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In the Year 8 Religious Education course students improve their knowledge and understanding of key practices and beliefs of Christian communities, both past and present. They are involved in regular prayer and liturgies and explore and respond to social justice issues. Specific areas of study include Social Justice, Jesuit Mission, Lent and Easter, Sacraments, Parables, Initiation Rites, Church History and Advent and Christmas. Assessment takes a variety of forms, with students working both individually and in groups, and this is achieved through the exploration of diverse world and religious views through dialogue, analysis, meaning-making and reflection. Meaningful prayer and engaging liturgy are integral to Religious Education. In Year 8, students are involved in a Reflection Day program that focuses on anti-bullying and self-esteem and attend a Year Level Mass, with multiple opportunities for prayer and reflection.

English

Year 8 English incorporates the three dimensions of Language, Literature and Literacy, with a focus on reading and viewing, writing and speaking and listening. The emphasis of Semester One is the close study of literature, including examples of contemporary Australian fiction and Gothic fiction. Students will examine different types of creative writing genres, including the exploration of how language features and structures influence the purpose of a text. Students will examine how the English language has changed and developed over time, collecting data and commenting on the evolution of language in our community.

Semester Two focuses on the interpretation and exploration of ideas as presented in different text types, including novels, persuasive texts and local, national and global media issues. Students develop their awareness of media issues and gain a stronger understanding of the way texts persuade a reader. Students also complete a detailed study of a novel, in which they explore and critique the ideas and issues contained within texts.

Enhanced English (invitation only)

Students demonstrating high proficiency in English may be invited to study Enhanced English in place of their mainstream English class.

Enhanced English seeks to challenge high-performing English students to further develop their skills by presenting a tailored curriculum that interweaves elements of English, Literature and English Language in the study of texts. The course retains links with the mainstream English classes, reinforcing core skills and utilising many of the same texts, but is designed to offer able students the opportunity to engage in a course focused on strengthening their already sound skills.

Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to write in a variety of forms, with a strong emphasis on peer conferencing to improve their writing.

Research on student engagement demonstrates that students who are connected to their community achieve higher grades. Therefore, Enhanced students are expected to practise their English skills and confidences, to enhance their ability to think critically. Students are required to commit to one or more English-related clubs or societies within the co-curricular options, including House Debating or Public Speaking, DAV Debating and external Public Speaking.

Enhanced English seeks to provide highly able English students with an engaging and challenging curriculum, while fostering the skills they require to pursue the range of English subjects available at VCE: English, Literature and English Language.

The process for selection into Enhanced English:

1. Students will be recommended based on their 2024 Semester One English report, Year 7 NAPLAN results, PAT results, staff professional dialogue as well as the student’s confidence and willingness to be extended in their learning.

2. Recommended students and their families will receive an invitation to study this subject.

3. The Head of English will vet all candidates and determine those most suitable.

Mathematics

Students will consolidate and develop their skills in the following areas; Number, Algebra, Measurement, Space, Statistics and Probability as per the Victorian Curriculum V2.0 F-10. Each topic that is covered will require students to be able to manipulate the information with and without the aid of technology. It is important, therefore, that students have a good understanding of the skills taught and can operate a calculator adeptly. There is also a need for students to have a complete command of the mathematical language at the level they are studying at, and in order for this to occur each unit will have a literacy component. These components include, but are not limited to; glossaries, word concept comprehension and the use of command words.

Each assessment is designed to assess the students understanding of core concepts, followed by application and problem solving. Students that achieve consistently high grades, and have teacher recommendations, are invited to apply for Year 9 Enhanced Mathematics.

Enhanced Mathematics (Invite only)

Students consistently demonstrating high proficiency in Mathematics - from previous assessment data, staff recommendation and diagnostic testing data - may be invited to study Enhanced Mathematics in place of their mainstream Mathematics.

Enhanced Mathematics seeks to challenge high performing Mathematics students to further develop their skills by offering a tailored curriculum which presents higher order thinking and connection to application based problems. The coursework will have strong links to the Year 8 Mathematics course with students at times working on concepts 12 – 18 months ahead of the mainstream cohort.

The process for selection into the Enhanced Mathematics program is as follows;

1. Subject teachers will recommend students for consideration based on their Year 7 Semester One Mathematics report, PAT test results, NAPLAN results, the student’s confidence and willingness to be extended in their learning.
2. Recommended students and their families will receive an invitation to study this subject.
3. Students will complete a “Green Light” test.
4. The Head of Mathematics will vet all candidates and determine those most suitable.

Positions in this class are accepted by students with the understanding that it is a 12-month appointment with places for the following year reviewed in September.

Students will be required to take part in the Australian Mathematics Competition.

Foundation Mathematics (Invite only)

Foundation Mathematics follows the content descriptions based on the Victorian Curriculum V2.0 F-10: Number, Algebra, Measurement, Space, Statistics and Probability but in a more scaffolded and supported manner. This class is intended for students who require more support in their mathematical learning and participation is by invitation only.

Year 8 Science deepens understanding of body systems, ecosystems, chemical reactions, and energy. Students explore cells and organ systems, matter and its changes, forms of energy, and tectonic activity. Science as a Human Endeavour is embedded throughout, encouraging ethical and environmental awareness. Students learn to communicate findings using scientific language and models. This year strengthens analytical skills and prepares students to evaluate scientific claims and understand the role of science in shaping society.

Over the course of the year, students will engage with key aspects of the curriculum in History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, as well as Economics and Business.

We encourage students to develop practical, subject-specific skills in each area of study, alongside fostering a deep understanding of the connections between the past, people, and the world today. In our Humanities program, we inspire students to seek discernment and wisdom through the exploration of diverse cultures and historical periods. We cultivate curiosity and work alongside our students to critically engage with the wider world, guiding them towards a more sustainable and hopeful future for all.

In Semester 1, students will acquire essential geography skills and immerse themselves in the lives of the Vikings and the Mongols, along with Changing Nations. In Semester 2, the focus will shift to the Spanish Conquest and finally an insight into the basics of business and economics.

In Year 8 Health and Physical Education, students engage in a dynamic program aimed at enhancing both gross and fine motor skills, promoting teamwork, and encouraging active participation. Through a variety of sports such as Athletics, Basketball, Softball, and AFL, students develop their physical abilities in a supportive environment.

Alongside practical activities, students receive important health education covering topics like Nutrition, Resilience, Rights, and Respectful Relationships.

The program includes three practical lessons and one health lesson every two weeks, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive learning experience.

Year 8 students select to continue with one of the languages studied in Year 7. 

Students who are invited to be part of the Year 8 Italian Enhanced Program are recommended to have completed this subject in Year 7.

The Head of Languages will vet all candidates and determine those most suitable.

French

In Year 8 French, students continue to learn to speak and understand French, as well as find out interesting facts about France and other French-speaking countries. Through video blogs, listening, reading and writing activities, students explore the following topics: Food, Celebrations, School Life, Daily routines and Popular Leisure Activities in France, Describing People, Shopping, Giving Directions and Holidays. Our use of the recently updated textbook allows us to teach French with a specific Australian Perspective.

Indonesian

Year 8 Indonesian introduces students to Indonesian family life. They explore family relationships, professions and home life. Students learn how to discuss days and dates and how to talk about their birthday and other significant dates. They are also introduced to school as a topic and learn to use adjectives. Students learn how to tell the time in Indonesian and how to read a school timetable. Students further develop their knowledge speaking and listening in Indonesian focusing on their personal world and the world around them.

Italian

In Year 8 Italian, students continue to explore Italian language and culture. Through a range of different activities, which include reading, writing, listening and speaking, students learn to describe people’s hair and eye colour and physical and personal characteristics. They practise expressing likes and dislikes and giving opinions. A look at the Italian school system includes learning about school subjects and telling the time. The unit on Shopping allows students the opportunity to explore Italian clothing and styles as well as learning how to make simple requests when shopping. Students look at Italian cuisine, how to order food and drinks and also healthy eating habits. Looking at the weather and the seasons introduces students to the different activities that Italians enjoy at different times of the year.

Enhanced Italian

Students learn about the Italian language and culture, building on their pathway from primary school. They continue building on their knowledge and skills of communicating functional classroom language. They use gestures and focus on speaking and listening to broaden their abilities in relation to their personal world, expanding into the world around them.

Textiles

The Year 8 Textiles course challenges students to work from a design brief to research, design, plan, produce and evaluate products for an end user using the Design process. Students explore a range of innovative materials and develop the skills of drawing, pattern-making, cutting, hand sewing, and decorating to produce a soft sculpture felt character and a sewn product design. Students evaluate their sewn products by examining their designs, and the materials, techniques, processes and skills used to realise them. In the application of practical processes and the use of tools, equipment and materials, safety procedures and design considerations are emphasised.

Students will also investigate ethical fashion by researching an Indigenous social enterprise that produces and sells clothing to support local community infrastructure projects. Students propose their own ethical fashion brand, and develop design and community engagement ideas of their own.

Wood

The Year 8 Wood course challenges students to investigate, design, produce and evaluate wood products for an end user, using the Design process. In order to develop their design and technical hand-building skills, students complete a 'skill-builder task' that requires them to design, build and decorate an animal toy for an end user. To consolidate these design and hand-building skills, students undertake a project to design and build their own wall-mounted shelf for an end user of their choosing.

Students are trained to handle hand-woodworking equipment safely and skillfully, while attaining real-world, practical experience. Students develop skills drawing, measuring and marking, cutting, shaping, refining, assembling and finishing wood products.

Food Studies

The Year 8 Food Studies course challenges students to investigate, design, produce and evaluate food products. Hygiene and Food Safety procedures are emphasised as students develop their kitchen skills and produce a range of food products, including designing and making their own pizza's and cupcakes. Through these projects students develop confidence and independence in food preparation techniques, processes and presentation skills.

Students evaluate the outcome of their design and production activities, and through their research they develop understanding of the cultural, social and economic factors that determine what we eat. Students also develop their understanding of the functional role of ingredients play in a variety of food products.

Loyola College is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all its students, and consideration is made for students who may experience adverse reactions or intolerances to certain food products. In particular, the College ensures that peanut products are not included as ingredients in any Food Studies recipes. Full disclosure of any anaphylactic allergies will need to be communicated to the relevant teaching staff member prior to commencing this unit.

Students explore the following streams over the semester.

Art

Students explore and use a variety of sources for inspiration and ideas in a broad range of art forms, drawing upon experiences, direct observation and imagination. Students make art works combining and manipulating art elements and art principles. Students use a variety of media and techniques to express ideas and produce a folio of experiments and trials using a variety of mediums and techniques. In this course students study artworks from different art movements to gain inspiration for their own work.

Media

Students learn the production techniques involved in film narrative, including visual composition, sound, special effects and editing. Students use these new skills to analyse a wide variety of texts through the moving image as well as print media. To further their appreciation of storytelling, students will develop skills in film and sound by creating their own narratives.

Visual Communication and Design

Communication is a vital aspect of our society and the ability to use the visual medium to communicate with others is an important skill that can be developed with study and practice. We focus on creating a basic understanding of the design processes involved in creating visual communications and how visual imagery is used as a communication tool in our society.

The areas of study include an introduction to digital, instrumental and freehand drawing; rendering techniques; illustration lay-out and presentation. Students learn how to apply two and three-dimensional drawing methods whilst creating a range of visual communications relating to real world applications and purposes.

Students have two Performing Arts options. They will be able to select either Option A or Option B.

Option A is Music Ensemble for the entire year.

Option B students need to choose two from the following three subjects:

• Drama
• Dance
• Music (no instrument)

Option A

Ensemble Music (Entire Year)

Students perform as an ensemble throughout the year and have the opportunity to work in our recording studio. Students study music theory and aural concepts and learn to apply them on their instruments in an ensemble setting. They learn basic music notation concepts to compose using digital applications.

Students enrolled in this subject are strongly encouraged to take private lessons at the college. Students in this class are offered a 50% subsidy for their Instrumental music lessons for the entirety of Year 8.

Option B (Select 2 out of the 3 following subjects)

Drama

Students expand their performance skills with more specific styles, to build on the basics of performance and stagecraft learned the previous year. The semester begins with the Comedy unit where students will learn how to create comedic characters and are safely guided through slapstick techniques in which they explore physical acting stunts. Students then work on a group devised ensemble performance, in which they are given a broad theme and learn how to create non-linear performances that focus on transformation of character/time/place, and other non-naturalistic conventions. Finally, students will study Acting for Film, where they workshop a variety of film genres, adjusting their acting styles for the camera. They then write a short film in a genre of their choosing, from a variety of genres studied.

Dance

Students embark on a physical and analytical exploration of diverse dance styles including Contemporary, Jazz, and Hip-Hop dance. To deepen their understanding of the origins and historical progression of these forms, students undertake a comprehensive research assignment, tracing the rich history and cultural significance of each style. Through analytical studies, students discern the unique characteristics and nuances that differentiate these various dance genres, while learning dance analysis terminology. Students will also conduct in-depth research to develop a Safe Dance Warm-up routine, fostering an understanding of the essential practices required to prevent injury and promote longevity in dance. This comprehensive approach ensures that students appreciate not only the artistic aspects of dance but also the importance of maintaining physical well-being through safe dance procedures.

Music

The Year 8 General Music course is a semester long subject. In the first unit, students study music from around the world and develop skills to complete a global sound scape composition through digital applications. Then, in the second unit students explore Electronic Music and the evolution of computerised music, from underground dance parties to the popular DJ's/Electronic Dance Music (EDM) composers of today. At the end of this unit students will complete their own EDM composition and record it in the Loyola Studio.