Year 9 Information

Year 9 students will study a range of core subjects, as well as a minimum of one semester of an Art Elective and one Technology elective. Year 9 continues to follow the Victorian Curriculum (F-10), whilst allowing students to explore a variety of subjects they may not have had the opportunity to study previously.

All year 9 students will study the following core subjects:

The Arts and Technologies electives students can choose from include:

Students will also choose a further four electives (from any Domain Area). For further information, please view the Year 9 Subjects and Course Examples page.

LEAD

LEAD is Viewbank College’s Year 9 Social and Emotional Learning program. It aims to develop future-focused students who actively engage with the political, social, economic and environmental world around them, while building the skills and dispositions needed to make a positive contribution to their community. Students are encouraged to think critically, act ethically and develop as active, informed citizens.

Through the LEAD program, students participate in Learn 2 Learn, the LEAD City Experience and the student-led LEAD Passion Project. These experiences develop inquiry, collaboration, communication and leadership skills while encouraging students to explore issues that matter to them and their community.

Students create and investigate their own inquiry questions, apply their learning in authentic contexts and work collaboratively to design and implement projects that create positive change. Through these opportunities, LEAD empowers students to develop agency, resilience and a strong sense of social responsibility as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Accelerated and Enhancement Program

Students selected for the Accelerated and Enhancement group will undertake a compacted course of study over three years beginning in Year 7.  The course will be structured so that students will be accelerated in Mathematics. and participate in enhancements to their learning program in other core subjects. All electives are with other classes at the same age level. Learning extension is provided on a personal level. Student progress will be monitored year to year to ensure our students’ continued success in the program. Students in this program will be encouraged to be involved in a range of College activities that may include sport, College production, debating and music. 

Extra-curricular Programs

Extra-curricular programs at Viewbank College include interschool sports, College production and instrumental music.

Interschool Sports

Intermediate (Years 9 and 10) Interschool Sport is run throughout the school year. The majority of the sports offered are played on a Round Robin basis against other local schools.  The round robin for district competition (first round) is all played on one day.  Winning teams/individuals then progress on to Zone and, ultimately, VSSSA (State) Finals. 

Often the sports are played on the same day.  Students may try out for different sports but may only be selected for one sport each term.  Sign-ups and tryouts are notified on the Compass Newsfeed as well as their House Microsoft Teams Page which is expected to be checked and read before Period 1 each morning by the students. 

All students are encouraged to actively participate in a positive and enthusiastic manner in the school sporting program, which will help them to develop confidence, social skills and discipline in team-oriented situations. Successful students/teams may also become recipients of medals/trophies during the year for achieving excellence in their sporting area.

Instrumental Music

At Viewbank College, all students have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument and participate in the wide variety of ensembles that the College has to offer. Tuition is offered in the following: 

There are 12 instrumental music teachers on staff who provide weekly lessons during the school day. Music lessons are undertaken during class time, on a rotating timetable.  Students also have the opportunity to participate in one or more of our many ensembles including 3 jazz bands, 3 concert bands, 3 choirs, 4 string orchestras, 2 guitar ensembles and a number of smaller ensembles. Ensembles rehearse either before school, at lunchtime or after school. 

Participation in the Instrumental Music Program is subject to a non-refundable music fees. Please refer to the Parent Payment Policies document on the Strategic Plans & Policies page on the College website. This payment includes weekly group tuition and participation in one or more of the ensembles listed above. Students who learn an instrument/voice outside of school are also welcome to enrol in our ensembles.   

College Production

The annual College Production provides students across all year levels with an exciting opportunity to participate in the Performing Arts as cast members, musicians, or part of the backstage and technical crews. Students develop a range of performance and technical skills, while also building confidence, teamwork, communication, and collaboration. For many students, the production is a highlight of the school year and a rewarding experience that creates lasting memories and friendships.

The College also offers a Middle School Production for students in Years 7–9. Directed by the Drama Captain and presented in Term 4, this production allows students to develop their performance skills, build confidence, and work collaboratively towards a shared creative goal.

Students with an interest in the Performing Arts are encouraged to get involved.