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Year 9
 Age Appropriate Learning
Beaconhills embraces a four sub-school structure that recognises and endorses the understanding that this year level is a distinct group. Students in Year 9 have very specific and legitimate needs, which are addressed so these young people can function effectively, successfully and positively in our global based knowledge society.
Year 9 schooling at Beaconhills is integrated and unit based. This exciting approach to education focuses on engaging the students in a variety of learning opportunities while maintaining all the academic rigour of a more conservative structure. This innovative, student-driven programme involves inquiry and experiential learning. Specifically tailored for Year 9 students, it accommodates the transitional stage of adolescence. Based on the latest educational research it aims to extract the ‘personal best’ from each and every student in order to maximise their potential.
The Year 9 Centres are purpose built and multimedia rich, with online presentation areas.
Each term, there are four distinct core unit plus a language elective of French, Japanese or Asian Studies. Units run for a term and are planned under the following titles:
Mathematics/Science
- Indices and Expanding Brackets / Chemistry
- Pythagoras, Trigonometry and Measurement / Sustainability
- Probability and Statistics / Environmental Science
- Linear Equations / Human Body
English/Humanities
- Migration
- Global Inequalities
- Romeo and Juliet / Elizabethan History
- Indigenous History
Design, Creativity and Multimedia
- Design and Animation
- Digital Imaging and Analysis
- Web Design
- Art and Ingenious Imaginations
Multidisciplinary
- Student Issues
- Team Building
- Personal Best
- Common Good
The week is broken into four Discovery Days and one Experiential Day. Discovery Days usually occur at school, while Experiential Days vary in composition from a single all day focus to a range of foci. Experiential days may be off campus.
Along with the formal uniform, Year 9 students wear a unique, functional and neat, casual uniform, when appropriate: this provides them with a suitably separate identity.
Our specialist Year 9 staff are passionate and gifted educators, with outstanding skills and abilities in relating to Year 9 students.
Elective Programme
Students undertake one elective per semester. Electives are offered in the Learning Areas of:
- Technology
- Health and Physical Education
- Performing Arts
- Visual Arts
Personal Best
Students record the year in a reflective, electronic and hard copy paper portfolio, which is available for parents to access in the second semester.
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.
Community
A designated Head of Year 9 oversees the running of programmes 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.
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