YEAR 7

STUDENT
COURSE
GUIDE
OUR
SCHOOL
MISSION
Excellence
Respect
Inclusion
Creativity
Critical Thinking
Global Citizenship
The college nurtures positive, respectful
relationships between students, staff, parents and
the broader community. This approach ensures
that individual integrity and dignity remain intact
at all times.
The college promotes a learning community
atmosphere that enables students to experiment,
take risks, make mistakes, achieve and excel
with their learning in a safe and supportive
environment.
All Staff work together as a professional learning
community to ensure the best outcomes for all
students. Evidence-based practice, differentiation
and a high level of personal and system
accountability are paramount.
OUR
SCHOOL
PHILOSOPHY
Officer Secondary College’s philosophy is centred
on learning and relationships and is reflected in
our motto ‘Learning Together; Learning to Lead;
Together we Inspire’
• We believe learning is maximized when it
takes place in an environment enriched with
high expectations, personalisation, challenge,
inclusion and support.
• We promote and celebrate the pursuit
of lifelong learning and are committed to
nurturing the ‘whole’ person. We recognize the
importance of equipping our students with
the social and emotional skills that will enable
them to compete on the world stage. Building
high self-esteem, learning confidence and
respect for others are central to this.
• We believe that all students can learn, be
critical thinkers and independent learners
through personalized learning, personal
endeavor and commitment.
• We recognize and value the uniqueness
and potential of each individual. A diverse
curriculum, varied teaching styles, diverse
learning environments and an extensive array
of opportunities are available to all students.
• We encourage and cultivate independent
thought and promote the building of character.
This enables students to contribute in their
communities in a meaningful and positive way.
CONTENTS

Page 2-4 Outline

Page 6 High Achiever Program (HAP)

Page 8 Performing Arts Masterclass (PAM)

Page 10 English

Page 11 Food Technology

Page 12 Health and Physical Education

Page 13 Humanities

Page 14 LOTE-Chinese

Page 15 Materials Technology

Page 16 Science

Page 17 Mathematics

Page 19 Visual and Performing Arts

Page 20 Sport

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Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
Outline of Booklet
INTRODUCTION YEAR 7 CURRICULUM

Officer Secondary College aims to provide a The College prides itself on offering a
21st century learning community with strong comprehensive Victorian Curriculum which
partnerships between students, teachers, families includes all key disciplines. Students at Year 7
and the broader community. Our academic complete studies in:
program actively supports students through
their transition to secondary college life. Officer • Mathematics
Secondary College provides personalised learning • English
programs for all students from 7-10, then assists
• Science
its students to transition into VCE/VET.
• LOTE-Chinese
An integral aspect of the curriculum development
has been the incorporation of the New Pedagogies • Humanities
for Deep Learning Framework and the development
• Health and Physical Education
of the key 21ST century competencies:
• Sport
• Collaboration
• Visual Art
• Critical Thinking
• Performing Arts
• Creativity
• Materials Technology
• Citizenship
• Food Technology
• Communication
• Character The timetable operates on a two-week rotation
of 5 lessons per day. In addition to this, twice a
This framework prepares students to be lifelong week, students complete an additional Literacy
learners, who are creative and collaborative program and once a week a Learning 2 Learn
problem solvers with skills to make a contribution program (that focuses on the skills required to be
to our global community. a successful learner).

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Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
 Number of lessons
Year 7 Subjects per 2 week cycle

Full Year Subjects

English 9

Mathematics 9

Humanities 5

Science 5

Health and PE 5

Chinese 4

Sport 2

Intervention (Literacy) 2 (40min sessions)

Learning 2 Learn / Intervention 4 (25 min sessions)

Semester Subjects

Food Technology 5

Materials Technology 5

Visual Art 4

Performing Arts 4

BYOD-LAPTOP PROGRAM ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

OPPORTUNITIES
The College Managed BYOD (Bring Your Own
Device) program provides students with a one
At Officer Secondary College we recognize that
to one device essential for the development of
some students have gifts and talents that should
21st century skills. This portable computer will
be nurtured and developed. Once identified,
form part of the basic equipment students are
we offer students opportunities to become
expected to bring to school every day. Students
involved in a range of additional programs and
will be provided with guidelines as to the safe use
projects to enhance their learning experience.
of the computer and shown how to access school
Officer Secondary College is a school that
resources on the wireless network. Instruction
values excellence. Therefore, students who
and guidance regarding the use of key programs
display excellence and diligence in their studies
will be implemented in the academic program.
are encouraged to enrich their educational
This includes the online management system
experience by choosing to complete Merit tasks in
COMPASS. Parents and students are expected
each Key Learning Area. These tasks encourage
to sign the ICT Safe Use Policy upon enrolment
academic excellence, enrichment and compliment
of their child.
the teaching programs offered at the college.
All students must purchase a college approved Students are encouraged to set goals that may
device through Edunet. enable them to achieve either a Gold, Silver or
Bronze Merit Badge.

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Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Officer Secondary College offers a personalised
approach to all academic areas. Additional
support programs are offered to students who
are identified as not reaching their full potential.
This intervention is personalised to directly meet
individual student needs.
ORIENTATION CAMP
In February each year, all students attend a
compulsory 3 day camp to Forest Edge in Neerim
East. Students attend these camps in Learning
Community Groups as the College firmly believes
that this is an ideal way to get to know each
other and to form friendships with fellow Year
7 students. This camp is full of fun activities
designed:
• For students to build relationships with
peers and teachers
• For team building and collaboration between
staff and students, and students with one
another
• To allow for a smooth transition to Officer
Secondary College
• To develop trust and effective
communication between staff and students
• To give students the opportunity to
challenge themselves in a safe environment
• To enhance students confidence and self-
esteem
• For Officer Secondary College and Forest
Edge staff to maintain and promote an
education focus on ‘resilience’.
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Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
CO-CURRICULAR
Officer Secondary College offers many other
activities outside the classroom, and we actively
encourage students to become involved in these
activities as soon as possible. It is a great way to
meet new friends and to learn and practice a range
of new skills and promote engagement in College
life. Students have the opportunity to represent
their Learning Community and the overall College
in the Swimming, Cross Country and Athletic and
Interschool Sporting Teams. Other possibilities
include: the Music Club, Robotics Group, join
the music program or the Adobe Youth Voices
program. Many other additional programs are
offered each year to all students.
REPORTING
All students receive a report at the end of each
term. Progress reports are distributed at the
end of Terms 1 and 3 which coincide with Parent
Student Teacher conferences, and Semester
reports are distributed at the completion of Terms
2 and 4. In addition to these, at regular intervals
throughout the school year students will receive a
GPA (Grade Point Average) report which provides
all students with a score out of 4 which rates each
student’s achievement on the five key indicators
of: Behaviour, Effort, Self-Management, Class
Work and Homework.
 5
Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
 SELECT ENTRY PROGRAM

High Achiever Program (HAP)

At Officer Secondary College we strive to cater
for all students within our thriving Learning
Community. Students who show high academic
aptitude and have high academic aspirations are
particularly suited to our High Achiever Program.
The High Achiever Program (HAP) at Officer
Secondary College is designed to enable
high achieving students to maximise and fulfil
their academic potential in a stimulating and
supportive setting.
Students in this program work in an engaging
environment alongside other students of similar
abilities and interests. They are provided with
the opportunity to work both collaboratively and
independently on academic, school, community
and global projects.
Our high achieving students follow the Victorian
Curriculum guidelines, however, work presented is
more intellectually challenging, allowing students
to demonstrate skills at level 6 to 12 months
beyond the expected level for their age. The High
Achiever Program is an enrichment program
designed to foster 21st Century learners, with
a focus on inquiry-based learning, collaboration,
critical thinking and creativity. We are focused on
preparing our students for future learning and to
become positive contributors to the community as
adults.
The application process for the High Achiever
Program will open in March each academic
year. Handbooks are available from the College
outlining the program and the pathway options at
Officer Secondary College and online through the
College website.
If you have any questions about the program,
please contact the College on (03) 5942 4000.

VCE VCE
YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10
UNITS 1/2 UNITS 3/4

ELECTIVES VCE
HAP HAP HAP
EARLY ACCESS EARLY ACCESS
INSTRUMENTAL INSTRUMENTAL INSTRUMENTAL VCE
VCE (LOTE, VET, UNIVERSITY
MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC ELECTIVES
STEM) SUBJECT

6
Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
HOW DOES THE HIGH ACHIEVER
students to:
PROGRAM WORK?
Students selected in the High Achiever Program
will be in a class with 25 peers who have also
demonstrated skills and achievement 6 to 12
months beyond the expected level for their age.
Students in the program are supported and
carefully monitored by the Assistant Principal
(Curriculum), Curriculum Leader and High Achiever
Program Coordinator and a team of teachers to
ensure that their specific needs are being catered
for. They are provided with the chance to explore
future pathways and career opportunities while
completing goal-setting and study enhancement
programs. In Year 10, students have the
opportunity to Early Access VCE subjects.
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Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
The aim of the High Achiever Program is for
• Access advanced curriculum to extend and
motivate students to achieve excellence
• Address the individual academic needs of
high achieving students
• Incorporate programs to encourage the
development of the 21st Century learning
competencies
• Develop deep understanding and critical
thinking skills
• Enhance their ability to work with more
abstract and in-depth course material
• Become effective problem solvers
• Extend their analytic and creative skills
• Successfully work as independent and
cooperative learners
• Provide an accelerated VCE pathway for
students
• Provide access to University enhancement
options during their Year12 studies
• Create pathways to success for their future
study and career aspirations
 SELECT ENTRY PROGRAM

Performing Arts Masterclass (PAM)

The Officer Secondary College Performing In addition to this, students in the Performing
Arts Masterclass (PAM) provides students with Arts Masterclass will be able to access a range of
the opportunity to be part of an Academic and Performing Arts based activities and excursions,
Performing Arts program. such as masterclasses, theatre performances
and dance competitions. Applications for the
The College has a strong dance, drama and music
Performing Arts Masterclass will open in March of
program and strives to expand this in future years
each year.
to achieve even higher levels of success. We aim
to engage student interest and allow every child to If you have any questions about the program,
showcase skills in these areas. please contact the college of (03) 5942 4000.
This program will provide aspiring performers
the opportunity to integrate a passion for the
Performing Arts with a strong commitment to their
academic studies. Students in this program will be
extended in dance, drama and music curriculum
within a specialised timetable incorporating the
extended studies in these disciplines.

VCE VCE
YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10
UNITS 1/2 UNITS 3/4

PAM
VCE
PAM PAM PAM EARLY ACCESS
EARLY ACCESS
INSTRUMENTAL INSTRUMENTAL INSTRUMENTAL VCE/VET VCE/VET
UNIVERSITY
MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC ELECTIVES (PERFORMING
SUBJECT
ARTS)

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Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
HOW DOES THE PERFORMING
ARTS MASTERCLASS WORK?
Students selected to be part of the PAM
Class will be one of up to 25 students that
have demonstrated a passion and ability in the
Performing Arts area.
Students in the program will have additional
opportunities and excursions relating to the
performing arts field, and the ability to engage
in a number of curricular and extra-curricular
activities related to their particular passion area.
All students are expected to maintain a balance
between their academic studies and Performing
Arts commitments.
We aim to develop well-rounded performers, so
students will be expected to engage in at least two
of the performance fields at Officer Secondary
College – Dance, Drama and Music.
The dedicated Performing Arts Masterclass
Coordinator, will carefully monitor the progress of
students, and support them in their specific fields.
We will seek regular feedback on the progress of
the class from students and parents, and ensure
we are creating a high-quality program that caters
to a diverse range of needs.
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Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
The aim of the Performing Arts Masterclass is for
students to:
• Be in a class of like-minded peers, who are
passionate about performance
• Be extended in their performance classes,
to achieve their full potential
• Have the opportunity to demonstrate
their skills to the school and the broader
community through performances
• Extend their creative skills
• Provide an accelerated VCE Performing
Arts pathway for appropriate students
• Create pathways for success in their chosen
area beyond school
All PAM students will be encouraged to participate
in the Instrumental Music Program. Instrumental
Music fees are $350 per year with a refundable
instrument bond of $50. If you have any questions
about the Instrumental Music Program, please
contact the College.
Students participating in the PAM program are
expected to maintain:
• A Grade Point Average (GPA) on interim
reports of 3 or higher (Very good or Excellent),
And
• Exemplary classroom behaviour
And
• Involvement in co-curricular activities in
their chosen field.
English

E
nglish permeates daily life. Every time we Officer Secondary College students will study
speak, read, write and listen we are using texts such as:
skills that are developed in the English
classroom. Further, as young people progress • Behind the News
through their English studies they learn to • Dust Echoes
interpret, analyse and critique the world around • School prescribed film and written text
them. Such skills are becoming more and more
• Wall-E
important in the 21st century.
They create texts such as:
Students at Officer Secondary College will
develop these important skills by: • Comprehensive test answers
• Studying a range of texts (both written and • Feature articles
visual) that are appropriate and engaging for • Multimodal narratives
young people. • Essays
• Creating a range of texts that give students’
the opportunity to write persuasively,
creatively and critically.
• Participating in personalised programs that
develop students’ reading comprehension,
spelling and vocabulary.
• Learning reading and writing attack strategies
• Using ICT to:
• Conduct research
• Share ideas
• Develop spoken English skills
• Create and review texts using word-
processing software.

VCE VCE
YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10
UNITS 1/2 UNITS 3/4

ENGLISH ENGLISH

CORE CORE
LITERATURE LITERATURE
CORE CORE ENGLISH ENGLISH
ENGLISH ENGLISH
(WITH OR (WITH OR ENGLISH ENGLISH
WITHOUT WITHOUT LANGUAGE LANGUAGE
ELECTIVE ELECTIVE
ENGLISH) ENGLISH)

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Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
 Food Technology

Y
ear 7 Food Technology at Officer Students will discuss a range of ethical issues
Secondary College is both a practical and relevant to food production including, food miles
theoretical subject that equips students and organic farming. Students will investigate the
with essential life skills. Literacy skills are used in importance of breakfast in context of a healthy diet.
reading recipes and following instructions as well
The Officer Secondary Technology program will
as writing their own functional recipes. Students
be exhibiting their cooked products and design
learn how to use the design process to investigate
tasks during the Arts/Technology Soiree.
design briefs, create recipes and make products
using a range of cooking processes. This subject is taught so that students are
equipped to be successful should they continue
Students learn how to identify hazards to minimise
to study Food Technology at the VCE level or
risks and use math’s’ skills to calculate and
through VET studies.
measure ingredients, and cost materials. They use
tools and equipment to produce food in a safe and
hygienic manner.
Students will learn about design briefs, the function
of ingredients in the recipe and evaluating cooked
products in terms of taste, aroma, texture and
appearance. They may also evaluate their practical
skills using a range of evaluation techniques.

VCE VCE
YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10
UNITS 1/2 UNITS 3/4

ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES FOOD
CORE CORE FOOD TECHNOLOGY
FOOD
FOOD FOOD TECHNOLOGY ONE OR MORE FOOD
STUDIES
TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY ONE OR MORE SEMESTER
STUDIES
ONE SEMESTER ONE SEMESTER SEMESTER UNITS VET HOSPITALITY
UNITS VET HOSPITALITY
FULL YEAR

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Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
 Health and Physical Education

T
he Health and Physical Education program During Year 7 Health classes students will study a
is essential for preparing students to be number of issues surrounding their own health and
physically and mentally active, fit and healthy issues that are prevalent within their community.
for life. During Year 7 students participate in They have opportunities to evaluate their own
both practical education and theory classes that health and wellbeing during theory lessons. A
set the foundation for coming years. A range of number of topics are covered during Year 7 such
elective options will be available to students from as fitness, physical activity, harm minimisation,
Year 9 onwards. Students also take part in sport cyber safety, nutrition and puberty. Our Year 7
sessions once a week. They have the opportunity Health program provides the building blocks and
to nominate a sport each term that they are basic knowledge that will be built on through
interested in, and develop skills specific to that further years of study.
sport that they can use during Inter-School sports
Essentially we are aiming to provide students with
or outside of school. It encourages them to be
a sound skill base and knowledge that will enable
physically active and engage with peers outside of
them to be confident, healthy and participate
their Learning Community groups and class.
in physical activity throughout their secondary
A strong Health and Physical Education program school life and beyond.
is necessary for a holistic education and provides
Year 7 to 10 Health and Physical Education
such benefits as developing movement skill
prepares students who wish to undertake this as a
development, leadership development, and
VCE option.
cooperation between peers, strengthened
relationships and improved self-confidence.
Year 7 Physical Education is predominantly a
game sense based approach in which students
can improve their basic movement skills, whilst
also developing their strategic thinking and
teamwork during sport specific situations.
Students participate in a range of mainstream
sports and are encouraged through questioning to
think deeply and develop their own tactics whilst
receiving specific feedback on skill development.

VCE VCE
YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10
UNITS 1/2 UNITS 3/4

ELECTIVES OUTDOOR & OUTDOOR &

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL
PHYSICAL ELECTIVES STUDIES STUDIES
CORE HEALTH CORE HEALTH
EDUCATION HEALTH &
& PHYSICAL & PHYSICAL PHYSICAL PHYSICAL
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION EDUCATION AT LEAST ONE EDUCATION EDUCATION
EDUCATION
ELECTIVE PER HEALTH & HUMAN HEALTH & HUMAN
SEMESTER DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT

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Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
 Humanities

A
t Officer Secondary College, Humanities
is about understanding the beautiful and
complex world around us. We aim to help
our students understand how our world works
and why our world looks the way it does. We help
students discover how people live, where we come
from, and what things we need to think about to
have a vibrant and sustainable future.
We begin our Secondary School journey with
Geography. This isn’t just about where a country is
located and what flag it has, but about answering
questions on why people live where they do, what
makes Australia a great place to live, and how we
use different resources to thrive. We deepen our
investigation with a depth study into the water
cycle and how we manage this precious resource.
Rome and China. Combined with a depth study on
Civics, students start to learn the higher-ordered
skills they need to succeed in VCE – investigating
change over time, analysing cause and effect, and
justifying their conclusions with evidence.
At Officer Secondary College, we love Humanities
and think of it as a study of “the world in action.”
Through it, we want our students to develop a love
for the world we live in and to be able to actively
engage with it in a meaningful way.
Humanities at Years 7 to 10 prepares students to
undertake a range of VCE subjects.

Halfway through the year, our Year 7’s start their

four year journey to discover the shared story of
humanity – from prehistory to modern times. Our
History units use primary sources to discover
what life was like over 4000 years ago, and in
two of the most glorious ancient civilisations:

VCE VCE
YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10
UNITS 1/2 UNITS 3/4

20TH CENTURY HISTORY

HISTORY REVOLUTIONS
CORE CORE GEOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHY
HUMANITIES HUMANITIES
CORE CORE FULL YEAR ONE SEMESTER BUSINESS BUSINESS
HUMANITIES HUMANITIES MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT
(WITH OR WITHOUT (WITH OR WITHOUT
ELECTIVE ELECTIVE PHILOSOPHY PHILOSOPHY
HUMANITIES) HUMANITIES)
LEGAL STUDIES LEGAL STUDIES

ACCOUNTING ACCOUNTING

13
Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
 LOTE-Chinese
TE-Chinese
w language, aA new
lifelong advantage
language, a lifelong advantage This subject will enhance students’ intercultural
knowledge, broaden students’ horizons, develop
n ǐ hǎo huānyíngláidàozhōngwénshìjiè
你(nǐ)你好(hǎo)好，欢(huān)欢迎(yíng)迎来(lái)来到 their general knowledge of China, and engage
你好， 欢 迎 来 到 中 文 世 界
(dào)到中(zhōng)中文(wén)文世(shì)世界(jiè)界 - Hello,
themwelcome to the
in various cultural worldStudents
activities. of Chinese
will bestudy
- Hello, welcome to the world of Chinese study exposed to a range of extra-curricular programs,
including:
proven that being fluent in a language other than English offers numerous benefits and opportunities.
It is proven that being fluent in a language other
efore, students at Officer Secondary College are offered to• study
than English offers numerous benefits and
Chinese
Chinese Cultural(Mandarin),
Day which is one of
astest growing languagesTherefore,
opportunities. in Australia.
students at Officer • Excursion to an exhibition, Chinatown or a
Secondary College are offered the opportunity Chinese restaurant
to study Chinese (Mandarin), which is one of the • Food making/tasting sessions
subject coversfastest
four growing
core skills, listening,
languages speaking, reading• and
in Australia. writing. In Year 7, students will
Calligraphy/Chinese painting workshops
lop language awareness through the study of the following • themes:
Chinese dance session
 Pinyin (Chinese pronunciation system)
This subject covers four core skills, listening, • Competitions
speaking, reading and writing. In Year 7, students
 General will
knowledge of China
develop language awareness through the
• Interactions with our sister school
 Greetingstudy
andofdaily expressions
the following themes:
 Numbers ICT plays an important role in teaching and
• Pinyin (Chinese pronunciation system)
 Self-introduction
• General knowledge of China
learning Chinese. We use devices such as laptops,
projectors, iPads and other ICT tools to introduce
 Family and
• occupation,
Greeting etc.
and daily expressions topics, engage students’ learning, and reinforce
• Numbers their understanding and to allow students to track
will be able to
• gain some proficiency
Self-introduction to communicate in and reflect on
different their learning.
situations. Students understanding
• Family and occupation, etc.
ocabulary, grammar and sentence structures will also be developed in both English and Chinese.
At Officer Secondary College we cater for the
They will be able to gain some proficiency to
different needs of students. We start with basic
communicate in different situations. Students
subject will enhance students’
understanding intercultural
of vocabulary, grammar knowledge,
and broaden
aspects ofstudents’ horizons,
Chinese, but we alwaysdevelop
encouragetheir
students to attempt the challenging activities
ral knowledgesentence
of China, and engage
structures them
will also be in various
developed in both cultural activities. Students will be exposed to
and provide them with modified tasks if they
a
English and Chinese.
e of extra-curricular programs, including: need.
 Chinese Cultural Day
 Excursion to an exhibition, Chinatown or a Chinese restaurant
 FoodYEAR
making/tasting
7 sessions
YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10
VCE VCE
UNITS 1/2 UNITS 3/4
 Calligraphy/Chinese painting workshops
 Chinese dance session
 Competitions ELECTIVE
CHINESE FULL
ELECTIVE
CHINESE FULL
CHINESE SECOND CHINESE SECOND

 Interactions
CORE
with our sister
CORE
school YEAR YEAR
LANGUAGE LANGUAGE

VET CERTIFICATE VET CERTIFICATE

CHINESE CHINESE (VET CERTIFICATE (VET CERTIFICATE
III CERTIFICATE III CERTIFICATE
II CERTIFICATE II CERTIFICATE
OF APPLIED OF APPLIED
plays an important role in teaching and learning Chinese. We use devices such as laptops, projectors,
OF APPLIED
LANGUAGE)
OF APPLIED
LANGUAGE)
LANGUAGES LANGUAGES

s and other ICT tools to introduce topics, engage students’ learning, and reinforce their understanding
to allow students to track and reflect on their learning.

fficer Secondary College we cater for the different needs of students. We start with basic aspects of
ese, but we always encourage students to attempt to the challengeable activities and provide them
reinforcing tasks if they need.
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Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
 Materials Technology

Y
ear 7 Technology at Officer Secondary
College is predominantly a “hands on” and
project based subject. Students learn how
to design and make products using a range of
design and technology processes. They learn how
to assess and control risks, describe, measure and
cost materials, and use tools and machinery to
manufacture projects made primarily from timber
such as step stools and candy dispensers.
Students will learn about design briefs,
functionality and fulfilling criteria. They then apply
this knowledge to digital design, reflection, peer
analysis and evaluation.
Students will participate in an inquiry into
Australian Indigenous tools and technology, how
they were made and what they were used for.
We will also undertake project work on
sustainability issues and modes of transport.
Students will then design and produce a vehicle to
participate in a race.
This subject is taught so that students are
equipped to be successful should they continue
to study Materials Technology at the VCE level or
through VET studies. Subjects that are possible
pathways include:
• Material Technology-Wood
• Material Technology-Metal
• Electronics
• Systems Engineering

VCE VCE
YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10
UNITS 1/2 UNITS 3/4

ELECTIVE ELECTIVE SYSTEM SYSTEM

CORE CORE
MATERIALS MATERIALS ENGINEERING ENGINEERING
MATERIALS MATERIALS
TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT DESIGN PRODUCT DESIGN
ONE OR MORE ONE OR MORE
ONE SEMESTER ONE SEMESTER AND TECHNOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
SEMESTER UNITS SEMESTER UNITS

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Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
Science

W
elcome to the wonderful world of Science
at Officer Secondary College. Studying
Science allows students to investigate
phenomena in the world around them, learn
about innovated technologies that are changing
our world and develop their inquiry and problem
solving skills. Officer Secondary College is one
of only a handful of Victorian Schools who team
teach in science providing students with the
opportunity to access the knowledge, skills and
expertise of two teachers during every science
lesson.
forces on earth affect us
• Our World of Machines: investigating how they
work and how they can change our lives
At Officer Secondary College, we pride ourselves
on catering for our students’ individual needs. Our
science teachers use a variety of teaching styles
throughout the course to encourage engagement
and provide a challenging environment for
student learning. During Year 7, students have the
opportunity to:

• Undertake laboratory investigations in

During the Year 7 science course students
explore:
• Classification: involving the ordering and
grouping of living things
• Ecosystems: and how organisms interact with
each other and their environment
• Our Earth in Space: and how it is influenced by
the moon and the sun
• Separating Mixtures: investigating how to use
a range of laboratory techniques to obtain
pure substance
• Our Precious Resources: investigating
renewable and non-renewable resources and
how to manage these into the future
• Forces in Action: involving how different
our state of the art multipurpose science
laboratories
• Design and conduct their own experiments
• Carry out investigative activities to help solve
global issues
• Perform hands on activities that model real
life situations.
• Complete fieldwork investigations
• Work with members of the community
• Participate in external science competitions
and events
• Work both individually and collaboratively as a
member of a team
• Use digital technologies for a range of tasks/
activities

VCE VCE
YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10
UNITS 1/2 UNITS 3/4

PHYSICS PHYSICS
CORE CORE
SCIENCE SCIENCE CHEMISTRY CHEMISTRY
CORE CORE FULL YEAR ONE SEMESTER BIOLOGY BIOLOGY
SCIENCE SCIENCE (WITH OR WITHOUT (WITH OR WITHOUT PSYCHOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY
ELECTIVE ELECTIVE
SCIENCES) SCIENCES) ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCE SCIENCE

16
Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
Mathematics
W
elcome to Numeracy at Officer Secondary
College. Our classes and the learning are
based on research, promoting high quality
21st century learning. We have architecturally
designed open learning spaces that enable us to
deliver personalised learning, using a variety of
collaborative teaching and learning strategies.
At the beginning of the year, all Year 7 students
at Officer Secondary College complete a PAT
online test for Numeracy. The result from this
provides staff with a building block allowing them
to personalise and differentiate learning tasks
suitable to each student’s ability.
Along with the differentiated learning that takes
place within the maths classes, students also
have the opportunity to participate in a variety
of intervention programs that the college has to
offer, specifically for Numeracy-the Cams and
Stams Intervention program. These programs
are targeted programs that build upon, not only
student’s mathematical skills, but also focus on
the language and key mathematical terminology
related to specific topics.
All Year 7 students receive a Mathletics
subscription, with their very own username
and password. This allows them to access and
track their own learning in a fun and interactive
way, both during the classroom and at home. All
numeracy teachers have access to live results and
set tasks personalised to each students’ learning
needs. You can also become a ‘Mathletics parent’
to check in on your child’s learning and print any
17
Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
certificates they may have accumulated. During
the year students are given the opportunity to
further extend and apply their knowledge through
participation in mathematics competitions
and events. Students can strive for excellent
results and be formally recognised for this. Such
competitions are a great way to prepare students
for formal examinations and assessments
throughout their education.
During Year 7 Numeracy, students will be
exploring:
• Whole Numbers and building on their previous
knowledge of all four operations
• Integers and understanding the relationship
between numbers
• Fractions and how to work mathematically
with parts of a whole
• Decimals, Percentage and Ratio and how to
move freely between them
• Algebra as a means of expressing general
rules and mathematical patterns
• Measurement and investigating which unit is
best for a diversity of situations
• Linear Equations to enable us to make
informed and accurate decisions
• Angles and Shapes and how to classify them
• Statistics and Probability to make sense of
figures we see and hear so often
Mathematics
VCE VCE
YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10
UNITS 1/2 UNITS 3/4

SPECIALIST
SPECIALIST MATHS AND
MATHS MATHS METHODS
AND MATHS
METHODS
PRE-METHODS

ADVANCED MATHS METHODS MATHS METHODS

MATHEMATICS AND
AND/OR
GENERAL MATHS
ADVANCED
FURTHER MATHS
MATHS METHODS
MATHEMATICS
CORE CORE ONLY
or
MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS
CORE GENERAL FURTHER
MATHEMATICS MATHS ONLY MATHS ONLY

CORE

MATHEMATICS
FOUNDATION

MATHS ONLY

18
Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
 Visual and Performing Arts

A
strong Arts program is essential for a holistic
education for all Year 7 students. All students
experience a broad range of subjects in these
disciplines. The opportunity will exist for Visual Arts,
Dance, Music and Drama to be pursued through to
Year 12. A range of elective options in the Arts will
be available to students from Year 9 onwards.
The Officer Secondary Arts program will be
showcased this year during the Arts/Technology
Soiree. This will include a Visual Art Show,
Technology exhibition and live performances
of dance, music and drama. The Arts faculty
also offers lunchtime activities at various times
during the year including a Music Club and an Art
Club. Student work is curated by students and
exhibited throughout the school as well as within
the wider community.
Year 7 Visual Art has a focus on two dimensional
art, art elements and the design process. Relief
printing is a major piece of student work produced
by students throughout the year. Alongside
painted self-portraits, collage and drawing is
used to create homages to well-known artists
from various historical periods. Skills are built
up through observational drawing and trialling
many different media throughout the year. Visual
literacy within art is also undertaken by discussing
artworks and artists. Students analyse and study
art from various historical periods. They evaluate
their own work and that of their peers. Students
also explore how different artists make art and
extend their ideas.
Year 7 Performing Art incorporates dance
and movement as well as drama. All students
experience the Performing Arts classroom,
building confidence through performance based
activities whether they are working individually or
in groups. Students develop an understanding of
group dynamics, team work, problem solving and
the elements of drama and dance.

VCE VCE
YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10
UNITS 1/2 UNITS 3/4

STUDIO ARTS STUDIO ARTS

ART ART
ELECTIVES VISUAL ELECTIVES VISUAL
VISUAL VISUAL
CORE ART ONE CORE ART ONE ARTS ONE OR MORE ARTS ONE OR MORE COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS
DESIGN DESIGN
SEMESTER SEMESTER SEMESTER UNITS SEMESTER UNITS
MEDIA MEDIA
AND AND AND AND
DRAMA DRAMA
CORE CORE ELECTIVES ELECTIVES
THEATRE STUDIES THEATRE STUDIES
PERFORMANCE MUSIC PERFORMING ARTS PERFORMING ARTS

ONE SEMESTER ONE SEMESTER ONE OR MORE ONE OR MORE DANCE DANCE

SEMESTER UNITS SEMESTER UNITS

MUSIC MUSIC
PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE

19
Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
Sport
S
port at Officer Secondary College at Year 7
level is provided for students to develop not
only essential skills and concepts used in a
variety of sports, but it also provides an opportunity
for students to interact and work collaboratively
with their peers in an alternative environment.
Students have a weekly hour session of sport. They
have the opportunity to nominate which sport they
would like to do from a list at the beginning of each
term. The sports provided are in line with the Inter-
School sports offered by School Sports Victoria.
Throughout the term the supervising teacher will
often develop a team to represent the school at an
Inter-School round robin.
20
Learning Together; Learning to Lead; Together we Inspire
The sport program encourages students to
be active and develop a healthy lifestyle. By
introducing students to a variety of games and
allowing students to participate whilst developing
key skills, we hope this encourages students to
increase physical activity outside of school and
live healthy and active lives.
As well as developing movement skills students
are also able to develop other skills and values
such as teamwork, communication, inclusion and
fair play, which they can draw upon throughout
their schooling lives and life beyond school.
Mr Christian Woodcock - Principal

Mr Beau Rawlyk - Assistant Principal

Mr Jack Deen - Curriculum Leader Years 7 - 9

Officer Secondary College

1 Parker Street Officer, Victoria, Australia 3809

Telephone-5942 4000 Facsimile-5942 4099

officer.sc@education.vic.gov.au

www.officersc.vic.edu.au