year 7 course guide - stleonards.vic.edu.au

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Year 7 Course Guide2022

Contents

Introduction 3

DigiSTEM 5

Drama: Bridging Worlds 6

English 7

Food Science 8

Geography 9

Head, Heart and Soul 10

HealthandPhysicalEducation 11

History 13

Languages Other Than English 14

Mathematics 16

Music 17

Science 19

Sport 20

Visual Arts 21

Year 7 Course Guide Contacts 22

Front coverHamish Cahill, Year 7, 2020.

3 | St Leonard’s College Year 7 Course Guide 2022

Introduction

Thiscourseguideprovidesinformationaboutthe

subjectsofferedinyear7thatarecommonforall

students.Theaimsofeachcoresubjectareincluded,

as well as details of the content covered over the

year, the learning and teaching methods used, and

informationregardingassessment.Itishopedthat

thisguidewillstimulatediscussionbetweenstudents

andtheirparentsaboutwhatishappeninginthe

classroom throughout the year.

Year7isthefirstyearofatwo-yearsequence.

Students are introduced to the full range of learning

opportunitiesoveryears7and8withminimum

choice,beforespecialisinginlateryears.Students

willhavesomechoicewithinabalancedprogramat

years 9 and 10, and then free choice – within some

requirementsofeithertheVictorianCertificate

ofEducation(VCE)orInternationalBaccalaureate

DiplomaProgramme(IBDP)–inyears11and12.

Studentsandparentswillbegiveninformation

regardingyear8andthechoicesavailablelaterin

2022.Ifyouhaveanyqueriesaboutfuturecourses

pleasecontacttheDirectorofLearningOperations,

RobynMarshall:

[email protected]

Withinthecaringandsupportiveenvironmentof

MiddleSchool,studentsareencouragedtobecome

activelyinvolvedinawidevarietyofactivities,andto

makethemostofallopportunitiespresentedtothem

throughout the year. As students involve themselves

andastheymature,theywillbeabletoparticipate

fully in school and community life, making decisions

withconfidenceandbeingawareoftheoutcomesand

consequencesoftheirdecisions.

All students, as a class group and together with

theirmentor,participateintheOutdoorEducation

programatCampIbis,theCollege’scampsitesituated

on the Banksia Peninsula. This opportunity allows

studentstogettoknoweachotherandbuildasense

of community whilst developing skills in outdoor

pursuits.

All year 7 students are part of a Peer Support Group

that meets regularly with selected and trained year

11 student leaders. These groups aim to ensure that

year 7 students feel part of the school environment,

and to encourage the development of social skills,

self-disciplineandself-responsibility.ThePeer

SupportProgramensuresthatyoungerstudentsbuild

connectionswitholderstudents,andbenefitfrom

their experience and understanding of the school

system.

Welcome to year 7 in 2022. This Course Guide provides details of the subjects available in 2022.

mailto:robyn.marshall%40stleonards.vic.edu.au%20?subject=

stleonards.vic.edu.au | 4

Each student has a digital school diary, which is an

importantmeansofcommunicationandorganisation.

Students are encouraged to record all details of

school commitments, home learning and results of

assessments in their diary. As part of their pastoral

role, mentors check the diary and parents are also

asked to check and sign it each week.

Year 7 students are expected to have their own iPad

andbringittoschooldaily.Inyear7,studentsusethe

iPadacrossallsubjectareas.

Assessmentiscontinuousandconsistsofanumberof

components.Classwork,assignmentandprojectwork,

oralanddramaticpresentations,andhomelearning

all form part of the general assessment, together with

class tests. Students are encouraged to prepare for

testsbyrevisingtheirworkregularly,andtoorganise

theirtimeforassignments,thusestablishingan

effectivestudyroutine.Broadly,regularassessment

isdesignedtoenablestudentstodemonstratethat

theyhavereachedthelearningobjectivesassociated

witheachcourse.Theseobjectiveswillinclude,as

indicatedinthisbooklet,theskillsdevelopedandthe

processesinvolvedinthecompletionoftasks,aswell

asthecontentmatterandpresentationofthefinished

product.

Student progress is regularly reviewed throughout the

year.Therewillbeformalopportunitiesforparents

todiscusstheprogressofstudentsthroughparent-

teacher interviews held in terms 1 and 3. Should there

beanymatterforconcernparentsareencouragedto

contacttheHeadofYear7todiscussthematter.

Thesubjectsstudiedduringtheyearareindicated

belowwiththenumberofequivalent80-minute

sessions allocated to each class over the two week

timetablecycle.

Subject Equivalent80minute

sessions per fortnightEnglish 6

Mathematics 6

Science 5

Geography/History 5(onesemestereach)

Languages Other Than English

4

Sport 3

Visual Arts 3

DigiSTEM 2(onesemesteronly)

Drama 2(onesemesteronly)

Food Science 2(onesemesteronly)

Head, Heart and Soul 2(onesemesteronly)

Health and Physical Education

2

Music 2

Weencourageallstudentstodotheirbestinallthe

opportunitiespresentedtotheminyear7.Thefirst

yearofsecondaryeducationisaveryexcitingtime,

and we wish all well in their endeavours in 2022.

RobynMarshall

Director of Learning [email protected]

mailto:robyn.marshall%40stleonards.vic.edu.au?subject=


DigiSTEM

Technologies enrich and impact on the lives of people

andsocietiesglobally.Australianeedsenterprising

individualswhocanmakediscerningdecisionsabout

the development and use of technologies, and who

canindependentlyandcollaborativelydevelop

solutionstocomplexchallengesandcontribute

tosustainablepatternsofliving.Technologiescan

play an important role in transforming, restoring

andsustainingsocietiesandnatural,managedand

constructed environments.

Thissemester-longcourseinvolvestheintersection

ofscience,technology,engineeringandmathematics

(STEM).Studentswillcombinetheuseofnew

technologiessuchas3Dprinting,RaspberryPimicro-

computersandroboticstobuildworkingsolutionsto

realworldproblems.

DigiSTEMwilldevelopstudents’skillsinproblem-

solvingandcriticalthinking,digitalliteracy,creativity,

innovationandcollaboration.Itaimsto:

• Usecomputationalthinkingtocreatedigital

solutions

• Usedigitalsystemstoautomatethetransformation

ofdataintoinformationandtocreatively

communicateideasinarangeofsettings

• Developstudents’confidenceascriticalusersof

technologiesandproducersofdesignedsolutions

• Use design and systems thinking to generate

design ideas and communicate these to a range of

audiences

ContentDigiSTEM encourages a diverse array of important

newthinkingskills.Studentswillbechallengedvia

problemsolvingprojectstodeveloptheirdesign,

computationalandcreativethinkingskills.Theywill:

• Makeaninteractivepixel-basedpetby

programmingaRaspberryPiusingbasicfunctions

of the ‘Python’ programming language

• Design and construct 3D components to add to a

simple motor to demonstrate force transfer

Learning and teaching methodsInDigiSTEMclassesstudentswillbegivenbig

questionsandproblemstosolveandbeexpectedto

developanddesigntheirownpersonalisedsolutions.

In doing so, either individually or in small teams,

students will gain an array of important 21st century

skills.

Otherclassroomactivitiesmayinvolvesimplelogic

puzzles,patternrecognition,analysingandvisualising

data,thedesignofuserexperiencesandevaluating

design ideas.

Assessment• Class work

• Programming Test

• Projectwork


Drama: Bridging Worlds

Aims• Toencourageanddevelopstudents’confidence

and interest in drama

• Todevelopthinkingskills,techniquesand

imaginationincreatingandmakingwork

• Todevelopanunderstandingofartisticcriticism,

aestheticsandawarenessofselfandothers

• Toencourageanddevelopcreativerisktaking,

curiosity and excellence

• Toencourageconsiderationofsocial,culturaland

historicalinfluencesofdrama

ContentThisyear7semester-longcourseseekstointroduce

students to the following components of drama:

• Dramatic method and ensemble skills:basicskillsand terminology for individual and group work

• Mime:fixedpointandsnaptechniques,mimedspace,developmentofaroutine

• Movement: basicmovementskillsandsequences,essentialelementsofshape,level,dynamics,

rhythm and line to create meaning

• Dramatic creation: basictechniquesandstructures for developing scene work

• Oceanic Theatre:Explorationofdifferentculturesandtheatrestyleswithinourglobalregion

• Image theatre:explorationofcompositionofdramaticimagestocommunicatemeaning

• Role and character:creatingandbuildingrole,levels of role, the use of role in text, developing

characterfromareal-lifeperson

• Melodrama:explorationofconventionsofthegenre,creatingaperformancepiecebasedonuse

of the style

Learning and teaching methodsThis course focuses on the development of students’

imaginationandcreativityinpracticalwork.Activities

involve workshops, rehearsals and performances

inthetopicslistedabove.Atypicalclassinvolvesa

short workshop to learn new concepts or skills, the

developmentofashortcompositiontoapplythese

skills, and performance of the piece to the class

followedbydiscussionandevaluation.

AssessmentDramatic performance and movement performance: Students are assessed in individual and group

performances,takingintoaccountboththequalityof

theirrehearsalprocessandthefinalperformanceof

developed works. Typical assessment criteria

forpracticalworkare:imaginationandoriginality,

dramaticcoherenceandeffectiveness,andqualityof

performancestyleandtechnique.Writtenevaluations

arecompletedduringclasstimeattheendofaunit.

Application and communication of basic skills: Students are assessed on their demonstrated level of

basicskillinpracticalclassworkshopsindrama.


English

AimsThis course aims for students to:

• Continuetodeveloptheabilitytousethe

conventionsofwrittenEnglish

• Write in a variety of styles

• Listen carefully and speak clearly and coherently

• Readfluentlyandwithperception

• Appreciate a variety of literature, including popular

culture

ContentStudentswillexploreconceptualquestionsusing

a variety of texts. English Skills Builder Book 1 will

alsobeusedthroughouttheyeartodevelopskillsin

grammar,spelling,punctuationandvocabulary.

Term 1 Howdowecommunicateourperspectives?(WritingWorkshop)

Term 2 Howdowemakemeaningfromtexts?(Shortstoriesandpoetry)

Howdoourenvironmentsshapeus?(Uglies)

Term 3Whatistherelationshipbetweenidentityandbelonging?(Filmstudy)

Term 4 Howcancollaborationgeneratenewinsights?(LiteratureCircles)

Learning and teaching methodsOral work: class discussions, group work, oral

presentationsandtheNormFaryPublicSpeaking

Competition.

Written work: students are encouraged to try

differentstylessuchasnarrative,personalwriting,

persuasivewriting,analyticalwritingandimaginative

writing.

Reading:awiderreadinglessoninthelibraryoccursoncepercycle.Englishnovelswillbereadinclassand

for home learning.

AssessmentAvarietyofshortandlongwritingexercisesin

differentgenres

• Oralworkinvariedsettings

• Collaborativework

• Assessment tasks each term


Food Science

AimsFoodScienceatyear7isasemester-longsubject

which aims to expand students’ views of food and

eatingthroughthedevelopmentofpracticalcooking

techniques.Thesubjectpromoteshealthyeating

bygraduallyexpandingstudents’foodpreferences

and choices in line with The Australian Guide to

HealthyEating.Inaddition,thepracticalcomponent

ofthecourseprovidesopportunitiestogainskillsin

foodpreparation,timemanagement,organisation,

communicationandteamwork.Thissubject

contributestolife-longlearningandstudentsof

allabilitiesareencouragedtoparticipateandlearn

importantskillsthatcanbeincorporatedinthefuture.

ContentTopics covered in this unit include:

• Practicalfoodskillsandknowledge,whichinvolves

planning,foodpreparation,timemanagement,

safeuseofequipmentandappliances,andfood

hygiene:

– simplemeals:usingvegetables,fruits,

cereals and meat

– quickandhealthysnacks

• Nutrition–foodnutrientsandexerciselevels

requiredforoptimalhealthanddevelopment

• Makinghealthyfoodchoices–foodselection

modelsandtheirapplication

Studentsundertakeavarietyofpracticaltasks

thatservetoreinforcenutritionknowledgegained

throughout the course whilst also developing food

preparationskills.

Learning and teaching methods• Production–practicalapplicationand

management

• Skillintheuseofequipmentandappliances

• Group tasks

Assessment• Practicalcookingassessment

• Cook at home task

• Interpretingarecipeandcompleting

evaluationtasks


Geography

AimsYear7Geographyisasemester-longsubject.Itisan

introductory course and aims to provide students with

the skills they will need for the study of Geography.

Studentswillinvestigatemappingskillsandanswerthe

question‘whatmakesGeographydifferentfromany

othersubject?’Thebasicskillsneededforpresentation

ofworkandgatheringofdatawillbedevelopedduring

this unit.

ContentThissubjectwillincludetwounitsofstudy:

SPICESSThis unit introduces students to the geographical

concepts for their study of Geography. They

coverSpace,Place,Interconnection,Changeand

Environment,SustainabilityandScale.Studentsalso

familiarisethemselveswithmappingconventionsand

concepts.

Water and our WorldWater is all around us and is one of the world’s most

valuableresources.Itisimportantthatweunderstand

how we can use and manage water as a resource.

Understanding weather systems and reading warning

signscanhelpusdeterminethebestplantomanage

and respond to extreme weather events.

Studentsareintroducedtothenatureoffieldwork

throughananalysisofsustainabilityatthecollege.

Learning and teaching methodsMapping skills are an integral part of any geography

course,andstudentswillundertakepracticalactivities

which will cover the skills of:

• Usinglatitudeandlongitude

• Topographic maps

• Flow charts and diagrams

• Aerial photographs

• Sketch maps

• Field sketches

• Overlay maps

• General mapping

• Weather maps

• Climate graphs

• Surveys

• Land use maps

Assessment• Class work

• Case studies

• Fieldwork

• Tests


Head, Heart and Soul

AimsHead,HeartandSoulisasubjectwhichenables

studentstothinkcriticallyandrationally(withtheir

head),todevelopempathy(withtheirheart),to

considerwhatdifferentideasmeantothempersonally

andtogrowasindividuals(soul).

The aim of the Year 7 course is to develop our

students’abilitytoaskandanswerphilosophical

questionsthatlinktotheChristianperspective

andtheirownworldview.WefocusontheSocratic

Method for students to delve into their opinion so that

theycanbeconfidentintheirperspective.

Studentswillbeencouragedto:

• Formulatephilosophicalquestionsaboutreligion

and the wider world

• PracticetheSocraticMethod

• Reflecton,reasonwithandconsidertheir

perspectiveinrelationtothephilosophical

questionsthatweexplore

• Examine,compareandcontrastdifferent

perspectivestowardsthesedebatablequestions

ContentThroughout each cycle, students will explore a

differentphilosophicalquestion.Theseinclude:

• WhoisGod?WhatisGodlike?DoesGodexist?

• Whatdowemeanbyproof?

• IsevilaproblemforbelievinginGod?

• WhoisJesus?

• Arereligionandsciencecompatible?

• WhyamIhere?

• Whatisidentity?

Learning and teaching methodsEach lesson is designed to develop the students’

knowledgeandskillsbyusingavarietyofactivities.

These include;

• Journal entries

• Class discussions

• Research tasks

• Concept games

• Collaborativegrouptasks

• Preparingpresentations

Assessment• Journal Entries and other class work

• SocraticDialogue

• Shortwrittenresponses


Health and Physical Education

AimsHealthandPhysicalEducation(HPE)aimstodevelop

and apply students’ motor skills to game scenarios,

aquatics,movementskillsandathletics.Studentswill

developanunderstandingofandappreciationfor

physical, mental and social health. The curriculum

alsoprovidesopportunitiesforstudentstorefineand

consolidatepersonalandsocialskillsindemonstrating

leadership,teamworkandcollaborationinarangeof

physicalactivities.

ContentStudentshavetwoperiodsofHPEper10-daycycle.In

eachtermahealthconceptwillbeexploredintwoto

three lessons, with the remaining HPE lessons devoted

topracticalPEclasses.Studentswillalsoparticipatein

Sports Skills once per cycle, which links HPE concepts

with their ACS sport of choice.

Health ComponentHealth concepts are explored in the following units:

• Dimensions of Health

• Growth and Development

• Food and Fitness

• SubstanceAbuse

Physical Education ComponentStudentswillundertakesixspecificpracticalunits:

• Invasion games

• Striking/fieldinggames

• Net/wallgames

• Aquatics

• Athletic

• Movement skills

Sports SkillsStudentswillparticipateinanon-assessedsport

program, which has one sport skills session per cycle,

and, an ACS game or training every Tuesday.


Learning and teaching methodsTheactivitiesofferedinYear7assumeacompetent

level of fundamental motor skill development in

the earlier years. Most games are taught using a

gamesensemethodapproach,learningtacticsand

techniquesthroughgames.Inaddition,studentswill

continuewithanaquaticsprogram,wherebythey

learn in small groups of approximately six students.

Classroom-basedsessionswillinvolveindividual,small

group tasks and discussion.

AssessmentAssessmentandreportingisbasedonavarietyof

assessmentrubrics,including:

• Concept-basedwrittentasks

• Participationinpracticalclasses

• Aquatics

• Athletics

• GameSense(Invasion,Net/WallandStriking/

FieldingGames)


History

AimsYear7Historyisasemester-longsubjectinvolving

thestudyofanumberofsocietiesthatexisted

thousands of years ago. The course aims for students

tounderstandhowthesesocietiesdevelopedand

how ideas, people and events changed them. Students

develop skills in categorising events, placing them on

atimeline,anddescribingthemotivesandactionsof

peoplelivinginancientsocietiesfromdifferentpoints

of view.

ContentStudents examine how historical evidence is found,

theroleofarchaeologists,thedifferencesbetween

primary and secondary sources, and the concept of

chronology Students are introduced to these concepts

throughthestudyofearlycivilisationsalloverthe

world,focusingonproto-civilisationsfirstbefore

examiningaselectionfromaroundtheMediterranean

and in Asia, exploring their origins, culture, and

politicalandeconomicstructures.

Learning and teaching methodsEach unit is designed to develop the students’

knowledgeandskillsbyusingavarietyofactivities.

Students deepen their understanding of the past

through use of the six historical thinking concepts.

Theywillestablishhistoricalsignificance,usehistorical

sources,identifycontinuityandchange,analysecause

andconsequence,understandhistoricalperspectives,

andevaluatehistoricalinterpretations.Studentsuse

broadandtransferableskillstosynthesisetheirideas

intosophisticatedandinsightfulresponsestoavariety

of assessment tasks.

Assessment• Researchactivities

• Projects

• Mapwork

• Class work

• Tests


Languages Other Than English

AimsLearning a language other than English involves

learning how to communicate in a new language and

experiencing another culture. Students also learn the

structureofthelanguage,whichenablesthemto

reflectonhowtheirownlanguageworks.

Language students have the opportunity to:

• Beactiveparticipantsintheglobalvillage

• Becomebettercommunicators

• Expand their literacy skills

• Develop intercultural understanding and empathy

• Increasetheircognitiveflexibility

• Learn new languages and adapt to new cultures

more easily

• Broadentheirvocationaloptions

ContentStudents entering year 7 must choose to study one of

Chinese, French or Spanish.

Chinese: There are two pathways in year 7 Chinese:

Chinese Mainstream and Chinese Advanced.

Chinese Mainstream caters to students with no prior

learning of Chinese language and script. The course

introducesthebasicsofChinese,includingthewritten

script,anddevelopsvocabularythatallowsstudents

to express concepts from daily life, primarily through

speaking and listening. Chinese Advanced is designed

forstudentswhohavesomebackgroundinthe

learning of Chinese. Both courses use the overarching

theme of ‘China everyday’ to introduce or enhance

students’ knowledge of Chinese. The course focuses

ontheuseofspokenandwrittenChineseinarange

of contexts, as well as using a range of spoken and

print sources to explore the topics of family, home and

hobbies.

French: There are two pathways in year 7 French:

French Mainstream and French Advanced.

French Mainstream is for students with no prior

learning of French language. Students will learn the

alphabet,howtopronouncesoundscorrectly,how

togreetfriendsandfamily,howtoaskaboutfriends’

places of residence and languages spoken, and the

numbersupto100.Theyalsolearnhowtotalk

abouttheirfamily,friendsandpets.FrenchAdvanced

isforstudentswhohavesomebackgroundinthe

studyofFrench.Studentswillbeabletoreadaloud

correctly,talkaboutsports,school,clothing,music,as

theyexploremakingcalculationsaboutanareaand

designing clothes and to express respect to cultural

differences.Bothgroupslearnhowtoaskandanswer

whatthetimeisandtalkaboutthevariousfestivals

andspecialcelebrations.

VideosandprojectworkintroducethemtoFranceand

French-speakingcountries.


Spanish: There are two pathways in year 7 Spanish:

Spanish Mainstream and Spanish Advanced.

Spanish Mainstream aims to awaken students’ interest

inthelanguageandculturethroughacommunicative

approach. The skills of listening, speaking, reading

andwritingaredevelopedwhilelearningabout

greetings(suchasname,ageandaddress),numbers

upto100,daysoftheweek,thealphabet,school,

housing,food,partsofthebody,animals,likesand

dislikes. Students will learn how to read aloud and to

answerandasksimplequestions.SpanishAdvanced

isdesignedforstudentswhohavesomebackground

inthestudyofSpanish.Studentswillbeabletotalk

aboutfamily,school,leisureactivities,theweather,

calendar.BothgroupslearnaboutthemanySpanish-

speakingcountrieslocatedinLatinAmerica,Europe

and Africa, and their cultures. Students will also learn

howtoaskandanswerwhatthetimeisandtalkabout

thevariousfestivalsandspecialcelebrations.

Learning and teaching methodsActivitiesincludedinthestudyoflanguageatyear7

include:

• Roleplaystofosterfluency,presentationand

dramaticskills

• Repetitionandgameactivitiestoestablishgood

pronunciationandintonationhabits,andtofoster

automaticlanguageproduction

• Writingexercisestoreinforcelanguagelearnt

through listening and speaking

• Watchingvideostolearnaboutcultureand

practiselanguageitems

• Preparingbrochuresorposterstouselanguagein

creativeways

• Workingingroupstopractisespeakingandwriting

skillsandtodevelopcooperativelearning

• UsingiPadstopractiselanguageskillsthrough

gamesandinthepreparationofassignments

Assessment• Listening,speaking,readingandwritingtasks

• Workbookandhomelearningexercises

• Assignments

• Tests

Please note, that placement into an advanced language

class is based on ability and experience and is not

guaranteed. Parents will be notified via email prior to the

release of 2022 booklists as to which LOTE pathway their

child will be placed in.


Mathematics

AimsMathematicsprovidesstudentswithaccessto

importantmathematicalideas,knowledgeandskills.

Theaimsofmathematicseducationaretoensure

students:

• Can apply knowledge and skills through learning

andpractisingmathematicalalgorithms,routines

andtechniques,andusingthemtofindsolutionsto

standardproblems

• Areconfident,creativeusersofmathematics

andcommunicatorsofmathematics,ableto

investigate,representandinterpretsituations

• Developanincreasinglysophisticated

understandingofmathematicalconceptsand

fluencywithprocessesandareabletoreason,

poseandsolveproblemsintheareasofcontentof

each course

ContentThecontentofyear7Mathematicsisformedbytopics

fromthestrandsnumberandalgebra,measurement

andgeometry,andstatisticsandprobability.

Specifically,topicsstudiedincludedirectednumber,

algebra,decimals,equations,wholenumbers,lines

andangles,fractions,lineargraphs,percentages,area,

volume,probability,andstatistics.

Learning and teaching methodsInmathematics,studentsexpandandorganise

theirthinkinginmoreformalwaysbybecoming

involvedinprocessessuchascriticalandcreative

thinkingandproblemsolvinginadditiontoformal,

explicit teaching of skills. Learning tasks will provide

opportunitiesforstudentstoworkbothindependently

andcollaborativelywithothers.Inthefirstyearof

secondarymathematics,itbecomesincreasingly

important for students to monitor their own learning,

identifyareasthatneedfurtherworkandunderstand

howtoaddresstheseinpositiveways.

From term 2 classes may operate for students

requiringamorechallengingMathematicsprogramme.

Theseclassesaredeterminedbyperformanceduring

term 1. These classes cover the same course content

buttoagreaterdepthandwithagreateremphasison

problem-solving.

Allyear7studentsparticipateintheAustralian

MathematicsCompetition.Highachieversmaybe

offeredthechancetoparticipateintheAustralian

MathematicsChallengeandtheUniversityof

MelbourneMathematicsCompetition.

AssessmentFormalassessmentisbasedonstudents’achievements

on graded assessment tasks such as topic tests and

problem-solvingtasks.


MusicAimsAtStLeonard’sCollegeallyear7studentsparticipateinpracticalclassroommusicclasses.Duringmusicclasses students learn either an orchestral instrument or sing in a vocal group to give them a ‘hands on’ andauthenticexperienceinlearningtheimportantconceptsforamusicianandtheskillsrequiredforbeingamemberofanensemble.There are compulsory after school or before school timetabled classes for ALL year 7 students. These compulsory times are listed within the information below.

ContentAll students develop musicianship skills, performance skillsandinstrument-specifictechniques.Thelearningmaterialisdifferentiatedaccordingtostudentexperience and personal development in music, with a focus on developing student agency and encouraging

a growth mindset.

Learning and teaching methodsStudentslearnaspartofabalancedensemble,developing a range of skills as appropriate for their instrumentorgroup.Majorperformancegoalsaresetthroughouttheyearandstudentsarerequiredtopractiseandpreparefortheseperformances.Allstudents will perform in the Year 7 Concert and will alsobeinvolvedintheBandsConcert,OrchestralConcert or Choir Concert. Students are expected topractiseatleast5timesaweektosupporttheirlearning in class and to ensure progress. Studentswork from a range of tutor texts and apps designed for progressive development and a solid understanding of the skills involved.

AssessmentStudentswillbeassessedon:• Class performances• Evidenceofpractice• Musicianship skills

Making your Music Selection AllstudentswillcompleteanonlineselectionformforYear7Music.Pleasereadtheinformationcarefullywhenmakingtheselectionwithyourchild.Students who have learnt an instrument in the year 6programatStLeonard’sCollegecanonlycontinuewith this instrument if they are taking private music lessonsonthisinstrumentin2022.Theexceptiontothisisforstudentswhohavelearnt,oboe,tuba,euphonium or French Horn in the year 6 music program.Specialconditionsapplysopleasereadtheinformationcarefullywhencompletingtheonlineselectionform.

Students who are not taking private music lessons onanorchestralinstrumentin2022arerequiredtochoose a new orchestral instrument for the year 7 musicprogram.Anexplanationoftheclassesandanoverviewoftherequiredbefore/afterschoolclassesforALLyear7studentsareoutlinedbelow. Practised ClassThisgroupisdesignedforstudentswhohavebeenlearning an orchestral instrument and are taking private music lessons in 2022. Orchestral instruments includeViolin,Viola,Cello,DoubleBass,Trumpet,FrenchHorn,Trombone,Euphonium,Tuba,Flute,Clarinet,Oboe,Bassoon,SaxophoneorPercussion/drums.Aninstrumentmaybeavailableforhire*.

Compulsory after school or before classes for PRACTISED class students are as follows:

• Brass, Woodwind and Percussion students in the PRACTISEDclasswillbemembersofthe St Leonard’s College Concert Band. This ensemblerehearses every Thursday after school 3.45pm - 4.45pm.Attendanceiscompulsory.

• String students in the PRACTISED class will bemembersoftheStLeonard’sCollegePopsOrchestra.Thisensemblerehearses every


• Monday before school 7.20am - 8.20am. Attendanceiscompulsory.

AllstudentsinthePRACTISEDclasswillbe:• Experienced in their orchestral instrument• Fluentinreadingmusicnotation• Workingtogetherinanensembletoextendtheir

performance and musicianship skills• Taking private music lessons on their orchestral

instrument in 2022

Please note that students who play Piano, Keyboard, Recorder, Ukulele, Guitar or Electric Guitar are not eligible for the PRACTISED class.

Apprentice ClassStudentsintheAPPRENTICEclasseswillallbebeginners.Theinstrumentsofferedare:Violin,Viola,Cello,DoubleBass,Trumpet,FrenchHorn,Trombone,Euphonium,Tuba,Flute,Clarinet,Oboe,Bassoon,Saxophone or Percussion/drums. A school instrument willbeavailableforhire*.

In2022weareprioritisingFrenchhorn,tuba,oboeandbassoonplayerssopleaseconsidertheseinstrumentsasanoption.Pleaseremembertolistyourchoicesfrom1to5whencompletingtheonlineselectionform.TheMusicDepartmentendeavourstogivestudentstheirhighestpossiblepreferencehowever there are many factors involved when this allocationisconsidered.

Compulsory after school classes for APPRENTICE class students are as follows:• AllstudentsintheAPPRENTICEclasswillbea

memberoftheafterschoolYear7BandorYear7 String Orchestra. Rehearsals are until 4.30pm every second Wednesday (day 8).AttendanceattheseafterschoolrehearsalsiscompulsoryforallYear7studentsintheAPPRENTICEclasses.

*Instrument HireUnlessadvisedbyemail,StLeonard’sCollegewillprovide an instrument at the hire cost of $155 per

annumforstudentsinthePractisedandApprenticeClasses. The annual hire fee includes a nominal insurance charge of $20 which will assist in covering the cost of damage and repairs to instruments whilst athome.Pleasenotethatfamiliesareresponsibleforthefirst$500towardsanyrepaircost.TheCollegewillnotcoverlossduetotheft,homefireormaliciousdamage and we ask that you please make sure your personal home insurance policy covers the instrument you have hired as part of your standard policy. This charge will not apply if you use your own instrument.

Vocal ClassThisclassisonlyofferedtostudentswhoaretakingprivate singing lessons. Students will focus on developing their sight singing skills. Places are limited inthisclass.AllmembersofthisclasswillalsoberequiredtojointheMiddleSchoolChoir.

Compulsory after school classes for VOCAL Group students are as follows: • AllstudentsintheVOCALGroupwillbea

memberoftheafterschoolYear7VocalGroup.Rehearsals are until 4.30pm every second Wednesday (day 8). StudentsarealsorequiredtoattendtheMiddle School Choir every Monday 3.45pm - 4.45pm.Attendanceattheseafterschool rehearsals is compulsory for all Year 7 students in the VOCAL Group.

EnquiriesInadditiontotheClassroomMusicprogramthereisanextensivecocurricularmusicprogram.IfyourequireanyfurtherinformationinregardtotheClassroomMusicprogram,pleasecontactElizabethFurman,DirectorofMusic–[email protected]

Ifyouhaveenquiriesregardingthecocurricularmusicopportunities,pleasecontactPeterFoley,DirectorofMusic – Performance at [email protected]

mailto:elizabeth.furman%40stleonards.vic.edu.au?subject=

mailto:peter.foley%40stleonards.vic.edu.au?subject=


AimsScienceeducationdevelopsstudents’abilitiestoask

questionsandfindanswersaboutthenaturaland

physical world.

The science curriculum at St Leonard’s College

encourages students to:

• Developknowledgeandskillscentraltobiological,

chemical, earth and physical sciences

• Apply knowledge of science and understanding of

somekeyscientifictheories,principlesandideas

to explain and predict events in the natural and

physical world

• Developandusetheskillsofscientific

investigation,reasoningandanalysistogenerateor

refineknowledge,findsolutionsandaskquestions

ContentThis course introduces students to various aspects of

scienceandthewayscientistswork.Thetopicslisted

belowareusedasameanstointroduceanddevelop

theskillsandinterestsneededtobesuccessfulin

furtherscientificstudies.Importantbasicconcepts

are introduced and used to challenge the thinking and

hypothesis-formingskillsofstudents.Areasofstudy

include:

• Introducingthesciencelaboratory

• Water–mixtures,solutionsandparticlemodeland

why water is so important

• Lifeandliving–characteristicsoflife,classification

and ecology

• Physical world – forces

Learning and teaching methodsAvarietyoflearningactivitieswillbeusedincluding:

• Research,library,internet,journalandpractical

basedassignments

• Class discussions

• Digitalsimulations

• Homelearningactivities

• Guestspeakersandexcursionstoscientificplaces

of interest

• Applyingtheprinciplesofscientificmethodto

problemsandchallenges

• Formattingandmanipulationofdata,resultsand

otherinformation

AssessmentArangeoftests,experiments,investigationsand

projectsareusedtoassesstheskillsofcollectingand

usinginformationthroughobservation,measurement,

experimentation,interpretationandproblemsolving.

Science


Sport

AimsSport is closely linked with Health and Physical

Education,andaimsto:

• Developknowledge,skills,attitudesandvalues

within a chosen sport

• Assistallstudentstomaximisetheirpotential

byprovidingasafe,encouragingandpositive

environment

• Develop a strong St Leonard’s culture, leadership

opportunitiesandteam-firstattitude

Allstudentsareexpectedtobeinattendanceduring

allsportsessions,whichincludesanafter-school

component during scheduled games.

ContentStLeonard’sCollegeisanaffiliatedmemberofthe

AssociationofCoeducationalSchools.Thisrequires

all students to play one summer and one winter

interschool sport. Each sport has 10 home and away

gamesandthepossibilityofonefinal.

When a game is not scheduled, students undertake

trainingspecifictotheirsport.

Studentsselectafirstandsecondpreferenceforeach

season,withparticipationinthepreferredsportand

gradebasedonnumbersandability.

Girls BoysSummer Soccer

Softball TennisVolleyballMixed Touch Football

BasketballCricketHockeySoftball TableTennisMixed Touch Football

Winter BasketballHockeyNetballTableTennis

FootballSoccer Tennis Volleyball

St Leonard’s also enters large teams into the ACS

Athletics,SwimmingandCrossCountrycarnivals.

Regular training occurs for all of these teams.


AimsThe Visual Arts program promotes the development of

students’visualliteracythroughavarietyofcreative

experiences.Studentsdevelopcuriosityabout

themselves,othersandtheworldtobecomeeffective

andcreativeproblem-solvers.

Studentswillexperimentwithvisualartsconventions

andtechniquestorepresentthemes,conceptsand

ideas through their artwork. They will design and

createartintwoandthree-dimensionalforms,giving

dueconsiderationtotheexhibitionandaudienceof

their work. Students will explore, challenge and enrich

personalidentityandbuildawarenessoftheaesthetic

inareal-worldcontext.

ContentThe program for year 7 consists of the following

media:

Two-dimensionalforms:Drawing,Painting,

Printmaking

Three-dimensionalforms:Constructedsculpture,

Ceramics

Lens-basedandsequentialart:Photography

Visual diaryStudentsarerequiredtousetheirvisualdiaryto

enhance ongoing research, design and development

inarangeofjournalingtasks.Thiswilldocumentthe

designprocessesundertakeninclassinasequential

and organised manner and will include drawing,

designing,experimentationandtheannotationof

creativeandcriticalthinking,processesandideas.

Responding to artRespondingtoartstimulatesimagination,challenges

perception,anddevelopscreativeandanalyticalskills.

Students will research a variety of artworks produced

byartistsfromdifferenttimesandculturessupporting

thedevelopmentofanempatheticworldview.

Learning and teaching methodsExplorationofaesthetic,conceptualandtechnical

skills and processes are fundamental to students’

personalexperiencesandcreativeexpression.They

willalsodevelopskillsinprojectmanagementasthey

address each area of study through:

• Researchandexperimentation

• Planningandannotation

• Technical skills and processes

• Conceptresolution

• Visual literacy

AssessmentAssessmentcriteriawillbeprovidedatthebeginning

ofeachareaofstudy.Allareasofstudywillbe

combinedtoascertainanoverallgradeattheendof

the semester.

Visual Arts


Year 7 Course Guide Contacts

CommerceGeorgeKatris,HeadofLearning-Commerce

[email protected]

Digital TechnologiesVaughanAnderson,HeadofLearning-DigiSTEM

[email protected]

Drama SamStone,HeadofLearning-Drama

[email protected]

EnglishMaggieWalsh,HeadofLearning-English

[email protected]

Health, Sports and Exercise SciencesJasonKam,HeadofLearning-Health,Sportsand

Exercise Sciences

[email protected]

HumanitiesAshleyWood,HeadofLearning-Humanities

[email protected]

LanguagesElviraCaballero,HeadofLearning-Languages

[email protected]

MathematicsSaraWoolley,HeadofLearning-Mathematics

[email protected]

MusicElizabethFurman,DirectorofMusic-Education

[email protected]

ScienceLaurenBinge,HeadofLearning-Science

[email protected]

Visual Art MeganHall,HeadofLearning-VisualArts

[email protected]

mailto:Megan.Hall%40stleonards.vic.edu.au?subject=


St Leonard’s College163 South Road, Brighton East VIC 3187

P(+613)99099300ABN 52 006 106 556

CRICOS [email protected]

year 7 course guide - stleonards.vic.edu.au

Documents