting students to make this transition smoothly and
building upon consolidating and extending the basic skills acquired at primary school. Students learn to cope
effectively with a greater number of fellow students, and their teachers, many more subjects, movement
between classrooms and a much larger and more complex physical environment. All this occurs while the
students are also undergoing a great deal of personal and physical development.
The College has a well-developed Transition Program to assist students in their adjustment to secondary
school so that they can proceed to maximize their learning and take advantage of the many opportunities,
which the College provides. Visits by Grade 5 and 6 students from the College's main feeder schools enable
them to become familiar with the College environment.
• Prior to the arrival of our Year 7 students, members of our Middle School staff visit primary schools
to speak with prospective students, discussing what to expect when starting secondary school, while
allowing them to ask questions and familiarise themselves with life at their new school environment.
Staff also meet with their primary school teachers to gather information about each student’s
academic and social development.
• The College also offers a Pre Orientation morning. This is for students who are the only one coming
to Doncaster Secondary College from their Primary school, and gives them a chance to meet some
of their peers before attending the official orientation day in December.
• Orientation Day, held early in December, allows Grade 6 students enrolled at our College to
experience a day at secondary school. This includes meeting their teachers, learning about the
timetable and where everything is located, and meeting the Year 9 Peer Leaders and their new
classmates for the following year.
• Year 9 Peer Leaders work closely with the Year 7 students, particularly at the beginning of the year
to help address any concerns they may have. Their lockers are located alongside their respective Year
7 classes to offer continual support wherever it is needed.
• A Year 7 Orientation camp, held early in the school year, is attended by the vast majority of students
and is invaluable in establishing friendships, confidence and team spirit. Peer Leaders also attend
this camp.
• Doncaster Secondary College values parent involvement in a very high regard, so to establish this
relationship and to deliver important Transition information, a Year 7 Parent Orientation Evening
is held early in Term 4 and an informal BBQ Evening takes place in February for Year 7 parents.
• Wherever possible, classroom teachers will teach their class for more than one subject. This enables
classroom teachers to get to know their students as quickly as possible, cater programs better suited
to each student’s individual learning styles and be aware of any transition issues that may arise with
students.
Middle School students are placed in mixed ability form groups in which they remain for the majority of their
classes. The exception is the Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) class, selection for which is based
upon ability testing and recommendations by primary school teachers. Care is taken to ensure that each
student is placed in a form group that supports the personal, emotional and social development of the child.
Page 4 of 26CURRICULUM GRID
HEALTH & PHYSICAL
DOMAINS ENGLISH MATHEMATICS SCIENCE HUMANITIES LANGUAGES ART / TECHNOLOGY
EDUCATION
(3) (3) (3) (3) (2) (2) (2)
English AC, or Mathematics AC Science AC Geography AC* French, or PE / Sport Music, Food Technology
YEAR 7 English as an History AC* Italian, or (1)
Additional Language Mandarin Health Ed.
(EAL)
(3) (3) (2) (3) (2) (2) (3)
English AC, or Mathematics AC Science AC Geography AC* French, or PE / Sport Art: Art, Drama, Music, Visual Comm.,
YEAR 8 English as an History AC* Italian, or (1) Ceramics
Additional Language Mandarin Health Ed. Tech: Food technology, Digital technology,
Electronics, Metalwork, Woodwork, Textiles
(3) (3) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)# (2)#
English AC, or Mathematics AC Science AC Geography AC* French, or PE / Sport / Art, Ceramics, Electronics,
English as an History AC* Italian, or Health Ed. Drama, Visual Metalwork, Textiles,
Additional Language Comm., Music, Food Technology,
YEAR 9 Mandarin Photography Woodwork
Discovery
(1)
(3)
MYSELF Program
(3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)
English AC, or Mathematics Science AC Geography AC* French, or PE / Sport / Art, Ceramics, Multimedia,
English as an (Further) AC, or History AC* Italian, or Health Ed. Drama, Visual Electronics,
YEAR 10 Additional Mathematics Comm. & Design, Metalwork, Textiles,
Commerce* Mandarin Music, Woodwork, Wood
Language, or (Methods) AC, or
Photography Tech, Food by
Intensive Language Advanced Maths Design, Fashion
(1-4) (1-2): General Maths (1 – 4) (1-2): History 20th (1-4) (1-4) (1-4) (1-4)
English, or (Specialists) Biology century French Health / Human Art Food Technology
English as an (1-4): Math. Methods Chemistry (3-4): Revolutions Italian Physical Ed. Visual Comm. Vet Hospitality
Additional Language (3-4): Further Math Environmental (1-4) Chinese 1st, 2nd Music Solo Information Tech.
VCE English Lang. (3-4): Specialist Math Science Accounting & 2nd Language Drama
Literature (1-2): General Math. Physics Business Mgmt. Advanced
(3-4)
(Further) Psychology Economics Studio Art
(1-2): Foundation Legal Studies
Math
Geography
Page 5 of 26The number shown in ( ) indicates the number of 75 minute periods per week. Subjects marked * are studied on a semester basis.
Year7 Students undertake 1 art and technology subject per semester for 2 x 75 min periods per week.
Year 8 Students undertake 2 art subjects per semester and 1 technology subject per term for 3 x 75 min periods per week– four subjects in the arts and
technology area.
It is on a rotation basis ensuring students have breadth of study in this area and no repetition.
Year 9 Students undertake 1 of the subjects marked # for 2 x 75 min periods per week for half the year – elective choice.
All Year 9 students undertake 4 units (term length) of MYSELF for 3 x 75 min periods per week (Wednesday). MYSELF focuses on authentic and
integrated learning.
Year 10 Students in Year 10 may also be recommended to undertake a Year 11 VCE unit. Year 10 English and Mathematics are compulsory for all
students. Four other studies must then be selected
VCE Studies are allocated 3 x 75 min periods per week. Year 11 students may also be recommended to undertake a Year 12 VCE unit. Selected Year 12
students may undertake a university level study. VCE units may also be undertaken outside of the timetable day.
Year 11 A minimum of 12 units in the first year, that is, 6 units per semester.
Year 12 A minimum of 10 units in the second year, that is, 5 units per semester.
Page 6 of 26CURRICULUM PROFILE
Year Sem 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
7 1 English / Mathematics Science History Languages PE, Health & Sport Art/Tech
2 English as an Geography Art/Tech
additional
language (EAL)
8 1 English / EAL Mathematics Science History Languages PE, Health & Sport Art/Tech
2 Geography Art/Tech
9 1 English / EAL Mathematics Science History Languages PE/Health Art/Tech MYSELF
DiSCovery
2 Geography Art/Tech MYSELF
10 1 English / EAL Mathematics Science Humanities Languages PE/Health ISP
2 Humanities
English / EAL & Maths compulsory in Four other studies must then be selected
Year 10 Students in Year 10 may be recommended to select a VCE subject in their program
Victorian Certificate of Education - VCE
11 VCE English VCE Subject VCE Subject VCE Subject VCE Subject VCE Subject ISP
12 VCE English VCE Subject VCE Subject VCE Subject VCE Subject ISP
Combined Senior Certificate: School Based Apprentice/Trainee & VCAL Certificate - SBAT
11 Inter Literacy PDS Numeracy WRS VET Certificate Studies Apprenticeship/Traineeship
12 Senior Literacy PDS Numeracy WRS VET Certificate Studies Apprenticeship/Traineeship
Page 7 of 26CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS
Educational Enhancement
Australasian Schools English Competition Mathematical Olympiad
Australian Schools Writing Competition National Chemistry Quiz
ALPINE program (Year 9) Rotary Public Speaking Competition
AMEB Music Examinations Science Talent Search
Biology, Chemistry & Physics Olympiad Subject specific weeks e.g. Geography awareness
Classroom Leaders Sustainability Action Program
Hospitality catering UNSW Science Competition
Interschool Debating Competition Westpac Mathematics Competition
Language Competition e.g. Italian Poetry Year 7 – 10 Maths Games Day
Competition
Camps & Excursions Clubs
Instrumental Music camp Art club
My Advanced & My Outdoor camp Breakfast club
Subject-based excursions (eg. Royal Melb. Zoo) Chess club
Year 7 Orientation camp Debating/Public Speaking club
Year 9 Outdoor Recreation camp Games room
Year 10 Work Experience Homework club
Year 10, 11 & 12 University visits Student Focus (Yr 7 – 8)
Year 11 Central Australia tour VCE Lounge
Vocal Ensemble
Sports
Inter-School Sports:
Badmington, Baseball, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Hockey, Netball, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball
Whole-School Sporting Carnivals:
Athletics Day, Cross-Country, Swimming Carnival
Visual & Performing Arts
College Magazine – ‘Cornucopia’ Musical soirees
College Production Senior School Presentation Ball
House Drama Festival Student Art Gallery
Instrumental music VCE Drama and Theatre Performance
Musical Bands & Ensembles (Rock Band) Student Sound & Lighting Technicians
Leadership
Captains: Arts Potential Leaders (Year 8)
Captains: College Council Student-led Level Assemblies
Captains: Events Student Representative Council
Captains: Social Justice Social events (eg. Valentine’s Day)
Captains: Sports Teams Talent Quest
Captains: Student Representative Council Year 7 Peer Support Program (Year 9)
Captains: Sub-School Year 12 Sport, Drama, Magazine committees
Fund Raising Activities (eg. World Vision)
MYSELF Showcase eventsMIDDLE SCHOOL-SPECIFIC CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS
Doncaster Secondary College Programs aim to enhance the academic, artistic, cultural, sporting and personal
pursuits of all students and cater for their talents, interests and natural abilities. Therefore, students are
encouraged to take part in various extra and co-curricular activities offered by the College. Student participation
in such activities is listed in a special report at the end of the year; this acknowledges the efforts and
contributions of the student.
Some of the activities that are offered to DSC students include:
Interschool Sport:
Inter-college sport is a particularly strong feature of the College with many students achieving outstanding
success at local, Zone and State levels of competition. The sports offered include Swimming, Athletics, Cross
Country, Softball, Hockey, Cricket, Tennis, Football (AFL), Soccer, Baseball, Table Tennis, Badminton,
Volleyball, Basketball, Netball, Ultimate Frisbee and Lawn Bowls.
House Sport – Swimming and Athletics Carnival:
All students are assigned to one of four Houses: Kiewa, Murray, Ovens or Yarra to compete in house carnivals
and sports offered throughout the year.
Performing Arts Festival:
The festival is held biennially in which each House prepares and performs a ‘One Act Play’ before guest judges.
Students can take on roles such as musicians, dancers, actors, theatre technicians, set builders, make-up artists
and costume makers.
Arts Week:
Arts Week is a celebration of the visual and performing Arts and Technology at the College. The week is filled
with Arts based activities and events including exhibitions, lunchtime craft, visiting artist’s workshops and large
group artworks. There is an opportunity for all year levels to get involved in a week of embracing the richness
of the Arts.
College Production:
The College has produced musicals such as ‘Wedding Singer’, ‘Grease’ and ‘Bye Bye Birdie’. Students can take
on roles such as those mentioned for performing arts festival.
Leadership:
• Student Representative Council (SRC): Students are involved in whole school planning and policy.
Roles available are Middle and Senior School Captains as well as a mix of representatives from all year
levels.
• Student Leadership Team (SLT): Students are involved in school activities such as sports
days, clubs, fund raising, talent shows, social events and student engagement.
• Year 7 Peer Support Program (Year 9 leaders)
• Interact club
• Green Team: Students involved in environmental action.
• College Council Student representatives
• School improvement team representativesStudents could also get involved in Student led level assemblies, housemeetings and drama activities. Technicians: Depending on the interest of the student, they have an opportunity to become a ‘Performance & Presentation Centre’ technicians and/or a computer technician Music Program: Concert Bands/String Orchestras/Jazz Bands/Guitar Ensembles/Rock Bands Students who learn an instrument at school are expected to be involved in one of the above groups and any other students who play an instrument are welcome to join in the fun. These groups perform regularly at school for events such as assemblies and our Winter and Spring Concerts. We also hold regular lunchtime concerts on our Music Centre outdoor stage. In term two we run a Music Camp for all Music students and our Senior Ensembles have the opportunity to travel interstate or overseas. Camps: • Year 7 participate in a 3-day orientation and pastoral care camp, held during Term 1. International Study Tours: In 2022, International study tours will not occur. Once international air travel has stabilized then the school will continue with this program. Students studying an additional Language have the wonderful opportunity to participate in an overseas study tour. The Language teachers at Doncaster Secondary College have run successful tours to France, Italy, China and the United States of America. Year 9 students also have the opportunity to travel and study for 6 weeks through the Department of Education Victorian Young Leaders Program.
CLUBS
In addition to extra and co-curricular activities mentioned, students have an opportunity to get involved in the
various clubs where they can develop skills and mix with students with similar interests.
Clubs meet weekly and are supervised by staff members and/or older student volunteers.
• Art club • Music clubs
• ASX club • Soundworks (Year 7 concert band)
• Badmington club • Concert band
• Breakfast club • Wind symphony (Senior concert band)
• Chess club • Junior jazz band
• D&D club • Senior jazz band
• Debating • Stringworks (Junior string orchestra)
• Games club • String orchestra
• Homework club • Rockband program
• Interact • STEAM club
• LGBTIQA+ or Rainbow club • VCAL Homework club
• Life skills • Weights club
• Movie club
LIBRARY
The Library has a wide range of resources to support student’s study needs. An extensive book stock (non fiction
& fiction) is supplemented by library computers all having internet, USB and network facilities. A colour
photocopier/printer supplement the computer facilities.
All students are required to sign in when visiting the library during class time and have a signed planner by their
teacher to verify this.
As part of an on-going co-operative program with subject learning areas, students are provided with assistance
to access Jacaranda e books and ClickView digital library. Library staff can assist with accessing these
applications by providing students with set-ups, training and forgotten passwords. Payments to these programs
can also be verified by the staff if students are unsure. Students can seek assistance with Compass regarding
their passwords & timetable.
A Welfare library has been established for disadvantaged students and enquiries should be directed to Ms
Hayward, the Curriculum Resource Manager. Short term laptop loans are on offered provided your teacher has
confirmed this with a signed planner, but headphones must be provided by the students themselves.
The library also provides Wheelers eBooks and audio book in fiction for all students. Students are also
encouraged to use the library for study and recreational reading as a life long resource for learning. Unlimited
borrowing on books and one month loan. No book fines. But if you cannot return the library book, a payment
plan will be set up to replace the item.
The library also offers access to Echo Database on newspaper articles, and access to the Digital AGE newspaper.
A great range of AV equipment is available to students who require cameras for their subjects.
Monday & Thursday 9.00 4.00pm
Tues, Wednesday and Friday 8.30 am – 4.pm
Open lunchtime and recessINSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM
Music is a big part of life at Doncaster Secondary College. We have a wide range of music ensembles from large
Concert Bands and String Orchestras, to Jazz Bands, Guitar Ensembles and Rock Bands. Students can choose
to learn, or continue to learn, a musical instrument at the College. Learning an instrument teaches you skills
that no other activity can and these skills benefit many other aspects of life.
To learn an instrument at Doncaster, no prior experience is necessary. In fact, most students who join our
program in Year 7 have never played before.
Which instruments do we offer?
The College offers professional tuition in Brass (trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba),
Woodwind (flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe and bassoon), Strings (violin, viola, cello, and double bass) and
Percussion. We also offer Classical Guitar and Electric Bass Guitar.
• Lessons take place in small groups on a withdrawal basis with students coming out of a different class
each week, for approximately 35 minutes.
• Students will have the opportunity to perform to their peers and to the wider community, at assemblies,
school events, the Victorian Schools Music Festival and our Winter and Spring Concerts.
Students are expected to join one of the College’s many instrumental ensembles, such as Soundworks (Junior
Concert Band) or Stringworks (Junior Orchestra). These ensembles rehearse before and after school and
students will play in one appropriate to their standard. A Rock Program is also offered at the College.
The DSC Music Information Evening:
This is an opportunity for all 2022 Year 7s and their parents, to see and hear all the instruments we offer in
person. They can also try the instruments and gain professional assistance and advice from the Music staff when
deciding upon becoming part of the program and on purchasing an instrument. Even if you have no intention
of learning an instrument, come along and try an instrument and hear all about what we do. You may be
surprised at how easy and fun it can be. Save the Date: Tuesday 23rd November 2021 at 7pm.ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING Student assessment seeks to promote a positive attitude towards learning and to encourage the pursuit of personal excellence. As such, assessment practices at DSC focuses upon the positive aspects of student learning and provides the basis for further learning. Subject teachers, Level Coordinators and Heads of School, continually monitor student performance and progress within the classroom. A variety of assessment practices are embedded into the Middle School curriculum. Assessment can bebased on: • formal testing; • individual written work e.g. exercises, essays, reports, assignments, research, book work, folios; • individual and group projects; • oral presentations, dramatic or musical performances; • creative works e.g. models, painting, constructions; and • participation and skill demonstrated. Self- and peer-assessment, reflection and goal setting are also employed at various stages within a unit of work; these practices, plus timely and relevant feedback, ensure for a personalised approach to studentlearning. All the assessment practices mentioned above, plus observations, provide the basis in which teachers report on student progress. Parents/Guardians receive regular information regarding their child, using the following formats distributed during the year. 1. Continuous Feedback Continuous Feedback is provided in Flagged Learning Tasks approximately every six weeks via the Compass Learning management System. The feedback pertains to specific assessment tasks and will usually include a percentage, letter grade, effort indicator and comment about the task. 2. Semester Reports Reports completed at the end of each semester provide a summary of key results for each subject. Profiles include the student’s achievement in relation to the Australian Curriculum. Student Led Conferences Student Led Conferences are held in late Term 1 and Term 3. Together with the child, parents/guardiansare encouraged to attend these interviews to discuss student progress with their classroom teachers. Parents are also invited to contact the College, via their child’s Discovery teacher, at any time should theyhave concerns about their child’s progress.
AWARDS Each year the College holds a Presentation Evening to celebrate student achievement. Awards are presented to students for: • Academic Excellence • Excellence in the Performing Arts • Sporting Achievement • Personal Achievement • Service • Academic Growth Throughout the year, Form Level and General Assemblies are held at which certificates recognising specific student achievement and contributions are presented.
DISCOVERY PROGRAM
Overview:
The DiSCovery program focuses on enhancing student
learning, monitoring student progress through
personalised learning and promoting student
Interpersonal Personal
connectedness with the College community. The program
Development Development
explores the relationship between students as learners, (Social) (Emotional)
their interpersonal (social) and personal (emotional)
development with the aim of preparing them to become
productive members of society.
Students
as
Learning Goals: Learners
As part of the DiSCovery Program, each student will be
required to develop an Individual Learning Plan which
consists of the following learning goals and plan:
Short term learning goals
Long term learning goals
Career action plan
The DiSCovery program and classroom teachers will provide strategies to support students in their
achievement of these goals. Students will also be encouraged to showcase their learning and growth.
Year Level Focus:
Each year level has a particular focus. The key ideas for Year 9 students include:
YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9
My Personal Understanding Career
Social Skills Strengths Values Mindfulness
Community Planning
CONNECT BUILD EXPLORE
Problem Coping Career Leadership
Help Seeking Strategies Pathways Study Habits
Solving Skills
Enhanced Learning Education Services (ELES) Online Study Skills Handbook:
A levy for DiSCovery provides for DiSCovery folders, guest speakers and resources to support the program.
The College has purchased an excellent online study program (Enhanced Learning Educational Service) that
can be accessed at home and all students are encouraged to further their learning by completing study modules
that are relevant to their learning.
Through the DiSCovery program all students have access to the Enhanced Learning Education Services (ELES)
Online Study Skills Handbook (www.studyskillshandbook.com.au ).
Username: doncastersc Password: 168resultsThe study skills program provides a comprehensive and interactive online guide for the school community (students, parents and teachers) to enable our students to develop the necessary study skills for success in their schooling. The handbook has a huge amount of information as well as a large range of interactive activities. We strongly encourage all parents and students to take advantage of this opportunity to further develop their students’ study skills abilities through this online resource. SELECT ENTRY ACCELERATED LEARNING (SEAL) The SEAL (Select Entry Accelerated Learning) program at Doncaster Secondary College is designed to meet the needs of gifted and high-ability learners and to challenge them to achieve their potential. SEAL students undertake an enhanced curriculum which contains a range of extended tasks, activities and content aimed at providing students the opportunity to explore material in considerable depth. Each subject’s curriculum is generally covered at a faster rate than in the mainstream classes, with adaptions to the pace and content of a course being made to suit the aptitude and ability levels of each particular cohort. In English, SEAL students study a different range of texts to their mainstream counterparts. In both Year 7 and Year 8, SEAL students are placed in a class of approximately 25 students. This class stays together throughout Years 7 and 8 for all of their subjects (English, Math, Science, Humanities, Health and Physical Education, Arts and Technology), except for their Languages (French, Italian or Mandarin) classes. In Year 9, SEAL students stay in the same class for English, Math, Science, Humanities and Health and Physical Education. Year 9 SEAL students are placed in classes with a mix of other Year 9 students to attend their Languages (French, Italian or Mandarin) classes and, to undertake the elective subjects that they have selected from the Arts/Technology and Myself programs. For entry into the Year 7 SEAL class at Doncaster Secondary College students will need to undertake an assessment completed by Edutest. The test is scheduled to be conducted after families have received their ‘High School Placement Notification’ (through their primary school). Information about the testing process can be found on the College website. Students may also be offered a place within the Year 8 or Year 9 SEAL class based on achievement data, test results and academic recommendations.
YEAR 7 CORE SUBJECTS DISCovery English / English as an Additional Language Mathematics / Mathematics (Advanced) Science Health and Physical Education Humanities Languages – Mandarin, French or Italian Art / Technology
ENGLISH
Overview:
English provides students with knowledge and skills to read, view, listen to, write, create, compare, research
and talk about a range of text types. Students learn to appreciate, enjoy and use language anddevelop a sense of
its richness and its power to evoke feelings, to form and convey ideas, to inform, to discuss, to persuade, to
entertain and to argue. They also learn terminology to describe and discuss particular structures and features
of language produced in a variety of contexts.
Key Concepts & Skills:
In Year 7 English, the students will:
• develop competent use of grammatical structures; development of vocabulary, spelling and sentence
construction
• be encouraged to read widely
• study a range of texts and respond to them both in writing and orally
• develop their ability to speak articulately and with confidence
• participate in writing programs to enhance their fluency and encourage them to write with creativity
Assessment:
• Oral Presentation
• Text Study
• Debate
• Essay Writing
• Creative WritingENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL)
Overview:
The Year 7 and 8 English as an Additional Language (EAL) program caters for non-English speaking
background and for whom English is a second language and are eligible for EAL assistance. Students are taught
in relatively small classes to allow for individual differences in English language acquisition. ESL classes
run parallel to the mainstream English classes.
Key Concepts & Skills:
In Year 7 & 8 English as an Additional Language (EAL), the students will:
• develop the four major language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing
• explore correct, grammatical structures in both oral and written communication
• improve oral communication skills such as pronunciation and fluency through discussions andgroup
activities
• build confidence in communicating clearly in formal and informal situations
• build vocabulary and investigate language conventions including spelling, punctuation, vocabularyand
grammar through reading and studying of a selection of written and visual texts.
Assessment:
• Oral Presentations
• Writing Folio
• Text StudyMATHEMATICS
Overview:
Mathematics provides students with essential skills and knowledge across a number of areas such as number,
space, structure, measurement, chance and data. Students are required to practice and apply skills in exercises
and undertake tasks that develop skills needed for logical reasoning, analytical thought and problem-solving. It
is aimed to develop the numeracy capabilities that all students need in their personal, work and civic life, and
provides the fundamentals on which mathematical specialties and professional applications of mathematics are
built.
Key Concepts & Skills:
In Year 7 Mathematics, the students will:
• explore various branches of mathematics including number, space (geometry and shape) algebra, chance
and data, measurement and mathematical tools / procedures
o problems involving the comparison, addition and subtraction of integers
o make the connections between whole numbers and index notation and the relationship between
perfect squares and square roots
o problems involving percentages and all four operations with fractions and decimals
o interpret simple linear representations and model information
o use formulas for the area and perimeter of rectangles and calculate volumes of rectangular prisms
o describe the relationship between the median and mean in data displays
• develop skills in choosing appropriate procedures, carrying out procedures accurately and appropriately,
and recalling factual knowledge and concepts
• make choices, interpret, formulate, model and investigate problem situations, and communicate
solutions
• complete a STEAM project in which they explore the links between mathematics and other subject areas.
Assessment:
In addition to maintaining an organised exercise book with all skill exercises and homework tasks, students
may be given the following tasks:
• Topic Tests
• Application Tasks and Investigations, incorporating the use of ICT
• Problem solvingSCIENCE
Overview:
Science provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of important science concepts and
processes, the practices used to develop scientific knowledge, of science’s contribution to our cultureand society,
and its applications in our lives. The curriculum supports students to develop the scientific knowledge,
understandings and skills to make informed decisions about local, national and global issues.
Key Concepts & Skills:
In Year 7 Science, the students will:
• safely handle scientific equipment and chemicals
• learn to make qualitative and quantitative observations, gather and record data, present data intables
and graphs, and draw valid conclusions based on the data collected.
• pose different types of questions that can be investigated using a range of inquiry skills
• develop their understanding of the role of classification in ordering and organising information
• construct and interpret food chains and food webs to show the relationships between organisms inthe
environment
• develop an understanding of how simple machines can magnify a force, change a force’s direction,or make
things go faster
• investigate relationships in the Earth, sun, moon system and use models to predict and explainevents
• explore the properties of different materials and use this knowledge to separate mixtures
Assessment:
In addition to maintaining an organised exercise book with all questions, activities and homework, studentsmay
be given the following tasks:
• Topic Tests
• Practical Investigations and Scientific Reports
• Research Assignments, including the Science Talent Search project and an extended experimental
investigation
• Inquiry based projectsHEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Overview:
The Year 7 Health and Physical Education (HPE) program aims to develop the students’ understanding of
physical, mental and social health. The program will cover important health topics including nutrition,
bullying, drug education, water safety and sexual education as well as the basic concepts of health and
wellbeing. In addition to these health topics, the HPE program utilises a practical setting to encourage the
development of fundamental motor skills and game sense knowledge. The purpose of such practical lessons
also extends to developing leadership qualities, resilience and social awareness all while increasing
participation rates in lifelong physical activities. Throughout a typical school week, students will participate in
two practical lessons and one theoretical lesson.
Key Concepts & Skills
Throughout Year 7 Health and Physical Education, students will:
• Explain the impact bullying can have on others as well as discuss possible strategies to appropriately
deal with such behaviour.
• Discuss the various forms of drugs as well as the dangers of recreational drug use.
• Identify the physical, social and emotional changes that occur throughout adolescence.
• Outline the key components of a well-balanced diet.
• Maintain regular participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity while developing their
proficiency of the various fundamental motor skills.
Assessment:
Throughout Year 7 Health and Physical Education, the following assessment strategies will be used:
• Bullying Research Task
• Australian Health Issues Analysis Task
• Smoking Research Task
• Fundamental Motor Skill Assessments
• Drugs and Alcohol Topic Test
• Puberty Topic TestHUMANITIES
Overview:
Humanities provides students with the opportunity to learn about Geography and History, while covering the
concepts Civics and Citizenship and Business and Economics.
In Geography students will explore how our planet functions, the geographical processes that drive it and how
humans are changing our planet by the way we live. We will investigate the earth’s resources and how these
resources influence the way people live in different places around the world.
In History students will delve into the past to discover how people lived in different historical times. Students
will link this new knowledge to the present day to learn how actions and events of the past have created the
world in which we live today.
Key Concepts & Skills:
In Year 7 Humanities, the students will:
• Learn key geographical and historical skills that will empower students to be critical thinkers about the
world we live in.
Examples of these skills are:
o How to create and interpret maps and graphs.
o collect geographical information from a variety of data and analyse, evaluate and present it using
a range of forms.
o use a range of evidence to describe features of the past societies.
o How to investigate historical evidence to determine significance and a person’s view.
o Frame and report on research questions; the difference between primary and secondary sources.
• Students will undertake topics:
o how environmental resources like water are used and managed.
o explore how humans perceive places and how places can be made more livable.
o Investigate ancient cultures and civilisations such as Ancient Australia, Ancient Egypt and
another ancient civilisation of the student’s choice.
Assessment:
Various mapping tasks such as:
• GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
• Fieldwork
• Inquiry Based Tasks
• Research Assignments
• Independent learning project
• Topic testsLANGUAGES: FRENCH, ITALIAN & MANDARIN
Overview:
Language (French, Italian & Chinese provides students with communication skills and knowledge to come to
understand social, historical, familial relationships and other aspects of the language and culture of the
speakers of the language. Students are provided with the tools, through comparison and reflection, to
understand language, culture and humanity in a broad sense. In this way, language learning contributes to the
development of interculturally aware citizens.
The language selected must be studied for a minimum of three years. Students require no previous knowledge
of their chosen language.
Key Concepts & Skills:
In Year 7 Languages, the students will:
• develop the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing
• explore humorous cartoon / script / situations to assist them to communicateeffectively in
similar situations
• use ICT, including audio and visual stimuli, to assist with oral proficiency.
• identify key words and phrases in passages of text
• comprehend factual information drawn from themes studied by comparing, analyzing and select correct
information in order to respond appropriately when answering questions, completing close exercises or
following instructions
Assessment:
Work covered in the prescribed Textbook, student Workbook and other relevantsupplementary linguistic
tasks set for each language.
• Class Work
• Work Requirements
• Topic Tests
• Learning Technology Tasks
• Cultural Projects
• Language Perfect tasks
• Role-playsART & TECHNOLOGY Art & Technology at Doncaster Secondary College is both a voyage of practical discovery and a consolidation of previously acquired artistic knowledge and technical experiences from their primary school education. Over a two-year cycle from Year 7 to 8, students will undertake six different subjects, varying in length from a term to a semester, within the Arts and Technology program. All Year 7 students will complete one compulsory Art and Technology semester-based subject (Food = Technology, Music = The Arts). FOOD TECHNOLOGY Food Technology provides experience for students to utilize and learn the steps of the Design Process for the first time in high school. They will become familiar with the stages of investigation, design, production and evaluation of food solutions. In addition, students develop practical skills in food handling and preparation techniques as well as learning to work in a hygienic and safe manner. Students explore what constitutes as a healthy diet and lifestyle and identify how the Australian Dietary Guidelines support with establishing healthy eating habits. In practical cooking lessons (one lesson per week) students will cover many aspects of food preparation techniques and the preparation of healthy meals. Students will learn to develop co-operation and communication skills through group work. Key Concepts & Skills (Technology): In Year 7 Food Tech students will: • Be able to demonstrate correct personal hygiene and safety in the kitchen • Understand the importance of food safety and hygiene. • Demonstrate how dry and wet ingredients are measured accurately • Demonstrate skills in reading and understanding a recipe • Demonstrate safety in using kitchen equipment • Understand and utilise the design process in developing concepts and ideas • Use problem-solving thinking strategies to create effective design solutions • Collaborate and work in teams Assessment (Technology): • Practical Hygiene & Safety Assessment (Ed. Perfect) • Design Brief Task – written and practical • STEAM ‘Healthy Eating’ Project MUSIC (CLASSROOM) Music enables students to express, communicate and understand musical ideas. The emphasis is on involvement in practical music-making whilst developing an understanding of basic music theory.
In Year 8, students have the opportunity to broaden their experiences within the spectrum of Arts and
Technology subjects that are offered in Year 9 and beyond. Students take part in the Performing Arts (Drama),
as well as one of Visual Arts, Ceramics or Visual Communication Design (form groups allocated at random).
From a Technology perspective, students implement the design process in both Design Technology (STEAM)
and Digital Technology. Each of these subjects run for one term during the course of Year 8.
ART
Students identify, analyse and evaluate how other artists use materials, techniques, technologies, processes
and visual conventions to express their ideas and convey meaning. Students identify and describe artworks
from different cultures, times and places and how ideas are interpreted by audiences. They plan and make their
Art works in response to the exploration of techniques, technologies and processes used in the work of other
artists. They demonstrate the use of materials, techniques, processes, visual conventions and technologies to
express ideas and convey meaning in their artworks.
Students will:
• Explore visual arts practices as inspiration to explore and develop themes, concepts or ideas in
artworks
• Explore how artists use materials, techniques, technologies and processes to realise their intentions
in art works
• Experiment with materials, techniques, technologies and processes in a range of art forms to express
ideas, concepts and themes in artworks
• Develop skills in planning and designing art works and documenting artistic practice
• Create artworks, describing how ideas are expressed to an audience
• Analyse how ideas and viewpoints are expressed in art works and how they are viewed by audiences
• Identify and connect specific features of visual artworks from different cultures, historical and
contemporary times
CERAMICS
Hands on manipulation of a tactile material with an emphasis on design skills and techniques.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Students learn skills in metal work, wood work and visual communication skills.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
Students learn how to write and test code, with an emphasis on design and creativity.
DRAMA
Students take part in storytelling, improvisation and mime. They study character and the importance of sound
and props. Students also write and perform their own plays.
VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN
Students learn to think in flowing line, shape, form, measurement and colour. How do we learn to draw and
produce such difficult pieces of finished design?You can also read
