In the junior school, we offer an engaging curriculum across all learning areas. Students are offered opportunities to extend their learning through various specialised programs as well as further developing their skills and understanding in core subjects.
South Oakleigh College provides a transition program to ensure that students are comfortable within their new learning environment and have the opportunity to connect with their new peers prior to starting secondary school.
Students are supported in their learning through the mentor program in which they take part in The Resilience Project as well as developing study skills.
Year 7 & 8 Curriculum Outline
Subjects in the Middle School are arranged into Core and Specialist subjects.
Core Subjects
Core subjects offered are mandatory for all students in Year 7 and 8 to complete the following:
At South Oakleigh Secondary College, we take great pride in our comprehensive approach to teaching English across our school. Our English and EAL programs are designed to empower students with the essential skills in reading, writing and speaking and listening, ensuring their all-round development as effective communicators both in the written and the spoken forms.
In Years 7 and 8, continue to read and understand different text types and genres, including imaginative fiction, realistic stories and information articles. When they write, they should be able to organise their thoughts and ideas and make their writing clear and engaging to the intended audience. In class, they are encouraged to talk and listen actively, taking part in discussions and giving presentations. These skills are essential for communicating effectively in real life.
EAL
Teaching of English as a Second Language (EAL), requires a sequential and detailed approach to cater to the diverse needs of students. The teacher plays a key role in ensuring that these learners, who may come from varied linguistic backgrounds, are effectively supported. In EAL classes, the teachers encourage participation and generate a safe, inclusive learning environment. By integrating engaging learning materials, teachers create opportunities for students to practise listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Ultimately, the aim is to provide EAL students the skills to become confident communicators and successful learners, equipped to navigate both academic and social situations while consolidating their knowledge and using English.
South Oakleigh College's Mathematics program offers a comprehensive educational experience rooted in the Victorian Curriculum. It is dedicated to equipping students with essential mathematical skills and knowledge across various domains, fostering analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
In Years 7 and 8, the curriculum focuses on building a solid foundation in fundamental mathematical concepts. Students are introduced to:
- Number and Algebra: Developing fluency with numbers, including operations and understanding fractions, decimals, and percentages. Introducing algebraic concepts such as expressions and equations.
- Measurement and Geometry: Exploring measurements, conversions, and geometric properties of shapes and objects. Introduction to angles, transformations, and coordinate geometry.
- Statistics and Probability: Analyzing data and presenting it visually through graphs and charts. Introduction to probability concepts and calculations.
Enrichment Program & Competition
Accelerated Mathematics Classes – Year 7 -10
Accelerated Math Classes - Years 7 to 10 - At South Oakleigh College, we provide opportunities to students who have been identified as working consistently and significantly above the mainstream expectations. Students work collegiately with their peers and are challenged and extended by their teachers in all areas of the curriculum.
Other Enrichment programs & Competitions
South Oakleigh College integrates a range of enrichment initiatives into the mathematics program to provide students with unique opportunities for growth and engagement. These initiatives include the Victorian High-Ability Program (VHAP), the ICAS UNSW Mathematics Competition, and a Coding Program. These programs empower students to further develop their mathematical abilities, apply creative problem-solving strategies, and explore the intersection of mathematics and technology.
Year 7
History
The year 7 history curriculum provides a study of history from the time of the earliest human communities to the end of the ancient period. This unit investigates societies of Ancient Greece and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and cultures. It was a period defined by the development of cultural practices and organised societies. The study of the ancient world includes the discoveries and the mysteries of this period of history.
Geography
The year 7 geography curriculum presents a structured way of exploring, analysing and understanding the characteristics of the places that make up our world. This unit covers water and the world and place and liveability. Water in the world focuses on water as an example of a renewable environmental resource. Place and liveability investigates factors that influence where people live, including environmental, economic and social measures in their local community.
Business & Economics
The year 7 business and economics curriculum provides students with an understanding of how they participate in the economy as consumers, workers and producers. This unit students explore financial planning, investigating the rights and responsibilities of consumers and business in terms of financial and economic decision making. Setting goals and planning is a vital skill for both individuals and businesses and students identify and practise methods to achieve these goals in different contexts.
Civics & Citizenship
The year 7 civics and citizenship curriculum provides a study of the key features of Australia’s system of government. Students examine the Australian Constitution and how its features, principles and values shape Australia’s democracy. They look at how the rights of individuals are protected through the justice system. Students also explore how Australia’s secular system of government supports a diverse society with shared values.
Year 8
History
The year 8 history curriculum provides study of history from the end of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern period. In this unit students study Medieval Japan and Medieval Europe. This was when major civilisations around the world started to interact with each other. Social, economic, religious, and political beliefs were often challenged and significantly changed.
Geography
The year 8 geography curriculum gets students to explore how the environmental functions to support life and how wellbeing can be maintained. In this unit students investigate the globalisation of urban life and the changing human geography of countries. The spatial distribution of population is a sensitive indicator of economic and social change, and has significant environmental, economic and social effects, both negative and positive.
Business & Economics
The year 8 business and economics curriculum investigates enterprising behaviours and entrepreneurial skills. Students explore the way the work and business environment is changing both in Australia and globally. They also explore the implications this has for current and future work and the work of entrepreneurs.
Civics & Citizenship
The Year 8 curriculum provides a study of the responsibilities and freedoms of citizens and how Australians can actively participate in their democracy. This unit provides students with an understanding of civil rights and Australian law. Students consider how laws are made and the types of laws used in Australia. Students also examine what it means to be Australian by identifying the reasons for and influences that shape national identity.
The South Oakleigh College science program provides students with opportunities that are a cut above the rest.
Students across mainstream and accelerated science are introduced to the fundamentals of what is science? What do scientists do and how do they conduct a valid investigation? Students develop the skill to observe, ask questions, collect data and make evidence-based conclusions. They are also introduced to Design Thinking and learn how to work collaboratively to solve problems that require empathy, ideation and the development of prototypes that provide viable solutions to big questions.
Students are introduced to the basics of:
- Chemistry: particle theory, states of matter, and simple reactions
- Biology: ecosystems, classification, and body systems
- Physics: simple machines, forces and energy
The year 7 and 8 Health and Physical Education curriculum is a combination of Theory, Physical Education and Sport classes. Students will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of how to enhance their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing. They will examine relationships, personal and social skills and decision making. Students will also practice and apply movement concepts and strategies to achieve movement and fitness outcomes.
Specialist Subjects
At Year 7 and 8, students are assigned to specialist subjects which are run for one semester only.
Specialist subjects are designed for students to have the opportunity to be exposed to a broad range of Art and Technology subjects and encourage the exploration of new skills, talents and interests.
Across the junior school these specialist subjects include.
South Oakleigh College takes immense pride in offering a vibrant Arts program that encompasses Visual Arts and Performing Arts. This holistic approach to the study of Arts and technology creates a unique and creative learning journey for students. It nurtures their critical and creative thinking skills, fosters self-expression, and contributes to their understanding of the world and their place in it.
From the early stages of year 7, students have the exciting opportunity to explore both Visual and Performing Arts, encouraging them to tackle real-world problems both independently and collaboratively. In Visual Arts, students can develop a wide range of skills, from ceramics to printmaking, drawing, painting, textiles, and later Media and Visual Communication and Design.
In year 7, students can explore two specialist subjects each semester. This approach allows them to gain exposure to a variety of subjects and disciplines, helping them discover their interests and passions while building a well-rounded foundation in different areas of study. It's a valuable stage in their education as they transition to more specialized coursework in the following years.
In the field of Art, students delve into the exploration and application of a variety of materials, techniques, and processes essential for creating artwork. They also apply a spectrum of creative thinking skills to enrich the art-making process.
In Drama, students embark on a journey of character and story creation, utilizing performance to convey ideas. They gain insights into various performance styles that enhance the depth and significance of their performance content.
In year 8, students often have the opportunity to explore three specialist subjects each semester. This provides them with a broader understanding of different subjects and helps them make informed decisions about their academic and career paths as they progress through their education.
In Art, students explore various art-making technologies and processes while studying art and artists from diverse cultures and time periods. They apply creative and critical thinking to choose materials, techniques, and processes for their original artworks.
Food Studies involves the analysis of food characteristics and properties, leading to the development of solutions for healthy eating. Students also acquire practical kitchen skills through hands-on cooking.
Music Performance aims to boost students' self-confidence through multiple performance opportunities. Active participation in group rehearsals, performances, and analysis is a key aspect.
Year 8 Drama immerses students in character and story creation to convey ideas. They explore diverse performance styles to enhance the depth of their performances, refining their use of dramatic conventions.
Technology subjects such as food technology, digital technology, game design, textiles, and materials design play a pivotal role in students' personal development and future careers. These subjects foster essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy, which are paramount in today's fast-paced world. They also promote creativity and innovation, encouraging students to think innovatively and explore new ideas and solutions. Furthermore, these subjects address real-world issues like sustainability and health, instilling in students an awareness of their societal and environmental impact. Ultimately, technology subjects equip students with practical skills and introduce them to potential career paths in various industries, empowering them to excel in our increasingly technology-driven society.
In year 7, students have the opportunity to explore two specialist subjects each semester. This approach allows them to gain exposure to a variety of subjects and disciplines, helping them discover their interests and passions while building a well-rounded foundation in different areas of study. It's a valuable stage in their education as they transition to more specialized coursework in the following years.
The Materials Textiles course empowers students with skills in both hand and machine sewing. Moreover, it encourages sustainability by involving students in upcycling second-hand clothing to craft a project of their choosing.
In the Design and Mechanisms course, students delve into the world of mechanical components, including simple machines and technical drawing. These skills serve as a foundation for creating various projects, with the added capability of using a laser cutter for their designs. Students not only become acquainted with the engineering design process but also hone their creative, critical thinking, and hands-on skills throughout the course.
In year 8, students often have the opportunity to explore three specialist subjects each semester. This provides them with a broader understanding of different subjects and helps them make informed decisions about their academic and career paths as they progress through their education.
In Electro-Technologies, students focus on developing simple programs to control electronic circuits using microcontrollers. They gain insights into fundamental programming concepts applicable to various programming languages.
Materials Technology allows students to work with a variety of materials, utilizing visual diaries to document planning, inspiration, and design ideas. They develop both manual and machine-based skills, including the use of the school's laser cutter, to create their projects.
South Oakleigh College is a school that prides itself on the cultural and linguistic diversity of its staff and students. It is recognised that the learning of an additional language other than English contributes to and supports our multicultural and school value:
- High Expectations: Students are expected to try their best in their Languages education in and outside of the classroom;
- Respect: Students are to learn about perspectives other than their own and to further develop their empathy and appreciation for others’ experiences;
- Responsibility: Students are to work hard to achieve their personal learning goals with regards to their Languages study;
- Resilience: Students are to show appreciation for their efforts in the classroom and beyond by embracing a ‘growth mindset’ and any challenges they may encounter as learning opportunities;
- Teamwork: Students are to work collaboratively with each other and to seek help amongst themselves in order to establish a community of Languages learners.
Japanese
Year 7 students of Japanese commence their language learning journeys at the secondary level. For Beginners classes, students are introduced to the Hiragana script and the world of Japanese culture and geography. Meanwhile, Advanced students further refine on their previous learning from the Primary level, developing their literacy skills across the different writing systems of Japanese. With the aim of developing their reading and writing skills, students learn to introduce themselves using the appropriate vocabulary and sentence structures.
Year 8 students are to further develop their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills with the Japanese language. Topics covered during this year include a study of samurai Japan, and learning to discuss and describe one’s friends, family and local community. At the end of Year 8, teachers will be contacting families of high-achieving students to recommend their continuation of the language into the Middle School.
Japanese in the Oakleigh Education Plan
Launched in 2020, the Oakleigh Education Plan (OEP) is a learning and teaching precinct that brings together the expertise and resources of Huntingdale Primary School, Oakleigh South Primary School and South Oakleigh College.
The aims of the OEP include the goal to strengthen Japanese pathways for students in the precinct. Teachers from across member schools collaborate on ways to improve the delivery of their respective Japanese programs.
Throughout the school year, there may be opportunities for students to participate in OEP-related events, including film viewings and visits to the Japanese Consulate in the Melbourne CBD.
For more information, click here.
Greek
The study of Greek at the junior levels aims to introduce and enhance students’ knowledge of Greek language, history, and culture. Students use written and spoken Greek to initiate and sustain classroom interactions, to carry out and to exchange information, ideas, thoughts and feelings about people, objects, places, and events. They ask and respond to open-ended questions and use rehearsed and spontaneous language to engage in discussions, negotiate, make decisions and arrangements. They apply appropriate pronunciation and rhythm in spoken Greek to a range of sentence types. Students from both Sequences 1 & 2 apply rules of punctuation and spelling to their own written constructions. They translate and interpret texts, identifying and explaining words with cultural significance in Greek, and create bilingual texts for the school and wider community.
At South Oakleigh College most students follow the Sequence F7-10 which is for second language learners. Students who are first language learners are extended with tutoring classes supported by language aides. They are provided with Greek texts from Greece to extend their levels of competence. Students also engage in a digital program of Education Perfect to further engage and practise written and spoken language. Advanced language learners are withdrawn once a week for extended tutoring with the assigned language aide. All students participate in extra-Curricular activities which include incursion guest speakers, excursions to the Hellenic and Immigration Museums. Participation in cultural school events and external community participation. All students are given opportunities to participate in language and cultural competitions.