Year 8 Course Handbook

SUBJECT SELECTIONS HANDBOOK 2027 YEAR 8

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE | Year 8 Subject Selections

CONTENTS

Introduction

4

Rationale

6

Courses offered in 2027

7

Design & Technology

8

STEM

10

Music

12

Performing Arts

14

Visual Art

18

Creative Digital Arts

20

Decision Time

22

Who to Contact

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INTRODUCTION

THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR CORPUS JOURNEY In Year 8, you get to take increased ownership over your learning by choosing some of the subjects you study. While you will still study your core subjects of Religious Education, Maths, Digital Technologies, English, Science, Humanities, a Language, Physical Education and Health, you will also have the opportunity to select 4 specialist subjects to study across the year (2 each semester). These specialist subjects only run for one semester, so you will be able to increase your expertise in a wide range of unique specialist areas.

You will not miss out in the future if you do not pick a subject now. For example, you can still study Outdoor Education in Year 9, even if you do not choose it in Year 8. Your Year 8 choices are about exploring your interests, not limiting your future.

Make sure to talk with your family, teachers, and caregivers as you make your choices. But remember, this is your learning journey, and we encourage you to take the lead as you take your next steps.

When choosing your specialist subjects, think about what you enjoy and what you might want to explore.

This is your chance to try something new, even if you have never done it before.

| College CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE | Year Values CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE 8 Subject Selections

YEAR 7 In their first year of high school, Year 7 students are introduced to the wide variety of learning opportunities available at Corpus Christi College. They complete a term-long rotation through eight specialist subjects across the Design and Technology and Arts disciplines. This provides a strong foundation and sparks interest across a diverse range of creative and practical areas.

YEAR 8 In Year 8, students begin to refine their interests by selecting from a range of semester-long electives in the Design and Technology and Arts disciplines. This choice empowers students to begin tailoring their learning journey in line with their passions and developing expertise in areas of interest.

YEAR 9

By Year 9, students are encouraged to deepen their focus and extend their skills through a wide variety of specialised elective courses. With over 35 programs on offer, students can explore electives across all learning areas, including options that connect with Science, Humanities, and the Performing Arts.

At this stage, students can also apply to participate in year-long specialist extension programs through the Spark Path, designed for those seeking greater challenge and enrichment in their learning.

YEAR 10 Year 10 is a time for confident decision-making, as students begin to shape the final two years of their schooling. They are encouraged to select from a diverse range of specialised courses aligned with their senior pathway goals. Students may choose to deepen their learning in a particular discipline or explore new areas through certificate courses, university-endorsed micro-credentials, and workplace learning opportunities.

YEAR 11 & 12 In their final years, students craft a personalised study program, selecting from a broad array of pathways that support their post-school ambitions. This may include ATAR courses, General subjects, industry-focused work placements, or a combination of options. Students can also complete university enabling programs that offer direct entry into tertiary education.

At every stage, Corpus Christi College supports students to grow in confidence, capability and independence, empowering them to forge a future that reflects their unique strengths and aspirations.

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RATIONALE

APPROACH TO SUBJECT SELECTION

1.

Students should use specialist subjects to continue to explore their interests and passions.

2.

Students should involve their families and stakeholders in the decision process but take overall responsibility for their final selections.

3.

Students must choose a maximum of 4 elective subjects in total for the year. Two for Design & Technology and two for The Arts.

| College CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE | Year Values CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE 8 Subject Selections

COURSES OFFERED 2027 SUBJECT SELECTIONS

COURSES OFFERED IN YEAR 8 IN 2027 LEARNING AREA

SUBJECT

Design and Technology

Food Technology Metalwork Woodwork Fashion & Textiles Design (CADCAM)

STEM

Brick by Brick: The Lego Engineering Challenge Engineering

Music

Spark Path Music Explore Music

Dance

Spark Path Dance Explore Dance

Performing Arts

Explore Drama - PERFORMANCE Explore Drama - THEATRE DESIGN

Visual Art

Drawing and Mixed Media Painting Fundamentals Sculpture and Ceramics

Creative Digital Arts

Media Arts

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DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY FOOD TECHNOLOGY Food Technology celebrates fresh flavours and smart food choices in the kitchen. Students will explore the benefits of eating seasonal Australian produce, learning how fresh, locally available ingredients contribute to good nutrition while also being quick, simple and enjoyable to prepare. Through practical cooking experiences, students will discover how seasonal foods can be transformed into delicious, wholesome meals for everyday life.

METALWORK Metalwork is an engaging Year 8 elective within the Design and Technologies learning area that introduces students to the fundamentals of working with metal through a practical, hands on approach.

With a focus on the manual manipulation of steel, this introductory course is designed to build foundational skills, confidence and an understanding of basic metalworking processes.

Students will complete a series of structured projects that emphasise shaping and forming steel, developing techniques that support both broad educational outcomes and early industry awareness. Throughout the course, students learn to safely and effectively use a range of traditional hand tools for cutting, bending, hammering and filing, alongside selected portable power tools and workshop machinery for preparation and refinement. This course provides a strong foundation for further studies in materials, manufacturing and metal technologies.

WOODWORK Woodwork is a foundational Year 8 elective that introduces students to the fundamentals of woodworking and the safe use of hand tools. Students explore the manual manipulation of timber, developing basic skills through techniques such as whittling and shaping.

These skills are applied in the design and creation of a final project, which students plan, design and produce using the design process. This hands on course supports the development of practical skills, creativity and confidence, while providing a strong introduction to working with timber

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE | Year 8 Subject Selections

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY FASHION & TEXTILES Fashion and Textiles is a course that introduces students to the world of textiles and fashion design.

Students will develop practical skills and knowledge related to the creation of fabric based products.

Using the design process, students will be tasked with designing and producing a product that serves a specific purpose, building confidence in planning, creativity and hands on construction skills.

DESIGN (CADCAM) Design (CADCAM) is an introductory course that introduces students to the fundamentals of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and digital manufacturing. Using software such as Tinkercad, students learn how to create accurate digital designs and apply the design process to develop purposeful products.

Throughout the course, students will work through stages of investigating, designing, producing and evaluating as they create a custom logo and apply it to a designed product. Students then bring their designs to life using computer aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies such as 3D printing or laser cutting. This practical course builds foundational skills in digital design, creativity and problem solving, while introducing students to modern manufacturing technologies used across design, engineering and industry.

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STEM BRICK BY BRICK: THE LEGO ENGINEERING CHALLENGE Dive into the world of creativity, engineering, and teamwork. This course, inspired by the exhilarating First LEGO League (FLL), is designed for students eager to explore the exciting realms of robotics and technology.

Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on learning through building and programming LEGO robots to complete various missions, fostering a deep understanding of engineering and coding principles.

Tackle real-world problems through participating in themed challenges that mirror real-world issues, encouraging innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Collaborate and compete by working in teams to strategise design, and execute solutions, honing their collaboration and communication abilities. Present innovative ideas through developing and presenting projects that address current global challenges, enhancing research and presentation skills.

Join us in this dynamic course where creativity meets technology, and teamwork drives innovation. Unleash your potential as you embark on a journey to become a true LEGO Mastermind!

ENGINEERING Engineering is an introductory course where students will learn the fundamentals of motion and forces and how these concepts are applied in product design. Through practical, hands on activities, students will investigate how forces act on objects and how motion can be controlled and directed in engineered systems.

Students will apply this understanding by working through the engineering design process to design, prototype and evaluate a product constructed from timber materials. As a major project, students will design and build a functional catapult, using their developing knowledge of motion and forces to inform design decisions. This course builds foundational engineering skills, encourages problem solving and creativity, and provides an engaging introduction to engineering thinking and design.

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE | Year 8 Subject Selections

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MUSIC SPARK PATH MUSIC This focused and challenging course is designed for dedicated young musicians ready to take their skills to the next level. Spark Music provides an opportunity for students to deepen their performance abilities while refining their understanding of music production and musicianship.

Students will build on their existing instrumental or vocal skills through ensemble playing, rehearsal techniques, and performance opportunities.

Alongside this, they will further develop their knowledge of digital music production, using software to compose, arrange, record, and produce high-quality music.

With an emphasis on musical excellence, collaboration, and creativity, this course supports students in becoming confident, skilled, and expressive musicians. Spark Music is ideal for those who are passionate about music and eager to challenge themselves in a more advanced and rewarding musical environment.

This course runs for one semester and leads into further opportunities in Spark Path Music in Year 9, as well as ATAR and Certificate options for the study of music in senior years.

EXPLORE MUSIC Dive into the world of music in this hands-on, creative course designed for all students, no prior experience required. In Explore Music, you’ll develop skills in both performance and production, learning to play a range of band instruments alongside percussion from cultures around the world. At the same time, you’ll explore the exciting world of digital music-making, using technology to create, record, and shape your own tracks. Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or keen to build on your skills, this course offers a fun and supportive environment to discover your musical potential.

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE | Year 8 Subject Selections

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DANCE SPARK PATH DANCE If you’re ready to work hard, move with purpose and learn how dance creates meaning, Year 8 SPARK Dance is for you. Across the year, you’ll train in Dance as a discipline: building technique, performance quality and safe dance habits, while learning how dancers choreograph, rehearse, perform and respond to movement. You will explore how the elements of dance (space, time, dynamics and relationships) shape ideas and emotion, and you’ll begin using dance terminology to reflect and evaluate your work. This is not “just practical” — SPARK students also complete written reflections and analytical responses that explain creative choices and performance intent, building the foundation for senior Dance pathways. Dance develops confidence, discipline and teamwork, and opens doors into performance, choreography, teaching, physiotherapy, sports science, fitness, creative industries, events and leadership roles where communication and resilience matter.

This course runs for one semester and leads into further opportunities in Spark Path Dance in Year 9, as well as ATAR and Certificate options for the study of dance in senior years.

EXPLORE DANCE If you love being active and creative and want to discover what Dance can be, Year 8 EXPLORE Dance is a welcoming entry point. Throughout the semester, you’ll learn Dance through making, performing and responding -building basic technique and performance confidence while experimenting with creative tasks and movement ideas. You’ll explore how dance communicates mood, identity and story, and you’ll practise working collaboratively as part of an ensemble. Guided reflection and short written responses help you build the language to describe what you did, how you did it and why it worked — without needing to be “an expert dancer” first. EXPLORE Dance develops wellbeing, self belief and physical literacy, while strengthening transferable skills valued across every pathway: teamwork, focus, creativity and persistence. Dance also connects to future pathways in health, sport, education, media, events and the broader creative industries.

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE | Year 8 Subject Selections

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PERFORMING ARTS EXPLORE DRAMA - PERFORMANCE Year 8 EXPLORE Drama Performance is a fun, practical subject where you build confidence, creativity and teamwork by learning through doing.

During the semester you’ll create drama using the core processes of making, performing and responding, working in groups through theatre games, improvisation, scripted scenes and performance tasks. You will explore character and storytelling, and learn how voice, movement and space communicate meaning on stage and develop performance skills that help you express ideas clearly and confidently. As both a performer and an audience member, you’ll learn how to describe, analyse and reflect on performance choices. EXPLORE Drama helps you build empathy, self belief and communication skills, while strengthening real world skills like collaboration, problem solving, leadership and resilience. These skills support your learning in subjects such as English and Humanities, contribute to ATAR readiness, and open pathways into performance, media, education, community services, and future careers such as law, business, health, psychology, marketing and leadership — anywhere confident communication and teamwork matter. If you enjoy storytelling, performing and thinking deeply, Year 8 Explore Drama -PERFORMANCE is a subject where you can grow both creatively and academically.

EXPLORE DRAMA - THEATRE DESIGN If you love the idea of creating the world of a performance — not just performing in it — Year 8 Explore - THEATRE DESIGN is a hands on, creative semester long course where you can focus on the technical and visual side of theatre. You will explore practical design areas including lighting, sound, costume, set, props, makeup and digital design, learning how each element shapes focus, mood, atmosphere and audience experience. Students experiment with materials and technologies, create design concepts, build models, draft ideas digitally, and test how design choices support storytelling. You will learn how designers collaborate as a creative team, and you will reflect on why certain choices work — building confident project skills and creative problem solving. Theatre Design supports pathways into technical theatre, production, film and media, events, design industries (including fashion and architecture), and broader creative industries — and it suits students who are practical, visual, technical or digitally minded.

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE | Year 8 Subject Selections

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VISUAL ART DRAWING AND MIXED MEDIA This course offers students a deeper exploration of drawing as a foundation for visual arts. Using a range of traditional and modern materials, students will develop their technical skills and learn how to express ideas visually.

Through creative experimentation and mixed-media approaches, students will produce a series of artworks, including a major piece selected for exhibition.

PAINTING FUNDAMENTALS This course offers students a deeper exploration of painting as a foundation for visual arts. Using a range of traditional and modern materials, students will develop their technical skills and learn how to express ideas visually.

Through guided painting workshops, students will produce a series of artworks, including a major piece selected for exhibition.

SCULPTURE AND CERAMICS In this hands-on course, students will explore the world of three-dimensional art through sculpture and ceramics. They will learn how to shape and build with clay and other materials, while discovering different techniques such as hand-building, carving, and modelling. Students will study how artists use form and texture to express ideas and will create a range of artworks, including a final piece to be displayed.

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE | Year 8 Subject Selections

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CREATIVE DIGITAL ARTS MEDIA ARTS This introductory course gives students a hands-on experience in the exciting world of media. Students will explore how images, sound, and text work together to tell stories, share ideas, and influence audiences.

They will learn the basics of animation, photography and print media while working individually and in groups to create short media projects. This course builds creative and technical skills and encourages students to think critically about the media they see every day.

| College CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE | Year Values CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE 8 Subject Selections

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DECISION TIME HOW DO I SELECT MY SUBJECTS?

1.

Read Year 8 Handbook and discuss subject options with my parents.

2.

Contact my teachers if I have any questions about subjects or selections (see contact list on the following page).

3.

Make a final decision on which 4 subjects I would like to study. Select two reserve subjects also.

4.

Complete subject selection using the login and code sent via email.

*PLEASE NOTE: all electives are subject to availability and enrolment numbers. Every effort will be made to ensure students receive their exact choices, however, this may not be possible in all cases.

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE | Year 8 Subject Selections

CONTACT WHO TO CONTACT I NEED HELP WITH:

PERSON TO CONTACT:

CONTACT DETAILS:

General questions about subject selections

Your Homeroom Teacher in the first instance or the Head of Year 7, Mrs Vanessa Ross.

Vanessa.ross@cewa.edu.au

Questions about Arts Subjects

Contact specialist teachers, depending on the Arts speciality area you are enquiring about.

Visual Arts – Brigitte Pedraza Delgado Brigitte.pedrazadelgado@cewa.edu.au Dance / Drama – Jo-Anne Palmer Jo.palmer@cewa.edu.au Music – Sam Graham Sam.graham@cewa.edu.au

Questions about Technology & Enterprise Subjects

Mr Tyson Jones - Head of Learning Area for Technology & Enterprise

Tyson.jones2@cewa.edu.au

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50 Murdoch Drive, Bateman, Western Australia Phone: 08 6332 2500 | Email: enquiries@corpus.wa.edu.au www.corpus.wa.edu.au