Students experience a learning program which is broad but allowing for some choice with elective subjects included.

• The Religious Education learning program follows the curriculum structure set by the Diocese of Sale.
• There is a significant focus on literacy and numeracy with additional class time provided for English and Mathematics.
• Student’s study 4 semester long electives:
  • 1 Arts based elective
  • 1 Design Technology based elective
  • 2 other electives from all options available to Year 8 students
• Enrichment Program studies are available (semester elective) for students who have a high level of interest and skill in a particular area. Criteria apply.
• To meet student needs and offer more choice and flexibility within the learning program some Religious Education and Enrichment Program subjects are studied as classes with both Year 8 and Year 9 students included.

WHEN SELECTING ELECTIVES PLEASE NOTE:

SUBJECTS WILL ONLY RUN WHERE THERE ARE SUFFICIENT NUMBERS AND THE SUBJECT CAN BE STAFFED.

STUDENTS SHOULD CAREFULLY CHOOSE RESERVE SUBJECTS IN THE EVENT THAT A SUBJECT WILL NOT RUN.

Year 8 - Religious Education*

In Year 8 Religious Education, students will explore and articulate the colleges Catholic Identity through the lenses of our school mission, patron Saints and community. Students will deepen their understanding of the topics of healing, relationships, and the environment, inspired by the Catholic tradition, multiple faith perspectives and the influence of wider society. Students will form their own meaning of topics explored, engaging in a classroom of dialogue and encounter.

*Students may apply to do the elective options of Cantabile or Youth Ministry in place of Core RE. See the RE Elective Options for more information.

Future Directions
Students continue to study Religious Education as a Core Subject in Year 9. They also have the potential to enrol in elective courses: Youth Ministry or Cantabile.

Year 8 - English

In Year 8 English, students communicate with a range of audiences through many contexts. They look at the Australian Story and how they fit in. Students study a range of Literary texts. These texts explore themes of interpersonal relationships and ethical dilemmas within real-world and fictional settings and represent a variety of perspectives. Students will also study how to create persuasive texts as well as analyse how others persuade.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 9 English.

Year 8 - Mathematics

Year 8 students continue to develop and consolidate their numeracy skills across a range of mathematical concepts from the Victorian Curriculum. Students engage with key Year 8 Mathematical concepts while also addressing gaps in their understanding through differentiated learning approaches. Students are provided with varied opportunities to build confidence and become creative, capable, and effective communicators of Mathematics.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 9 Mathematics. Students who demonstrate capacity, may be invited into Advanced Mathematics.

Year 8 - Advanced Mathematics*

Year 8 students who demonstrate achievement above the expected standard may be invited to participate in the Advanced Mathematics course. This program is designed to extend and accelerate learning in alignment with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0. Students engage in rich problem-solving experiences, collaborative inquiry, and investigative projects that deepen conceptual understanding and introduce new areas of mathematical study. Through these experiences, students develop as confident, creative and effective communicators of mathematical thinking, applying reasoning and justification in increasingly sophisticated ways.

*This subject is studied with Year 9 students of the same ability

*This subject will only run if sufficient numbers of students are identified for a class

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 9 or 10 Advanced Mathematics.

Year 8 - Science

During Year 8 Science, students understand how new evidence can change scientific knowledge. They discuss how diverse teams develop scientific knowledge and consider ethical, environmental, social, and economic factors in scientific responses to issues. They analyse the role of science communication in shaping viewpoints and policies.

Students explain the role of cell structures in function. They distinguish between plant and animal cells, and unicellular and multicellular organisms. They analyse the relationship between structure and function in organs and systems, and how disorders affect survival. They classify matter and distinguish between physical and chemical changes. They compare energy forms and conduct household energy audits. They design circuits and predict voltage, current, and energy transfer. Students develop hypotheses, plan investigations, and consider ethical issues. They use precise equipment, organize data, and identify patterns and errors. They provide science-based explanations, support conclusions with evidence, and communicate findings effectively.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 9 Science.

Year 8 - Health and Physical Education

In Year 8 Health and Physical Education, students take part in a wide range of activities designed to build fundamental movement skills, including strength balance, coordination and teamwork. The program aims to improve students’ fitness, confidence, and positive participation in physical activity while encouraging respectful behaviour and good sportsmanship. Students will participate in a variety of sports and activities, including Softball, Basketball, Lacrosse, Hockey, and Tennis. Throughout the year, students will also explore a range of health topics and investigate current local, national, and global issues during theory lessons, helping them develop knowledge and skills to support respectful relationships. Topics studied include changes and challenges of adolescence, first aid and mental health.

Future Directions
This unit leads to Year 9 Health and PE or applying for the Sport and Basketball Enrichment Programs.

Year 8 - Humanities

Humanities includes Geography, Business and Economics, History and Civics and Citizenship. Humanities provides a framework for students to examine the complex processes that have shaped the modern world. Students learn to investigate responses to different challenges faced by humans and the environment.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 9 Humanities and consider a Humanities elective such as Year 8/9 Enrichment Program.

Students wishing to apply for either 8/9 Cantabile or 8/9 Youth Ministry must complete this application form by 4pm, June 15, 2026.

Year 8/9 - Religious Education: Cantabile*

In Year 8/9 Cantabile, students will be involved in theory and practical classes, building their knowledge on servant leadership through music ministry in the school and wider community. The concepts studied will be reflected in the hymns prepared for and sung at Campus liturgical celebrations and other events. Emphasis on breathing technique, musicianship and other performance skills will be explored. Being part of Cantabile will mean that students will lead music ministry at a variety of school events, requiring out of hours commitment.

*Students must complete an application form (see link just below heading for RE Options) by 4pm, June 16 to be considered for the program. This form is also available on the Year Level Team page for current Year 7 & 8 students.

Future Directions
Students continue to study Religious Education as a Core Subject as they progress through the College. They can also apply to continue in Cantabile or apply to enrol in Youth Ministry in the place of Core Studies.

Year 8/9 - Religious Education: Youth Ministry*

In Year 8/9 Youth Ministry, students will explore the foundations of Christian leadership through active participation in ministry-related activities. They will engage with and lead practical aspects of Youth Ministry by taking part in fundraising initiatives, prayer and liturgy projects, and facilitating Sacrament workshops for primary school groups. Students will contribute to class discussions and foster positive relationships with peers. Students in this subject will need to be committed beyond normal class time to help prepare and lead liturgies and events.

*Students must complete an application form (see link just below heading for RE Options) by 4pm, June 16 to be considered for the program. This form is also available on the Year Level Team page for current Year 7 & 8 students.

Future Directions
Students continue to study Religious Education as a Core Subject. They can also apply to continue in Youth Ministry or apply to enrol in Cantabile in the place of Core studies.

Year 8 - Languages: Japanese

This subject covers the study of the Japanese language. It focuses on the development of basic vocabulary, sentences patterns and all three alphabets. A focus on hobbies, entertainment and travel are the key components of Year 8 Japanese class. Through the study of Japanese language students develop their skills in oral and aural language, reading and writing. Students also develop their ability to analyse and interpret comprehension tasks relating to their daily lives.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 9 Japanese.

Year 8 - Languages: Spanish

Students work both collaboratively and independently in Spanish, using modelled and rehearsed language to express meaning and interact with others. Students build their knowledge of Spanish spelling conventions to pronounce words with increasing accuracy and use intonation to distinguish between statements. Students read, view, and listen to simple texts and reflect on intercultural perspectives when responding to them. They create and present their own texts, applying their knowledge of English grammar to Spanish, making connections with terms such as ‘verb’, ‘adjective’, noun’ and ‘agreement’ that are used in English learning. They further their understanding concepts such as grammatical gender and verb conjugation, as well as specific Spanish writing conventions, such as inverted question and exclamation marks.

Future Directions
After Year 8, languages become an elective option. Satisfactory completion of Year 8 Spanish gives students a sound foundation to proceed to Year 9 Spanish.

Year 8 - Arts: Drama

This subject covers drama from a variety of styles and time periods and focuses on the development of skills learned in Year 7 (for those who studied Drama). Students develop their skills in understanding role, character, and theatrical conventions, while manipulating expressive skills. They research and examine the historical, social, and cultural contexts behind these styles and their impact on performance. Students also develop their ability to analyse dramatic performance, explore meaning and interpretation and evaluate actor ability within their own and other’s work.

This subject can be studied in Year 8.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 9 Drama.

Year 8 and 9 - Arts: Music Performance

The Music curriculum aims to build the confidence of our students to be creative, innovative, thoughtful, skilful, and informed musicians. Through active participation, students develop skills to listen, improvise, compose, interpret, perform, and respond with intent and purpose. Students extend their understanding of music as an aural art form by broadening their knowledge and respect for music and music practices across global communities, cultures, and musical traditions.

NB. This subject can be studied both semesters.

This subject can be studied in Year 8 and in Year 9.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Music in Year 10.

Year 8 - Visual Arts: Art and Culture

In Year 8 Visual Art: Art and Culture, students investigate culturally responsive approaches to art making and develop their own ideas independently and collaboratively by research, experimentation, and refinement in a folio. Students experiment with and apply a variety of materials and techniques to create resolved artworks that communicate, express and challenge ideas. They reflect on their own Art and that of others by using Arts language.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 9 Visual Arts and/or Visual Communication Design or to apply for the Visual Arts Enrichment Program.

Year 8 - Visual Communication Design: Product Design and Marketing

In Year 8 Visual Communication Design: Product Design and Marketing, students explore the design fields of Object and Communication design. They learn skills in documentation drawing, using drawing boards and instruments to draw a 3D object to scale. They experiment with a variety of media, materials, and methods (including digital methods) and Design Elements and Principles to develop ideas and resolve and present a final design solution in response to a brief.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 9 Visual Arts and/or Visual Communication Design or to apply for the Visual Arts Enrichment Program.

Year 7/8 - Design Technology: Food Studies

Food studies introduces students to the life skills specific to the preparation and production of food products based upon the healthy eating food models recommended by the Australian Government. Students develop a sense of pride, satisfaction and enjoyment from their ability to create food products.

This subject may be allocated to a student in Year 7 or selected at Year 8. Students study this subject with their year level.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 9 Food Studies.

Year 7/8 - Design Technology: Materials Technology

In this subject, students will learn about working safely in a workshop using different tools and machinery. They will be introduced to the ‘Design Process’ and use these skills to create a product using a range of timber and plastic materials.

Students learn about safe workshop practices and the safe use of a range of hand tools and powered machinery. This understanding is reinforced through the successful completion of various safety exercises, tests, and production tasks.

Students are introduced to the design process and work within the constraint of a design brief to develop two and three-dimensional designs. Students follow a logical sequence of production processes and learn to manufacture a product of their own design. They are also expected to analyse and evaluate their finished products for performance, function, and appearance.

This subject may be allocated to a student in Year 7 or Year 8. The project processes are modified for Year 7 to exclude the use of hand-held power tools.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Design Technology: Materials Technology in Year 9.

Year 7/8 - Design Technology: Textiles

Textiles teaches students design and fabric construction skills. By following the design process, students apply their newly learned hand and machine sewing skills in a creative manner to produce a textile item. Students will complete theory components to familiarise them with textiles terminology and an understanding of how textiles are used in everyday living situations.

This subject may be allocated to a student in Year 7 or selected at Year 8. Students study this subject with their year level.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Design Technology: Textiles in Year 9.

Year 7/8 - Design Technology: Horticulture

Food and fibre are the human-produced or harvested resources used to sustain life. They are produced in managed environments such as farms, gardens and plantations or harvested from wild populations. Challenges for world food and fibre production include an increasing world population and an uncertain climate, and competition for resources such as land and water. These pose ethical challenges, for example in relation to economic, environmental and social sustainability.

In Horticulture, students have opportunities to engage in these challenges by understanding the processes of food and fibre production, and by investigating innovative and ethical, including sustainable, ways of supplying agriculturally produced raw materials. They progressively develop knowledge and understanding about the managed systems that produce food and fibre by creating designed solutions.

This subject may be allocated to a student in Year 7 or selected at Year 8. Students study this subject with their year level.

Future Directions
Students may go on to study Horticulture at Year 9.

Year 8 - Digital Technologies: Data and Computing

In Year 8 students step into the role of a digital problem-solver! In this course, students investigate what makes digital products and businesses successful by collecting and analysing real-world data. Using spreadsheets and single-table databases, they learn to organise, query, and visualise data to uncover meaningful insights.

Students then apply this data to design practical solutions, defining and breaking down real-world problems by identifying functional requirements and constraints. They create and test digital prototypes—such as websites or app interfaces—focusing on user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design.

Along the way, students build skills in data representation, digital project management, and responsible digital citizenship, learning how to manage their privacy and digital footprint in an increasingly connected world.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide foundation for students to proceed to Year 9 Creative Digital Solutions and Year 9 Digital Systems and Networks and/or to apply for the STEM Enrichment Program.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: Basketball

Using basketball as a key focus, students will have the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills across all facets of the game. This will include rule knowledge, individual skill development, team concepts as well as gaining a recognized coaching accreditation.

The course is a combination of practical and theoretical tasks.

Students are selected based off both their attitude towards the subject and their basketball abilities.

Future Directions
Students may consider a range of Health and PE options into the future.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: Health Sciences

The aim of the course is to further develop knowledge and skills within the health science domain. This includes concepts and practical elements from science and physical education, and key analytical skills such as finding and interpreting health data. The course shares curriculum links with science, physical education, and health education. Students explore the impact of a range of variables on human health, learning independently and collaboratively. Students develop their ability to incorporate and analyse data from investigations and a variety of research methods to make evidence based arguments about human health.

Future Directions
Students may consider pursuing subjects in the Science and Health and PE fields in the future.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: Literature

The aim of the Literature EP is to allow students the opportunity to complete an in-depth study of a range of texts including myths, legends, fairytales and poetry. The course provides students with necessary text analysis skills to ensure they are able to look for deeper meanings being conveyed by authors. The course also shares links with historical concepts and sources and a study of society, both past and present.

Throughout the course, students will be exposed to a range of text types which will involve reading, viewing and listening to develop their skills in annotation and to continue to explore how literary devices can be used by authors to affect a specific audience. They will explore how particular social and cultural contexts can change a person’s perception of a text and how these elements play a role in creating meaning for a reader. Throughout the course, students will compare and contrast texts and discuss why different authors present material in different ways. They will also build their writing skills by developing a folio of written tasks looking at different text types.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject may result in students reapplying the following year or may assist them in being considered for Year 10 Advanced English.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: From Page to Stage (Performing Arts)

The course provides students the opportunity to learn about the production process. From Page to Stage guides students through the various stages of taking an inspiration, existing work or other stimulus and creating a fully realised performance. Key areas of focus include, collaborative skills, Performing Arts technology, Performing Arts as an Industry and presenting group performance. Students develop their own skill within their preferred area of Drama or Dance and learn to work with other areas produce a performance based on, inspired by various works.

Students are selected based off both their application, enthusiasm for the subject, and abilities via an audition process.

Future Directions
Students may seek to pursue Performing Arts opportunities in future years.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: STEM

The aim of the STEM Enrichment Program (EP) is to further develop students’ inquiry, analytical, collaborative, and planning skills, while providing opportunities to engage with a range of technologies. The course offers students the experience of working in small teams to design and develop solutions to real-world problems, alongside building skills in construction, programming, and 3D printing.

Throughout the program, students explore advanced concepts across science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. A key focus is a major project, where students are challenged to develop a solution in response to a given theme, incorporating a variety of technologies available within the College.

Students are selected based on both their attitude towards the subject and their demonstrated ability to produce work at a high standard.

Future Directions
Students may seek to pursue a range of science or technology-based subjects into the future.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: Sport and Fitness (General)

The aim of the course is to further develop sporting knowledge and skills by developing a deeper understanding of training practices, coaching strategies, tactical awareness and recovery.

The course provides opportunities for students to explore training methods in a range of areas by building upon prior sporting knowledge and experiences. Students are provided with dedicated time to develop personal fitness, skills, and coaching strategies with a view to improving performance in their sporting pursuits.

Students are selected based off both their attitude towards the subject and their sporting abilities.

Future Directions
Students may pursue further Health and PE options into the future.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: Visual Arts

Visual Arts Enrichment Program is an extension opportunity for students who have excelled in Visual Arts subjects and wish to strengthen and enhance their abilities. In the Visual Arts Enrichment Program students will choose a speciality (either Art or Design) and engage in a variety of collaborative and independent art/design making activities that will promote exploration and reflection. Students will take part in studio workshops to learn new and specialist skills, develop ideas and their own unique style and create resolved artworks or design solutions. The course provides students with the opportunity to use specialist materials and to attend excursions that will further their understanding of contemporary and traditional practices in the Visual Arts.

Students are selected on the basis of their interest and skill in the visual arts.

Information on how to apply can be found on the Enrichment Program page.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 9 or 10 Visual Arts and/or Visual Communication Design.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: Laws and Society

This enrichment course helps students understand how rules and laws are made and how they work in Australian society. Students will explore the key parts of Australia’s democracy, including how laws are created, how courts work, and how legal decisions are made.
You’ll learn about:
The history of law
The role of the different legal institutions in Australia such as the High Court
How courts solve problems and apply the law
The different jobs in the legal system, like police officers, prosecutors, judges, and court staff
Australia’s responsibilities under international law
Legal issues that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 10 – Geography, Year 10 – Business and Economics, Year 10 – History, Year 10 – Politics and Legal Studies. Students interested in careers in politics, law, police, government or the community should consider this course.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: Tech Studio

Tech Studio is a project-based course for Year 8–9 students that develops skills in Digital Technologies and Design and Technologies, with connections to the Critical and Creative Thinking capability. Students investigate how digital systems and media can be used to communicate ideas and solve problems in real-world contexts.

A key focus of the course is digital media production, including podcasting, where students plan, create, and refine content for specific audiences and purposes. Students also explore a range of digital tools and technologies, applying computational thinking, design processes, and collaborative practices to develop innovative solutions.

Throughout the course, students document and reflect on their learning through a digital portfolio, demonstrating their ability to design, produce, and evaluate digital solutions.

Future Directions
By combining creative media skills with hands-on coding and systems thinking, Tech Studio EP opens doors to a range of exciting and future-focused study and career pathways; Computing (VCE), Media Arts (VCE), Visual Communication Design (VCE), VET Creative & Digital Media, Game Design & Animation (TAFE/Uni), Digital Journalism or Content Creation.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: Inquiry Based Learning Project

Inquiry Based Learning is an opportunity for students to develop 21st century skills in collaborative and supportive environments. Students will study this subject for one semester. Inquiry Based Learning focuses on the explicit teaching of transferrable skills such as teamwork, communication, creativity and critical thinking. These skills will support success in future employment and community engagement opportunities.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to various elective options at Year 10.