Year 9

Year 9 is a significant year in a student’s educational journey, marking a pivital year both academically and socially. It is a time when students begin to make informed decisions that will shape their future, such as selecting subjects for Senior School and exploring pathways that align with their interests and career aspirations. Alongside these academic developments, Year 9 is also a crucial period for social-emotional growth. Year 9’s undergo significant personal change, becoming more self-aware and develop stronger emotional intelligence. They navigate the complexities of friendships, identity, and relationships, build resilience and empathy along the way. As students gain greater independence in both their learning and personal lives, Year 9 provides a foundation for success in school and prepares them for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in Senior School.

Curriculum

Year 9 Students are exposed to a variety of different subjects and also have the opportunity to select electives in the areas that interest them most.

Core Subjects

Mathematics

English

Humanities

Science

Health/PE

German

Hold Fast

Electives (Semester long)

Food Technology

Pâtisserie

Music

Drama

Materials Technology

Visual Communication

Media

Art

Hold Fast - Achievement Program

HOLD FAST - The Macleod College motto, originated from the clan Macleod Dunvegan castle in the Isle of Skye. Meaning to be strong and resilient.

The aim of the ‘HOLD FAST’ program will be to:

  • Provide a daily and weekly platform for 21st century skills, Positive Education, Careers, Respectful Relationships, Mindfulness, Leadership, Rock and Water, Study Skills, Global Citizenship and Learning Plans

  • Create a more personalised schooling and learning experience for students

  • To provide students with the opportunity to set and reflect on SMART goals and develop a digital learning portfolio through the ‘my future’ website that will be monitored by a mentor teacher and discussed with families

Careers & Future Planning

Students have access to our Future Pathways Leader, Donna Morante, if they need any assistance in their future planning or any help in entering the workforce. Throughout the Hold Fast program, Year 9 students have a focus on careers and preparing for the workforce as students in year 9 start looking for part-time jobs.

Collaboratively, students explore the reasons why people choose to work. Topics include the benefits of engaging in enriching work, having a deeper purpose behind your work, and the different types of work available to young people. Students explore the connections between the skills they develop in the classroom, and how those skills can be applied in contemporary workplaces.

Morrisby Profile
The Morrisby Career Profile offers Year 9 students valuable insights into their strengths, interests, and potential career paths. By completing assessments that evaluate skills, personality traits, and preferences, students gain a clearer understanding of their abilities and how they align with various occupations. This personalised report helps students make informed decisions about their subject choices, future educational pathways, and career aspirations. The Morrisby Career Profile also boosts self-awareness, enhances decision-making, and provides guidance on setting realistic and fulfilling career goals.

Excursions, Incursions & Camps

Camps, excursions, and incursions offer invaluable experiences that enhance learning and personal development. They provide opportunities for hands-on engagement with nature, history, and culture, fostering a deeper understanding of the world. These experiences encourage teamwork and social skills, as participants collaborate and connect outside the classroom setting. Additionally, they can spark curiosity and ignite a passion for exploration, making education more dynamic and memorable. Overall, these activities enrich the educational journey, promoting not just academic growth but also personal growth and resilience.

Some of the activities that year 9 students at Macleod College experience are:

  • City Experience: A city experience for Year 9 students offers valuable learning opportunities, exposing them to real-world geography, history, and culture. It fosters independence as students navigate urban environments and interact with diverse people. This experience encourages critical thinking, broadens horizons, and helps develop skills that benefit both academic and personal growth.

  • School Swimming and Athletics Days: All students participate in a yearly swimming and athletics days. Students are encouraged to dress up and participate in the day! Any students who place in the competitions are invited to move on to the next round.

  • Health Days: Positive Physical, Mental, Social & Emotional health is promoted throughout the year during the Health and PE program. During the year, year 8 students will engage in a Health day. This day is catered to the students needs and can include different organisations such as Man Cave, Big Sister Experience, Live Life Whole, YMCA, Banyule Youth, Headspace and more!

  • End of Semester Celebration: Year 9 students acknowledge the end of Semester 1 with a fun activity. Students are given the opportunity to have input into what this celebration looks like. One of the highlights was the Pizza, PJ and movie night!

  • YMCA Fitness Sessions: Year 9 students attend a series of sessions at the local YMCA to improve their physical health, build teamwork skills, boost self-confidence, and develop lifelong habits for well-being.

  • Year 9 Shrine of Remembrance: Visiting the Shrine of Remembrance helps Year 9 students gain a deeper understanding of Australia's history, fostering respect for those who served in war and encouraging reflection on the values of service, sacrifice, and national identity.