Year 9

Year 9 students have had a successful year completing our engaging and innovative Discover program. Students embraced the dynamic nature of the program through Adventure, Communication, Challenge, Identity and Expression units, in conjunction with their core subjects. Discover gave them the opportunity to be immersed in project-based learning and develop future proof skills such as critical-thinking, collaboration, self-management, research and thinking skills.

Below are some insights from the students Adventure provided me with a knowledge of Geography, a subject which I was completely new to, but was interesting all the same. I learnt at camp to never stop discovering what I am capable of, as opposed to simply ‘try everything’ (which I have heard so many times). Hiking, rock climbing and abseiling, who knew I would be able to do them all? It was during these four days that I confronted my ‘weaknesses’, accepted them, and got to know myself better, emotionally.

Chloe Telling During Expression I really enjoyed Food Technology because I love cooking, I also enjoyed working on a project that required a lot of creativity. I liked the balance between creativity and physical activity.

Jess Pacevski

The Challenge rotation gave me many new and enjoyable experiences in the STEM subjects. For the major assessment I chose to build a robot and program it to detect fire hazard areas. As I had never built a robot before, it created a new memory that I will never forget.

Simone Martin

By the end of the Identity rotation, we had a pure understanding of the significance of Australia’s longlasting history and demonstrated this knowledge through producing a fun video which intended to persuade our class to vote for us as ‘Prime Minister’. Overall, I enjoyed Identity as it both challenged and broadened my understanding of Australian culture.

Alisha McGaffin

I liked communication as I enjoy doing research tasks and writing reports and articles. Communication taught me the best ways to research and get relevant information. I enjoyed the independence of the rotation because we got to work at our own pace.

Keiley Crook During Semester 2, the Middle School Captains began publishing a newsletter providing an update on activities in Year 9, as well as key reminders. It was also an opportunity to acknowledge birthdays and share study tips, exercise and meditation ideas, as well as some laughs.

Reflection Day was a great opportunity to hear from passionate Indigenous activist Scott Darlow. He shared his thought-provoking insights about his Indigenous culture, racial tolerance, harmony and important social matters through song and with humour. Students also created a stained-glass window representing this year’s College theme 'Let your light shine for others' and wrote Christmas messages to the remote community of Santa Teresa in the Northern Territory.

Amanda Morris and Eliza Fildes Year 9 Learning Coordinators