Year 9

Academic vision for year 9

The Rolleston College academic vision for a year 9 learner is centred around fostering an environment of opportunity and challenge, where learners are encouraged to embrace the journey of learning how to learn. It emphasises the importance of trying new things, cultivating positive relationships and building on prior literacy and numeracy skills.  

The vision prioritises the discovery of one's learning place, providing experiences that lead to success, and facilitating meaningful connections in learning. By instilling these values, Rolleston College aims to empower year 9 learners to navigate their academic paths with confidence and enthusiasm, laying the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.

Learning in term two

This term, year 9 students have been deeply engaged in exploring the theme of sustainability through their Connected learning programme. From investigating environmental issues to designing innovative solutions for a more sustainable future, students have demonstrated creativity, critical thinking, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

In Selected learning, students have taken advantage of a wide range of opportunities to pursue their passions – whether it be in the arts, technology, sport, or languages – developing new skills and growing in confidence. 

In Ako, year 9 learners have been focused on their Quest presentations and have enjoyed the opportunity to take part in Active As activities.

It's been inspiring to see our learners connect global challenges to local action while also flourishing through personalised learning pathways.

SOLO levels

• Prestructural: the student is yet to identify ideas related to the task.

• Unistructural: the student has an idea related to the task. Their next step is to describe their idea further.

• Multistructural: the student describes several ideas related to the task. Their next step is to explain the relationship between the ideas that they have.

• Relational: the student integrates and connects ideas related to the task to demonstrate a more coherent understanding. Their next step is to reflect on their ideas as they apply in other contexts.

• Extended Abstract: the student looks at their ideas in a new way, and this is used as the basis for prediction, generalisation, reflection, or creation of new understandings.

Coming up in term three

Term three is set to be an exciting and dynamic time for our year 9 learners as we dive into our Connected learning theme of 'Movement': a rich concept explored through Maths, English, Social Science, and Science. From launching rockets and analysing social movements through film, learners will engage in meaningful, hands-on learning that links subjects in creative and thought-provoking ways.

Term three also brings a change in Selected courses, with new taster and semester options giving learners the chance to try something different and push themselves further. In PE, students will continue developing their physical skills. A gentle reminder that learners need to bring their PE gear for each lesson.

Ako will explore more of the Health curriculum and offer another deep dive into Quest learning, allowing students to pursue their interests in greater depth.

Meanwhile, Literacy and Numeracy classes will keep strengthening the foundational skills that support all learning areas and prepare learners for future NCEA Literacy and Numeracy exams.

Tips for getting the most out of term three

• Stay curious and open-minded – movement means change, growth, and exploration!
  
  

• Bring your PE gear every time so you can fully participate.
  
  

• Make the most of your new Selected options.
  
  

• Use Literacy and Numeracy classes to sharpen your core skills – it’ll pay off in every subject.
  
  

• Ask questions, collaborate, and share your unique perspective in class.
  
  

Let’s move through term three with energy, purpose, and a readiness to grow!