Year 9 Core Subjects
English
Year 9 English aims to develop students' analytical and creative abilities to engage with a range of texts, enhancing their comprehension of how writers construct meaning. It nurtures their writing voice and improves their speaking skills, emphasizing the analysis of persuasive language in both written and visual formats. The curriculum prepares students for the rigors of Year 10 and aligns with the VCE English Study Design. It focuses on reading, writing, thinking, and communication skills while encouraging students to explore ethical and moral dimensions in a global context.
During Semester 2, students delve into literature, literacy, and language as per the Victorian Curriculum guidelines. They become skilled in attentive listening and persuasive speaking. Through close reading and critical analysis of diverse media articles and texts, students develop their individual interpretations. The selected texts help students appreciate human diversity as reflective of God’s nature and inspire a sense of empathy and ethical responsibility towards others. The curriculum encourages students to reflect on their societal roles, identify social issues, and strive to impact society positively through thoughtful language and responsible actions.
Areas of Study:
• Analytical Text Response
• Reading and Crafting Texts
• Persuasive Skills- Speaking and Writing
• Analysis of Argument and Language
Assessment:
Semester 1:
• Crafting Texts (20%)
• Analytical Text Response (30%)
• Personal Response Paragraph (10%)
• Analysis of Argument and Language (assessed within Semester 1 Examination)
• Examination (40%)
Semester 2:
• Analytical Text Response Essay (20%)
• Analysis of Argument and Language Essay (20%)
• Oral Presentation (20%)
• Examination (4
Mathematics
The study of Mathematics is a clear example of God’s common grace to all. We desire for our students to recognise that God has revealed Himself through all of His creation, including Mathematics, of which Galileo has famous stated, “The universe cannot be read until we have learnt the language and become familiar with the characters in which it is written. It is written in mathematical language, and the letters are triangles, circles and other geometrical figures, without which means it is humanly impossible to comprehend a single word.” As such, Mathematics points us to Christ, for as John 1 tells us, “Through Him, all things were made; without Him nothing that was made has been made…” and again in Colossians 1, “For in Him (the Son – the Word) all things were created… and in Him all things hold together.”
With this in mind, Year 9 Mathematics aims to consolidate students’ understanding of the key parts of this ‘language of the universe’, mathematical concepts from previous years, to ensure a solid foundation is built prior to entering the senior years. The curriculum prepares students for the different offerings in Year 10 Mathematics, and we begin to lead students towards particular VCE Mathematics pathways by offering Advanced Mathematics classes as well as Standard classes. Entry into the Advanced Mathematics class groups is dependent on prior student results, student effort and teacher recommendation, and is reviewed regularly to ensure that students are coping with the demands of the course.
Areas of Study:
• Number skills & financial mathematics
• Pythagoras’ Theorem & Trigonometry
• Linear equations & their graphs
• Index laws
• Quadratic equations & simple graphs
• Probability & statistics
Assessment:
• Tests
• Assignments
• Investigation-style tasks
• Workbook completion
• End of semester examinations
Science
In the biblical account of creation, we are told that “God looked at everything he had made and he was very pleased” (Genesis 1:31 Good News translation)
Students experience some of the wonders of this marvellous creation in their own bodies when the immune system is explored. Students ponder questions such how are the biological processes maintained in the body? Why do we get sick? How are we made better?
The curriculum focus is on explaining phenomena involving science and its applications. Students consider both classic and contemporary science contexts to explain the operation of systems at a range of scales. At a microscopic scale, they consider the atom as a system of protons, electrons and neutrons, and understand how this system can change through nuclear decay. They learn that matter can be rearranged through chemical change and that these changes play an important role in many systems. At a macroscopic scale, they explore ways in which the human body as a system responds to its external environment, and investigate the interdependencies between biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems. They develop a more sophisticated view of energy transfer by applying the concept of the conservation of matter in a variety of contexts. They apply their understanding of energy and forces to global systems including continental movement.
Areas of Study:
• Scientific investigation
• Disease and Microbes
• Coordination and Regulation of body systems
• Electricity
• Chemistry
• Plate Tectonics
Assessment:
1. Unit Tests
2. Practical Reports and Assignments
3. Semester Examination
History
The Year 9 History curriculum enables students to explore the making of the modern world from 1750 to 1918. This period of global history covers the period of industrialisation and rapid change in the way people lived, worked and thought, the era of nationalism and imperialism and the colonisation of Australia which was part of the expansion of European power. This period of history culminated in World War One (19141918), the ‘war to end all wars’.
Additionally, Students will apply historical concepts and skills to the historical knowledge throughout the unit. This includes sequencing chronology, unpacking contestability, using historical sources as evidence, identifying continuity and change, analysing causes and effect and determining historical significance.
Studying History supports students to "understand people and societies" (Stearns. 1998). As Christ's disciples, it is essential to understand people if we are to relate to domestic or international societies. Examining History also enables students to "develop a moral sense" (Stearns). Through individual case studies, students can examine moral issues and apply them to their own context, and how they should live as Christians. The Bible itself is a historical document and understanding the context of people and culture is essential to being able to apply it to daily life.
Areas of Study:
• Historical skills and concepts
• The Industrial Revolution.
• Australian History (Early settlement relationships between Europeans, Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders + Federation of Australia)
• World War One
Assessment:
1. Historical Skills Poster (10%)
2. Industrial Revolution Oral Presentation (20%)
3. Early Migrants Inquiry Project (20%)
4. World War 1 Source Analysis Task (20%)
5. History Examination (30%)
Commerce & Law
Commerce & Law give students a solid understanding of the fundamentals of democracy, economics, and marketing, which are fundamentally important in today's globalised world. The curriculum also develops students abilities to wisely manage their resources, time, gifts and talents.
The curriculum delivers teaching and learning programs that will support students in learning to manage themselves and their relationships with others confidently, make sense of the world in which they live and effectively participate in that world. Students may continue building on year 9 Commerce & Law by pursuing similar subjects as Year 10 and VCE level.
God's people are entrusted with exercising good stewardship in all places and circumstances of life. God has given each one of us unique gifts and talents to be used and not wasted. We also understand that our unique gifts and talent are best used if they are in line with God's purpose. This subject aims to prepare students to be good stewards of their resources and talents.
The course, therefore, aims to prepare students to be wise and responsible citizens not only in this world but in God's kingdom as well, making wise use of resources and time. Students will be encouraged to develop a Christian perspective on life, government structures and their role in society, with the view of equipping their student to influence those structures.
Areas of Study:
• Issues around the world
• Government, Politics, and Parliament
• Economics
• Personal Finance
Assessment:
1. Issues Presentation (20%)
2. Government Test (20%)
3. Economics Test (20%)
4. Personal Finance Portfolio (10%)
5. Examination (30%)
Health & PE
Through Health and Physical Education, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of health issues and develop the skills necessary for confident participation in sports and recreational activities. They will be encouraged to foster lifelong commitments to sport and recreation, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Grounded in a Christian perspective, the subject emphasises holistic development, nurturing not only physical health but also a positive sense of self, resilience, compassion, and integrity. As 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? Therefore honour God with your bodies." Through active participation, students will cultivate these virtues, aligning their physical well-being with spiritual and academic growth.
Areas of Study:
• Net/Wall (Volleyball / Spikeball)
• Field Invasion Games (Flag Football)
• Court invasion Games (Hockey)
• Fitness
• Minor Games
• Systems of the Body
• Physical Activity, Health and Fitness
• Nutrition for Good Health
Assessment:
1. Court Invasion Games: Hockey
2. Field Invasion Games: Flag Football
3. Net/Wall: Volleyball/ Spikeball
4. Fitness Testing
5. Health Modules
Year 9 Elective Subjects
Applied Science: Forensics
Students will develop their critical thinking and practical skills to further enhance their scientific knowledge. Students experience hands-on learning about how logic and science is applied to solving crimes. Furthermore, students learn how each individual is fearfully and wonderfully made by God. They consider the motivation of criminals and link it to a fallen world, full of humans that have fallen short of the Glory of God and rejected His Light. Relevant science concepts and processes are explored as students participate in activities that invite inquiry, logical thought and verification of trace fibres, handwriting, blood spatters. An arson-based project gives students the opportunity to design, create and set fire to a structure to analyse the evidence left behind.
Areas of Study:
• Trace Analysis, Microscopes and Fibers
• Fingerprinting
• Handwriting
• Blood Spatters
• Chemical Analysis and Toxicology
• Real world crime and CSI techniques
• Entomology
Assessment:
1. Topic Tests
2. Ongoing classroom work including practicals, worksheets and questions
3. Oral Presentation/Research Task
Art: Exploring Ceramics
In the study of ceramics, students explore both historical and contemporary practices, gaining insights into art and craft movements' impact on society and the nature of art itself. This fosters a broader understanding of cultural influences on artistic expression. Through researching and analysing various ceramic techniques, students create their own contemporary artworks, applying art elements and principles to express unique ideas. They learn to analyse, reflect upon, and evaluate designs, nurturing independence in exploring diverse media and materials. Engaging in ceramic art allows students to glorify God, drawing inspiration from the Bible and their Christian experiences, providing a positive voice into contemporary culture. Recognising their God-given artistic gifts, art education nurtures and extends these abilities, enabling students to honour God and positively impact the world through their creative endeavours.
Areas of Study:
• Creation of Ceramic Works
• Folio Development
• Theoretical
• Knowledge Assessment:
1. Folio (20%)
2. Theory (20%)
3. Ceramics (60%)
Bible: Faith Unveiled
“A life not lived for others is not a life” – Mother Teresa
Faith Unveiled is designed to explore the foundational beliefs, principles, and practices that underpin the Christian faith. It delves into the core teachings of Christianity and the application of faith in daily life. The course seeks to deepen students' understanding of Christianity while nurturing their personal relationship with God. Student will consider strong people of faith from the Bible and more recent history. There is a strong service-element to this course which will take students beyond the classroom to see what Christians are doing in our local community and within Melbourne.
Areas of Study:
• Starting with Jesus
• Salvation by grace
• Applying faith to various spheres of life (family, work, society)
• To walk the walk
• Key Christian figures from history
• Service
Assessment:
1. Who am I called to be? Bible Research Assignment (20%)
2. Who were they? Historical Figures Poster (20%)
3. Their Service Report (30%)
4. My Service Reflection (30%)
Food Technology: World on a Plate
God is our provider. Through this course of study, students are reminded that our bodies are created in His image, and that we should therefore look after our physical health. This course of study encourages students to make wise food choices in terms of health. Furthermore, students reflect on the concept of being good stewards of what we have been given, and not being wasteful. Students develop and apply their knowledge to prepare food safely and hygienically to present recipes in a creative way. They use problem-solving skills to produce foods to suit particular needs. This process encourages independent and co-operative learning. This unit builds on the practical skills introduced in Year 8 building their knowledge of cereal products through bread-making, making pastry and pasta- making, and design recipes such as risotto. In The World on a Plate students investigate how Australian eating habits have changed by looking at a past decade of food patterns such as the 80's and recreating a menu from this decade with a modern twist. They will explore a range of different cuisines such as Italian and Asian Cuisine and prepare a range of meals from around the world. Students will problem solve through the design process in designing menus for Tear and Share bread and a Food Truck menu. They will also prepare a meal using indigenous Australian ingredients. Students will learn how to navigate food information and design an appropriate label for a food product of their choice.
Areas of Study:
• Safety and hygiene
• Healthy food models
• Bread-making
• Pastry making
• Coeliac disease/Gluten free products
• Global Goodies - including risotto
• Cooking with chocolate -techniques and tips
• Food labelling (including Food Miles/ Food Waste assignment)
Assessment:
1. Food Production (50%)
2. Design Briefs and Investigation Tasks (50%)
Geography
This unit 'Geographies of Interconnections' delves into the intricate ties between individuals and locations, exploring how their purchases shape and influence the places where goods are produced. Students will analyze the global reach of services facilitated by advancements in transportation and information technologies, and how these advancements enable connectivity for remote rural communities. Through case studies from both Australia and diverse international contexts, students examine these unique interconnections. Additionally, the unit on 'Biomes and Food Security' studies the vital role of the biotic environment in food and fiber production. It investigates global biomes, their adaptations, and their pivotal contribution as food and fiber sources. Environmental challenges and constraints impacting future food production expansion are also explored. Both units will draw from case studies from both Australia and diverse international contexts. These studies highlight the stewardship role humans have over the Earth, as emphasised in Genesis 2:15, where humanity is tasked to "work it and take care of it." Understanding the complex interconnections between people and places, as well as the critical importance of biomes in sustaining life, aligns with the call to be responsible caretakers of God's creation, ensuring that resources are used wisely and equitably for the benefit of all.
Areas of Study:
• Biomes
• Food Security
• Human Exploitation
• Production
Assessment:
• Investigating Production Infographics Presentation (30%)
• Identity Collage (20%)
• Field Trip Folio (20%)
• Topic Test (30%)
Information Technology: Creative IT
Throughout the subject of Information Technology, students are encouraged to reflect their Creator by working on expressive and inspirational assignment tasks. They are also given the opportunity to discover possible vocational interests by learning industry approved programs in the field of video editing and special effects. This subject aims to provide an in-depth study into the multimedia applications provided within the Adobe Suit. This subject focuses on 4 main programs for one semester. By the end of this course, students will have experienced basic coding, as well as audio and video manipulation at a new level, providing them with the ability to develop their unique gifts in the area of Information Technology. Furthermore, technology usage is viewed through the lens of Christianity in order to better prepare students for a life of Christian service.
Areas of Study:
• Adobe Animate CC (Coding, AS3)
• Adobe After Effects (Video + audio)
• Adobe Premiere (Video +audio)
• Media Encoder & basic cinematography
• Adobe Dreamweaver (Coding, HTML, CSS)
Assessment:
1. Animate CC Assignment - creation of an android soundboard application (25%)
2. After Effects Assignment - creation of a special effect sequence (25%)
3. Premiere Assignment - creation of an inspirational story movie clip (25%)
4. Dream Weaver Assignment - creation of a website to advertise their soundboard (25%)
Language: Chinese
This is a year-long subject.
Year 9 Chinese is an immersive language course that combines real-life contexts with Chinese culture. Students engage in meaningful communication and explore vocabulary and grammar structures through interactive activities. It fosters open-mindedness, inclusivity, and neighbourly values, enabling young people to represent the Lord in contemporary society. Language learning becomes an expression of love for our Chinese neighbours, allowing us to understand their perspective and connect on a deeper level. Moreover, language proficiency is crucial for cross- cultural communication and missions. It facilitates community development and fosters understanding among diverse cultures. In Senior School, students have the opportunity to choose to continue studying Chinese at a higher level, expanding their proficiency and cultural understanding.
Areas of Study:
Culture and Society in Chinese-speaking Communities strand -
• Chinese family and Chinese family structures
• Filial Piety
• Chinese philosophies: Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism
• Chinese Philosophies of Education
• Chinese Education System and Schools
• Chinese rituals and manners Chinese Language strand -
• Family and Friends
• School and Daily Routines
• Hobbies and Leisure Activities
• Food and Festivals
• Making appointment
• Transport and Travel
• Weather and Lifestyle
• Pets and Housework
Assessment:
Semester 1
1. Unit Test – Family (20%)
2. Listening and Speaking – presentation on ‘My Family’ (20%)
3. Chinese Culture Analysis: Chinese family, Chinese family structure, and Chinese family values (20%)
4. Reading and Writing – Family and Occupation (20%)
5. Vocabulary Quizzes (20%)
Semester 2
1. Speaking and Listening – My school and daily activities (20%)
2. Reading and Writing – My school and daily routine (20%)
3. Chinese Culture Analysis – Chinese rituals and manners (20%)
4. Unit Test - Hobbies and leisure activities (20%)
5. Vocabulary Quizzes (20%)
Media: Photography
The study of Photography offers students a unique opportunity to engage with the world, reflect God's creativity and communicate truth and beauty. Through this subject, students can tap into their creative abilities to capture and express the world's beauty. Exploring various techniques and perspectives, photographers can showcase God's handiwork, inspiring others to marvel at His creation. The curriculum covers lighting, composition, and developing a personal photographic style, culminating in a portfolio designed for a specific audience. Integrity, honesty, and respect are emphasised as students approach their subjects, seeking informed consent and accurately portraying people and events, avoiding manipulation or distortion of truth. As responsible stewards of our talents, photography can uplift and edify others. Students learn to use photography to tell stories, evoke emotions, and convey messages. From a Christian perspective, this visual communication becomes an opportunity to share the Gospel, portray acts of love and compassion, and address social issues aligned with biblical values.
Areas of Study:
• Media language and Composition
• Research and Analysis
• Technical Experiments
• Photography Portfolio
Assessment:
1. Elements of Design & Composition (10%)
2. Photography Research and Analysis (20%)
3. Technical Experiments (10%)
4. Photography Portfolio (60%)
Music: What’s Your Style
Our students are encouraged to explore the God-given creativity. They experiment with sounds to create their own music, and also to learn to interpret various other composers’ works through performance. Students learn to be discerning listeners of music; to understand and identify how these composers have created their works, and to understand the power and the emotional sway that music can have over us –especially when combined with persuasive lyrics. Music is God’s good gift to us, but like all elements of creation, it has been affected by the Fall. Students learn discernment about the music they listen to and to understand what effect it may have on their lives.
Our God is the Creator of the world, the first to create and design (Gen 1). We are made in his image (Gen 1:26), and one element of our nature that reflects God’s nature is our desire to create. Music is a wonderful part of God’s creation – it gives us the ability to express our emotions, communicate feelings and to create and to recreate beauty. It also has the ability to make us think and reflect. This can be achieved through experimentation with music and sounds. Undoubtedly, one of the gifts of music is that, through it, we have the ability to honour our Creator through songs of praise and worship. We can also use music to uplift our souls and teach us more of God (Col 3:16), as God’s people have done all throughout history.
Areas of Study:
• Solo Performance
• Group Performance
• Understanding Genres
• Understanding Elements within Genres
Assessment:
1. Solo Performance (35%)
2. Group Performance (35%)
3. Study of a Genre (20%)
4. Performance of Genre Change (10%)
Physical Education: Basketball Intensive
This is a year-long subject.
This unit has been developed for students who are interested in participating in a basketball intensive. A good pathway subject to Unit 1/2 Physical Education, the elective is designed to improve knowledge and skills in basketball. Assessment will consist of both theory and practical elements. Forming a team to compete in both school and representative competitions, students will improve their own basketball skills, as well as learn how to referee, coach and get the most out of themselves and others physically and mentally (Sports Science). The Basketball Intensive combines physical fitness with spiritual development. It encourages students to honour God through their physical abilities, steward their talents, practice teamwork and sportsmanship, and foster character growth and spiritual mentoring.
Areas of Study:
• Game tactics
• Game analysis
• Nutrition
• Game fitness
• Strength & conditioning
• Refereeing
• Coaching
Assessment:
Semester 1
1. Basketball Improvement Assignment (30%)
2. Basketball Skills & Tactics Practical (40%)
3. Free-throw Progress Report (10%)
4. Coaching Analysis (20%)
Semester 2
1. Basketball Nutrition & Sports Science Assignment (40%)
2. Basketball Skills & Tactics Practical (40%)
3. Refereeing Skills Practical (20%)
Product Design & Technology: Table Making (Wood)
Through the semester, students have the opportunity to develop their creativity and skill in working with different materials to produce functional and decorative products. They learn to develop and make use of God-given talents, conceptually and practically. The students are encouraged to celebrate the diversity of abilities and sense of self-worth inherent in developing and making maximum use of God’s gifting to each of us. Students are required to develop problem-solving skills that are transferable to other areas of schooling and beyond. Students develop design briefs for their product and are required to consider and investigate aspects of function and aesthetics. With regard to a Biblical perspective, students are challenged to consider if what they are making will have a positive influence on our society. Students learn to ask "how can I use my creative talents to help form a better product and way of using what we have?"
Areas of Study:
• Safe use of tooling
• Measuring
• Routing linishing
• Drilling
• Finishing
• Table design for a client
• Table construction
Assessment:
1. Written Assignment: Design & Folio (30%)
2. Product: Coffee Table (70%)
Theatre: Skills & Improvisation
The course is designed to build skills, knowledge and experience in the Drama, allowing students to develop communication and presentation skills as well as improve their confidence and ability to work with others. Students explore issues and develop their understanding of Christian values including courage, integrity, humility and creativity. Drama incorporates ensemble, theoretical and critical evaluation concepts. The program is developmental, moving from improvisation through to play building, devising characters, interpreting text and experimenting with design and technical elements of production. Drama has a body of knowledge linking psychology, social conventions, history and presenting skills. Drama is taught in an environment that encourages the students to take responsibility for their own learning and to value the ideas and contributions of others.
Areas of Study:
• Theatre Sports
• Explore and Express Ideas
• Drama Practices
• Present and Perform
• Respond and Interpret
Assessment:
1. Ensemble Performance (30%)
2. Scripted Performance (30%)
3. Monologue (20%)
4. Production Task (20%)
Visual Communication Design: Digital Design
Studying visual communication design allows individuals to tap into their creative abilities and use them to communicate and express ideas visually. By exploring different design principles, techniques, and mediums, designers can reflect and celebrate God's creativity and the beauty of His creation. Design is a powerful form of communication, involving the intentional use of visual elements to convey messages, evoke emotions, and influence perceptions. Designers have the opportunity to create visuals that uplift, encourage, and point people towards God's love and truth. As Christians, we are called to do everything with excellence and as an act of worship. The study of visual communication design offers an opportunity to develop skills and talents for the glory of God. Designers can strive for excellence in their craft, using their abilities to create work that is visually appealing, functional, and effective in communicating messages. Students plan and research a variety of design processes using the elements and principles of design as they focus on typography, logos and character design.
Areas of Study:
• Elements & Principles of Design – Typography
• Isometric Drawing & Character Design
• Design Portfolio
Assessment:
1. Typography Poster Design (20%)
2. Character Design (30%)
3. Design Portfolio (50%)
