Year 9 & 10

Year 9 – Learning to stay safe, online and beyond

It has been encouraging to see our Year 9 students engaging thoughtfully and respectfully in their Protective Behaviours unit. This term, we have explored two significant topics: Cyber Safety  (with Paul Litherland above) and Domestic and Family Abuse — both of which are increasingly relevant in the lives of young people today.

Through discussions and activities, students examined the risks associated with online interactions, including sexting, mobile phone misuse, and the importance of understanding social media platforms’ terms of use. These conversations highlighted the need for Trusted Networks – people students can turn to when they feel unsafe or uncertain. As we celebrated RUOK? Day this week, these are important topics to openly talk about and support each other with. 

In our exploration of domestic and family violence, students considered the various forms abuse can take – physical, emotional, social, and financial – and the profound impact it can have on children and young people. The sessions encouraged empathy and critical thinking, particularly around how to support peers who may be affected.

A key theme throughout the unit was the importance of being an Upstander rather than a Bystander. Students were challenged to consider how they can safely intervene or seek help when they witness harmful behaviour, reinforcing the value of courage, compassion, and community. 

We are proud of the maturity Year 9 have shown and look forward to building on these foundations in Term Four.

Year 10 Update – Preparing for the final stretch

Our Year 10 students are entering a pivotal phase in their academic journey. With subject selections now under way, students have been meeting with staff to confirm their choices based on the subject “lines” provided by the Dean of Teaching & Learning. These decisions mark an important step toward their senior years, and it has been pleasing to see many approaching this process with maturity and thoughtfulness.

With exams only eight weeks away, now is the time for students to establish strong routines and study habits. Our Traffic Light system has helped identify areas of concern, the subjects sitting on Red or Amber lights, and we encourage students to act early to enhance their success. A proactive approach now will ease the pressure later in Term 4. Attendance at Homework Club, Maths Club or booking a 1:1 support session with their teachers will be most useful at this time of the school year. 

In addition to academic planning, students have continued their work in the Protective Behaviours unit. This term’s focus has been on recognising and understanding abuse, including the cycles of abuse and the importance of reviewing trusted networks as they grow older. We have had the privilege of hosting guest speakers from Armed for Life on “Alcohol Savvy” and Paul Litherland on “Online Safety”—both sessions were engaging, relevant, and well received by the cohort. 

Year 10s areshowing promising signs of readiness for the challenges ahead. Let us keep the momentum going. Well done, Year 10s. 

Mr Brad Cotterell 

Head of Year 9 and 10