Research shows that students learn best when they are healthy, safe and happy. The establishment of positive relationships and an environment for students that is engaging, productive and supportive will contribute to improved student learning outcomes. 

Competent learners begin to use more sophisticated cognitive strategies than in earlier years. For instance, they are aware of, and capable of, reflecting on the differences between mathematic, scientific, literary, historical and artistic methods. They are flexible learners who apply a number of approaches to understanding information in different methods. They value opportunities to explore new ideas in depth, commonly in cooperation with their peers, in an environment where they are encouraged to take intellectual risks. 

At this stage, learning is enhanced by opportunities for students to participate in projects they believe to be relevant and important to their lifestyle or career goals that occur over extended periods and are learner directed. These projects encourage deep thinking, a process that gives students an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills flexibly, and to develop a meaningful sense of their application and purpose. To think deeply, students need to relax and consider all of the relevant angles from which an idea might be considered. Students construct a thinking framework that follows a process from conception to application. 

As well as developing skills for increasingly sophisticated and specialised learning, students require the skills to effectively participate in their communities and workplaces. Students will have commenced learning these skills previously but require a level of competence for them to participate in projects where they may initiate and apply skills. These skills include: basic fundamental skills (for example, literacy, numeracy, technology); people skills (for example, communication, team-work, customer service); thinking skills (for example, organising, problem-solving, creating, planning); personal attributes (for example, for one’s own health and physical wellbeing, flexibility, self-esteem); business skills and community skills.

The Year 9 program at Mount Erin provides students with experiences that enable them to become confident and engaged citizens ready to take the next steps in their journey.