Year 7 – 10 Curriculum

Our curriculum is based around the Australian Curriculum Framework. Our teaching and learning program has a clear focus on thinking as a fundamental tool for developing deeper understanding. Our inquiry approach enables our students to be inquiring learners, developing their skills and building their knowledge and understanding. As 21st century learners we encourage students to understand themselves, others and the world in which they live.

Reece High provides a stable environment for students, with two out of every three teaching blocks of each day spent in the one classroom or building (Principal Learning Area). We have a Principal Teacher structure which fosters closer relationships, improving support for students’ specific needs (both pastoral and academic). This structure provides students with a smooth transition from primary school into high school and from the Junior School to Senior School.

Each day students in all year groups spend one block doing focused Literacy and Numeracy with teachers who specialise in these areas. At each stage of learning student needs are assessed and then planning and teaching are based on the assessed student needs. Teachers work collaboratively to ensure students are grouped and taught to increase their skills and understanding towards the standard expected in their grade. In weekly meetings teachers focus on the Four Critical Questions, each of which informs the next steps for teacher planning and student learning:

• What do we expect our students to learn?
• How will we know they are learning it?
• How will we respond when they don't learn?
• How will we respond if they already know it?

LEARNING FOR ALL

Our weekly program also focuses on learning outcomes in the areas of Science, Humanities and Social Sciences (Geography and History) and Digital Technologies.

Students also have the opportunity to explore their interests in a range of learning areas through our Realising Potential Program. In Grade 7 students participate in half year courses including Science Investigations, Materials, Design and Technology (MDT), Food, Music, Art, and Drama. In Grade 8, 9 and 10 students choose the Realising Potential classes they wish to study. All students also have two blocks per week of Health and Physical Education (HPE), one theory based and one practical.

Focus on learning areas:

English

A prioritised curriculum gives students sequenced development of skills in Language, Literature and Literacy. It is through the study of English that individuals learn to analyse, understand, communicate with and build relationships with others and with the world around them.

Maths

Mathematics provides students with essential mathematical skills and knowledge in Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. It develops the numeracy capabilities that all students need in their personal, work and civic life, and provides the fundamentals on which mathematical specialities and professional applications of mathematics are built.

History

History provides opportunities to investigate Australian and world history. Australian history is taught within a world history context. Students develop knowledge, understanding and skills through their study of societies, events, movements and developments. There are opportunities to study the role of individuals and groups and their significance.

Geography

Geography provides opportunities for students to investigate, analyse and explain the characteristics of the places that make up our world. Students learn about global resources, liveability and sustainability on our planet Earth.

Science

Science provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of science concepts and processes. They develop scientific knowledge, inquiry skills, an ability to communicate scientific understanding and use evidence to solve problems and make evidence-based decisions. Students develop the scientific knowledge, understandings and skills to make informed decisions about local, national and global issues and to participate,

Health and Physical Education

Health and Physical Education offers experiential learning, where students participate in physical activity which is developmentally appropriate. Integral to Health and Physical Education is the acquisition of movement skills, concepts and strategies that enable students to participate in a range of physical activities confidently and competently. Knowledge, understanding and skills, are developed in order to support students to enhance their own and others’ lifelong health and wellbeing.

The Arts

The Arts includes Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts. The curriculum provides opportunities for students to specialise in one or more Arts subjects from the beginning of high school.

Technologies

Technologies includes subjects of Design and Technologies, Hospitality, Food Studies and Digital Technologies. It ensures that all students benefit from learning about, and working with, traditional, contemporary and emerging technologies that shape the world in which we live. In creating solutions, as well as responding to the designed world, students will contribute to sustainable patterns of living for themselves and others.

My Education

My Education is a school-based subject that provides opportunities for students to undertake vocational learning and develop work-readiness skills in preparation for further study towards a skilled occupation or further education after leaving school. It supports students to identify their personal interests, values, strengths and aspirations and teaches them how to use this knowledge to make decisions about their future learning, work and life opportunities.