The Year 9 Experience

For most students at Melbourne Girls’ College, their Year 9 experience is one of the most eventful and interesting years at school. The year coincides with an important stage of adolescence where girls continue to develop their understanding of who they are and how they fit into the world. As they learn to reconcile the pressures of physical change and peer-group influence, they are ready for a more complex school experience. As the year progresses, they are encouraged to set goals and develop the good habits which will steer them successfully into their senior school years.         

       Wellbeing   

In Year 9, Melbourne Girls’ College students begin to enjoy access to a wide range of curriculum choices. The girls’ academic studies are supported by a Wellbeing program that focuses on empathy, knowing yourself as a learner, building resilience and a maintaining a positive mindset.         

 The Curriculum  

The core curriculum includes World of Ideas, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education and Health. Students also have the opportunity to choose 6 electives, three per semester. Students must select at least one Technology elective and one Arts elective subject to complete over the year. We recommend that students focus on electives that interest them and that they will enjoy. The Core Curriculum is well balanced across the disciplines while the choices offered through the elective programme allow students to explore areas of particular interest or possibly to try some new experiences. The learning program is run in a two week cycle with periods allocated as below.

Languages

Although it is not compulsory for girls to undertake a Language subject in Year 9, we do strongly recommend that students choose either Chinese or French and continue their Language study from Year 8. The Language electives offered at Year 9 are prerequisite for Year 10 Language studies.

The City Experience

The Year 9 non-residential camp is an 8 day “City Experience” that takes place in central Melbourne. The City Experience gives students the opportunity to investigate how the Melbourne CBD caters for different cultural groups to aid social cohesion. This research forms part of the core curriculum in World of Ideas, Science, Health and the intercultural capabilities. It culminates in an exhibition to staff and parents.

Extend Yourself

Overall, we see Year 9 at Melbourne Girls’ College as an opportunity for students to learn and apply skills in core subjects, to explore new curriculum areas as well as to make new connections with peers. Furthermore we would like to encourage all the girls to consider participating in one of the co-curricular opportunities offered by the College. These programmes broaden the educational experiences for girls and allow them to further challenge themselves and establish friendships across the school.

Laura Allen and Catie Cameron- Martin

Year 9 Year Level Leaders