Year 8 English continues to develop the skills established in Year 7. Through the study of increasingly complex texts, students explore the ways writers convey ideas and opinions, and respond creatively, analytically and reflectively.

• How writers convey ideas and opinions through increasingly complex texts
• Persuasive texts and how writers use language to engage and persuade readers
• Developing your own persuasive texts in both written and spoken form

Students continue learning content from the six strands of Number, Algebra, Measurement, Space, Statistics and Probability, with Understanding, Fluency, Reasoning and Problem-solving embedded throughout.

• Increasingly sophisticated mathematical concepts, procedures and representations
• How to respond to familiar and unfamiliar situations using mathematical processes
• How to reflect on, evaluate and verify that answers and results are reasonable

Students investigate science concepts from the four main areas of Science: Physics, Earth and Space Science, Chemistry and Biology.

• Different forms of energy, including renewable and non-renewable resources
• How energy transfers and transformations cause change in simple physical systems
• The particle model, used to predict and explain the properties and behaviour of substances
• The relationship between the structure and function of a cell, organ and body system
• Science inquiry skills: questioning, planning, conducting, analysing and communicating findings

Students continue their study of all four key areas of Humanities: History, Geography, Business & Economics and Civics & Citizenship.

• History — the Middle Ages and early exploration
• Geography — Place and Livability, and Changing Nations
• Business & Economics — the business environment, enterprising behaviours and reasoning
• Civics & Citizenship — laws and justice, plus Citizenship, Diversity and Identity

Students develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to strengthen their sense of self, and build and manage satisfying relationships.

• A range of activities promoting enjoyment, fair play and teamwork
• Skills to improve and maintain personal health and fitness
• Habits that encourage participation in regular physical activity

Students learn about and explore artists and artworks associated with the key Modern Art Movements of the 20th Century, using a variety of techniques and media in response.

• A range of techniques and media to create 2D and 3D artworks
• Art elements and principles, applied to original work
• The VTS (Visual Thinking Strategies) process
• Refinement of observational drawing skills

Students continue to develop their knowledge and skills across all three materials strands — wood, metal and plastics — and in the food technology area.

• Continued development across wood, metal and plastics
• Introduction to the food technology area
• Safe and appropriate use of a range of tools and equipment