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 is comprised of 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, and the Asia-Pacific world. 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, Shogunate Japan 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 pf 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 tasks that may include:
- Guided inquiries into the Medieval Feudal System, the Spanish conquest of the Americas, internal/external migration, and urbanisation.
- Sources analysis tests and extended responses on Shogun Japan and/or Medieval Europe.
- A comparative essay on the Medieval societies of Shogun Japan and Medieval Europe.
- Investigations into Australia’s natural and physical landforms and landscapes, including human impacts, and/or Australia’s legal system.
- Field trip report the changing nature of landscapes, and geomorphic processes.
- Creative responses to topics covered: a persuasive letter to a member of Parliament, an empathy piece, a multimodal product (Minecraft, mud map, docuseries).
Leads to: Year 9 Geography, Year 9 History, Year 9 Law and Personal Finance