YEAR 9

English

This unit is built around the three interrelated strands of Reading and Viewing, Writing and Speaking and Listening. The focus is on extending students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in language, literature and literacy. Through the reading and viewing of a variety of texts, students will explore themes and issues such as culture, societal values, conflict and relationships. Common Assessment Tasks include:

• Analytical Interpretation Analysing

• Argument

• Presenting Argument (debating)

• Crafting and Creating Texts

All learning extends to the literacy skills developed in Year 8 English.

Mathematics

At the Year 9 level, students extend their fundamental Mathematical skills into new areas of study. They are encouraged to find solutions to real-life mathematical problems through the application of theorems and processes by building on and extending their knowledge in the following areas:

• Measurement: Using units of measurement Geometry

• Real Numbers: Investigating time scales

• Statistics and Probability

• Financial Mathematics

• Linear and Non-Linear Relationships Algebra

• Pythagoras and Trigonometry Students take part in a variety of learning activities, both computer and non-computer based.

Students are assessed using a variety of measures, including tests, assignments, problem-solving activities and homework tasks, including the use of websites such as MathSpace and Essential Assessment.

Science

In this unit, students undertake studies in Chemistry, Physics and Biology. Students will continue to learn theories and conduct experiments to deepen their knowledge of the content covered. For Chemistry students will explore Atomic Theory and Chemical Reactions as well Acids and Bases. From Year 8 students will continue to develop an understanding of the Human Body Systems, including immune system (Diseases) and the nervous system. The Physics unit of Electricity provides the students with the opportunity to explore electrical circuits and how different components can influence how the electricity operates. Students continue to examine how Plate tectonics and continental drift have impacted our lives today.

Italian - Tutto in un giorno!

Language elective and is only completed as a semester 2 subject.

Connect with Italian culture through fun and entertaining language classes. Explore topics based around cinema and music whilst including discussions about your favourite things. Talk about holidays plans and your weekly routines…all in Italian Immerse yourself in the time of the Renaissance. What was living in the amazing town of Florence like during the time of the great masters Leonardo Michelangelo, Donatello, Rafael and of course not forgetting Dante and Galileo.

Spend time exploring the geographic features of Italy whilst investigating what has influenced the Italian lifestyle and special regional characteristics.

Learn Italian language with:

• Up to date education materials

• Multiple resources

• Learn through practice using games and roleplays

Health and Physical Education

Year 9 Health requirements are covered by the CLC project.

Year 9 Physical Education uses the Game Sense model to teach students various sports in the game sense categories. The aim is for students to understand the similar skills in each sport category and transfer these skills to each sport in the Game Sense category.

Term 1 students complete fitness testing, pickle ball and athletics field event training.

Term 2: Net/Wall sports of badminton, tennis, volleyball, bat tennis and table tennis.

Term 3: Invasion sports. Football, soccer, netball, lacrosse, basketball and touch rugby.

Term 4: Target sports. Frisbee golf, bocce, corn hole. Bat and ball sports: Golf, baseball and long ball.

Students are to change into the Wangaratta High School PE uniform for practical sessions and if students are injured or ill, they need to bring a note of explanation to their teacher.

Physical Education Electives

Introduction to VET Sport and Recreation

This subject gives students an understanding of VET Sport and Recreation Certificate III which is offered in Year 11 and Year 12. This Year 9 elective subject will give students a sample of units covered in VET. Students will study muscles, bones, coaching styles, training programs, warm-up, and cool-down procedures and students will be required to plan and teach a lesson, either at a Primary school or to their peers. The subject has practical and theoretical components.

Humanities

History and Geography

In Year 9 History and Geography students study the making of the modern world form 1750 to 1918 looking at the changes caused by technological and social change during this era with a particular focus on World War I. Students also investigate how people, through their choices and actions, are connected to places throughout the world in a wide variety of ways, and how these connections help to make and change places and their environments with a focus on the tourist industry.

Economics & Civics

In Year 9 Economics and Civics, students consider how the Australian economy is performing and the importance of its interactions and relationships with the global economy in achieving growth and prosperity. Students explore the way the work and business environment is changing in contemporary Australia and globally and the implications this has for current and future work and the work of entrepreneurs. Students investigate the features and principles of Australia’s court system, including its role in applying and interpreting Australian law. They also investigate the values and practices that enable a democratic society to be sustained.

Major areas of study include:

• Wet and dry cooking methods

• Work with a range of ingredients and processes

• Health and Safety

• The design cycle including design briefs, meal planning and evaluation

• Principles of food science

• Food and sustainability

Students will be assessed on production activities, theory-based tasks and evaluation.

Performing Arts

Music

In Year 9 Music students will study and learn the following key units of work:

• Performance: students work in small groups to prepare and perform works.

• Musicianship Skills: analysis of music, listening, aural and theory skills.

• History of Music: research project on a particular decade of rock music.

• Composition: computer-based composition.