Year 9 

How students can identify their skills and interests

Reflection on Past Experiences:

Subjects Enjoyed: Students should think about which subjects or topics they have enjoyed the most in Years 7 and 8. Enjoyment often indicates an interest or a natural affinity for that subject.

Performance: Reflecting on which subjects they have performed well in can help students identify their strengths. Strong performance often correlates with both skill and interest.

Feedback from Teachers and Peers:

Teacher Feedback: Teachers can provide valuable insights into a student's strengths, areas for improvement, and potential areas of interest based on classroom performance and assessments.

Peer Interaction: Discussing with peers can also help students see different perspectives on their abilities and interests, especially in group work or collaborative projects.

Exploring Interests Outside of School:

Extracurricular Activities: Involvement in clubs, sports, or hobbies outside of school can reveal interests that might align with elective subjects.

Personal Projects: If a student has undertaken personal projects, such as building something, writing, or creating art, this might indicate an area of interest that could be further explored through electives.

Parental and teacher Guidance:

Discussions with Parents: Parents can provide insights into their child's interests and strengths from a different perspective, helping to guide them in their choices.

Discussion with teachers: Teachers see student’s learning and interests from a different perspective. Teachers can have guiding discussions with students and families to inform choices and provide an alternative perspective. 

How this helps with Year 9 Elective Selection

By identifying their skills and interests early, students can choose electives that:

Align with their Strengths: Selecting subjects where they can excel and stay motivated.

Build on Interests: Engaging more deeply in areas they are passionate about, which can lead to greater enjoyment and success.

Explore Potential Career Paths: Taking electives that may open doors to future studies or careers they are considering. 

This reflective and exploratory approach will help students make more informed decisions about their elective options in Year 9, setting them up for a more personalised and fulfilling educational experience.

Pathway planning can be overwhelming, and it definitely takes time. The Altona College Pathways site has been designed to guide you through the most essential information you need to have informed conversations as a family. There is a considerable amount of learning involved for everyone and it is important that parents/carers support their children throughout this journey.

As you search different subjects and pathway options you will notice that many subjects flow on from each other. This allows students to roughly plan out what a complete pathway might be, as they work their way towards Year 12. 

Before making your decision, make sure that you navigate to the subject page and read over the course structure and possible assessments. See Key Learning Area buttons below to help you navigate to specific subject offerings. Students should think about what their strengths have been in year 7 & 8.

Year 9 'Choice' Course Selection Information 

Year 9 Standard Pathway

Mandatory selections:

English: 2 units 

Mathematics: 2 units.  Choose either Year 9  Core Mathematics, (or) Year 9 Advanced Mathematics (invitation only) 

Science: 1 unit - Core Science. 

Humanities: 1 unit - Humanities 

Health & Physical Education: 1 unit - Youth Health and Wellbeing

Arts Technology: 1 unit  Students select from:  Taste of Australia, Food for Life, Furniture Making, Business Data Analytics, Media Studies, Surrealism, Graffiti Art, Music Industry, Performance Analytics, Game Development.

Mandarin: 1 unit 

Personal Development: 1 Unit

Homeroom: 1 unit 

Elective options:

Students must select 4  electives units form the list below. 

English:  Australian Literature, Creative writing

Mathematics:  Money Matters.

Science: Forensic Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, 

Humanities: Legal Systems, Environmental Studies, Economics 

Health & Physical Education: Specalised Fitness, Team Development & Leadership, Biomechanical Studies, Youth Health & Wellbeing.

Design Technologies: Taste of Australia, Food for Life, Furniture Making 

Digital Technologies: Business Data Analytics, Game Development

Arts, Visual & Performing: Media Studies, Surrealism, Graffiti Art, Music Industry, Performance Practices 

Year 10 Advanced Studies Pathway 

Students that have achieved exam scores above 80% across all subjects, above state NAPLAN results, a GPA of 2.70 or above and  85% or above attendance, may receive an invitation to commence a  Year 10 Advanced Studies  subject in Semester 2. 

Year 10 Advanced Studies has been introduced as a supporting pathway to VCE Early Commencement in Year 10. Commencing a Year 10 subject while in in year 9 will give approved students experience at managing a Senior Secondary course. Good exam and CAT results will strengthen their application for Early VCE Commencement the following year.

Advanced Studies  Subject offerings and pathways.

• Year 10 Space Science

                Progresses to: VCE Unit 1-4 Environmental Science & Geography  

• Year 10 Biology, 1 Unit - Elective 

              Progresses to: VCE Unit 1 -4 Biology    

• Year 10 Business, 1 Unit -Elective 

               Progresses to: VCE Unit 1 -4 Business Management                                              

• Year 10 Psychology, 1 Unit- Elective 

               Progresses to: VCE Unit 1 -4 Psychology

• Year 10 Global Health, 1 Unit - Elective 

              Progresses to: VCE Unit 1 -4 Health and Human Development 

To investigate all subject pathways, visit the subjects page.