Core Subjects

English

In Year 9, the course aims to further develop existing skills in verbal and written expression. A range of writing activities will be undertaken to challenge and extend writing abilities, and competence in vocabulary, spelling, grammar and comprehension. The study of literature is continued through the analysis of novels, plays, short stories and poetry. Media and visual texts are analysed, created and presented. There is a strong emphasis on building confident oral communication skills.

Mathematics

This Year 9 course covers a wide range of topics so that students can select the Year 10 Mathematics course that best suits their future needs. Students require a scientific calculator. They will undertake skill building, problem solving and investigations in the following strands:

Science

The study aims to stimulate curiosity, improve skills in observing, analysing and recording experimental data and increase scientific knowledge about everyday phenomena. The first semester of the course is based on exploring the local environment of Port Phillip Bay and how we can minimise our impact on the environment. This is done through investigating topics such as ‘Energy in Ecosystems’, ‘Using Chemicals’, ‘Energy Transmission’, ‘Heat and Electricity’ and ‘Light’. Students also complete a number of Biology units focusing on ‘Coordination and Control’, ‘Respiration and Photosynthesis’ and ‘Immunology’.

Humanities

Geography (one semester)

Biomes and Food Security and Geographies of Interconnections

As students work towards the achievement of Level 10 standards in geography, they develop knowledge about the operation of one of the major natural systems; for example, the hydrologic cycle, plate tectonics or the weather. The other major theme of Year 9 Geography focuses on issues for the year 2050. Examples of development topics include; poverty; the links between food, hunger and technology; and the social and economic consequences of development in creating rapidly growing cities, megacities, informal settlements and rural depopulation. Students investigate and learn to evaluate the impact and/or effectiveness of development-related projects, policies and strategies (such as large-scale water projects, tourism, the use of foreign aid, social reform and population control) on physical and human landscapes, locally, nationally and globally.

History (one semester)

The Making of the Modern World

Students examine three topics in depth. These topics are:

The Industrial Revolution

The technological innovations that led to the Industrial Revolution and other conditions that influenced the industrialisation of Britain (the agricultural revolution, access to raw materials, wealthy middle class, cheap labour, transport system and expanding empire) and of Australia.

Making a Nation

The extension of settlement, including the effect of contact (intended and unintended) between European settlers in Australia and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The experiences of non-Europeans in Australia prior to the 1900s (such as the Japanese, Chinese, South Sea Islanders and Afghans) and living and working conditions in Australia around the turn of the twentieth century.

World War I

An overview of the causes of World War I and the reasons why men enlisted to fight in the war. The places where Australians fought and the nature of warfare during World War I. The impact of World War I, with a particular emphasis on Australia (such as the use of propaganda to influence the civilian population, the changing role of women and the conscription debate). The commemoration of World War I; including debates about the nature and significance of the ANZAC legend.

Health and Physical Education

Physical Education

This Year 9 Physical Education program extends the skills developed in previous years and introduces new activities using the ‘Game Sense’ approach. Units covered include Fitness/Circuit Training, Net Games, Court Games, Invasion Games, Striking and Fielding, Gymnastics and Fitness Testing. The Teaching and Learning foci are Skill Learning, Strategies and Tactics, Understanding Own Fitness, Exercise Planning and Leadership.

Health

Areas of study include; Values, Personal Development, Sex and Relationships, Harm Minimisation, Community Health and Health Resources and Promotion.

Year 9 Connect

Year 9 students will participate in five week units throughout the year exploring topics such as mental health, future pathways, hospitality, Respectful Relationships, Business enterprise, student voice & cybersafety.