Year 9

Student Reflection: What’s Growing On? Elective 

Article by Eva K, Year 9 Student

Imagine stepping outside and picking fresh, food that you grew yourself. Gardening lets people to enjoy organic produce without all the nasty side effects of pesticides. It not only saves money over time and builds independence, but you’re also simultaneously helping to reverse the impacts of climate change and soil degradation.  

By growing our own plants, we can protect the environment, improve soil health, support biodiversity and work towards a sustainable future. In our environmental awareness elective, What’s Growing On, we’ve been learning about the impacts of mass food production. Modern farming methods, such as livestock and large-scale crop farming, have negatively impacted our environment. To combat this, we can adopt a more independent approach to growing food, this system is known as agroecology.  

Agroecology is a way of farming that focuses on cooperating and connecting with nature. It also aims to maximise biodiversity and create healthier ecosystems. This is a sustainable alternative to the agro-industry that prioritises mass production and exploits the Earth as much as possible, contributing to a third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Growing our own food shows that we don’t have to rely on harmful systems, we can work with nature instead of working against it and make a difference. The best part is that anyone can get involved! If more people grew even a small amount of food themselves, we could reduce our impact on the environment and become more self-sufficient. 

Student Reflection: Racing for the Future Elective 

Article by Louie P, Year 9 Student

Racing for the Future is an elective that I am really glad I chose. I have learned a lot of hands-on skills, especially about aerodynamics, and I know there is still so much more to learn. I have always been interested in Formula 1, go-karting, and pretty much anything that goes fast, so this class is perfect for me.  

The karts we will be racing at the end of the year, are hybrid pedal pods, which means they have a motor that provides pedal assistance. I have really enjoyed helping to put together the kart’s shell and working on its design. However, Racing for the Future is not just about racing it’s also about teamwork. It has taught me how to communicate, collaborate, and solve problems with others to achieve a shared goal. Everyone has a role, and working together makes the experience even better.  

This class is something I look forward to every week. The classes run during periods 5 and 6 and it feels like a long wait, but it is always worth it. Overall, it has been a fun, challenging, and rewarding experience, and I am excited to see how everything comes together when we finally race our karts. It’s a long wait till the race but I know it will be worthwhile. 

 Parental PD Opportunity 

Message from Ashley Sheldrick, Year 9 Leader

Young people’s digital world is changing rapidly - from social media age restrictions to the rise of AI chatbots and companion technologies. 

To support families in navigating these changes, Elephant Ed is hosting a free webinar for parents, carers and educators: AI & Respectful Relationships: Chatbots, Companions and Young People’s Digital Reality 

DATE: Wednesday 20 May 

TIME: 3:15pm – 4:00pm 

Register here 

This practical session will explore emerging trends, key risks, and strategies to support young people online. 

Each fortnight, the College Careers Team publishes a newsletter providing students and parents with the most up-to-date career information, events and opportunities.  

Please access via the following link.