Year 9 Students 

Year 9 Studies 

The Year Nine program consists of the following studies. 

Note: At Year 9, Languages are part of the elective choices. 

Year 9 Electives 

Students undertake six of the following elective units (three per semester) 

Students cannot select more than 3 units from any one subject group. Subject groups are listed on the Year 9 Elective Charges page. 

Whole Year Elective Units  

Students selecting a language elective will complete a unit each semester in that language.  

French 

In Year 9, students will develop their understanding and skills to ensure they are able to communicate and comprehend written and spoken French. By engaging in a variety of texts and conversations with French speakers, students will expand on their vocabulary and experiment with various modes of communication. Students will be able to share information and their opinion as well as give and receive directions.  

In Year 9, French students will broaden their horizons on the opportunities available in our interconnected and interdependent world. Students will develop an understanding of and an awareness of global issues such as homelessness. They will be able to creatively participate in imaginative and creative experiences (videos, menus and stories), and to design, interpret and analyse a broad range of texts and experiences, for example: books, movies. 

By the end of Year 9, students will use their cultural knowledge and the language for communicating, interpreting, creating and exchanging on topics such as: daily routine, hobbies, the culture and history of the French speaking countries and territories. Students will have built an ability to count to 100 and use a variety of verbs in different tenses. 

Mandarin 

The Year 9 Chinese course builds on the knowledge, skills and understandings students have developed throughout Year 7 and 8. Students will enhance their reading and writing skills through in-depth studies of topics related to their personal life and the wider world around them, including holiday plans, getting around, leisure activities and festival celebrations. By the end of the year, students will be able to discuss their travel plans, describe past experiences and compare different customs and traditions. Students will also participate in a range of cultural activities to enhance their understandings of the Chinese culture, such as making Chinese festival food, excursion to the Chinese shops, etc.  

Semester Based Electives Units 

These subjects run for one semester only.  

Algebra 101 

Algebra 101 is designed to support students’ understanding of Algebra as it provides them with sound theoretical knowledge and a practical approach to Maths. Algebra is the foundation of VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) Maths so this class will develop the mathematical skills required to undertake further study of mathematics. Since this unit draws heavily on mathematical practices, it gives students an opportunity to engage in meaningful mathematical investigations. Algebra 101’s objective is to help students understand the importance of seeing, doing, re-constructing, and supposing as they learn mathematics. 

Applied Product Design 3D 

The Year 9 Applied Product Design-3D module enables students to gain hands-on experience in constructing furniture, exploring interior design, and conducting material studies, with a particular focus on natural materials. Through researching and developing their own designs, students will work with a diverse range of materials and learn skillful, safe working practices. By examining modern furnishings and artifacts and investigating natural materials, students will gain an appreciation for producing functional and aesthetically pleasing objects that align with the user's needs and character. Additionally, students will learn to incorporate sustainability principles and a range of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD CAM) technologies, including laser cutting and 3D printing, to explore the design thinking process. 

Art 

With a focus on developing their own personal aesthetic, students will select and manipulate materials, techniques, and processes to express ideas through the mediums of paint, watercolor pencils, and ink. They will make and respond to visual artworks and use conceptual explanations to critically reflect on the contribution of visual arts practitioners. They adapt ideas, visual images and practices from selected artists and use them to inform their own personal aesthetic when making artworks and presenting them to an audience. Culture is an important aspect of the course that is reflected in the research tasks on artistic styles, and in the comprehension tasks that explore comparative analysis of various artists’ works. Additionally, students identify the influences of other artists and analyse connections between techniques, processes and visual conventions in artworks to develop their own art practice.   

Community Art 

Students will research existing community arts projects to help develop their own ideas for a community arts project that will be implemented in Term 2. They will liaise with a specific community group to develop a public art project that has been collaboratively designed and planned by students in groups or individually. Students will gain skills in a variety of arts media and will consider the interests and sites appropriate to their community group.

Astronomy & Earth Science 

In this subject, you will explore the wonders of the Universe from the edge of space to the beginning of time. You will travel from our own planet to black holes to planets and moons circling other stars, from the Earth’s core to its crust and beyond to the outer edges of the universe. You will discover how the universe was created, how stars are born and die, and how diverse cultures explain movement in the night sky. You will discover how mountain ranges and volcanic islands were formed and how the structure of planets affects their nature. You will also look at how technology is used to expand our understanding and undertake activities to simulate how science uses tools like robots to solve problems experienced in the exploration of other bodies. 

Ceramics 

Students are introduced to basic construction and decoration techniques. They study the nature of clay, oxides and glazes, and the firing process by practical and theoretical means. Ceramics is researched historically, commercially, and as an art medium. The practical folio includes hand building (coil, pinch, slab, molded), a sculptural piece, a negotiated own choice piece and potentially wheelwork. The theory components include recycling, wedging, sources of clay, firing, decoration, oxides and glazes. 

Dance (subject to staff availability) 

Students are introduced to various dance styles and explore their varying techniques as expressive art forms. They will participate in workshops aimed at developing body awareness and movement skills, which will enable them to create their own choreographic pieces. Students can choose to work as a group, duo, or solo and will negotiate the styles that they wish to explore throughout the semester. These can include hip-hop, jazz, funk, contemporary, Latin, ballroom, and/or lyrical. An excursion in the second half of the semester will allow students to learn from professional dancers in the industry and provide them with a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in dance for an entire day. 

Digital Technologies 

This course will allow students to use and become confident in using a range of software programs and technologies. The software chosen will vary depending on the interests and skills of the students. They will develop an understanding of the basic skills required to solve problems using ICT. In solving problems, students will select the appropriate data sources, software types, and design to produce various outcomes. Students will also explore the use of technology in the community and study its impact on society. 

Disasters and Dastardly Deeds 

This elective will place a strong emphasis on investigating historical mysteries and the unsolved. Students will use and evaluate visual sources of History and initiate an individual research project. Material from the Internet, TV and videos will be used. Students will have a large input into what is studied. Topics could include unsolved mysteries, murders and turning points in history. Topics could include the Vietnam War, JFK, World War II including topics like Pearl Harbour and the Holocaust, the sinking of the Titanic, the Space Program, including Apollo 13. Topics like the demise of Kurt Cobain, the World Trade Centre, Islamic State, and other legends could also be included. 

Drama 

Step into the spotlight and immerse yourself in the captivating world of drama, where you will explore a diverse array of performance styles, techniques, and technical stage work. Through engaging, hands-on workshops, students will delve into a variety of theatre styles, such as Commedia dell'arte, Shakespeare, and transformation of character, space, and object to create an original work based on a prescribed text. 

In this dynamic course, students will have the chance to perform in shared dialogues, monologues, and group-devised works while also experimenting with costumes and props. Develop your creative influence and embrace the teamwork essential for a successful theatre production. This course also offers the opportunity to evaluate works created by yourself and other artists and participate in incursions/excursions to see live theatre performances. Unleash your inner performer and discover the magic of theatre in Year 9 Drama! 

Robotics and Coding: Mission to Mars 

Students explore how 21st Century equipment including drones and robots are assisting scientific breakthroughs which will one day allow humans to step onto Mars. Students explore how we can conduct missions on the red planet all the way from our own planet. They develop their coding capabilities and problem-solving skills in a variety of modern situations. Finally, students use the Design Thinking process to develop their own solution to a Mars rescue mission, evaluating its effectiveness in their prototype here on Earth and test their proposal by building and testing their prototypes.   

Food: Café Culture  

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn about the Hospitality Industry in an authentic way and prepare students with skills to prepare them for future employment opportunities. Students will develop skills in all aspects of running a cafe, such as kitchen management, food preparation and safety, money handling, costing, cooperation, and collaboration and develop conversational skills appropriate for a working environment. Students will focus on sustainability and food banks within the café culture and what happens to excess food daily. Skills gained during this course may assist students with gaining employment in the local hospitality industries.  

Students will continue in the development of a range of cookery skills required in the preparation of a range of café style foods.  

Food for Health and Recreation 

Food plays an important part in our lives. It is the essential fuel that keeps us alive and is frequently the focal point of our social life, as we share food with family and friends. Because food is so fundamental, it is important for us to understand how to prepare it, so that it provides us with the essential nutrients as well as being appealing to eat.  

This program is designed to teach about the importance of eating a balanced diet and how it can contribute to students’ overall health and wellbeing.  

Food for Health and Recreation goes beyond just teaching students about healthy eating habits, it also encourages them to explore new foods and flavors in a fun and engaging way. With a focus on fresh, whole foods, this subject aims to help develop a lifelong love of healthy eating that will serve students well into adulthood. 

In theory classes, students will undertake a comprehensive study of nutrition and current food trends. Students will examine the history of food in Australia and the influence of early European settlers together with the influence of immigration on Australian food. 

Through practical classes, Food for Health and Recreation provides students with the tools they need to make healthy food choices and develop healthy habits. By participating in this program, students will learn about nutrition, cooking techniques, and food safety. Students will be able to design and create their own dishes. 

Food for Health and Recreation is an excellent way to help your child develop a positive relationship with food that will benefit them for years to come 

Forensic Science 

This subject investigates the role of science in legal investigations by exposing the truth and glamour of CSI. It looks at the skills and tools used by scientists to examine evidence and make inferences and the limitations and reliability of tests. It also looks at the basic process of gathering evidence, testing and validating claims and applying science in a legal framework. Some areas covered include forensic anthropology, hair, teeth and bite marks, blood splatter, DNA analysis, fingerprinting, chemical analysis, fiber testing and chromatography.

Media Studies: Film 

Through the creation of their own film products, students will develop skills in filmmaking. They will experiment with a range of cinematography techniques and investigate ways to effectively communicate their ideas to an audience. Students will use this knowledge to collaborate on a 60-second short film with a regular camera and a 360-degree film presented in VR (Virtual Reality). Students will explore the editing processes to experiment with visual effects and engage in an excursion to ACMI to work with industry-standard equipment. Students will further complete an analysis of film genres, comparing the styles of their favourite directors and filmmakers.

Music Performance 

Students will delve into the world of contemporary pop and rock music, engaging in group performances while focusing on the development of their confidence and individual skills. Collaboration with fellow musicians plays a crucial role in refining their ensemble skills. Students will be encouraged to perform for live audiences and create recordings of their work, discovering and exploring areas of musical interest. They will also develop their skills in understanding different musical styles and elements. Perfect for those who learn an instrument, enjoy singing, or want to continue to develop their skills on an instrument learned in previous years. This is the ideal pathway for students who may intend to study Year 10 Music Performance, VCE, or VCE VET (Vocational Education and Training) Music in their senior years. 

Music Technology 

Embark on an exciting journey into music production and learn the ins and outs of the contemporary music industry using advanced technologies such as microphones, MIDI keyboards, and digital audio software. Students will explore and develop music creation and production skills, working individually or collaboratively on various projects. 

Throughout the course, students will hone their creative listening skills, delve into various electronic music genres, and learn to tackle compositional challenges from inception to completion. Whether you dream of being a DJ, a music producer, a live audio engineer, or hosting your own podcast, this subject will equip you with the skills needed to succeed in these fields. This course is perfect for all students, regardless of their musical background, as playing a musical instrument is not a requirement for success. Discover your passion for music and ignite your creative potential! 

Recreational Sport 

The Year 9 Recreational Sport course will introduce students to sporting and recreational facilities within the school and the local community. The aim is to encourage an increase in active participation outside of school hours. This elective's recreational component aims to establish a wide understanding of the importance of recreational activities in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Sports Coaching  

Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of what makes an effective coach and design and implement coaching sessions that cater to a range of groups and ability levels within the community. Students will develop skills relating to the planning and implementation of a training session such as identification of skills specific to a chosen sport, lesson plan structure and design factoring in the varied ability levels and using feedback from a range of sources to inform and improve their coaching effectiveness.

STEM in Sport 

The Year 9 STEM in Sport elective will introduce students to the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths behind sport and physical activity. Using technology such as Heart Rate monitors and GPS tracking systems, students will analyse sporting performances and will apply biomechanics and sport science principles in several sporting contexts. Students will participate in both theoretical and practical classes to establish their understanding of this subject. 

This subject will help prepare students who wish to study VCE Physical Education. It will also enhance their interest and knowledge in the subject and can be applied to their own personal health, wellbeing and sporting pursuits.  

Textiles (pending availability of staffing)

This course aims to increase the students’ interest and skills in the construction of textile items. Students will develop an awareness of pattern use for three-dimensional objects in fabric. Each student will have the opportunity to learn additional skills and ways of expression using various textile mediums. Students will develop skills using a sewing machine. An emphasis is placed on the development of consumer skills in the selection, purchase, use and maintenance of textile products within Sustainability. Students will explore basic fashion drawing and design. 

Toys in the Community 

Students will design and create a range of wooden toys which will then be donated to several community groups. Students will develop their own ideas for the wooden toy projects, and they will investigate the properties of timber and undertake the safe use of machinery and equipment. Wooden toys are durable and usually last longer than their plastic counterparts and students will conduct a range of testing procedures to verify material characteristics. Students will undertake a range of theory assessments to reflect current safety regulations as well as conduct a research assignment. 

Visual Communication Design 

This course involves the development of design drawing techniques including freehand drawing, instrumental drawing and rendering. Students use various media and experiment with design elements and principles in completing work following the Design Process. The course includes an introduction to the design software package Adobe Creative Suite (including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign). Assessment tasks include creative sketching and drawing, design tasks working to a Client Brief, three-dimensional drawing and writing about design and designers. 

Writers' Workshop 

Writers' Workshop gives students the opportunity to hone their writing and editing skills. With a focus on creative writing, students will learn to experiment with language through the various processes of writing, and across a range of text types. In the writing workshop, explicit instruction is provided through mini-lessons, conferences and small group work. Model texts or mentor texts are used to help establish writing goals and to help students to apply what they learn from the text to their personal work. This subject will be perfect for students who enjoy the more creative elements of English and Literature and want to go deeper into these elements. By the end of the unit, students are expected to produce a writing folio.