One Semester Subject

Community Inquiry challenges students to tackle real-world, local problems alongside teachers and community members. Design Thinking principles are used to find and address a ‘problem that matters’ to students with the support of community. During the problem solving process, students engage in continuous personal and group reflection with a focus on building capabilities such as problem solving, communication, critical thinking, creativity, personal and social skills, decision-making, empathy and collaboration.

In Year 7, all students have the option of pursuing one of three themes in Community Inquiry: Social Justice, Wellbeing, or Sustainability. Each elective theme operates out of a different one of our campuses. Social Justice is based at Pilgrim Campus, Wellbeing is based at Barkly Campus, and Sustainability is based at Kinnear Campus. 

Inquiry Learning Continuum - Curriculum Capabilities - Victorian Curriculum Achievement Standards 

Teaching Resources (Staff access only) - Unit Plans and Assessment

Year Long Subject

In year 7, students follow the Rights, Resilience, and Respectful Relationships curriculum which is a department program that supports schools and early childhood settings to promote and model respect, positive attitudes, and behaviours. In SEE, a core aim of the program is to teach our children how to build healthy relationships, resilience, and confidence. Students follow levels 7 and 8 of the Rights, Resilience, and Respectful Relationships program which seeks to build self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision making, mindfulness, and positive coping mechanisms. During SEE, students also have the opportunity of seeing guest speakers and attending bespoke workshops.

Teaching Resources (Staff access only) - Unit Plans and Assessment

Semester 1

In Term 1, year 7 students are oriented on the English Curriculum and Assessment Requirements, and how to make use of key school resources such as the library and online curriculum platforms including Google Classroom. They study writing with a focus on narrative writing using R.J. Palacio's "Wonder" and the film "Inside Out" as mentor texts, students explore and develop skills and understanding of characterisation and narrative structure. Students' summative assessment is an autobiographical creative narrative.

In term 2, students study persuasive language. They learn to identify, analyse and use a range of persuasive devices in a number of different modes, including written, oral, and multi-modal. With a focus on 'authentic audiences' students construct a range of texts aimed at shifting others' opinions or views on current real-world issues and in an entrepreneurial 'pitch'. Students' summative assessment is a persuasive oral presentation.

In addition to their school-based assessments in terms 1 and 2, students undertake the PAT reading assessment and NAPLAN during term 1.

Semester 2

In semester 2, students delve deeper into the English curriculum and deploy the skills and capabilities developed in semester one. They read and view imaginative, informative, and persuasive texts that explore ideas and information related to challenging topics, themes, and issues, including those related to First Nations people. They produce, in print and electronic forms, texts for a variety of audiences and purposes. Students also express creative and analytical responses to texts, themes, and issues. They study and respond to Jackie French's "Nanberry", and a teacher-curated anthology of poetry.  

English Learning Continuum - Year 7 Victorian Curriculum 2.0  Achievement Standards   

Teaching Resources (Staff access only) - Unit Plans and Assessment

Semester 1

This semester, students studied various texts and worked on writing in a variety of styles including personal recounts, comprehension and creative writing. Students participated in a range of oral activities, with an emphasis on strengthening reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. 

In addition to their school-based assessments in terms 1 and 2, students undertake the PAT reading assessment and NAPLAN during term 1.

Semester 2

In semester 2, students continue reading a range of texts, writing in different styles for a variety of audiences and participating in a range of oral activities,  Students construct narratives and poetry. There is an emphasis on strengthening reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. 

English Learning Continuum - Year 7 Victorian Curriculum 2.0  Achievement Standards   

Teaching Resources (Staff access only) - Unit Plans and Assessment

Semester 1

In Semester 1, students study Economics, Civics and Citizenship and Geography.  In Economics, students look at how to manage finances and create a long-term plan. In Civics, students look at citizens' rights and responsibilities with a focus what it means to be a "good citizen". The curriculum for Geography includes mapping, geospatial inquiry skills, and human interaction with the natural environment with a focus on water as a resource. 

Semester 2

In Semester 2 students delve into ancient history. They explore the processes that have shaped and continue to shape different societies and cultures, to appreciate the common humanity shared across time and distance, and evaluate the ways in which humans have faced and continue to face different challenges. Students examine ancient societies including Egypt, China, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Cultures, learning about the past from primary and secondary sources and evaluating the facts vs opinions. Students learn practical historical skills such as constructing timelines of key historical events. They also explore how societies change over time, through the concept of historical significance.

Humanities Learning Continuum - Victorian Curriculum Achievement Standards 

Teaching Resources (Staff access only) - Unit Plans and Assessment

Semester 1

During Term 1, students are introduced to the Science Lab and complete their Bunsen Burner license. Students explore states of matter and separation techniques. These skills are applied in an "Alien Soup" investigation. In term 2, students explore the diversity of life on Earth and continue to develop their understanding of the role of classification in ordering and organising information through constructing dichotomous keys. In the lab, students dissect fish, squid, and prawns and compare and contrast the arrangement of the organs and the differences between the skeletons of vertebrates and invertebrates. 

Semester 2

Students study Earth and Space Science and Physical Science in semester 2. They explore the natural phenomena of the weather, seasons, day and night cycle, phases of the moon and eclipses. The effects of forces on objects and how one can explain their motion is explored in the physical science unit. Students investigate balanced and unbalanced forces as well as gravity to explain and predict the motion of objects. Throughout the semester students continue to develop their scientific inquiry skills through participating in and conducting scientific inquiries.

Science Learning Continuum -  Victorian Curriculum Science Level 7 - 10 Science Achievement Stands

Teaching Resources (Staff access only) - Unit Plans and Assessment

At FHS, all year 7 students each of the 'Arts' for one term

Fine  Art

Students explored and experimented with the elements of art through a wide range of written and practical activities. New skills and knowledge is developed by students through working with a variety of mediums such as drawing, painting and sculpting. A detailed visual diary is maintained for technical notes, research and developmental materials. 

Music

In year 7, students develop aural awareness and music notation skills through singing and other practical instrumentation. They explore the creative use of sound with music production software including Garageband and other similar applications. We believe that students learn best through performance and as such, they develop musical skills in rehearsing and performing through playing in an ensemble. Students also listen to music in order to analyse how elements of music are used to create mood and character. Note that students also have the option of learning any instrument of their choice through our Instrumental Program which runs separately from classroom music. For more information on this 'opt-in' program, which attracts additional costs, please contact the school.

Drama

Students develop roles and characters consistent with the situation and the performance style of Horror/Comedy to convey relationships and intentions. They work in collaboration to interpret, rehearse and perform a scripted play to convey characters in front of a live audience. Students explore Comedy and Greek theatrical styles and articulate their understanding through ongoing documentation. Written assignment work assists students to understand the practical nature of Drama.

The Arts Learning Continuum - Victorian Curriculum Achievement Standards

Teaching Resources (Staff access only) - Unit Plans and Assessment

Semester 1

Students perform a variety of movement patterns in a wide range of individual and team sports activities. Fitness testing is undertaken to measure fitness components. Students self-assess their technique in a variety of athletics events through video analysis. Practical participation in invasion games in Physical Education develops skill, teamwork, fair play, co-operation and persistence. A range of health topics concerning themselves as growing individuals in today's society are explored; topics include resilience, bullying and cyberbullying.

Semester 2

In Health, students explore a range of introductory topics concerning themselves as changing individuals in today's society. Topics include resilience, nutrition and changing & growing. In PE, students participate in modified games and develop skills in invasion games such as soccer and basketball and striking and fielding-related games such as cricket, kickball and baseball. Students learn how to test their fitness levels to better understand their strengths and opportunities for growth and undergo a four-week swimming essentials program. All classes work to develop teamwork, inclusion and safe play. 

Health and PE Learning Continuum - Victorian Curriculum Achievement Standards

Teaching Resources (Staff access only) - Unit Plans and Assessment

Semester subjects

STEAM Tech

STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics to create solutions to real world problems. This semester students in year 7 have undertaken project work based on the theme of "Bees and Biodiversity". With a focus on the design process, students have engaged in a range of learning experiences such as flower dissection, artistic design, wood technology and CAD design work.

Digital Technology

In Digital Technologies, students develop problem solving skills, learn about how computers work, how to write computer programs, and how to collect, process and present data.

Term Subjects

Food Technology

This course is designed to increase students’ knowledge and skills in the development of design briefs and improve their practical skills in food production. Students have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the role technology plays in producing a range of recipes. Students develop an understanding of designing, preparing and analysing food products. Practical classes allow students to produce a range of food products using various cooking methods to prepare main courses, snacks and desserts.

Technologies Learning Continuum - Victorian Curriculum Achievement Standards

Teaching Resources (Staff access only) - Unit Plans and Assessment

At FHS, students have the choice of studying either Japanese or Italian. We value language learning in addition to English as it extends students' literacy repertoires and their capacity to communicate. It also strengthens students’ understanding of the nature of language, culture, and the processes of communication.

Japanese

In Year 7, students are introduced to the Japanese language, culture and writing systems, studying all hiragana characters for recognition and written production. Students develop the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening through topics related to greetings, numbers and self-introductions. Students become aware of differences and similarities between the English and Japanese languages and cultures, and analyse variations in Japanese language according to context.

Italian

In Year 7, students are introduced to the Italian language and culture. They engage in social interaction to exchange greetings and to share ideas and information related to their personal, social and school worlds. Students develop skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking through topics related to greetings, self-introduction and school. Students become aware of similarities between English and Italian and understand that they borrow words from each other. They recognise that literal translation is not always possible and develop a metalanguage to analyse features of language.

Japanese Learning Continuum - Victorian Curriculum Achievement Standards

Italian Learning Continuum -  Victorian Curriculum Achievement Standards

Teaching Resources (Staff access only) - Unit Plans and Assessment

Semester 1 and 2

Additional literacy support is offered to students who are identified as operating at 12 months or more behind the age-based expected level in reading or writing. Students are identified through our grade 6 to year 7 transition data, as well as other targeted assessments including PAT Reading, NAPLAN and classroom-based assessments and observations.  Students in literacy support are withdrawn from their chosen language and work with a teacher in small groups.

Teaching Resources (Staff access only) - Unit Plans and Assessment

Literacy Leader - Amy Murphy -  amy.murphy@footscray.vic.edu.au

In both semester 1 and semester 2 year 7 students have the opportunity of engaging in a range of extra-curricular activities that interest them. 

We run a range of whole school and campus-based programs including:

•  Instrumental Music Program

• The School Theatre Production 

• The Student Leadership Collective - reps are elected annually 

• SAGA - Sexuality and Gender Alliance

• Student Monitors

• Inter-School Sports

• Debating and Public Speaking

• The Lorax Sustainability Club

• Student Led Clubs - Board Games, Art, Music, Nintendo Switch, Coding, etc.

• Special Events and Celebrations - Ride2School Day, Wear it Purple Day, RUOK

• Student Organising Committees - Year Book, Graduation,

VHAP consists of ten-week online courses in Mathematics and English for both primary and secondary levels. Students engage in synchronous Webex classes with their teachers. They can also engage with the course material on VSV Online outside of the class time.

The VHAP classroom provides students with the opportunity to:

• explore and express their ideas freely

• make their own decisions about their work

• be inspired and challenged by each other

• gain confidence in their choices and abilities

• feel excited by their learning.

In the VHAP English course, we explore links between reality and fiction by observing the world around us and our journeys into fictional worlds. VHAP English empowers students through cultivating confidence and a willingness to take academic risks.

In the VHAP maths course, students embrace the “why” of maths, not just the “what”. Students and teachers dive into the philosophical implications of mathematical topics.

There are opportunities for differentiation within the course. Students can choose to work at a pace comfortable for them or be extended.

VHAP promotes the development of key skills such as teamwork, collaboration, and resilience.

The program is a safe space for high-ability students to stretch their wings, encounter change and challenge, and confront fears around making “mistakes.”

Please click HERE to view some of the exceptional writing of our VHAP students.