At Year 7, traditional subject studies of Mathematics and Science are taught by one teacher and referred to as General Studies 1. English, SOSE and Health are also taught by a single teacher and described as General Studies 2. This structure is increasingly being introduced in schools across Victoria in response to strong educational support for the reduction in the number of teachers students encounter in their first year of secondary schooling. In addition to assisting in the successful transition of students from primary schools, this structure allows teachers to demonstrate the links between subject disciplines and reduces the size of the team that is jointly responsible for the management of the Year 7 cohort.
Generalist Subject 1
Mathematics in Year 7 forms part of the sequential process that prepares students for further study. The basic aim is to develop an enthusiasm and a confidence in working with numbers and to enable students to apply their mathematical skills in daily life. The aim of the course is to develop logical thought processes, spatial ability and problem solving skills that can be applied to a variety of disciplines, including Science and the Humanities. Science at Year 7 is designed to develop skills of asking appropriate questions and skills of testing and working through solutions to the questions. Areas of investigation include basic laboratory skills, the senses, separating mixtures and accessing Science based Web sites.
Generalist Subject 2
English involves the development of a range of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and these are reinforced in the SOSE and Health content areas. Drama is integrated into these activities in preparation for more specialist drama subjects in subsequent years. In SOSE, the focus is on discovering and understanding society and exploring the relationship between individuals and the environment. Specific topics include endangered animals, land use, archaeology and mapping. In Health, the emphasis is on the need to develop a healthy lifestyle and the importance of having information that provides the basis for making good decisions relating to our personal lives. Specific topics that are relevant to the Year 7 age group are selected and include topics such as bullying, friendships and smoking.
French/Indonesian
The Year 7 Language Program offers a choice of either French or Indonesian. Language skills are developed through communicative tasks, including the use of interactive computer software designed to encourage engagement with the language, retention and recall.
Language Studies
This subject is offered to a small number of students with literacy or learning difficulties. The class size is maintained at 12 or below and the topics and skills in the areas of literacy are varied from year to year depending on the needs of the students and the demands of their classroom studies.
Art
This program is designed to heighten awareness of the environment via an introduction of the theoretical and practical components of art through 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional mediums. These include components such as line, shape, form, colour and texture. Students have the opportunity to experiment with a wide variety of mediums including paint, pen, ink, pastel, clay, card and wire.
Music
Students in this program have the opportunity to participate in an instrumental program, a general classroom program which involves singing, music appreciation, composition and classroom percussion, and music theory and aural training using the software Auralia and Musition.
Technology
Students use notebook computers across the range of their subject studies. At Year 7, the focus is on developing an understanding of the notebook computers, the desktop computers, accessing the network, use of email and the Internet, improving word processing skills and an introduction to concept mapping software.
Physical Education
This subject is designed to develop a positive attitude towards physical activity with a strong emphasis on sportsmanship and teamwork. A range of activities is designed to develop eye-hand coordination, strength and agility and balance. These activities include cricket, netball, soccer, gymnastics and dance.
