LEVEL: Year 8
LENGTH: Full Year Compulsory
Content:
Students study the Year 8 Australian Curriculum HASS course. This involves students studying History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, and Economics and Business. The HASS course comprises two interrelated strands: knowledge and understanding, and skills.
The History curriculum will provide a study of history from the end of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern period (c. 650 – 1750 CE), including Medieval Europe and the early modern world, as well as empires and expansions. In undertaking these depth studies, students will use historical sources in order to understand historical perspectives and interpretations, and will use questioning and researching in communicating their learning. Civilisations studied may include a combination of: Medieval Europe, and/or The Spanish conquest of the Americas.
The Geography component will involve students studying two topics: Landforms and Landscapes, and Changing Nations. In studying landforms and landscapes, students will investigate Australia’s natural and physical features, the value of landscapes and landforms for First Nations Australians, and the hazards associated with landscapes. Changing Nations focuses on the changing human geography of countries with the process of urbanisation, and internal and external migration.
The Civics and Citizenship curriculum allows students to develop an understanding of Australia’s system of government, the role and impact of elections, and the way in which political parties, interest groups, media and individuals influence government and decision-making processes. Additionally, students will unpack the reasons and influences that shape national identity, and how this contributes to active citizenship.
In Year 8, the focus for Business and Economics is Australian markets. Students will explore the way in which resources are allocated to produce goods and services in the operation of markets, and how businesses may adapt and respond to the changing nature of work. They will also develop an understanding of Australia’s taxation system, particularly in relation to individuals and businesses, and the importance of goal-setting, budgeting and planning.
Assessment:
Students’ performance will be determined according to the subject’s Achievement Standards. Grades A to E will be used for reporting purposes. Students’ knowledge and understanding, and skills will be assessed in a variety of formative and summative tasks that may include:
- Guided inquiries into the Medieval Feudal System, the Spanish conquest of the Americas, internal/external migration, and urbanisation.
- Sources analyses and a castle design task responding to aspects of Medieval Europe.
- Investigations into Australia’s natural and physical landforms and landscapes, including human impact on these landforms and landscapes.
- Investigations into Australia’s legal system at a local, state and federal level.
- Field trips that require students to report on the changing nature of landscapes, and how locations are valued by different groups of people, including First Nations Peoples.
- Instructional video reporting students’ observations around geomorphic processes.
- Short answer responses that propose strategies to address a geographical challenge.
- Creative responses to topics covered: a persuasive letter to a member of Parliament, a ‘perspectives’ task describing elements of daily life in Tenochtitlan from the point of view of inhabitants, a multimodal product (Minecraft, informative video, infographics).
Leads to: Year 9 Geography, Year 9 History, Year 9 Ancient Studies & Archaeology, Year 9 Law & Personal Finance