Year 9 News

Building Strong Study Habits, Wellbeing, and Positive Friendships

Year 9 is an important stage in high school where students begin to take on more responsibility for their learning and personal growth. This year, there has been a strong focus on developing effective study skills, looking after wellbeing, and learning how to manage friendships and peer conflicts in healthy ways.

Applying Study Skills and Tips 

Students are encouraged to adopt practical study habits that can make a real difference to their learning. Teachers have highlighted simple but effective strategies such as:

• Setting up a quiet, organised study space at home
• Breaking study sessions into short, focused blocks with regular breaks
• Using planners or digital calendars to manage homework and assignments
• Practising active recall, such as testing yourself with flashcards or past questions
• Asking teachers for help early when something is unclear

These techniques not only improve academic results but also reduce stress during busy times like exams and assessments.

Looking After Wellbeing

Balancing study with self-care is essential. Students are reminded that exercise, good sleep, and healthy eating play a huge role in maintaining focus and energy. The school also encourages students to talk openly about mental health and seek support when needed. Whether through pastoral care, wellbeing sessions, or simply chatting with a trusted teacher, there are many ways for Year 9s to stay supported.

Managing Peer Conflicts

Friendships are a big part of Year 9, but sometimes disagreements and conflicts can occur. Students are learning strategies to resolve these situations calmly and respectfully. Some approaches include:

• Listening to the other person’s point of view before responding
• Using “I” statements (e.g., “I felt upset when…”) instead of blaming
• Seeking compromise where possible
• Asking a teacher or mediator for help if the conflict cannot be solved alone

By practising respectful communication, students build stronger relationships and help create a safe, supportive school environment.

Moving Forward Together

With the right balance of study skills, wellbeing habits, and conflict resolution strategies, Year 9 students are developing into resilient, responsible young people. As they continue their learning journey, these skills will not only support their academic growth but also prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

Mr. V Dang & Ms. J Killham

Year 9 Student Advisors