Year 8

Introduction

The curriculum at Bendigo South East College follows the Victorian Curriculum F – 10. This curriculum, developed by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), “is the common set of knowledge and skills required by students for life-long learning, social development and active and informed citizenship.” The Victorian Curriculum F – 10 also incorporates the Australian curriculum, whilst reflecting the key priority areas and standards for Victorian students.


Bendigo South East College also offers a small range of Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and Vocational Educational Training (VET) based subject offerings for Year 10 students. Teachers follow the subject specific study design published by the VCAA to construct learning centred upon the set knowledge and skills described. VET subjects knowledge and skills is derived from following the relevant industry-based training package regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).


As students move into Years 7 and 8, Bendigo South East College curriculum and subject offerings have a focus on students experiencing a broad range of subject areas and building key knowledge and skills across these offerings. Within Year 9 and 10 students are provided with increasing opportunities to exercise choice. We encourage students to consider their Year 10 program as a strong grounding for their last two years of senior secondary education.


Subject Availability

While subjects are offered within this Course Selection Guide, BSE will, once students undertake their subject selections, make decisions about running subjects based on the demand for each subject. Subjects selected by a small number of students may be withdrawn. If a subject is withdrawn, students will be notified and back-up subject choices used and/or further course counselling will be undertaken.


Learning and Student Attendance

Bendigo South East College expects students to maintain a strong attendance record. There is significant research that indicates students who miss 5 – 10% of days in any given year will have significantly lower levels of performance in Literacy and Numeracy. In future years the gaps in knowledge and skills are rarely made up. Strong attendance provides continuity in student’s learning.


Bendigo South East College will work with parents to provide support for a continuation of essential student learning if a student has some short-term absence (up to approximately 2-3 weeks) as a result of illness or injury. For absences that extend beyond this period, student needs are considered on a case-by-case basis, but parents need to be aware that the school is not equipped, nor able to support an “at-home” learning program for students for any great length of time. The school does not provide an individual learning program as part of the student’s absence due to a holiday during the term.


Subject Fees

Please note: The subject fees shown in this booklet are indicative only and are under review by College Council as part of the annual ratification process. The final list of fees/charges will be included in the 2024 book lists which are distributed later in the year.


Selecting Your Year 8 Program


A Year 8 program at Bendigo South East College seeks to provide subject options that continue to build essential learning skills across a broad range of subject areas. This Course Selection Booklet provides information to assist students to make subject choices for 2024. It is a ‘living document’ and will very likely be updated once the outcomes of the annual ‘Course Selections’ are known.


Subject Selection

Students are expected to draw upon a variety of resources and people that can assist them to select their subjects and learning program. To fully understand the subject content and expectations, it is essential that students and parents carefully read the description of any subject in which a student has an interest. Subject descriptions start on Page 4 of this booklet.  Fees indicated for subjects are correct. These have been ratified by the BSE School Council and will be confirmed in the 2024 booklists. 

Year 8 Subject Offerings Summary by Learning Area

Requirements of a Year 8 Program

In Year 8 students undertake the following program made up of compulsory (core) and elective subject options. Students must undertake two semesters of English, Mathematics, Health and PE (either core or ADP),  Science, Humanities and Strive. Students then undertake four single semester electives of their choosing drawn from the Arts, Technology, Languages and Multidisciplinary learning areas, except in the following situations:

The following needs to be considered:



Year 8 Subject Descriptions


The Arts Learning Area Subjects


Year 8 Academy of Creative Arts (ACA)

Subject Length:    2 semesters

Subject Fee:          $1300

If you are interested in furthering your development in the field of Dance, Drama, Visual Arts or Vocals, this subject is for you!  The Academy of Creative Arts (ACA) program offers aspiring artists the opportunity to develop their own goals to work towards in their chosen field.  The program also invites practising artists to run Masterclasses for students. These Masterclasses occur before and after school each week.

What is studied?

Student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:

 

What type of work is done?

Student learning is developed and assessed through:

 

Additional Information

The Academy of Creative Arts is a SELECT ENTRY program. Entry into the program is undertaken through separate ACA application and audition/interview. In timetabled classes, students will be engaging in a coaching environment to work independently or in collaboration with their peers to generate and present works in their chosen field. 

Future Pathways: Completion of year 10 Academy of Creative Arts will allow students to proceed to VCE Art Subject Unit 1-4 and related VET applied certificate. Arts study is beneficial for entering many careers such as Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Music Industry, Logo Design, Artist, Teacher etc.


Year 8 Drama

Subject Length: 1 Semester

Subject Fee: No cost

If you would like to develop your self-confidence through games and performances (both scripted and self-devised), then Drama is for you!  In Drama, you will have the opportunity to build your skills and knowledge about acting in the theatre by playing a range of games, learning about theatre practices and developing performances to present to your peers.

 

What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:

 

What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Additional Information
Future Pathways: Completion of year 10 Arts will allow students to proceed to VCE Art Subject Unit 1-4 and related VET applied certificate. Arts study is beneficial for entering many careers such as Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design,  Music Industry, Logo Design, Artist, Teacher etc.

Year 8 Digital Art

Subject Length: 1 Semester

Subject Fee: No cost

Digital Art is a subject that provides opportunities to explore a range of areas including photography, animation and film through the use of computers and digital applications. Students create and manipulate imagery and video through Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro and various other digital programs and develop subject specific terminology to assist with annotation. Students are encouraged to creatively consider subject matter in their works as they work through final presentations. 

What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:

Photography and Photoshop

Film and Animation

 

What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:

 

Additional Information

Future Pathways: Completion of year 10 Arts will allow students to proceed to VCE Art Suject Unit 1-4 and related VET applied certificate. Arts study is beneficial for entering many careers such as Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design,  Music Industry, Logo Design, Artist, Teacher etc. 


Year 8 Music

Subject Length: 2 semesters

Subject Fee: Tuition $375 for 1 year. $140 per year for instrument hire if required. 

Year 8 students have the opportunity to work in bands and ensembles. The ensembles are Concert Band, String Ensemble, Choir and Guitar Ensemble. Students will be rehearsing and playing music in every session. Voice, guitar and percussion students work in a Rock band program once per week, rehearsing and recording songs.

Strings and Concert band students work to develop much more challenging pieces, learning more about different styles. They will get the opportunity to travel to competitions in Melbourne to perform and participate with other schools.

There are a wide range of extra ensembles and bands which students can join. We have two jazz bands, saxophone and brass ensembles and practice rooms are available for rock bands and small groups to use.

Lessons and instrument hire is available.  We cater for those who’ve already been learning by providing more advanced ensembles for them to work in but can take beginners. Contact us if you have questions.  

We have a team of specialist music staff from the Bendigo Instrumental Music Program who provide weekly lessons.

More information can be found here: https://www.bse.vic.edu.au/music-program


What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:

 What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Additional Information

Future Pathways: Year 10 students have the opportunity to develop skills which lead to VET and VCE music.


Year 8 Sculpture

Subject Length: 1 semester

Subject Fee: $30 

Within the subject area of Sculpture, students will develop hand-building techniques by working with the medium of clay and various other sculptural materials. Mod rock, plaster, paper clay and modelling wire are just some of the materials that students will have the opportunity to experiment with.

Students will create and hand sculpt unique 3-dimensional forms, implementing various mixed medium materials.


What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:


What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Additional Information

Future Pathways: Completion of year 10 Arts will allow students to proceed to VCE Art Subject Unit 1-4 and related VET applied certificate. Arts study is beneficial for entering many careers such as Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Music Industry, Logo Design, Artist, Teacher etc.


Year 8 Visual Communication and Design

Subject Length: 1 Semester

Subject Fee: No cost

Visual Communication is for any student who likes to create designs using Photoshop and enjoys designing logos, advertisements and products. Students will learn how to use Photoshop whilst learning other drawing techniques and skills.  Students investigate their ideas through using the design process to create a range of different digital and hand drawn designs and presentations.

 

What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:

 

What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:

Additional Information

Future Pathways: Completion of year 10 Arts will allow students to proceed to VCE Art Subject Unit 1-4 and related VET applied certificate. Arts study is beneficial for entering many careers such as Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design,  Music Industry, Logo Design, Artist, Teacher etc.


Year 8 Visual Arts

Subject Length: 1 Semester

Subject Fee: $25 

Year 8 Visual Art is a subject for students who are interested in expanding their skills and knowledge of the visual arts through the use of a variety of mediums and techniques including:

Students are introduced to a variety of artists, both contemporary and historical, and will be provided with a range of practical workshops to expand students’ individual practice. The course is structured around developing an artistic skill set and then applying this skill set to design and create a major artwork of student’s choice. Students will be given opportunities to visit local galleries and will be mentored by specialist teaching staff who will assist students to meet their goals. 

What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:


What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:

Additional Information

Future Pathways: Completion of year 10 Visual Art will allow students to proceed to VCE Art Subject Unit 1-4 and related VET applied certificate. Arts study is beneficial for entering many careers such as Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Music Industry, Logo Design, Artist, Teacher etc.


English Learning Area 

Year 8 English

Subject Length: 2 semesters

Subject Fee: $6.75 fee

English is a compulsory subject in Year 8. Students will complete a range of reading & viewing, writing and speaking & listening activities to further their communication and literacy capabilities. 

What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:


What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Year 8 English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Subject Length: 2 semesters

Subject Fee: No charge

English as an Additional Language (EAL)  is an English subject available to students who are new English language learners. This subject is aimed at providing new English learners with the basic English and skills required to socialise in Australia. Typically, these students have not learnt English as their primary language throughout their previous schooling. For further information, contact Ms. Sara Fletcher, the College’s Learning Specialist: Inclusion.

What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:


What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Additional Information

Based on the learning needs of the student, work may be varied to support individual student learning. Students who qualify for English as an additional language (EAL) can study EAL for two semesters, each year.


Health and PE Learning Area 

Year 8 Physical Education

Subject Length: 2 semesters

Subject Fee: No charge

Year 8 Physical Education and Health aims to build on the fundamental skills developed in the year 7 program. In PE students will experience a variety of individual (Fitness & Gymnastics) and team based (Sport Education, Game Sense & Major Games) units, which will challenge them to be creative, resilient and collaborative whilst learning new skills and movement concepts. The Health topics studied at Year 8 are Alcohol, Drugs and Risk Taking (Semester 1) and Relationships and  Sexuality (Semester 2). Students will participate in interactive workshops in order to develop an understanding of key concepts and develop strategies that can be implemented to improve their health and wellbeing. 

What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:

 What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Year 8 Athlete Development Program

Subject Length: 2 semesters

Subject Fee: $1350

ADP provides a program dedicated to improving educational and sporting outcomes for students. The program provides an opportunity for student-athletes to pursue their passion in a holistic academic and sport-based partnership. 

The foundations are underpinned by the individualisation and specialist nature of this program. All staff have specialised and extensive skills & experiences to facilitate this program.

At a physical level, the program aims to provide student-athletes with long-term athletic development training within a secondary college environment. To complement this physical preparation, the program provides high level technical coaching in a variety of sports.

Emphasis is placed on integrating students’ passions, academic progress, behavioural expectations and effort requirements. These are the cornerstones of the ADP program.


What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:


What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Additional Information

The Athlete Development Program is a SELECT ENTRY course. Entry into the subject is undertaken via a separate ADP application. Contact the ADP Manager for further information. www.adp.vic.edu.au 


Future Pathways: VCE PE, Sports Science, Sports Medicine, High Performance Coaching.  


Humanities Learning Area 

Year 8 Humanities 

Subject Length: 2 semesters

Subject Fee: No charge

The Humanities includes four interdisciplinary strands: Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business, Geography and History. These four strands will be covered over the two year band of Years 7 and 8.  It is a compulsory subject in Year 8. Humanities provides a framework for students to examine the complex processes that have shaped the modern world and to investigate responses to different challenges including people’s interconnections with the environment. 


What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:


What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Languages Learning Area Subjects

Year 8 Chinese

Subject Length: 2 semesters

Subject Fee: No Fee 

Chinese is a vibrant, exciting and interactive course intended to have practical value for students to listen, read, speak and write the language as it is written and spoken in China. Exciting extension activities outside the classroom are also provided, which can enrich students’ personal and social skills, making learning Chinese fun. Participating in speech competitions, cultural immersion days, languages evening, Chinese dancing, a fashion show, festivals and celebrations, calligraphy art workshops, Chinese food tasting and authentic restaurant visits are some of the many enjoyable activities which help foster the spirit of language learning. 

What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:


What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Additional information

Future Pathways: VET Applied Language Certificate III,  VCE Chinese Language Society and Culture


Year 8 German

Subject Length: 2 semesters

Subject Fee: No Fee 

Germany is one of the biggest economies in the world and it is the most spoken language in Europe.  Learning about the cultural uniqueness of the country but also the language, will be part of this year.    Students gain greater insight into a number of different entertaining topics ranging from German foods and animals through to aspects of daily life in Germany.   As part of the food units, students will be tasting some different foods and compare these with their own. 

Extra-curricular events such as the Goethe Institute Careers Day in Melbourne where future perspectives using German are displayed, the languages evening and a scavenger hunt around the school, are also part of the program.

What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:


What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Additional Information

Future Pathways: Completion of year 10 German will allow students to proceed to VCE German, which has the added advantage of an ATAR increase (for Units 3-4) of around 10% scaled up. A second language is beneficial for entering many careers such as tourism, hospitality, community services, medicine, translation careers and particularly engineering.


Year 8 Indonesian

Subject Length: 2 semesters

Subject Fee: No Fee 

Indonesia is Australia’s closest neighbour and is the fourth most populated country in the world with over 300 million speakers of Indonesian. Indonesia is seen as the gateway to Asian language and culture. It is also among the easiest languages to learn. What better reason do you need to study Bahasa Indonesia?

Learning another language opens awareness of how other people communicate and live their daily lives. These skills are vital for communication with and acceptance towards other cultures. Students learn how life in Indonesia is different to in Australia focussing on school, family, hobbies and sports. Indonesian language is used inside the classroom through a variety of activities and games, and outside the classroom during local excursions. We also try some Indonesian foods!

What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:


What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Additional lnformation
Future Pathways: Completion of year 10 Indonesian will allow students to proceed to VCE Indonesian, which has the added advantage of an ATAR increase (for Units 3-4) of around 10% scaled up comparison. A second language is beneficial for entering many careers such as tourism, hospitality, community services, medicine and translation careers.


Mathematics Learning Area Subjects

Year 8 Mathematics 

Subject Length: 2 semesters

Subject Fee: $6.75 (Online Resource) 

Mathematics provides students with access to important mathematical ideas, knowledge and skills that they will draw on in their personal and work lives. The curriculum also provides students, as life-long learners, with the basis on which further study and research in mathematics and applications in many other fields are built.


What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:


What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Additional Information

The BSE Maths program provides a continuum of mathematical learning and allows for the differentiation for each student.

 


Science Learning Area 

Year 8 Science 

Subject Length: 2 semesters

Subject Fee: $10

The Year 8 Science program aims to equip students with valuable experiences to expand their knowledge of scientific theories and build on the application skills necessary to conduct interesting practical activities. Students will also work with scientific equipment, conduct research and write scientific reports. 


What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:


What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:



Strive

Year 8 Strive

Subject Length: 2 semesters

Subject Fee: No cost

Students will gain an understanding of Inquiry based learning for social value within the context of a self-designed topic using the Design Thinking Process. Strive also provides students with the opportunity to identify and develop their character strengths and positive mindset using resilience and gratitude based activities. 


The VC F-10 Capabilities curriculum will guide workshops targeted at key skills in Critical and Creative Thinking, Collaboration and Social Awareness that are transferable for use across the BSE curriculum.


What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:


What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:



Technology Learning Area Subjects

Year 8 Automotive

Subject Length: 1 semester

Subject Fee: $20 

Students will explore the area of Automotive Technology by investigating the basic principles of mechanical systems. They will learn the basic operation of four and two stroke engines as well as other energy sources. They will explore other sub systems such as gearbox, brakes and safety systems. Students will get the opportunity to learn this through practical based work and simulated workshop practical tasks. 


What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:


What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Additional Information

Future Pathways: Year 9 Automotive, VET Automotive


Year 8 Digital Technologies

Subject Length: 1 semester

Subject Fee: $20 

This subject provides the opportunity for students to develop skills in data representation and compression. Students also investigate web-site development, developing algorithms, writing programs and managing projects. 

What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:


What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Additional Information

Future Pathways: Year 9 Digital Technologies, Year 9 STEM


Year 8 Foods

Subject Length: 1 semester

Subject Fee: $40 

In this subject students undertake research into food sources and the properties of food. Through the use of Design Briefs, students will design and evaluate a variety of food products. Students will plan and manage individual and paired production of a number of different food items. They will make use of food models to develop their knowledge of healthy eating.  Students will develop their skills of teamwork and reflection to improve their learning.

What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:


What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Additional Information

Future Pathways: Year 9 Foods, Year 10 Foods


Year 8 Materials

Subject Length: 1 semester

Subject Fee: $55

Students will develop skills in resistant and non resistant materials including woods and/or metals. Included is the safe use of equipment, solving practical problems, the development of a design folio and evaluation of the design and production process. Students are required to complete practical tasks using different materials and systems. A theory research task will be undertaken and students can design their own project which includes researching, designing, producing and evaluating. 


What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:


What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Additional  Information

Future Pathways: Year 9 Woodwork, Year 9 Metalwork


Year 8 Textiles

Subject Length: 1 semester

Subject Fee: $40

Textiles offer students the opportunity to understand design needs and the use of textiles as a material with a broad range of purposes. Students will investigate and generate creative ideas for solutions to problems that utilise textiles. They will explore the properties of different fibres and fabrics, increasing their knowledge and skills in the production of textile items and the sustainable and responsible use of resources. 


What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and concepts:


What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Additional Information

Future Pathways: Year 9 Textiles, Year 10 Textiles



Multidisciplinary Subject

Year 8 STEM

Subject Length:    1 semester

Subject Fee:            $50 

In STEM we will be working with bottle rockets.

Studying STEM means learning about the world around you, finding innovative solutions to real-world challenges, and playing a role in societal discoveries and developments.

STEM is important for students as future jobs will require problem solving skills, innovation, creative thinking and digital skills.

Students need to learn how to think critically and flexibly in order to adapt to this rapidly changing world. 


What is studied?

Within this subject student learning is based upon the following key knowledge and skills:

Capabilities

 

What type of work is done?

Within this subject student learning is developed and assessed through:


Additional Information
Future Pathways: Year 9 STEM, Year 9 Digital Technologies, Year 10 STEM, Year 10 Digital Technologies