Year 8

Length: Full Year

Contact Person: English/EAL Leader

Content
The Year 8 English course develops students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating. Students build their understanding of how texts are influenced by context, purpose and audience. Texts may include media texts, online and digital texts, novels, non-fiction, poetry and dramatic performances. These texts explore themes such as interpersonal relationships, ethical dilemmas, real-world and fictional settings, and a range of perspectives.

Assessment
Assessment for learning is continuous and allows students to listen to, read, view, analyse, interpret, evaluate, create and perform a range of spoken, written and multimodal texts for different audiences. Assessment in English is based on the achievement standards of the Australian Curriculum.

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Not applicable.

Curriculum Charges: Not applicable.

Stationery Requirements: Exercise book A4 8mm 96 page.

Length: Semester/Full Year

Contact Person: English/EAL Leader

Content
In Year 8 Intensive Literacy, you will learn to use words confidently and express your ideas clearly. You’ll become curious about language, empathetic to others, resourceful in finding solutions, and reflective about your progress; skills that help you connect, solve problems, and succeed in everyday life.

Assessment
Assessment for learning is continuous and allows students to listen to, read, view, interpret and create texts for different purposes.

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Students are recommended for this class by their English/EAL teacher.

Curriculum Charges: Not applicable.

Stationery Requirements: Exercise book A4 8mm 96 page.

Length: Semester

Contact Person: Health and Physical Education Leader

Content
In Year 8 you are continuing to develop your understanding and application of lifelong respectful relationships and actions on and off the sporting field. With learned Year 7 skills, you will become adept at applying resourcefulness through sport, resilience to continue regardless of your skill level and a respect for those around you.

Assessment
You are required to complete a range of practical and theory tasks to develop Personal, Social and Community Health demonstrating knowledge and understanding. The practical component assessment focuses on understanding movement and learning through movement. Achievement may be demonstrated through investigations, tests, posters, reflections, presentations, creative writing, reports, reviews and practical performance.

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Underdale PE Uniform. There is an expectation that students will participate in all practical lessons. If students cannot participate, this should be supported with a note from a parent or guardian.

Curriculum Charges: Not applicable.

Length: Semester

Contact Person: Health and Physical Education Leader

Content
The Tennis Academy is a specialist subject designed to integrate elite tennis training with students’ academic timetable. You will participate in a structured program that could include on-court skill development, match play, video analysis, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition education, and performance goal setting.

Assessment
You are required to complete a range of practical and theory tasks to develop Personal, Social and Community Health demonstrating knowledge and understanding. The practical component assessment focuses on understanding movement in tennis and learning through movement. Achievement may be demonstrated through: investigations, tests, posters, reflections, presentations, creative writing, reports, reviews and practical performance.

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Underdale PE Uniform. Prior tennis experience is desired, but not necessary.

Curriculum Charges: $900

Length: Full Year

Contact Person: Football Academy Leader

Content
In Year 8 Football you will continue your development journey as you lead your Year 7/8 cohort into state knockout football and futsal matches.
This includes fortnightly sessions with our Spanish partners Valencia CF.
You will continue building resilience and resourcefulness in your application of health concepts to better understand yourself and those around you.

Assessment
You will complete practical and theory tasks to develop knowledge of Personal, Social, and Community Health, with a focus on movement in football. Achievement is demonstrated through investigations, tests, presentations, reflections, creative writing, reports, and practical performance.

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Interested students must submit an application and attend a selection trial. Year 8 students will be placed in either an ‘advanced’ or ‘development’ squad at the coaches’ discretion. All Football Academy students are required to wear the school Football uniform, purchased directly via pegasports.com.au

Curriculum Charges: $300 plus an additional cost for residential camp in Semester 1.

Length: Full Year

Contact Person: Humanities and Social Sciences Leader

Content
In Year 8 HASS, you will learn to understand different viewpoints through empathy, helping you connect with people from the past and present. By staying curious, you will explore how environments work and discover the effect they have on our world. You will practice responsibility by learning how laws, democracy, and your own actions shape a fair society. You will also recognise how all these elements influence your daily life, helping you to become a thoughtful, curious and responsible person.

Assessment
Assessment for learning is continuous. Assessment of learning allows students to demonstrate their ability and skills against the curriculum requirements.

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Not Applicable.

Curriculum Charges: Not Applicable.

Stationery Requirements:

• Exercise book A4 8mm 96 page.

Length: Full Year

Contact Person: Mathematics Leader

Content
In Year 8 Mathematics, you will discover how mathematics helps us make sense of the world through authentic investigations and real-life problem solving. You will apply fractions, decimals and percentages to financial situations, conduct a statistical investigation using shoe sizes to collect, analyse and interpret data, and explore measurement through a learning expedition investigating urbanisation and its impact on communities and
environments. Throughout the course, you will develop as a resourceful learner by exploring different problem -solving strategies, resilient by embracing challenges and learning from mistakes, and reflective by explaining your thinking, evaluating your approaches and recognising how mathematics connects to everyday life and future opportunities

Assessment
Students will be assessed using tests and folio tasks (individual and collaborative) with and without the use of technology. Students need to complete set work on a regular and consistent basis to successfully complete all aspects of the course.

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Not applicable.

Curriculum Charges: Not applicable.

Stationery Requirements:

• Scientific Calculator
• Grid book A4 96 page 5mm
• A4 Display folder with 20 refillable pockets
• Triangle geoliner 14cm celco
• Compass micador graduated 140mm safety #350

Length: Semester (Compulsory)

Contact Person: Languages Leader

Content
In Year 8 Modern Greek, you will learn how understanding and using Greek can help you connect with others and different cultures. Exploring real-life topics, you’ll become more community-minded, reflective, and empathetic as you discover new ways to communicate and appreciate other perspectives. These skills will help you build friendships, understand cultural traditions, and communicate in Australia and around the world.

Possible themes or topics include:

• Alphabet
• Days, Months, and Colour
• Greetings
• Numbers
• Personal Information
• Geography/ Travel
• Culture, Festivals, Holidays
• Mythology

Assessment
Year 8 Greek will be assessed according to Australian Curriculum Criteria, based on a range of listening, speaking and reading tasks.

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: For students who have studied Modern Greek in Year 7.

Curriculum Charges: There may be additional costs for excursions and other relevant cultural experiences when required.

Stationery Requirements: Exercise book A4 8mm 96 page.

Length: Semester

Contact Person: Languages Leader

Content
In Year 8 Japanese, you will learn how using Japanese helps you connect with new people and understand different cultures. By being community-minded, reflective, and empathetic, you’ll build skills that help you communicate, strengthen friendships, and appreciate the world from different points of view.

Possible themes or topics include:

• Hiragana Script
• Greetings & Self-introduction
• Permissions & Consent, Classroom Instructions
• Me and My Family
• Numbers and Counters (people & animals)
• School Life (study subjects, classroom objects)

Assessment
Year 8 Japanese will be assessed according to Australian Curriculum Criteria, based on a range of listening, speaking and reading tasks.

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: For students who have studied Japanese in Year 7.

Curriculum Charges: There may be additional costs for excursions and other relevant cultural experiences when required.

Stationery Requirements:

• Exercise book A4 8mm 96 page.
• Lined book with margin.

Length: Full Year

Contact Person: Science Leader

Learning This year, you will investigate the microscopic world and the energy that drives physical changes. you will stretch your curiosity by learning to look closely at the mysteries around you, asking deeper questions about how everything from microscopic structures to massive
global forces actually work. By exploring different points of view and testing your ideas, you’ll develop an open-minded way of thinking that helps you accept new evidence and embrace unexpected discoveries.

Assessment
Forms of assessment include tests, practicals, assignments, projects and story writing.

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Not applicable.

Curriculum Charges: Not applicable.

Stationery Requirements:

• A4 Display folder with 20 refillable pockets.
• Graph pad A4 50 leaf grid and punched
• Work pad A4 50 leaf ruled and punched.

Length: Semester

Contact Person: Arts Leader

Content
In Year 8 Dance, you'll refine your dance technique and make purposeful choreographic and performance choices. As you explore how dance communicates ideas across different cultures, times, and styles, you'll build confidence through expressive performance, think creatively to communicate meaning, develop empathy by understanding different stories and perspectives, and strengthen your self awareness by using feedback to refine your work.
The skills you develop will help you express ideas with purpose, collaborate creatively with others, and understand how movement can communicate without words.

Assessment
Assessment for learning is ongoing and allows students to create, perform, analyse, evaluate, and respond to dance in a range of styles and contexts. Assessment is based on the achievement standards of the South Australian Curriculum.

Prerequisite / Special Requirements: Appropriate clothing will be required. Black leggings/shorts and a t-shirt are recommended.

Curriculum Charges: Not applicable.

Stationery Requirements:
A4 Writing Book

Length: Semester

Contact Person: Arts Leader

Content
In Year 8 Drama, you'll refine your acting skills by making purposeful use of voice, movement, character, and the elements of drama to communicate ideas for an audience. As you explore different theatre styles and their purpose throughout history, you'll think creatively, build confidence through performance, develop empathy by bringing different characters and perspectives to life, and strengthen your selfawareness by reflecting on and refining your work. The skills you develop will help you communicate with purpose, adapt to different situations, and work effectively with a wide range of people.

Assessment
Assessment for learning is ongoing and gives students opportunities to create, rehearse, perform, design, reflect on, and respond to drama for a range of audiences and purposes.

Prerequisite / Special Requirements:

Curriculum Charges: Not Applicable

Stationery Requirements:
A4 Writing Book

Length: Semester

Contact Person: Arts Leader

Content
In Year 8 Music, you'll build on your musical skills by listening, performing, creating, and working with others. You'll explore music from different cultures, times, and styles while developing your confidence, creativity, and teamwork. As you explore composition, rock instruments, and music technology, you'll strengthen your self-awareness by refining your skills and develop empathy through understanding different musical traditions. The communication, collaboration, and creative thinking skills you develop will support you in school, work, and everyday life.

Assessment

• Genre Investigation
• Rock instruments (Guitar and Drums)
• Music theory (symbols and clefs)
• Music technology composition

Prerequisite / Special Requirements:
Not Applicable

Curriculum Charges:
Not applicable

Stationery Requirements:
A4 Display folder with 20 refillable pockets.

Length: Semester

Contact Person: Arts Leader

Content
In Year 8 Visual Arts, you'll refine your artistic skills as you create artworks that communicate ideas and emotions with purpose. You'll explore materials and techniques such as printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and design while learning from the work of artists across different cultures and times. As you create and reflect, you'll build confidence, creativity, empathy, and self-awareness. These skills will help you communicate, solve problems, and think creatively.

Assessment
Assessment allows students to demonstrate their learning through practical artworks, folio development, written analysis, and reflection. Assessment is based on the achievement standards of the South Australian Curriculum.

Prerequisite / Special Requirements:
Not Applicable

Curriculum Charges:
Not Applicable

Stationery Requirements:

• A4 Display folder with 20 refillable pockets.
• Pencil 2B economy.

Length: Semester - Compulsory

Content
In Year 8 Design Technology, you’ll use your creativity and problem-solving skills to turn ideas into real products from wood and plastic. You’ll gain confidence using tools and machines safely and learn how small changes can make a big difference. Working with others, you’ll practice teamwork and communication, just like in real jobs. By always putting safety first and checking your work, you’ll become responsible and ready to tackle new challenges. These skills will help you at home, in future workplaces, and whenever you want to make or fix something.

Assessment
In Year 8 Woodwork, you’ll be assessed on how you:

• Investigate and Design: Explore ideas, materials, and draw your project plans.
• Plan and Create: Organise your steps, then safely and carefully build your project using the right tools.
• Evaluate: Reflect on what worked well and what you’d improve next time.
• Attitude: Show responsibility, persistence, and work well with others.

Stationery Requirements: HB pencil and Eraser

Length: Semester - Compulsory

Contact Person: Technologies Leader

Content
Get ready to be creative and curious in Food and Textiles Technology as you learn about food safety and hygiene, explore nutrition using the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, and discover delicious cultural foods. You’ll build teamwork skills by preparing meals for others and try out different cooking methods using a range of equipment.
In Textile Technology, you’ll become confident and responsible as you use sewing machines safely and work with different materials. You’ll design and make your own textile item with a zipper, learning to problem-solve and innovate along the way.

Assessment
You’ll be assessed on your knowledge and understanding, the processes and skills you use in making food and textiles, and how well you reflect and evaluate your work—giving you the chance to show your growth as a creative and practical learner.

Stationery Requirements:

• A4 Display folder with 20 refillable pockets.