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:

• Number and algebra

• Exponentials and indices, linear equations, linear graphs and factorisation.

• Measurement and geometry

• Pythagoras and trigonometry

• Statistics and probability.

Science

The study aims to stimulate curiosity and improve skills in planning, observing, analysing and recording accurate and reliable data in investigations. Students will examine how the needs of society focus scientific research on continually reviewing existing models and theories in response to new findings and technological advances. Body systems, including the nervous,  endocrine and immune systems, and measures to control the transmission of infectious diseases will be introduced in Biology. In Chemistry, students examine the nature of matter and how it recombines in various chemical reactions.  The chemistry and dynamics of Earth systems will be examined with reference to human-induced climate change and how energy flow in the Earth’s atmosphere can be explained by heat transfer. Energy will also be explored in Physical sciences, where students will investigate waves and how energy can be generated.

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

Health

This Year 9 subject explores a range of important health and wellbeing topics designed to support students' personal growth and understanding of themselves and others. Areas of study include values, personal development, sex and relationships, harm minimisation, community health, and health resources and promotion. Through these units, students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions, build healthy relationships, and contribute positively to their communities. 

Physical Education

In Year 9 Physical Education, students build on previously developed skills and engage with new activities through the ‘Game Sense’ approach. The program includes units such as Fitness and Circuit Training, Net Games, Court Games, Invasion Games, Striking and Fielding, Gymnastics, and Fitness Testing. The focus is on skill development, applying strategies and tactics, understanding personal fitness levels, planning exercise routines, and developing leadership skills.