Gleeson College Curriculum Guide 2026 - Middle Years | 19 Year 8 Subjects Welcome Learning at Gleeson College Gleeson Staff Contacts Year 7 Overview Subjects Year 8 Overview Subjects Year 9 Overview Subjects HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES LEARNING AREA: Humanities & Social Sciences LENGTH: Full Year SELECTION: Compulsory LEARNING SUMMARY: Students explore key topics across History, Civics and Citizenship, Geography, and Economics and Business. In History, they study the period from 650–1750 CE, focusing on the Black Death and Viking society. In Civics and Citizenship, students learn about Australia’s democratic system, levels of government, and how laws are made and applied. They reflect on national identity and the influence of culture and history. In Geography, students investigate urbanisation, megacities, and the impact of natural hazards such as bushfires. In Economics and Business, they explore the circular flow model, production factors, taxation, the workplace, and basic budgeting skills. ASSESSMENT: Students demonstrate their learning through a variety of assessment types, using a diverse range of research, analysis, and presentation skills. ITALIAN LEARNING SUMMARY: Students build on their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Italian by using modelled and rehearsed language to express their own ideas. They work collaboratively to plan, reflect, and solve problems, while exploring the relationship between language and culture. Students compare Italian with their own language and culture, identifying how values and traditions are reflected in language. They continue developing their understanding of Italian grammar, including articles, noun patterns, gender, and sentence structure. They also practise pronunciation and learn to use both formal and informal language. Cultural topics include family, food, friendships, and celebrations. In Year 8, students continue to study the language they have studied in Year 7. In Semester 2, students study either Italian (Continuers) or Italian (Essential). Only students who study Italian (Continuers) may study Italian in Year 9. ASSESSMENT: Students demonstrate their learning through oral tasks, reading and writing tasks, and cultural investigations. LEARNING AREA: Languages LENGTH: Full Year SELECTION: Elective JAPANESE LEARNING AREA: Languages LENGTH: Full Year SELECTION: Elective LEARNING SUMMARY: Students continue developing their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Japanese through interactive activities. By Semester 2, students are expected to be mostly fluent in reading and writing hiragana. They use modelled and rehearsed language to communicate in familiar situations and begin expressing personal ideas using learnt vocabulary and phrases. Students build their understanding of Japanese grammar, including word order, particles, adjectives, verb tenses, and levels of politeness. They create simple spoken and written texts and explore cultural topics such as towns, travel, daily routines, and the differences between Japanese and Australian culture. In Year 8, students continue to study the language they have studied in Year 7. In Semester 2, students study either Japanese (Continuers) or Japanese (Essential). Only students who study Japanese (Continuers) may study Japanese in Year 9. ASSESSMENT: Students demonstrate their learning through oral tasks, reading and writing tasks, and cultural investigations.