Students in Year 7 at Frederick Irwin Anglican School Meadow Springs are supported by experienced staff in making the transition from Primary to Secondary. In a safe and nurturing environment, students commence the year with an orientation morning just before school starts to give them the opportunity to meet their teacher and peers.
Our Year 11 Peer Support Leaders work with students throughout Year 7; they are on duty at breaks each day and continue to assist our Year 7s during House period throughout the first semester.
The Year 7 curriculum is both broad and varied, providing students with rich knowledge and understanding while developing skills and capabilities. Students actively engage in activities that will motivate and challenge them.
The students also and attend Study Skills sessions throughout the year and have one study period per week, ICT is embedded across the curriculum, with students able to access our IT help desk for technical support. The School also incorporates a Cyber Safety programme into the curriculum, assisting students to understand the importance of being safe online.
Student learning is shared with parents in our highly successful Learning Journeys twice a year.
Please read the Subject Information below for further information.
Teaching and Learning
Year 7 Overview
The Year 7 curriculum is wide and varied, providing students with knowledge and understanding as well as developing skills and capabilities.
In Year 7, students actively participate in activities that will motivate, stimulate and challenge them. ICT is embedded across the curriculum. Frederick Irwin Anglican School Year 7 follow the Western Australian Curriculum. Students are taught the following subjects:
- Mathematics
- English
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Science
- Christian Studies
- Technologies
- Health
- Japanese
- Physical Education and Health
- The Arts
Timetable
The timetable is made up of 40 periods per week, each period lasting approximately 40 minutes. Students are provided with a timetable at the start of the school year, however variations can occur. The timetable is accessible on SEQTA.
School Diary
The school diary is an excellent means of communication between home and school. Students can note homework, commitments, reminders and other important information in the diary. The student is responsible for updating the diary daily. Parents must sign the diary on a weekly basis, usually on a Thursday night. House Group teachers check the diary and sign it each week, usually on a Friday.
Study Skills
Students participate in Study Skills incursion during the year and are taught how to study by Year 7 staff. Students are expected to complete regular study at home. We recommend 20 minutes, five (5) nights a week.
Homework
Homework is an integral part of education and is given regularly. Students are expected to note homework in their diary and it must be handed in on the correct day. Students must organise themselves to ensure that homework is completed to the best of their ability. Homework comprises of:
- On-going study and review of each day’s lessons;
- Work set by teacher;
- Finishing off class work.
Assessment and Reporting
All subjects use a variety of assessment types e.g. Tests, group activities and oral presentations. Assessments are ongoing throughout the year, assessment dates, results and feedback will be available on SEQTA. The information gathered by assessments will be formally communicated to parents via written reports in Term 2 and 4.
Learning Journey
Learning Journeys will be held in Terms 1 and 3. At these events parents will be given an insight into the student’s experiences and parents will visit their child’s classroom. It is a terrific way to celebrate your child’s successes and show him/her how much importance you place on their learning.
Library
The School Library is open from 8.00am until 4.15pm each day. Students have access to the Library throughout the day, including recess and lunch. They can borrow resources at any time. Year 7 students visit the Library once per week as part of their English Curriculum.
BYOD
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) operates at Frederick Irwin Anglican School. This will require that each student bring a suitable laptop or tablet computer to school each day for use in the classroom. Whilst many parents will want to purchase a new device for their child it is important to emphasise that it is not essential that the device brought to school be purchased specifically for this task, the virtual desktop environment operated by the school will run on most computers purchased in the last few years. Please refer to the What Do I Need? Page on the School website for a guide to the system requirements for BYOD devices. Parents wishing to invest in a new computer for their child can purchase from any reputable retail establishment. In making a decision on which device to select it is important that parents consider the total cost of ownership of the computer over its total expected lifespan, typically three years. Factors such as extended warranty, accidental damage repairs and insurance must be weighed up to ensure additional and unexpected costs are not incurred at a later date.
Pastoral Care
In Year 7, class and House Group teachers are responsible for the pastoral care of the students. The Head of Year is actively involved and liaise closely with the Year 7 staff and parents. The School Chaplain, Reverend James Tabor is available for students to discuss any problems also. Students are given the opportunity to regularly mix with their House through an extended house period each week which involves students from Year 7 to 12 and activities include Inter-House sports, games and assemblies.
Core Subjects Studied for the Whole Year
English
Students learn about the English language and using it effectively. In Year 7, students follow a common programme and the English curriculum is built around three inter-related strands of Language, Literature and Literacy.
Major Topics
- Term 1: A Passion for Poetry
- Term 2: A World of Media
- Term 3: Novel Study - Detention
- Term 4: Myths, Legends and Ancient Tales
An English incursion takes place in Term 3. Students will enjoy a writing workshop with acclaimed author, Tristan Banks.
Mathematics
The programme of work in Year 7 covers Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability.
Students will use Cambridge Mathematics as the main resource and some of the topics include: Integers, Measurement, Linear Equations, Whole Numbers, Fractions, Statistics and Probability, Decimals, Percentage and Ratio, Angles and Shapes. We stream students in Mathematics from Semester 2.
Science
Students will focus on three areas of Science:
- Science Understanding – Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Physical Sciences
- Science as a Human Endeavour – Nature and development of Science, Use and influence of science
- Science Inquiry Skills – Questioning and Predicting, Planning and conducting, Processing and analysing data and information, Evaluating, Communicating
Students will use Pearson Science 7 as their main textbook. A Science ‘Birds of Prey’ incursion will be enjoyed by students.
Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)
- Geography - There are two units of study in the Year 7 curriculum for Geography – these are Water in the World and Place and Liveability.
- History - We study Ancient Civilisations in Year 7. The main units of study are investigating the Ancient Past and inquiry in which students choose an ancient civilisation to study.
- Economics and Business - Students study producing and consuming, running a small scale business.
- Civics and Citizenship - We study the Political and Legal system of Australia.
Additional Subjects Studied for the Whole Year
Christian Studies
Christian Studies in Year 7 provides the building blocks for the remainder of a student’s time at Frederick Irwin Anglican School.
We begin to explore the Bible in detail, with emphasis on books from both the Old and New Testaments. We seek to place the Bible in an historical context, and seek to explore its continued relevance in society. We also lay the foundation for philosophical exploration of self, and our relationship to God, and the nature of goodness.
Students explore other world faiths, beginning with Buddhism.
Technologies - Design and Technology; ”An Introduction to”
Are you ready to unleash creativity and dive into the exciting design world? If you’re a Year 7 student looking for a hands-on and tech-savvy course, our Design Technologies course is perfect! In this course, you’ll explore the fascinating visual communication techniques throughout the design process.
You’ll have the chance to bring your creative ideas to life through various small design projects, all while gaining essential technology skills. The best part? You’ll be equipped with all the necessary safety gear to ensure your well-being while working in our workshop.
All you need to bring is your enthusiasm and a pencil, and we’ll provide the rest, including an A4 display file and paper. Get ready to embark on an inspiring journey of design and technology that will leave you with valuable skills and a portfolio of fantastic projects. Sign up today and let your imagination soar.
Future Pathways (Year 8)
- Developing in Design Technologies
Digital Technologies
Digital Technologies (One Semester)
The Year 7 Digital Technologies course focuses on developing understanding and skills in computational thinking.
Students will learn the important role data plays in their lives and explore how digital systems represent text, images and audio data. Students will have the opportunity to explore and problem-solve utilising visual programming and hardware such as Micro:bits. Students will create a mobile app whilst working collaboratively and individually to design, develop, communicate and evaluate their ideas.
Drama
In Year 7, students are given the opportunity to plan, develop and present drama to their peers.
Students work on devising and improvising performances as well as interpreting scripted drama using lighting, sound and costume. They also learn about reflective processes using generalised drama terminology and language.
Students look specifically at Radio drama, Greek theatre and scripted performance in group situations whereby they develop their interpersonal and collaborative skills.
Health and Physical Education
Health 1 period and Physical Education 2 periods per week as a double lesson.
Health and Physical Education teaches students how to enhance their own and others health and wellbeing. Students develop knowledge, understandings and skills to strengthen their sense of personal identity and to build and maintain satisfying relationships. It also helps them to build resilience, make decisions and help take actions to promote their own and others health and physical activity participation.
Integral to Health and Physical Education is the acquisition of movement skills, concepts and strategies to enable students to confidently, competently and creatively participate in a range of physical activities in various contexts and settings. how to optimise movement performance; and the benefits of physical activity to themselves, others and communities. Through movement in a variety of contexts and settings, students acquire, practise, manage and refine personal, interpersonal, social and cognitive skills.
Health Education: Personal, social and community health includes the following contexts:
- Secondary transition, (interacting with others, support networks)
- Puberty and adolescence, (managing social and emotional change)
- Preventative health practices, (sun safety)
- Relationships, (rights and responsibilities, impact on own and others well-being)
- Nutrition, (making informed and heathy eating decisions)
- Protective behaviours, (trust, talk, take control)
Physical Education: Movement and physical activity includes physical skill development in specific contexts chosen from the following broader contexts:
- Throwing and Catching skills (netball/basketball/volleyball)
- Gross motor skills, (athletics skills, track and field)
- Kicking skills (soccer/Australian Rules/speedball)
- Striking skills (cricket/baseball/softball/tennis/hockey)
Home Economics “Made by Me”
Welcome to the captivating world of fabric, thread, and creativity! In the “Made by Me” Year 7 Sewing Adventure, students will embark on an inspiring journey into the art of sewing, where they will transform ordinary materials into extraordinary creations. This course is not just about sewing; it’s about self-expression, imagination, and the joy of making something uniquely your own.
Course Highlights:
- Master the sewing essentials
- Projects include Zenki critter softie, textile art pictures and your personalised neck pillow character.
- You can challenge your problem-solving abilities and think outside the box.
You can go ahead and sew your way to success one stitch at a time. This course can be a foundation for future fashion, design, and more endeavours.
Future Pathways (Year 8)
- Sew Much Fun: Textile Treasures
Home Economics “Cooking Wizardry”
Welcome to the exciting world of culinary exploration! Our New Year 7 Cookery course is designed to ignite your passion for cooking while imparting essential skills that will set you on a lifelong journey of culinary creativity. Whether you’re a budding chef or a novice in the kitchen, this course is your gateway to culinary mastery.
Course Highlights:
- Basic Cookery Skills
- Safety and Hygiene Protocols
- Healthy Food Choices and Nutritional Education
- Food Presentation Skills
So, rollup your sleeves, put on your apron, and let’s embark on this flavourful journey together. Get ready to savour the joys of cooking and nourish your passion for food. Join us in Cooking Wizardry and let your culinary adventure begin!
Future Pathways (Year 8)
- Edible Adventures
Japanese
In Japanese students learn to communicate through simple spoken and written texts. They become familiar with how sounds are produced and represented in the three different character-based scripts katakana, hiragana and kanji. The theme for the year is self, family and friends, and interests.
Assessments
At regular intervals students will have quizzes and topic tests based on the four skill areas of:
- Reading and Responding
- Writing
- Oral
Homework
Students are expected to do 10 minutes homework four times a week to review grammar, vocabulary and to practice writing Japanese.
Japanese Week
One week of a Term is devoted to cultural activities and learning. Students are involved in activities such as sushi making and origami.
Music
In Year 7, students experience music as performers and audience members. Through learning to play basic chords on both the piano and guitar, students explore improving their musical performance, rehearsal and technical skills.
As an audience member, students are encouraged to communicate their thoughts and feelings about music. Through creating their own music review podcast, students work on both articulating their personal taste in music as well as analysing the musical elements used in the piece. By completing this task, students will also learn to edit both music and audio.
Visual Arts
In Year 7, students have opportunities to use and apply visual art language and artistic conventions in their design and production process.
They will create 2D and 3D artwork through projects which encourage personal response and an understanding of compositional structure. Students will consider how to present artwork to enhance audience interpretation and will learn about the elements and principles of art.
An exciting and original use of techniques and mediums will be introduced through the creation of sculptural pieces, mixed media works, drawings and paintings.