Year 9 & 10

Year 9 - Building foundations 

The beginning of Year 9 marks an important turning point for our students. Sitting between junior and senior school, this is a year where students begin to develop greater independence and take increasing responsibility for their learning, relationships, and decision-making.

Throughout the year, our focus will be on encouraging students to build the habits that will support them as they move toward senior school. This includes managing time effectively, developing study routines that work for them, and learning to approach challenges with resilience. Year 9 is not always easy, there will be moments of frustration and setbacks, but these experiences are an important part of growth. Learning to reflect, ask for help, and try again builds confidence and strength of character.

In chapel this term, I spoke about independence, integrity, and resilience as key qualities that shape not only success at school, but the kind of people students become. Independence means making positive choices even when no one is watching, integrity means doing the right thing in everyday situations, and resilience means continuing to move forward when things don’t go as planned. 

As the final step before senior school, Year 9 is a time for students to better understand themselves as learners and individuals. I look forward to continuing to support them as they grow in confidence, responsibility, and readiness for the challenges ahead.

Congratulations to our Year 9 Leaders who were commissioned at St George’s Cathedral.

Year 10 - Finding direction

Year 10 is a significant and exciting year, as students begin to look beyond the present and consider the pathways that will shape their senior school experience and future opportunities. It is a year where the habits, attitudes, and decisions made now have a lasting impact.

A key focus for Year 10 is preparation. Students are encouraged to refine their study strategies, strengthen their time management, and develop the consistency required for the demands of Years 11 and 12. These skills are not developed overnight, and Year 10 provides the ideal opportunity to practise, reflect, and build confidence before entering senior school.

Work experience plays an important role in this process, allowing students to explore potential career interests and gain valuable insight into workplace expectations. Alongside this, subject selection is one of the most important decisions students will make this year. Choosing subjects aligned with interests, strengths, and future goals helps students find a pathway that is both realistic and personally meaningful.

Above all, Year 10 is about taking pride in effort, learning, and personal growth. By approaching this year with focus and purpose, students place themselves in the strongest possible position as they transition into the senior years and begin shaping their future direction.

Book now, Year 10s

Don’t forget to book for our upcoming social – a great night as we time warp back to the 90s and 2000s.  https://www.trybooking.com/DJFZN

Mr Brad Cotterell

Head of Year 9 and 10