Middle: Year 7-10

The Junior Secondary years are important years of preparation. They are exciting times of growth and development for adolescent learners as they begin to make important choices, with support from parents and teaching staff, about their future study paths and careers. 

As students gradually take further responsibility for their own learning, they are challenged to embrace the opportunities given to them with the exhortation, ‘whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.’ (Colossians 3:17)

Annandale Christian College recognises that the transition from Primary to Secondary education is an exciting and, at times challenging, period in a student’s educational journey. Although there is continuity in the curriculum between the Primary and Secondary levels, there are major changes in the breadth of curriculum and the way in which classes operate, and new students may transfer into the College at this level. At this stage of learning, we recognise the value of strong teacher-student relationships which bring a sense of security and purpose to the young adolescent and lay a stable foundation upon which to build future success. A strong, home-room pastoral care system and Core teacher philosophy facilitates a sense of cohesiveness and identity and encourages the sound organisational skills which promote success in the learning and assessment program.

In Years 7 and 8, the focus on core learning exposes students to all the elements of effective learning experiences, which are considered to be important to students in this age group. These include the development of information and research skills, effective use of technology, problem solving skills and exposure to learner-centred and open-ended, negotiated tasks across The Australian Curriculum and Queensland Syllabuses in:

• English;
• Mathematics;
• Science;
• History;
• Studies of Society and the Environment;
• Geography;
• Health and Physical Education;
• The Arts (Performing Arts and Visual Arts);
• Technology Studies (Information Technology; Industrial Technology; and Food Technology)
• Business Studies (Year 8 only)
• Language Other Than English (Mandarin Chinese) and
• FIST (Faith In Action Together) or Christian Living.

In place of the common curriculum of Year 7 and 8, students in Year 9 begin to embrace a gradual increase of responsibility and choice as they study a combination of core subjects and electives and begin to explore the direction that their future may take. This combination continues the College’s focus on developing excellent literacy and literary skills; numerical and problem-solving skills; and a thorough knowledge of our society and the diverse creation in which we live as well as extending the individual student’s particular gifts, abilities and interests.

The core subjects are English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Science (History and Geography), Health and Physical Education. Electives include Graphics, Industrial Skills, Music, Drama, Visual Art, Home Economics (including both Food and Textiles technologies), Business Studies and ICT.

Use of Computer Technologies is also valued and incorporated across the curriculum.

In Year 10 students begin to have a future focus and grapple with the big questions such as ‘Where am I going?’ ‘What is my purpose in life?’ or even ‘Is there really a purpose to all this?’

At Annandale Christian College students are assured that their life has meaning and purpose because we believe God’s Word is Truth (Jeremiah 29:11 says God has not just any plans, but good plans, plans that give hope and a future, for His people) and a strong pastoral care program reinforces the value of each student.

Career Guidance is an integral part of the Year 10 program and a formal career education program to develop Senior Education and Training (SET) plans for each student going into the senior phase of learning.  Formal Work Experience is supported by the College for students in Year 11 and is also available to any student in Years 10-12 who wish to sample different vocations during school holiday breaks. Believing that God has a future of hope for each of our students, we see it as an exciting task to assist them (and their parents) to begin to discover what this future holds. Likewise, the Year 10 Curriculum becomes more Senior-Secondary-oriented in order to prepare students for the transition from Junior to Senior Secondary schooling and ATAR.

In Year 10 the core subjects are English (either Pre-General English or Pre-Essential English), Mathematics (either Pre-Maths Methods or Pre-General Maths), Science and Humanities and Humanities (History, Geography and Study of Religion). Electives include Health and Physical Education, Graphics, Industrial Skills, Music, Drama, Visual Art, Home Economics (including both Food and Textiles technologies), Business Studies and ICT.