In our Junior Secondary Years (7-9), learners approach concepts from a variety of perspectives throughout the different discipline areas in the Australian Curriculum engage in academically rigorous curriculum that draws connections, and provides rich understandings about the interrelationship of knowledge.
Our Junior Secondary learners engage in knowledge acquisition and utilisation in ways that foster relationships and interdependencies between disciplines studied and the phenomena of life outside of school.
Subject Inquiries
In subject inquiries, learners develop the factual, conceptual and content based knowledge that contributes to who they are, what they can do, and how they can contribute back. They develop a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy and information communication technologies which underpins their learning.
Learners develop their disciplinary knowledge, skills and understanding in the eight key learning areas of the Australian Curriculum:
- English
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Languages (Spanish and Chinese)
- The Arts (Media Arts, Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Dance)
- Science
- Technologies (Design, Digital, Food and Textiles)
- Mathematics
- Health and Physical Education
Learners investigate and deepen their knowledge at the College using four approaches:
- Disciplinary Approach – investigating knowledge within disciplines
- Multidisciplinary Approach – investigating knowledge across disciplines linked by a central theme
- Interdisciplinary Approach – investigating knowledge across disciplines linked by key concepts, skills, attitudes and perceptions
- Transdisciplinary Approach – investigating knowledge across disciplines linked by a real-world problem or issue
- Year 7 Overview of Subject Inquiries
Learner-preneur Program
Our unique Learner-preneur Program has been collaboratively created by our staff to engage students as genuine learning partners, and empower them to be agentic learners so that they can create their desired future.
Our Learner-preneur program draws from `The Learner First' research by Joanne McMahan to build the foundations for wellbeing and lifelong learning by supporting students to develop, and measure deep learning outcomes throughout their secondary schooling years.
As Learner-preneurs, students undertake inquiries during dedicated time each day to discover their passions, pursuits, and purposes through exploring how they find meaning and fulfilment.
Students search and discover their individual learning successes and needs, as well as their wellbeing successes and needs, by exploring:
- Who are you – and who will you be? (self-understanding)
- What do you know – and what will you know? (knowledge)
- What can you do – and what will you do? (global competencies)
- How are you connected – and how will you connect? (connection)
- How do you contribute to the lives of others and the world – and how will you contribute back? (finding meaning and fulfilment).
Micro Courses Program
Our Micro Courses Program enhances our vision of `every student succeeding' by providing dedicated time and opportunities within our curriculum for all our learners to extend, refine, and, deepen their self-understanding, knowledge, global competencies, and connection through inquiries that matter most to them.
Our Micro Courses Program Inquiries are profoundly unique as it provides our young learners with choice and voice in their learning. Student choose to study two Micro Courses each year, across 12 days.
Each course focuses around three core themes: Creativity, Activity or Service to enrich students' personal and interpersonal development by learning through experience.
Micro Courses are co-designed with our students, staff, and our industry partners on topics that they are most passionate about.
Example Micro Courses Program Master Inquiries:
- Can you dig it? - archaeologists explore `Can you dig it?' by investigating what you can learn from human remains. They work closely with the University of Queensland's Archaeology and Forensic Departments to participate in a real investigation and `dig.'
- Mathematics and Critical Thinking - mathematicians solve challenging problems in groups. They work with the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Queensland during immersion days to explore the application of mathematics, and problem solving and lateral thinking.
- Glitz and Glam – entrepreneurs engage in the design thinking process by developing jewellery making endeavours. Working with the University of Queensland's Venture team, they prototype their designs and consider the best market to launch their business in our BSSSC pop up shop.
- Shining Stars - thespians work as a collective in our Shining Stars production, to produce a production in our state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre.
- Marine Science - ecologists use our laboratories to investigate the Brisbane river water system to identify microbes. They then work with the Morten Bay Environment Centre to investigate interactions of animals and plants in ecosystems in the Moreton Bay region.
- Through the Lens - photographers learn how to use professional photo editing software – Adobe Photoshop to create a hybrid animal to feature in the College's Art Gallery in our Creative Hub.
- Minecraft World - IT tech gurus learn how to collaboratively create, work, and build a sustainable world in Minecraft.
- Physical Legacy –Sport fanatics participate in a range of physical activities within the natural and urban environments and select from a range of team projects that contribute to our school community's pursuit of wellbeing.
- Architectural Model Making- architects use the College's building plans to collaboratively build a scaled model of the school.
- Space- astronauts explore planets in collaboration with Brisbane's Planetarium, and investigate the principles of flight. They apply their new learnings to build and test their own rockets.
- Bake Off - bakers develop new skills in the kitchen, discover ways to connect with our community and explore how baking can help our wellbeing.
- LegoMasters – Engineers using Lego robotics to design and build individual components to create a fantasy Lego world.
- Life Hacks- Hacks 101 looks at social emotional skills, effective communication, healthy relationships, life skills, our place in the world, and some of the essential skills we need to navigate it.
Assessment and Reporting
Assessment is ongoing, varied and integral to our curriculum. Learners engage in formative and summative assessment to improve and deepen their learning. Mixed method assessment practices are used with three overarching purposes:
- Assessment for Learning – teachers use inferences about learners' progress to inform and differentiate their teaching and learning
- Assessment as Learning – learners reflect on and monitor their progress to inform their future learning goals
- Assessment of Learning – teachers use evidence of learners' learning to report on achievement against the Australian Curriculum standards in the key learning areas
Learners also engage in Student Led Conferences to self-reflect, share and celebrate their learning with their parents/guardians and teachers.