Year 9 Curriculum Structure

For further information, please download the 2021 Years 7-9 Curriculum Information

The Year 9 Curriculum is based on the Victorian F-10 Curriculum.  Students experience a learning program which is broad, however, allowing for a large degree of choice with 5 elective subjects included.

The Religious Education learning program follows the curriculum structure set by the Diocese of Sale. 

There is a significant focus on literacy and numeracy with additional class time focussed on English and Mathematics.

The Inquiry and Project Based Learning subject is studied by students for half a year (alternating each semester with the third elective)

Students study 5 electives:

• 1 Arts based elective
• 1 Design Technology based elective
• 1 Digital Technology based elective
• 2 other electives from all options available

Japanese is an elective subject for Year 9.  If selected, it needs to be studied both semesters.  In order to encourage students to study their language and still have a suitable number of elective subjects, students may negotiate to not study one compulsory subject.

Extension Academies are available (semester elective) for students who have a high level of interest in a particular area as well as performing above standard.  An application process applies for admission into an Extension Academy.  Students may negotiate to not study a compulsory subject if they study an Extension Academy subject.

In order to meet student needs and offer more choice and flexibility within the learning program Mathematics, Arts, Technology and Extension Academy subjects are studied as classes with both Year 8 and Year 9 students included.

‘Hands on Learning’ is a program run at both Berwick and Officer Campuses aimed at engaging students at school to help them discover their talents and experience success.  This supportive program sees students grow in confidence and increase their sense of connection to school.

Students will participate in a 5 day outdoor education expedition experience called Outward Bound.

The Individual Support Program is available for students who require their learning program to be adjusted to support them with literacy intervention or general program support.  Numeracy intervention is offered through the mathematics learning program.

Students are supported through the Care Group Program which focusses on:

• Student personal development being known deeply
• Student learning needs and progress being known deeply
• Students feeling a strong sense of connection to the College and their peers
• Students developing the skills of wellbeing through explicit instruction

Subjects studied in Semester 1

• Religious Education – 3 options
• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Humanities
• Health and Physical Education
• Elective 1
• Elective 2
• Elective 3
• Care Group

Subjects studied in Semester 2

• Religious Education – 3 options
• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Humanities
• Health and Physical Education
• Elective 4
• Elective 5
• Inquiry and Projects Based Learning subject
• Care Group

Arts subjects

• Dance
• Drama
• Media
• Music
• Visual Art
• Visual Communication

Design Technology subjects

• Electronics
• Food
• Horticulture
• Textiles
• Wood

Digital Technology subjects

• Digital Technology 1
• Digital Technology 2

Extension Academies

• Health Sciences
• Humanities
• Literature
• Performing Arts
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
• Sport
• Visual Arts

Additional Year 9 Electives

• Japanese Semester 1 (students studying Japanese can negotiate not studying another compulsory subject)
• Japanese Semester 2 (students studying Japanese can negotiate not studying another compulsory subject)
• History: Australians at War
• Economics and Business
• Health and Physical Education: Fitness and Training

Individual Support Program (ISP)

(studied as an alternative to another subject in consultation with the College)

• ISP – Literacy (Years 8 and 9)
• ISP – Program Support (Years 7, 8 and 9)
• ISP – Numeracy (through the mathematics program)