Year 8 Core 

Students are introduced to the interrelationship of supply and demand in Economics. They discuss the social responsibilities of businesses and explore their own role as a consumer.  

English in Year 8 is about exploring different perspectives on the world and how people create their identities and points of view. Students compare what different texts have to say about issues and ideas, exploring novels, film and media. At BSC we aim to develop students’ ability to speak, listen, read, view and write for enjoyment as well as with purpose and confidence in a wide range of contexts including creative, analytical and persuasive genres. Students also use texts to explore and reflect on First Nations voices and experiences.

This subject runs for one semester.

 In Food Studies, students learn where food comes from, how to cook a range of dishes safely and hygienically and how to apply their knowledge of healthy eating. In addition, they consider the factors that affect food choice, food availability and food waste. Students will complete one theory and one practical session per week, enabling them to develop safe and effective use of tools and equipment in the kitchen as well as enhance their food analysis skills.

This subject runs for one semester.

Health Studies focuses on the life skills students need to deal with the mental, physical and social issues that will arise throughout their lives. Through resilience education, sexual education, drug education and general fitness, students consolidate the Health knowledge gained in Year 7 and continue their journey to independence.

In Humanities, students will explore Geography, Economics and History across the year.  

• Geography: students study Landscapes and Landforms, investigating the natural processes that shape the Earth’s surface and how people interact with and manage these environments. Through local and global case studies, they explore how landscapes hold cultural and spiritual significance, and how human activity can impact them. 

• Economics: students are introduced to the foundations of economic decision-making, including how consumers, businesses, and governments make choices about resource use. They also explore corporate social responsibility (CSR), examining how ethical and sustainable practices can impact businesses, communities, and the environment. 

• History: Year 8 students explore the Viking era and its significance in shaping medieval and modern Europe. They examine how societies changed through exploration, trade, and conquest, and investigate the beliefs, values and daily life of Viking communities. Students also study Shogunate Japan, exploring how the social hierarchy, governance, and cultural traditions of this period influenced Japanese identity and change over time. 

The purpose of Home Group is to promote and maintain a supportive environment and positive relationship with the teacher and the class. This is in order to develop a sense of belonging and connectedness within the school and an environment that enables the whole student to thrive. Home Groups meet once per week.

 Guiding Principles of Home Group

 Home Group teachers promote and maintain a supportive environment and positive relationships by:

• caring, monitoring, noticing, supporting, and advocating for students

• Students voicing opinions and ideas, having input into their learning, and being empowered to be active leaders in class, the school and the community

• Supporting goal setting, progress reflection and goal review

• Promoting personal growth and social development

• Celebrating achievements

• Students continue the study of their chosen language, consolidating and further developing skills and knowledge gained in their studies in Year 7. 

• Students focus on the communicative skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. 

• Cultural content is explored through individual/group research, class discussion and audio-visual content. Students participate in excursions and/or incursions in order to enhance their language learning and cultural awareness.

• The Year 8 Mathematics course covers all the dimensions of the Victorian Curriculum. 

• The intention of the program is to shift learning to more abstract ideas, while still providing students with concrete experiences. 

• Students will make connections between mathematical concepts and their application in the real world. 

• Students draw upon previously established mathematical concepts to solve non-routine problems and to develop more complex mathematical ideas.

The immersive music class celebrates music making, performance, and composition. 

From learning instruments and basic theory to honing performance skills and exploring different genres, students will be encouraged to develop their own musical style through composition projects and collaborative ensemble performances. Embracing technology, this course fosters creativity, builds confidence, and creates a supportive musical community. Whether a beginner or seasoned musician, join us on this melodious adventure to discover your unique musical voice and appreciation for the art of music.

The Physical Education course at Brunswick Secondary College enables students to regularly participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity. Students undertake a range of individual and group activities that further develop their motor and coordination skills. Some of the key theoretical topics students will cover are identifying strategies and tactics in sports & fitness components. Throughout the year students will participate in various athletics events, International games, circus skills and invasion games.

Curriculum focuses on explaining phenomena involving Science and the possible applications including

• how Science knowledge can be applied to generate solutions to contemporary problems and explanation of how these solutions may impact on society.

• identification of problems and construction of questions that they can  use in their scientific investigation

• application of learning in prediction of outcomes

Investigations include topics such as plant and animal cells, body systems, the universe, galaxies and stars, atoms, reactions and rocks. Students conduct experiments with energy transformations and electricity.

The Sport Education program focuses on developing sport-specific, tactical skills. Students are introduced to and given an understanding of the rules and basic motor skills of each interschool sport running that term before choosing which one to specialise in for the remainder the term. Students develop sport-specific skills and learn to work cooperatively with members of a team.