Tuesday, 24th of November, 2009

Secondary (Stage 4 & 5) Curriculum

Year 7 is very much a transition year for students in education. At St. Philomena’s our aim is to make this transitional year as comfortable and secure as possible so that all students will be given the opportunity to develop their personalities, talents and skills in a harmonious environment in which the Catholic Faith and Traditions flourish. In Year 7 –10, at St. Philomena’s, the students’ journey towards self-direction, self-motivation and self-discipline will be made less difficult through the guiding light of Christian Values.

Secondary students will be encouraged to meet the challenges that education in these technological times puts forward. In the curriculum there will be an emphasis on integrating computers across all subject areas so that computer skills become relevant to many aspects of the students’ lives. Key subject areas will be streamed so that each student will be encouraged to develop his or her academic excellence and also to allow for better organisation of remedial help if this is needed.

The Stage 4 curriculum at St. Philomena’s will consist of the eight Key Learning Areas as defined by the N.S.W. 1990 Education Reform Act. These Key Learning Areas are: English, Mathematics, Science, Human Society and its Environment, Languages other than English, Creative Arts, Technological and Applied Studies, and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. Exploration of these areas will enable students to make informed choices about electives for both the School and Higher School Certificates based on what they discover about their own talents, needs and interests in Years 7 and 8.

The Stage 5 curriculum at St. Philomena’s will consist of the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Human Society and its Environment, and Personal Development, Health & Physical Education. A range of elective subjects is available including Information Technology, Music, Languages, Sewing, Woodwork, Metalwork and Art. These electives are again designed to enable students to make an informed choice about areas they wish to persue in Stage 6.

At St. Philomena’s we add a ninth Key Learning Area - Religious Education.

Secondary Patterns of Study

Stage 4: Year 7 to Year 8
Stage 5: Year 9 to Year 10
Stage 6: Year 11 to Year 12

Religious Education

At St. Philomena’s we will strive to create an environment where the meaning of Jesus is lived; to encourage and assist students in their growth to Christian maturity.

Year 7 -10 students will concentrate on Sacred Scripture, the sacraments and gaining a sense of belonging to the Catholic Community. The Religious Education programs at St. Philomena’s draw from the Diocesan Religious Education Guidelines and is titled: “Faithful to God: Faithful to People”. The table provided here delineates the 7 – 10 program used throughout the Diocese.

English

English is our language of communication, and we must become as competent as possible in using its many forms. A thorough grounding and continual development in English skills are essential for success in all other subject areas. Proficiency in English can widen students’ choice of careers as well as give them access to the joys of leisure reading, good conversation and competence in public speaking.

The English course is compulsory throughout secondary school. Students will participate in reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing activities throughout the year in a variety of contexts. As a result of these activities students should grow in confidence and perhaps be encouraged to reach out to all the opportunities offered to them throughout the year in such areas as drama, public speaking, debating and writing competitions. Treatment of texts accords with the needs, interests and abilities of students. As they mature, critical analysis of literature is explored. Modern, traditional and Australian authors are included in studies.

Computer skills and research using a variety of technological advances are used to enhance literacy development.

Students will be assessed throughout the year on a combination of class tasks, texts, formal exams and the School Certificate examination.

Mathematics

The aim of Mathematics in Year 7 and 8 is to develop and consolidate Primary Mathematical concepts and lay the foundations for all the purposes of mathematics in reference to further studies and practical situations that will be experienced in today’s society. The course also aims to develop students confidence and enjoyment in doing mathematical activities, understanding in specified areas and awareness of the place of mathematics in solving problems in everyday life. The secondary syllabus at St. Philomena’s is organised as a single basic course for students in Year 7 and 8 leading to the Advanced, Intermediate and General courses in Years 9 and 10.

In Year 9 and 10 students are divided into three courses, Advanced, Intermediate and General. Student results over Stage 4 course are used to divide the classes into these courses.

In Year 10 the students sit a general external exam called the School Certificate.

Each term will have three to five units of which will be assessed as appropriate to the topic. Every unit will have either a topic test or an appropriate assignment to conclude the topic. Each of the topics covered will be tested in its respective half-yearly exam.

Other aspects of assessment can be collected from interactions in the classroom including group-work, observation during an activity, interviews and questioning, teacher-pupil discussion, listening to the use of language, student explanation and demonstration to others, practical investigations and projects and written or verbal reports.

Science

The aim of Science education is to develop a lively interest in, and an awareness of, the importance of Science in today’s world. In Science lessons students learn the skills of scientific observation, experimentation and the knowledge to enable them to appreciate the relationship between science and their everyday lives.

Student progress will be assessed through a variety of measures including: quizzes, experimental reports, topic tests, research, exams, assignments and exams. Topic tests take place at the end of each unit and examinations at the end of each semester.

Human Society and its Environment

All Secondary students will study a mandatory social science course that includes History, Geography and aspects of Civics and Citizenship. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the world we live in by examining the origin and development of social, political and religious institutions; by exploring the physical, environmental and human features and by analysing the role of the citizen in society.

The structure of this course will consist of topic studies within each semester. Within this course Site Studies are compulsory so some locally based excursions will be organised for students.

History

History is an enquiry into the records of the past. It involves asking questions and using evidence to determine how people, events and issues have influenced our present world. It is about the interaction over time of individuals and groups and the political, social and economic circumstances that arise from and influence this interaction.

Assessment in History is an ongoing process. A variety of assessment strategies are used to determine the students’ understanding of what has been taught. These include: topic tests, assignments, exercise in inquiry and decision-making, debates and role-plays and half-yearly and yearly exams.

Geography

The study of Geography prepares students for adult life by developing an informed perspective on local and global issues. In so doing it forms a basis for active participation in community life and a commitment towards ensuring that the environment is appreciated, enhanced and protected. It provides a framework on which to build an overall view of the world which makes the world more sustainable.

Students are encouraged to be active citizens in world affairs.

Students will be assessed throughout the year on a combination of class work items, assignment items, tests and formal exams.

Technological and Applied Studies (Design and Technology)

Design and Technology is a compulsory course in the Technological and Applied Studies Key Learning Area and is studied over Years 7 and 8. The course draws together a diverse set of disciplines, all sharing an interest in effective design, and practical experience in the use of technology. The course aims to assist students in becoming:

During the course students will develop skills in designing, graphics, making, evaluating, marketing, communicating, managing and computing.

Assessment techniques measure student achievement concerning the knowledge gained and skills acquired. Students will be assessed on their design project and associated design report. The students’ design report will be presented in a folio that will contain a record of class and assignment work including the design process leading to the finished product. Students will be examined at the end of each semester. Practical skills are assessed by observation, unit tests and the finished product.

Visual Arts

Students will participate in a broad range of activities from sculpture and pottery, to drawing, painting and design work. Historical and critical study of artists/craftspeople/designers and their work is included from Australia and other cultures and regions. Each student is required to record his or her ideas and processes in a Visual Arts Diary (sketchbook). Students do the equivalent of 100 hours of study in Art in Stage 4. In 2004 Art will be offered as an elective for Year 9 students (Stage 5).

Assessment - The assessment of the students’ work is generally determined by the following: skills, artwork presented, Visual Art Diary and exams.

Music

Students experience music through aural, performance, and creative modes. Music from a wide range of repertoire of genres, such as Jazz, Classical, Avant Garde, Stage and Art Music, Rock, Baroque and Folk, will be studied and performed. Students are encouraged to play instruments in order to broaden their understanding of the importance music plays in contemporary society, and for fun. Students do the equivalent of 200 hours of study in Music in stages 4 & 5 (over a two year period)

In Year 7 students will be assessed on Unit content and practical tests. Students have access to the music laboratory for practical and theory work.

Languages other than English

The study of Japanese in Year 7 and 8 will further extend the skills and knowledge learnt in the Primary. New students will not be disadvantaged by this procedure. The main areas of study will be in oral interaction, reading and responding, writing and culture.

In Year 9 and 10, students will listen to, speak, read and write and more importantly communicate in Japanese in real life situations. They will gain greater precision in actual language use through increasing mastery of the grammatical system. They have already mastered Hiragara and will go on to learn both Katakana and Kanji.

In Years 7 to 10 students will be assessed throughout the year on a combination of classwork items, assignments and formal exams.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

The Personal Development, Health and Physical Education program at St. Philomena’s aims to develop in each student the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to understand, value and lead a healthy and fulfilling Christian lifestyle. Students have the opportunity to develop their physical skills in a wide range of sports, gymnastics and dance.

The content areas are taught in a fully integrated manner with a mixture of theory and practical lessons. PD/H/PE is compulsory for all students unless a medical condition prevents a student from participating. Secondary sport day is on Friday Day 5 for Year 7 & 8 and on Day 10 for Year 9 & 10. Students may need to do sports activities on other week days as required by the course.

The practical component is assessed by testing skills, observing composition of movement, and gauging a student’s response to rules and game situations.
The theory component is assessed through various activities including posters, task sheets, topic tests, research assignments and quizzes.


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