Year 9 

In Semester 1, students focus on developing their reading, writing and critical thinking skills. Students begin the semester with a unit on creative writing, where they hone their descriptive writing skills through narrative writing. Students continue with persuasive writing and a study of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. The study of this novel requires students to present an analysis of the text’s themes, issues and characters in a text response essay. 

In Semester 2, students study William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. During their study of Romeo and Juliet, students consider ideas such as fate and free will, lust and love, and the nature of love and hate. Students write critically, analytically and creatively, using textual evidence and an array of literary devices. Students conclude the year with an investigative study of Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give (THUG). Students evaluate themes such as social injustice, inequality and identity and compare such themes to a range of other texts. They showcase their knowledge and skills by writing a formal personal response. 

In Semester 1, students focus on developing their writing skills by learning how to create creative, poetic, and persuasive text types through the study of different text forms. Students analyse aspects of purpose, language, audience, and form and produce a poetry anthology with an authorial statement of intention. In addition, students build on their analytic skills through a study of a variety of short stories. In term 2, students will complete a study of George Orwell's 1984. Students will be immersed in the world of dystopian fiction and connect these themes to real world historic events and modern issues, producing a self-reflective analysis that engages closely with these concepts.

In Semester 2, students study units relating to William Shakespeare's Macbeth and Rolf de Heer's Ten Canoes. In their study of Macbeth students will explore the literary craft of Shakespeare, analysing themes and literary devices, culminating in a text response analytical essay. In term 4, students will complete a study of film text Ten Canoes, exploring themes of culture, identity and belonging, while making explicit links to Indigenous storytelling, anthropological photography, and film making techniques. 

In Semester 1, students develop their understanding of algebraic patterns, equations, linear modelling and probability. In the problem solving unit students extend their core number, geometry and logic skills to solve multi-step problems using critical and creative thinking. As part of these units, students work on their ability to reason, research and communicate effectively. During investigations, students work individually and in groups to explore ideas with the support of concrete materials and digital technologies.

In Semester 2, students study applied algebra, financial mathematics, statistics, measurement, index laws, Pythagoras Theorem and trigonometry. In financial mathematics students investigate tax. They also apply their understanding of financial concepts to the real world by researching the loan repayments and interest involved in the purchase of a second-hand car. Students apply their understanding of measurement, number and algebra to solve both new and familiar problems. They investigate concepts with and without digital technology, working both individually and in groups.

In Semester 1, students focus on building core skills fundamental to all of mathematics. They develop their understanding of algebraic manipulation, trigonometry and statistics. As part of these units, students work on their ability to reason, research and communicate effectively. During investigations, students explore ideas with the support of concrete materials and digital technologies, working in both individual and group scenarios. 

In Semester 2, students develop their understanding of linear and non-linear algebra including quadratic functions, probability financial mathematics on expedition, statistics and the properties of composite 3D shapes (volume and surface area). Students apply their understanding to solve new and familiar problems and are introduced to the language of mathematical proofs.

In Semester 1, Year 9 Science students can expect an engaging start with hands-on investigations into Electricity, where they will explore how energy is generated through AC and DC currents, build circuits, and create models like simple generators. Following this, students dive into Chemical Reactions and Change, learning about atomic structures, isotopes, and the principles behind radioactive decay, including real-world applications in medicine and industry. Towards the end of the semester, the focus shifts to Evolution, where students study natural selection, biodiversity, and fossil evidence, making meaningful connections to Australia's ancient history and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge. Throughout the semester, students will complete a combination of practical investigations, research tasks, and summative tests to consolidate their understanding.

Semester 2 offers a deeper look into biological and physical sciences. Students will start with Coordination and Control, examining how the nervous and endocrine systems regulate the body’s responses to stimuli, including practical activities like measuring reaction times and exploring negative feedback mechanisms. This leads into an exploration of Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases, where students will differentiate between disease types, investigate control measures like vaccinations, and study the historical and ongoing impacts of diseases. Finally, students will finish the year with the exciting topic of Cosmology, where they will research the origins of the universe, experiment with rocket designs, and learn about the Big Bang theory and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on celestial bodies. Assessment will include practical reports, creative projects, and case studies, offering a variety of ways for students to showcase their learning.

In Semester 1, students investigate the features of the universe, including galaxies, stars and the solar system. Theories such as the Big Bang theory are used to investigate the past and future of the universe. Students also examine the theory of evolution by natural selection. They use it to explain the diversity of living things and examine how it is supported by a range of scientific evidence. In addition to this, students examine the transmission of heritable characteristics from one generation to the next and how this involves DNA and genes. 

In Semester 2, the curriculum focuses on how multicellular organisms rely on coordinated and interdependent internal systems to respond to changes in their environment. Students also explore the motion of objects and the interaction of forces. They investigate how forces can be described and predicted using the laws of physics. In chemistry, students investigate how all matter is made of atoms which are composed of protons, neutrons and electrons, and how natural radioactivity arises from the decay of nuclei in atoms. The curriculum focuses on explaining phenomena involving science and its applications. 

Throughout the semester, students will also make accurate measurements and control variables in experiments to analyse relationships between system components and explore and explain these relationships using appropriate representations. They make predictions and propose explanations, drawing on evidence to support their views. As part of Human Endeavour, students seek to improve their understanding and explanations of the natural world. 

In Semester 1, students investigate the Industrial Revolution, evaluate different social and economic changes, and explore the influence of this historical period on the world today. Throughout the unit, students develop their historical and economic inquiry skills, including how to analyse sources and develop an understanding of economic changes throughout the period. Students also undertake the study of Australian history, building upon their source analysis and collation techniques to enhance their ability to empathise with diverse perspectives of the past. 

In Semester 2, students investigate and analyse key aspects of World War I and the Australian experience of the war, including the nature and significance of the war in a local and global context. Finally, students consolidate their historical research skills through a unit on the Holocaust and Second World War. Students complete an inquiry research project based on a their choice of primary source artefact following an excursion to the Holocaust Museum.

In Semester 1, students study the Interwar Period and World War II. Throughout their study of history, students focus on developing their writing, inquiry and research skills. They critically examine the significance of a number of key events and evaluate Australia’s involvement. Students learn to frame research questions, analyse a range of historical sources and draw their own conclusions in order to interpret the relevance of historical events and develop their ability to form a robust historical argument. 

In Semester 2, students undertake an investigation into pop culture and the Vietnam War. Throughout these studies, students develop their skills of historical inquiry and research. They critically appraise the significance of a number of key events and research the roles of Australian participants. Students investigate how popular music reflected the changing views and attitudes of post-war Australia. Students also undertake an in-depth study into the impact of the Vietnam War and its significance for Australia. In particular, students investigate the environmental and cultural impacts of war through extended research and case study analysis.

Environmental Inquiry is a collaboration of scientific, geographic and economic principles, focusing on environmental challenges and exploring solutions. Here students will complete the environmental component of their DaVinci Project.

In Semester 1 students start the year by exploring the life cycle of a product of their choice, focusing on environmental impacts and ethical considerations. By completing scientific models and experiments, fieldwork projects and researching a range of case studies, students explore local, national and global perspectives and develop a deep understanding of the issues. 

In Semester 2 students complete meaningful action projects to combat our big environmental challenges. Students explore a range of current solutions to combat climate change, mitigate human impacts, increase biodiversity and harness technological advancements. In project groups, students collate a range of qualitative and quantitative data from a variety of sources, including their own practical studies, and use this to develop meaningful action projects. Finally, students produce a short documentary, highlighting the success of their project and inspiring others to take action. Here, students develop important communication and collaboration skills in addition to reflecting on their experience as a means for continuing development.

As a key pillar of their DaVinci Project, each project must make the important link between the students' work and the wider community. In this study, students begin to identify personal strengths and weaknesses, highlight strategies for improving on both, and relate these characteristics to possible career pathways.

The Creative Endeavour gives students the opportunity to pursue a wide range of studies offered within three broad arts streams: visual, performing, and liberal arts. Students' creative endeavours complement and link directly to their study of Environmental Inquiry, an integration that pays homage to Leonardo Da Vinci’s work across the arts and sciences. Here students will complete the creative component of their DaVinci Project, a creative response that will be featured in the semesterly Da Vinci Exhibition.

In Creative Endeavour, students experiment with innovative possibilities within the parameters of a task. Referring to the design process, students research, investigate and build technical, artistic, and academic skills in a range of different areas. Students become discerning and discriminating thinkers as they work towards producing a particular creative response. This response should demonstrate a deep understanding of both the core concepts and the creative discipline in which it was made.

Creative Endeavour is a core subject in addition to the two chosen electives.