2024 Subject Selection Handbook

Marian College

MARIAN COLLEGE YEARS 9-10 PROGRAM

One of the core goals of our current School Improvement Plan is to optimise growth and wellbeing for every Marian student and staff member. To support this goal, we have re-envisioned what our Marian Learning Program should look like to ensure that our students are prepared to flourish in their future. To target our planning, the Marian Graduate Statement was developed. 

Marian learners graduate with a love of learning for life. They have the breadth of capabilities and skills to adapt and flourish in a complex and rapidly changing world. Inspired by faith, they have the courage to address global challenges and build the collective wellbeing of their community.

In 2023, significant changes were introduced for Years 9 and 10 and the elective offerings have been further expanded for 2024. With greater choice and flexibility in these years, students have more agency in designing their learning program. In Years 9 and 10, students have the opportunity to enrol in semester units, both core and elective, from a diverse range of options. These electives are pitched at different levels of challenge aligned with the Victorian Curriculum and many classes will cater for Year 9 and 10 students together. 

Students can follow advanced or accelerated pathways whilst others may choose to consolidate key skills. Units within Years 9 and 10 have been designed to provide differing levels of literacy, numeracy, conceptual and thinking challenge. It is our belief that when challenged, our students will have the opportunity to make greater learning progress, experience success and exceed expectations. 

Accelerated options will support pathways to the early completion of VCE Units. Such pathways will be carefully monitored by mentor teachers, subject teachers and Learning/Year Level Leaders. Some electives may be based on an applied learning model and prepare students for the VCE (Vocational Major).  

In addition to units, from across the range of academic learning areas, all students in Years 9 and 10 will participate in  the holistic wellbeing program. This program aims to prepare students to optimise and prepare for challenges related to their mental health, social connectedness, physical health and spirituality.  The program should support our students to maximise their learning progress and develop as independent, self-aware and resilient young people. The approach will be underpinned by positive relationships between staff, students and families. 

Planning your Program 

Year 9 and 10 students will be required to:

Beyond this, students may choose any electives generally without any specified restrictions.  This means, for example, that students may choose additional electives from those areas listed above or any other area of the curriculum. There may be pre-requisites for a small number of VCE subjects and some electives are highly recommended as preparation for advanced electives or VCE Subjects.  This is specified in the relevant units. 


Each learning area has a specific icon and the colour of the icon does indicate differing levels of challenge with:

Pink: Level 1 (assessed at Victorian Curriculum Level 9; however, students may still be assessed at being above Level 9)

Blue: Level 2 (assessed at Victorian Curriculum  Level 10 and Beyond Level 10)

Purple: Multi-level (assessed at Level 9/10 and students may still be assessed at Beyond Level 10)

Students should read the Handbook carefully and view the embedded screencasts for all subjects that they may be considering. It is recommended that you investigate as many as possible as there are so many exciting options available. You should also consider the flow charts on each introductory learning area page to guide you as you plan your pathway through Years 9 and 10, into the senior years. 

Students should then complete a Program Planning Form for your year level, available on the SEQTA Subject Selection Portal Page. You will bring this to your subject selection mentoring session. 

Cross Curricular

English

Health & PE

Humanities

LOTE

Mathematics

Religion

Performing Arts

Science

Technology

Visual Arts

Applied Learning

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Accelerated Subjects in Year 10  

Some Year 10 students might be applying for one or even two VCE Unit 1 and 2 Studies in place of Year 9 - 10 Electives. A VCE or VCE VET Study will take two elective places. 

Students considering studying a VCE subject in Year 10 should complete an acceleration application  via Survey Monkey. The criteria for approval are listed on this application form. Some students may not be approved for acceleration studies or students applying for two studies may only be approved for one study. It must be noted that only students who have demonstrated excellence in achievement and application could be considered for two acceleration studies and this would only be approved in exceptional circumstances. 

Please refer to the Senior Certificates Handbook for an overview of the VCE and VCE VET Studies available.