In Year 7, compulsory subjects for the full year are Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Health & Physical Education, Science and Humanities. All Year 7 students also undertake compulsory learning in the specialist areas in The Arts and Technology.

 

 

Religious Education

 

 

 


Overview

In Year 7 Religious Education, students develop their knowledge and skills in the following content areas: Belonging to a Community where students explore the concept of community and examine their own role in belonging to the Avila community; The Bible & Hebrew Scriptures allow students to discover the way the Bible was put together and how the various books fit together to form a whole library. They then focus on key characters and stories from the Hebrew Scriptures; building on their knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures, students are then introduced to the New Testament and the life of Jesus; finally a detailed investigation of the liturgical year including how it originated and evolved into the cycle of celebrations that we have today with the two peak celebrations of Christmas and Easter.

Assessment

Throughout the year, students will be assessed against the three strands of Knowledge and Understanding where learners are challenged to consider their intentions and seek truth in their hearts. Learning in this strand is evident when students are able to explain their understanding of the complexity and wisdom of the Catholic faith and its teachings as appropriate to the Year 7 level. The second strand of Reasoning and Responding is assessed insofar as students are invited to demonstrate how they make meaning of what they have understood. They are challenged to consider deep questions within their world and invited to respond with love, integrity and the Presentation values. Finally, students are assessed against their Personal and Communal Engagement where they consider their story and how they might engage with the content they have learned and apply it in their worlds. Learning in this strand is evident when students can demonstrate connections between their own lives and how the universal teachings of the church may apply to them.

 

English

 

 


Overview

All students study English as a core subject. The English curriculum is built around three interrelated strands of: Language, Literature and Literacy. Together the strands focus on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating. In-school events and excursions such as performances, guest speakers and extended writing activities are an integral aspect of Year 7 English.

Assessment

Assessment consists of text responses, oral presentations, creative writing and language analyses.

 

Mathematics

Mathematics is a core subject that must be undertaken for a full year.  The focus of the Year 7 Maths course is to develop each student’s skills and understanding through independent activities, group work and problem solving.  Areas of focus include:  consolidating number skills, recognising patterns, using algebra to describe patterns, plotting graphs, solving linear equations, taking accurate measurements, applying measurement concepts to real life situations, investigating parallel lines and shapes, determining the probabilities of events and performing transformations of shapes.

 

 


Overview

The content covers the following strands:

  • Number and Algebra
  • Measurement and Geometry
  • Statistics and Probability

Students are required to learn, practise and apply mathematical algorithms, routines and techniques both with and without the use of a scientific calculator. Students engage in activities which develop:

  • knowledge of facts and technical skills
  • depth of conceptual understanding
  • ability to communicate using clear and precise mathematical language
  • ability to tackle non-routine problems in an organised and systematic way
  • ability to apply what has been learned to solve real problems
  • ability to conduct investigations using mathematics
  • logical reasoning and understanding of proof at the appropriate level of sophistication
  • practical ability in measuring, estimating and making sensible use of calculators and computers.

Assessment

Assessment is based on skills, problem-solving and application tasks. There is continual assessment throughout the year with reports issued at mid-year and the end of the year. There are no formal examinations in Year 7.

 

Science

 

 


Overview

All students study Science as a core subject. In semester one you will complete units on Introduction to Science, Astronomy and Classification and Ecosystems. In semester two you will complete units on Forces, Matter and Mixtures and Water and Resources. You will also engage in activities which develop your ability to:

  • Identify questions, problems and claims that can be investigated scientifically and make predictions based on scientific knowledge
  • Collaboratively and individually plan and conduct a range of investigation types
  • Measure and control variables, and select equipment to collect data with accuracy appropriate to the task
  • Collect and use a range of representations including graphs, keys and models to record and summarise data from their investigations or from secondary data, and analyse patterns and relationships
  • Communicate ideas, findings and solutions to problems including identifying impacts and limitations of conclusions and using appropriate language and representations

Assessment

Each semester you will complete a variety of tasks, including topic tests, formal practical reports and assignments.

 

Humanities

 

 


Overview

All students in Year 7 study Humanities for the full year. Students complete units in History, Geography and Economics as follows:

  • Historical Concepts and Skills – an overview
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Peoples and Cultures
  • The Ancient Mediterranean world – Rome
  • The Ancient Asia-Pacific world – China
  • Economics – consumer choices and the nature of businesses
  • Water in the World
  • Place and Liveability

In Humanities students develop a range of skills including the analysis of events, people and sources from the past, the ability to select and assess the relevance of sources of information, and the capacity to construct explanations using supporting evidence and relevant terms and concepts.

Assessment

Each semester students complete a variety of tasks to develop their learning, including research tasks, topic tests, fieldwork and workbook tasks.

 

Health & Physical Education

 

 


Overview

The Year 7 Health and Physical Education Curriculum is informed by a strengths-based approach. Rather than focusing only on potential health risks or a deficit-based model of health, the curriculum has a strong focus on supporting students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills they require to make healthy, safe and active choices that will enhance their own and others’ health and wellbeing. Health and physical education is the key learning area in the curriculum that focuses explicitly on developing movement skills and concepts students require to participate in physical activities with competence and confidence.

Students undertake units of work ranging from health, wellbeing and safety, personal identity and development to themed-based physical activities such as challenge and adventure – teamwork, movement Olympics, aquatics, dance elements, gymnastics – dominant movement patterns and modified thematic games.

Assessment

Avila health and physical education students will approach learning by utilising their critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration skills. In doing so, they will develop the key character qualities of curiosity, initiative, persistence, adaptability, leadership and social awareness. Students will undertake a variety of common assessment tasks which include:

  • Collaborative tasks
  • Reflective journals
  • Self and peer assessments
  • Theoretical tests
  • Skills assessments

Pathways

Year 8 Health and Physical Education.