Year 9
The unique and exciting approach to education in Year 9 at Beaconhills focuses on engaging the students in a variety of learning opportunities while maintaining all of the academic rigour of a more conservative structure. This innovative, student-driven program involves inquiry and experiential based learning. Specifically tailored for Year 9 students, it accommodates the transitional stage of adolescence. The program aims to develop a sense of academic integrity from each and every student in order to maximise their potential within the broader College goal of academic excellence.
Accordingly, the Year 9 Centres at both campuses are purpose built, multimedia rich learning environments. The Year 9 program is delivered by a specialist staff who are passionate educators, with outstanding skills and abilities in relating to Year 9 students.
Each term, there are four distinct core units studied plus a language elective of French, Japanese or Asian Studies.
Units run for a term and are planned under the following titles:
- Mathematics/Science including: environmental and sustainability studies and the human body, chemistry and physics.
- English/Humanities including, indigenous history, literature studies, global inequalities and migration.
- Design, Creativity and Multimedia including, design and animation, digital imaging and web design.
- Multidisciplinary including, student issues, team building, personal best and common good.
The week is broken into four academic days and one Experiential Day. Academic days occur at school and focus on delivery of curriculum material, while Experiential Days vary in composition and may be undertaken on or off campus.
Along with the formal academic uniform, Year 9 students wear a unique, functional and neat, casual uniform, when appropriate: this provides them with a suitably separate identity.
Elective Program
Students undertake one elective per semester. Electives are offered in the Learning Areas of:
- Technology
- Health and Physical Education
- Performing Arts
- Visual Arts
Program Cornerstones
Students record the year in a reflective, electronic and hard copy portfolio, which is available for parents to access on Personal Best Night.
All students participate in a nine day Outward Bound Expedition in the Snowy River region and participate in rafting, abseiling and climbing as part of their ‘Team Building’ unit.
During the year, students spend time experiencing the rich culture of the City of Melbourne visiting museums, gardens and galleries.
The Common Good initiative provides students the opportunity to extend their awareness and become involved as responsible global citizens.
Pastoral Care
A designated Head of Year 9 oversees the running of programs at each campus, including the well being of all Year 9 students. Each student meets every morning in House groupings of approximately eighteen students with a staff tutor. Registered counsellors and nurses form part of the student welfare support network.
Co-Curricular
The full array of co-curricular activities offered by the College is accessible to all Year 9 students. They participate in the Inter-House carnivals and festivals and may represent the College in the regional and state competitions.