Teaching & Learning
Year 9 English
In Year 9, students explore how texts entertain, educate, and manipulate audiences across genres. They begin with Horror, uncovering how fear reveals truths about humanity through symbolism and iconography. In a unit on Science Fiction, they analyse themes, warnings, and multimodal techniques that reflect social anxieties. Through novel study, students investigate how language and context shape socio-political representations of people, events, and ideas. Finally, they examine interpretive texts, learning how writers subtly influence readers through storytelling, humour, and reflection. Across these units, students develop analytical skills in language, structure, and style, recognising how texts position audiences and shape understanding of the world.
Year 9 English deepens analysis, interpretation, and awareness of how language shapes ideas, perspectives, and power.
Year 9 Maths
In the Lower Secondary years, our Mathematics program is designed to build confidence, logical reasoning, and analytical skills. We follow the Western Australian Curriculum (SCSA), ensuring every student develops the numeracy skills essential for everyday life and future careers.
To support our teaching, we use the Cambridge Essential Mathematics for the WA Curriculum series. This resource provides students with a consistent, high-quality framework that includes digital interactives, scaffolded examples, and varied practice problems to cater to all learning levels.
Year 9: Developing Depth and Logic
As students move into Year 9, the curriculum emphasizes “why” math works, focusing on problem-solving and reasoning.
- Number & Algebra: Introduction to index laws (powers), scientific notation, and expanding/factoring algebraic expressions.
- Measurement & Geometry: A major focus is on Pythagoras’ Theorem and an introduction to Trigonometry (using ratios to find side lengths and angles in right-angled triangles).
- Statistics & Probability: Comparing data sets and calculating probabilities for “two-step” events (like rolling two dice).
Year 9 Science
In Year 9 Science, students take their investigations further by testing ideas, building models, and carrying out experiments safely. They explore how living things adapt to their environments, including through hands-on learning in our Aquaculture Centre, where they study koi fish, silver perch, and marron and how these organisms survive and thrive. Students also investigate atoms, chemical reactions, and how Earth’s carbon and water cycles affect our climate. They examine how light and sound travel and how science and technology work together to shape our world.
Year 9 Science challenges students to think deeply, experiment boldly, and connect science to real-world issues.
Year 9 Technologies
Exploring creativity, culture, and code through design, innovation, and hands-on mastery.
In Year 9 Design and Technologies, students dive deeper into a range of engaging contexts including Wood and Metal Technologies, Gaming and Programming, Food Technology and International Foods, Multimedia, and Photography. They refine practical skills in designing and constructing with timber and metal, applying engineering principles and workshop safety. In Digital Technologies, students explore game design, coding, and problem-solving through interactive platforms. Food Technology introduces global cuisines, nutrition, and sustainable cooking practices, while Multimedia and Photography empower students to communicate visually through digital storytelling, image editing, and creative media production. Across all areas, students are encouraged to think critically, work collaboratively, and apply ethical and sustainable design practices to real-world challenges.
Year 9 HASS
In Year 9 HASS, students explore how voter decisions are influenced and examine the structure and function of the Australian court system in Civics and Citizenship. In Economics, they investigate Australia’s role in the global economy, with a focus on trade and government involvement. Geography covers biomes and food security, as well as the geography of interconnections, including transport and information and communication technologies (ICT). In History, students study Australia’s colonisation from two perspectives, and delve into the causes, events, and impacts of World War I.
Students build strong source analysis skills, learning to critically examine historical evidence to deepen their understanding of the past.
Year 9 HPE
Students tackle big topics like mental health, relationships, and drug safety. They learn how to manage emotions, ask for help, and make smart choices. In sport, they take on leadership roles, coach, and referee. It’s about growing confidence and responsibility.
Year 9 Visual Arts
Exploring personal expression, creative techniques, and cultural perspectives through visual storytelling.
In Year 9 Visual Arts, students build on their artistic foundations by experimenting with more complex materials, techniques, and visual conventions. They explore both 2D and 3D art forms—such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media—while developing their own creative voice. Students investigate themes and concepts, document their design process, and apply compositional structures to produce resolved artworks that communicate artistic intention. They critically analyse traditional and contemporary art, considering how artists are influenced by culture, time, and place. Safe studio practices, personal reflection, and audience awareness are key components, empowering students to create meaningful and visually engaging work.
In Semester 1, explore the world of Surrealism with hands-on drawing and printing your unique t-shirt design. Then discover your inner sculptor by creating a Shark Head inspired by Lorien Stern.
In Semester 2, discover your own creative style by experimenting with mixed media. You will design and develop a mixed media portrait of a person that inspires them. Students take ownership over the project and design and produce a functional sculpture of their choice. Every Visual Art session buzz with creative energy and innovative fun, making art a subject you won’t want to miss out on.
