Students experience a learning program which is broad and allows for a large degree of choice with elective subjects included.

• The Religious Education learning program follows the curriculum structure set by the Diocese of Sale.
• There is a significant focus on literacy and numeracy with additional class time for English and Mathematics.
• Languages are compulsory for a minimum of one semester for Year 9 students. Students wishing to continue their languages education further may select to study the language in both semesters. It must be the language studied in Year 8. Students with customised programs that did not study a language in Year 8 do not need to select one in Year 9.
• Students study 5 electives:
  • 1 Arts based elective
  • 1 Design Technology based elective
  • 1 Digital Technologies based elective
  • 2 other electives from all options available
• The Enrichment Program is available (semester elective) for students who have a high level of interest and skill in a particular area. Criteria apply.

To meet student needs and offer more choice and flexibility within the learning program some RE and Enrichment Program subjects may be studied as classes with both Year 8 and Year 9 students included.

WHEN SELECTING ELECTIVES PLEASE NOTE:

SUBJECTS WILL ONLY RUN WHERE THERE ARE SUFFICIENT NUMBERS AND THE SUBJECT CAN BE STAFFED.

STUDENTS SHOULD CAREFULLY CHOOSE RESERVE SUBJECTS IN THE EVENT THAT A SUBJECT WILL NOT RUN.

Year 9 - Religious Education*

In Year 9 Religious Education, students will examine their role in wider society and the world. By studying a variety of social justice issues, students will explore how the Catholic Tradition challenges everyone to contribute in a meaningful way. Through the study of Catholic Social Teaching and the social principals of other faiths, students are asked to examine and communicate their own personal decision making and how they hold themselves accountable for their actions today and into the future.

*Students may apply to do the elective options of Cantabile or Youth Ministry in place of Core RE.

Future Directions
Students continue to study Religious Education as a Core Subject in Year 10. They also have the potential to enrol in elective courses: Youth Ministry or Cantabile.

Year 9 - English

Year 9 English curriculum is built around the three interrelated strands of Language, Literature and Literacy. Together the strands focus on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in listening, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating. Year 9 English builds on concepts, skills and processes developed in earlier year levels and introduces students to the analysis of how authors use language for different purposes.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed into Year 10 English or Year 10 Advanced English.

Year 9 - Mathematics

Year 9 students continue to develop and consolidate their numeracy skills across a range of mathematical concepts from the Victorian Curriculum. They engage with key Year 9 Mathematics content while also addressing gaps in their understanding through differentiated learning approaches. Students are provided with varied opportunities to build confidence and become creative, capable, and effective communicators of Mathematics.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 10 Mathematics.

Year 9 - Advanced Mathematics*

Year 9 students who demonstrate achievement above the expected standard may be invited to participate in the Advanced Mathematics course. This program is designed to extend and accelerate learning in alignment with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0. Students engage in rich problem-solving experiences, collaborative inquiry, and investigative projects that deepen conceptual understanding and introduce new areas of mathematical study. Through these experiences, students develop as confident, creative and effective communicators of mathematical thinking, applying reasoning and justification in increasingly sophisticated ways.

*This subject is studied with Year 8 students of the same ability

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 10 Advanced Mathematics.

Year 9 - Science

In Year 9 Science, student learning focus is on explaining phenomena involving science and its applications. Students consider both classic and contemporary science contexts to explain the operation of systems at a range of scales. At a microscopic scale, they consider the atom as a system of protons, electrons, and neutrons. They learn that matter can be rearranged through chemical change and that these changes play an important role in many systems. At a macroscopic scale, they explore ways in which the human body as a system responds to its external environment and investigate the interdependencies between biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems. They develop a more sophisticated view of energy transfer by applying the concept of the conservation of matter in a variety of contexts. Atomic theory is used to understand relationships within the periodic table of elements. Students understand that forces are related by applying physical laws.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 10 Science electives.

Year 9 - Health and Physical Education

In Year 9 Health and Physical Education, students take part in a wide range of activities designed to build fundamental movement skills, including strength balance, coordination and teamwork. The program aims to improve students’ fitness, confidence, and positive participation in physical activity while encouraging respectful behaviour and good sportsmanship. Students will participate in a variety of sports and activities, including Fitness, Basketball, Olympic sports and SEPEP. Throughout the year, students will also explore a range of health topics and investigate current local, national, and global issues during theory lessons, helping them develop knowledge and skills to support healthy nutrition. Topics studied include consent, managing risks and respectful relationships.

Future Directions
Successful completion of Year 9 Health and Physical Education can lead to Year 10 Physical Education, Fitness, Year 10 Health, and the study of VET Sport Coaching for both Netball and AFL.

Year 9 - Humanities

The Humanities course includes four main areas of study: Geography, Business and Economics, History and Civics and Citizenship. The study of Humanities will encourage and challenge students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to question, understand and contribute to the world in which they live.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 10 – Geography, Year 10 – Business and Economics, Year 10 – Civics and Citizenship, Year 10 – History.

Year 9 - Languages: Japanese (Semester long core)

This subject covers the study of the Japanese language. It focuses on the development of vocabulary, sentences structures and more detailed Kanji. A focus on daily life, school and family are the key components of Year 9 Japanese classes. Through the study of Japanese language students develop their skills in oral and aural language, reading and writing. Students also develop their ability to analyse and interpret comprehension tasks relating to their daily lives.

Future Directions
Students on this pathway option are unable to continue with Japanese. The skills and language learnt here will support future travel and contact with Japanese speaking people.

Year 9 - Languages: Spanish (Semester long core)

This subject covers the study of the Spanish language, focusing on advanced vocabulary, sentence structures, and the use of past and future tenses. Key components of Year 9 Spanish include the study of personality, careers, health, and travel. Through this course, students enhance their oral, aural, reading, and writing skills. They also develop the ability to analyse and interpret materials related to their personal identity and future aspirations.

Future Directions
Students on this pathway option are unable to continue with Spanish. The skills and language learnt here will support future travel and contact with Spanish speaking people.

Students wishing to apply for either 8/9 Cantabile or 8/9 Youth Ministry must complete this application form by 4pm, June 15, 2026.

Year 8/9 - Religious Education: Cantabile*

In Year 8/9 Cantabile, students will be involved in theory and practical classes, building their knowledge on servant leadership through music ministry in the school and wider community. The concepts studied will be reflected in the hymns prepared for and sung at Campus liturgical celebrations and other events. Emphasis on breathing technique, musicianship and other performance skills will be explored. Being part of Cantabile will mean that students will lead music ministry at a variety of school events, requiring out of hours commitment.

*Students must complete an application form (see link just below heading for RE Options) by 4pm, June 16 to be considered for the program. This form is also available on the Year Level Team page for current Year 7 & 8 students.

Future Directions
Students continue to study Religious Education as a Core Subject as they progress through the College. They can also apply to continue in Cantabile or apply to enrol in Youth Ministry in the place of Core Studies.

Year 8/9 - Religious Education: Youth Ministry*

In Year 8/9 Youth Ministry, students will explore the foundations of Christian leadership through active participation in ministry-related activities. They will engage with and lead practical aspects of Youth Ministry by taking part in fundraising initiatives, prayer and liturgy projects, and facilitating Sacrament workshops for primary school groups. Students will contribute to class discussions and foster positive relationships with peers. Students in this subject will need to be committed beyond normal class time to help prepare and lead liturgies and events.

*Students must complete an application form (see link just below heading for RE Options) by 4pm, June 16 to be considered for the program. This form is also available on the Year Level Team page for current Year 7 & 8 students.

Future Directions
Students continue to study Religious Education as a Core Subject. They can also apply to continue in Youth Ministry or apply to enrol in Cantabile in the place of Core studies.

Year 9 - Languages: Japanese (Year Long elective)

This subject covers the study of the Japanese language. It focuses on the development of vocabulary, sentences structures and more detailed Kanji. A focus on daily life, school and family are the key components of Year 9 Japanese classes. Through the study of Japanese language students develop their skills in oral and aural language, reading and writing. Students also develop their ability to analyse and interpret comprehension tasks relating to their daily lives.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 10 Japanese.

Year 9 - Languages: Spanish (Year Long elective)

This subject covers the study of the Spanish language, focusing on advanced vocabulary, sentence structures, and the use of past and future tenses. Key components of Year 9 Spanish include the study of personality, careers, health, and travel. Through this course, students enhance their oral, aural, reading, and writing skills. They also develop the ability to analyse and interpret materials related to their personal identity and future aspirations.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 10 Spanish. Students will gain the linguistic confidence to manage a variety of communication purposes and advanced grammar in preparation for senior secondary levels.

Year 9 - Media Arts: 3D Modelling and Animation

Students develop an understanding of basic 3D modelling and animation techniques through a series of learning modules. Topics studied include understanding 3D primitives, low polygon modelling, lighting and material properties and rendering. Students will learn design elements and principles and animation principles as part of developing their project work from a design brief.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide students with a strong foundation in digital design and animation. The skills developed in this subject will support future learning in Year 10 electives, and benefit students interested in pursuing VCE Media Arts, Visual Communication Design, or VET Screen and Media.

Year 9 - Arts: Dance

This subject covers cultural dance and its influence on modern Australian dance styles. Through the study of different cultural dances, students develop their skills in performing, analysing, and choreographing dance. Students also develop their knowledge and understanding of the Elements of Dance, Choreographic Devices, Group Structures and Movement Categories.

Students analyse choreographers’ use of the elements of dance, choreographic devices, and form and production elements to communicate choreographic intent in dances they make, perform and view. They evaluate the impact of dance from different cultures, times, and locations.

Future Directions
This subject can lead to Year 10 Dance and VCE Pathways.

Year 9 - Arts: Drama

This subject covers drama from a variety of styles and time periods and focuses on the development of skills learned in Year 7 and 8 (for those who studied Drama). Students develop their skills in understanding role, character, and theatrical conventions, while manipulating expressive skills. They research and examine the historical, social, and cultural contexts behind these styles and their impact on performance. Students learn about the Production Areas associated with theatrical performance and how these areas can enhance storytelling and the overall aesthetic of a production. Students also develop their ability to analyse dramatic performance, explore meaning and interpretation and evaluate actor ability within their own and other’s work.

This subject can be studied in Year 9.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 10 Drama and VCE pathways.

Year 8 and 9 - Arts: Music Performance

The Music curriculum aims to build the confidence of our students to be creative, innovative, thoughtful, skilful, and informed musicians. Through active participation, students develop skills to listen, improvise, compose, interpret, perform, and respond with intent and purpose. Students extend their understanding of music as an aural art form by broadening their knowledge and respect for music and music practices across global communities, cultures, and musical traditions.

NB. This subject can be studied both semesters.

This subject can be studied in Year 8 and in Year 9.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Music in Year 10.

Year 9 - Visual Arts: Art and Identity

In Year 9 Visual Art: Art and Identity, students learn about the importance and significance of Art throughout history and in the broader context of society. They explore the theme of identity and develop their own ideas independently and collaboratively by research, experimentation, and refinement in a folio. Students experiment with and apply a variety of materials and techniques to create resolved artworks that communicate, express and challenge ideas. They reflect on their own Art and that of others by using Arts language.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 10 Visual Arts and/or Visual Communication Design.

Year 9 - Visual Communication Design: Environment and Interactive Design

In Year 9 Visual Communication Design: Environment and Interactive, students explore the design fields of Environment and Interactive design. They learn skills in documentation drawing, using drawing boards and instruments to draw architectural drawings to scale. They experiment with a variety of media, materials, and methods (including digital methods) and Design Elements and Principles to develop ideas. They present a final solution for an Interactive design in response to a brief.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 10 Visual Arts and/or Visual Communication Design.

Year 9 - Design Technology: Food Technology

Students learn to work safely and hygienically in the kitchen whilst developing their food preparation skills.
As they prepare a variety of food products, emphasis is on making good food choices. Students use the Design Process of investigation, design, production, and evaluation to prepare products that address a specific brief.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed Year 10 Food Studies.

Year 9 - Design Technology: Horticulture

Food and fibre are the human-produced or harvested resources used to sustain life. They are produced in managed environments such as farms, gardens and plantations or harvested from wild populations. Challenges for world food and fibre production include an increasing world population and an uncertain climate, and competition for resources such as land and water. These pose ethical challenges, for example in relation to economic, environmental and social sustainability.

In Horticulture, students have opportunities to engage in these challenges by understanding the processes of food and fibre production, and by investigating innovative and ethical, including sustainable, ways of supplying agriculturally produced raw materials. They progressively develop knowledge and understanding about the managed systems that produce food and fibre by creating designed solutions.
In this Unit, students investigate many aspects associated with basic horticultural processes. This includes the design, planning and construction of a vegetable garden and all aspects of growing and maintaining vegetable seedlings. Students develop an understanding of environmental factors and climatic conditions that affect plant growth. They investigate different breeds of chickens and their uses and work with the Campus flock.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to care for their own home gardens and to raise poultry and consider Horticulture in Year 10.

Year 9 - Design Technology: Materials Technology

In this subject, students will refresh their learning from Years 7 or 8 to be inducted and receive training in working safely with tools, machinery and workshop processes. Students will consider a design context and user needs in designing and making a furnishing product. The project will be documented in a ‘Design Folio’ presenting the journey from initial analysis of the context to creating the designed solution using timbers and plastics. Digital laser cut processes will be introduced to create the decorative components of the designed product.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Product Design Technology.

Year 9 - Design Technology: Textiles

Textiles supports students to develop skills specific to the planning and production of items constructed of fabric and fibres. Students will investigate and make judgements on how the characteristics and properties of materials, tools and equipment can be combined to create designed solutions. They will be required to create designed solutions based on a need or opportunity. This process involves investigating, generating, producing, evaluating, planning, and managing a textiles project.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students proceed to Year 10 Textiles and VCE Product Design: Textiles

Year 9 - Digital Technologies: Creative Digital Solutions

Creative Digital Solutions is a practical and design-focused Year 9 Digital Technologies course where students create digital media, design user experiences and build interactive digital solutions. Students use tools such as Photoshop and Adobe software to produce visual content, including a mock-up posters, while learning how images, sound, video and text are represented and compressed in digital systems.

Students investigate real-world digital platforms, including websites and social media, to understand how design, data, usability, accessibility, ethics and audience needs shape digital experiences. They plan website journeys using flowcharts and pseudocode, then apply programming and problem-solving skills to create, test and improve digital solutions.

Through creative project work, students develop skills in design thinking, computational thinking, digital content production, algorithm design, testing, debugging and evaluation. The course prepares students to become thoughtful creators of digital products, not just users of technology.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide foundation for students to proceed to Year 10 Computing - General and Year 10 Computing - Programming.

Year 9 - Digital Technologies: Digital Systems

In this Year 9 Digital Systems course, students consolidate their systems thinking by exploring how hardware and software components interact within networking architecture to manage, control, and secure access to data. They use Cisco Packet Tracer, a powerful simulation tool, to design, build, and test virtual networks—developing hands-on skills in configuring and understanding modern computer networks without the need for physical devices.

Students examine key aspects of cybersecurity, modelling threat scenarios and analysing vulnerabilities such as supply chain breaches. They evaluate how digital systems enforce data protection and access control, referencing the Australian Privacy Principles to justify their choices. This includes implementing security measures like cryptographic hashing for password storage to minimise risks associated with data breaches and password reuse.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide foundation for students to proceed to Year 10 Computing-General and Year 10 Computing-Programming.

Year 9 - Digital Technologies: Robotics

In Year 9 Robotics, students take a deeper dive into the mechanical and computational engineering behind robotics. Working in teams, they design, construct, and program robots capable of transporting and handling materials across varied scenarios. The course focuses on automated systems enhanced with sensor integration to enable independent decision-making and navigation.

Students complete a major project where they research, design, build, and test a materials-handling robot, evaluating its mechanical advantages, capabilities, and limitations. They develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills through continuous testing and refinement, while documenting improvements and reflecting on the real-world applications of robotic systems.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide foundation for students to proceed to Year 10 Systems Engineering.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: Basketball

Using basketball as a key focus, students will have the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills across all facets of the game. This will include rule knowledge, individual skill development, team concepts as well as gaining a recognized coaching accreditation.

The course is a combination of practical and theoretical tasks.

Students are selected based off both their attitude towards the subject and their basketball abilities.

Future Directions
Students may consider a range of Health and PE options into the future.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: Health Sciences

The aim of the course is to further develop knowledge and skills within the health science domain. This includes concepts and practical elements from science and physical education, and key analytical skills such as finding and interpreting health data. The course shares curriculum links with science, physical education, and health education. Students explore the impact of a range of variables on human health, learning independently and collaboratively. Students develop their ability to incorporate and analyse data from investigations and a variety of research methods to make evidence based arguments about human health.

Future Directions
Students may consider pursuing subjects in the Science and Health and PE fields in the future.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: Literature

The aim of the Literature EP is to allow students the opportunity to complete an in-depth study of a range of texts including myths, legends, fairytales and poetry. The course provides students with necessary text analysis skills to ensure they are able to look for deeper meanings being conveyed by authors. The course also shares links with historical concepts and sources and a study of society, both past and present.

Throughout the course, students will be exposed to a range of text types which will involve reading, viewing and listening to develop their skills in annotation and to continue to explore how literary devices can be used by authors to affect a specific audience. They will explore how particular social and cultural contexts can change a person’s perception of a text and how these elements play a role in creating meaning for a reader. Throughout the course, students will compare and contrast texts and discuss why different authors present material in different ways. They will also build their writing skills by developing a folio of written tasks looking at different text types.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject may result in students reapplying the following year or may assist them in being considered for Year 10 Advanced English.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: From Page to Stage (Performing Arts)

The course provides students the opportunity to learn about the production process. From Page to Stage guides students through the various stages of taking an inspiration, existing work or other stimulus and creating a fully realised performance. Key areas of focus include, collaborative skills, Performing Arts technology, Performing Arts as an Industry and presenting group performance. Students develop their own skill within their preferred area of Drama or Dance and learn to work with other areas produce a performance based on, inspired by various works.

Students are selected based off both their application, enthusiasm for the subject, and abilities via an audition process.

Future Directions
Students may seek to pursue Performing Arts opportunities in future years.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: STEM

The aim of the STEM Enrichment Program (EP) is to further develop students’ inquiry, analytical, collaborative, and planning skills, while providing opportunities to engage with a range of technologies. The course offers students the experience of working in small teams to design and develop solutions to real-world problems, alongside building skills in construction, programming, and 3D printing.

Throughout the program, students explore advanced concepts across science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. A key focus is a major project, where students are challenged to develop a solution in response to a given theme, incorporating a variety of technologies available within the College.

Students are selected based on both their attitude towards the subject and their demonstrated ability to produce work at a high standard.

Future Directions
Students may seek to pursue a range of science or technology-based subjects into the future.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: Sport and Fitness (General)

The aim of the course is to further develop sporting knowledge and skills by developing a deeper understanding of training practices, coaching strategies, tactical awareness and recovery.

The course provides opportunities for students to explore training methods in a range of areas by building upon prior sporting knowledge and experiences. Students are provided with dedicated time to develop personal fitness, skills, and coaching strategies with a view to improving performance in their sporting pursuits.

Students are selected based off both their attitude towards the subject and their sporting abilities.

Future Directions
Students may pursue further Health and PE options into the future.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: Visual Arts

Visual Arts Enrichment Program is an extension opportunity for students who have excelled in Visual Arts subjects and wish to strengthen and enhance their abilities. In the Visual Arts Enrichment Program students will choose a speciality (either Art or Design) and engage in a variety of collaborative and independent art/design making activities that will promote exploration and reflection. Students will take part in studio workshops to learn new and specialist skills, develop ideas and their own unique style and create resolved artworks or design solutions. The course provides students with the opportunity to use specialist materials and to attend excursions that will further their understanding of contemporary and traditional practices in the Visual Arts.

Students are selected on the basis of their interest and skill in the visual arts.

Information on how to apply can be found on the Enrichment Program page.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 9 or 10 Visual Arts and/or Visual Communication Design.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: Laws and Society

This enrichment course helps students understand how rules and laws are made and how they work in Australian society. Students will explore the key parts of Australia’s democracy, including how laws are created, how courts work, and how legal decisions are made.
You’ll learn about:
The history of law
The role of the different legal institutions in Australia such as the High Court
How courts solve problems and apply the law
The different jobs in the legal system, like police officers, prosecutors, judges, and court staff
Australia’s responsibilities under international law
Legal issues that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 10 – Geography, Year 10 – Business and Economics, Year 10 – History, Year 10 – Politics and Legal Studies. Students interested in careers in politics, law, police, government or the community should consider this course.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: Tech Studio

Tech Studio is a project-based course for Year 8–9 students that develops skills in Digital Technologies and Design and Technologies, with connections to the Critical and Creative Thinking capability. Students investigate how digital systems and media can be used to communicate ideas and solve problems in real-world contexts.

A key focus of the course is digital media production, including podcasting, where students plan, create, and refine content for specific audiences and purposes. Students also explore a range of digital tools and technologies, applying computational thinking, design processes, and collaborative practices to develop innovative solutions.

Throughout the course, students document and reflect on their learning through a digital portfolio, demonstrating their ability to design, produce, and evaluate digital solutions.

Future Directions
By combining creative media skills with hands-on coding and systems thinking, Tech Studio EP opens doors to a range of exciting and future-focused study and career pathways; Computing (VCE), Media Arts (VCE), Visual Communication Design (VCE), VET Creative & Digital Media, Game Design & Animation (TAFE/Uni), Digital Journalism or Content Creation.

Year 8/9 - Enrichment Program: Inquiry Based Learning Project

Inquiry Based Learning is an opportunity for students to develop 21st century skills in collaborative and supportive environments. Students will study this subject for one semester. Inquiry Based Learning focuses on the explicit teaching of transferrable skills such as teamwork, communication, creativity and critical thinking. These skills will support success in future employment and community engagement opportunities.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to various elective options at Year 10.