Innovators Academy - STEM / Length: 1 Semester

Course Content

The course is focused on problem and inquiry based learning where students will apply science, mathematical and technology theory to everyday problems in order to engineer innovative design solutions. Design challenges are student led and supportive of students improving perseverance, self-management and self-confidence. The course begins with a focus on teamwork and communication skills whilst developing student’s critical and creative thinking skills, to prepare them for the coming tasks. These tasks will be derived from individually selected real world problems/issues. Students will work collaboratively in teams to realise solutions to the problems or issues that they have identified. The intended outcome is that STEM participants will be successful, confident and creative independent learners as well as active and informed citizens.

Assessment

Is in accordance with the Australian Curriculum, with a specific focus on the curriculum’s general capabilities, and structured to suit SACE integrated learning. Assessment is based on 3 different pieces, practical enquiry (30%), personal endeavour (40%) and a connections task (30%).

Additional Details

• Students must have achieved a grade C or better in both Mathematics and Science to join this course. Successful completion of STEM at Year 8 is highly desirable.

Computing and Creative Industries / Length: 1 Semester

Course Content

Students will engage using a range of software to design and create a range of communication products, including animated GIFs and web pages. Additionally they will use interactive game programming software called Scratch to learn the basics of pseudo logic and create a small game of their own design. Other computing skills that will be taught include the use of spreadsheets to understand how to use formula and applied mathematics in real world contexts, such as costing projects and managing finances. Students will also create a major project based on the earlier skills tasks in the course.

Assessment

Is in accordance with the Australian Curriculum, with a specific focus on the curriculum’s general capabilities, and will be reported to parents. Assessment is based on design, practical skills and knowledge and understanding. The program is 70% practical and 30% theory.

Fashion and Textiles / Length: 1 Semester

Course Content

Students will create textile projects through their development of sewing skills in Year 8. The practical work will be supported with the use of computing and advanced sewing technology to design, create and evaluate fashionable techniques.

Assessment

Is in accordance with the Australian Curriculum, with a specific focus on the curriculum’s general capabilities, and will be reported to parents. Assessment is based on design, practical skills and knowledge and understanding. The program is 50% practical and 50% theory.

Food and Nutrition / Length: 1 Semester

Course Content

This course will use the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating to develop the knowledge and skills to enable students to design and prepare healthy food using a variety of techniques from individually sources recipes. Meal planning and food preparation skills are developed through practical experiences each week.

Assessment

Is in accordance with the Australian Curriculum, with a specific focus on the curriculum’s general capabilities, and will be reported to parents. Assessment is based on design, practical skills and knowledge and understanding. The program is 50% practical and 50% theory.

Woodwork and Metalwork / Length: 1 Semester

Course Content

Students work collaboratively in a safe workshop environment in the area of wood and metalwork. Students will hone their skills and develop their understanding relevant to the area chosen. The skills include joining methods, hand tools, power tools and the safe use of equipment used for measuring and marking out. Students will also develop a deeper understanding of the design process relevant to their chosen project.

Assessment

Is in accordance with the Australian Curriculum, with a specific focus on the curriculum’s general capabilities, and will be reported to parents. Assessment is based on design, practical skills and knowledge and understanding. The program is 70% practical and 30% theory.