Food Studies

Year 7

The central focus of this course is for students to gain a basic knowledge of food and nutrition and its relationship to health. Students develop an understanding of food preparation and presentation techniques through practical ‘hands on’ production of food, and learn to work safely and hygienically in the kitchen. They develop an understanding of the nutritional properties of food and sound food selection using, The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. Students use a workbook to record activities, design activities and complete evaluation questions after each practical session.

Year 8

The focus of this course is on nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, particularly during adolescence. Students study the key nutrients required at this lifespan stage and identify the major elements in the prevention of illness and disease. They develop an understanding of ways to make changes to their diet and lifestyle to incorporate a wider variety of foods to meet the nutritional needs of adolescence. They continue to undertake practical food production activities, which help them develop an understanding of healthy eating and food choice. They develop an understanding of the nutritional properties of food and sound food selection using the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. Students use a workbook to record activities, design activities and complete evaluation questions after each practical session.

Languages French

Shelford uses the Accelerated Integrated Method of teaching French in Year 7 and Year 8. The program is called “Histoires en action!” and is based on the use of stories and music. It is well suited to learners of all styles and the range of motivating activities helps students to develop confidence in their ability to communicate in French. Further information about this program can be found at via this link.

Year 7

The aim of this course is to introduce the students to the French language and the culture associated with Francophone communities. Part of the course focuses on language learning from a holistic perspective. To do this, Shelford uses the Accelerated Integrated Method of teaching. The Program is called “Histoires en action!” and is based on the use of stories and music. It is well suited to learners of all styles and the range of motivating activities helps students to develop confidence in their ability to communicate in French. Further information about this program can be found via this link.

Year 8

Please note: Year 8 French is a prerequisite for Year 9 French.

The course transitions from the Accelerated Integrated Method of French learning used in Year 7 to a more traditional approach. The curriculum maintains its focus on oral fluency and language patterns, moving from informal to more formal grammar presentation. At this level, the students process, manipulate and adapt the elements and constructions covered. Group work is an integral activity as students develop cooperative learning skills.

Students incorporate progressively more advanced language patterns into their spoken and written responses. Students participate in discussion, research and presentation of cultural aspects of French speaking communities. They then transition to a traditional course, using a textbook, involving a more analytical approach to syntax and grammar, taking a thematic approach to the language. This exposes them to a broad range of oral, aural and written texts and activities, in order to increase their competency in building complex sentences in both spoken and written situations.

Japanese

Year 7

The aim of the Year 7 course is to develop students’ ability to understand, speak, read and write in Japanese on topics related to their personal world and their interests. Students are also exposed to the culture of contemporary Japan in a context which is relevant to students of their own age in Japan.

Students will learn to read and write the hiragana character writing system and master a number of kanji characters. This course is designed for both beginner students and students who have had previous experience of learning Japanese. They cover the language necessary to communicate on topics including greetings, introductions, likes and dislikes, counting, the family and describing towns. As they move through the course, they build on material from previous units to develop their ability to express their ideas and expand the range of language patterns they can use.

Year 8

Please note: Year 8 Japanese is a prerequisite for Year 9 Japanese.

The study of Japanese contributes to student personal development in a range of areas including communication skills, intercultural understanding, cognitive development, literacy and general knowledge. It provides students with a direct means of access to the rich traditional and popular cultures of Japan. Japan and the Japanese-speaking communities have an increasing influence in Victoria through innovations in science, technology, design, retail, fashion, cuisine, sport and the arts.

The Year 8 Japanese course continues to develop the students’ ability to understand, speak, read and write in Japanese on topics related to their personal world and their own interests. Language learning is complimented by relating cultural aspects of contemporary Japan and the Japanese people. Students will become proficient in the hiragana writing system, and they will begin to look at the Katakana script. In addition, they will explore a number of Kanji related to the topics. Students cover the language necessary to communicate on topics including daily and weekly routines, restaurants and school life.