Middle School - Core Subjects (Year 9)

This course consists of three strands: Language, Literature and Literacy. Students will read a range of texts, including novels and film texts, write for a range of audiences and purposes, contribute to class forums and prepare more structured oral presentations. Assessment is based on a range of tasks set by the teacher throughout the year, including text responses, creative writing, persuasive writing, creation of a magazine, prepared speeches and debating. The Australian Curriculum details that students will study the three interconnected strands of language, literature and literacy. There will also be a focus on the creation and analysis of texts as outlined by the Australian Curriculum. For a detailed description please visit http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/Year9

Students are expected to do at least 2 hours per week of home study. This will include the completion of tasks begun in class, working on extended tasks, and reading.

This course spans a time frame of 1750 to 1918 and follows the guidelines outlined in the National Curriculum. It consists of studies of British colonization of Australia, the American Revolution and an overview of its effects and Indigenous relations in America. Following this, students complete a comparative study between NZ and Australian race relations and look in depth at early colonial Australia. Students then investigate the impact of the Industrial revolution, the British East India Company and colonization, conflict and imperialism of China and India, including Dutch and French influence in Asia.  Students also study the American Civil War. Finally, students analyse rebellions in Australia including Eureka, the Kelly outbreak, nationalism and identity and conclude with a study of Australia’s involvement in WW1.

Students will work with primary and secondary sources, will become familiar with issues relating to Australia’s past, present and future and will develop skills to communicate their understandings of history and geography. Assessment will include workbook, essays, document interpretation, assignments and oral reports.

Students are expected to do at least one hour home study per week. They will also be expected to work on extended projects in addition to this time.

Science includes topics from the major disciplines of chemistry, biology, physics and earth and space sciences.  A key unifying theme is sustainability education. Students develop conceptual knowledge. They also develop knowledge of the processes and procedures of science. They experience practical activities that develop knowledge and skill in design, measurement and data organisation. Emphasis is placed on applications of science, the work of scientists and links between science and technology. Assessment tasks include assignments, projects, topic tests, written responses to structured questions and conduct and reporting of practical work. Work products may be submitted in a variety of forms, including written report, verbal report, poster and multimedia presentation.

Students are expected to do at least two hours of home study per week, including regular revision as well as completion of assessment tasks.

Students will study Space, Number, Measurement, Chance and Data, Algebra, and Reasoning and Strategies. They will develop a range of skills through textbook exercises and assignments, problem solving and modelling and projects. Assessment will be based on the degree to which the above skills are demonstrated.

There are also a range of extra curricula activities, including Maths Games Days, Maths Challenges and the Maths Talent Quest.

Students are expected to do at least two hours home study per week. They will also be expected to work on extended projects in addition to this time.

Teachers will recommend students to one of the three Year 10 Maths courses offered based on their performance in Year 9.