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 focussed on English and Mathematics.
• The Inquiry and Project Based Learning subject is studied by students for half a year (alternating each semester with the third elective)
• 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
• Languages are available for selection by Year 9 students. If selected, the language needs to be studied both semesters. It must be the language studied in Year 8.  To encourage students to study their language and still have a suitable number of elective subjects, students may negotiate to study one less compulsory elective subject.
• Extension Academies are available (semester elective) for students who have a high level of interest in a particular area as well as performing above standard. An application process applies for admission into an Extension Academy.

To meet student needs and offer more choice and flexibility within the learning program some RE and Extension Academy 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 in a variety of mathematical concepts from the Victorian Curriculum. Students are given the opportunity to work through Year 9 Mathematics concepts whilst also closing gaps in their learning through differentiated learning modules. Students are provided with many and varied opportunities to become confident, creative, 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 are working above standard are invited by the College to participate in the Advanced Mathematics course. Students are given the opportunity to accelerate through the mathematics curriculum through the completion of mathematical modules, collaborative problem-solving tasks, and discovery projects. Students are provided with many and varied opportunities to become confident, creative, and effective communicators of Mathematics.

*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 will be provided with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to assist them in developing and maintaining their own and others physical, mental, social and emotional health. In the practical setting, consistent activity is promoted to encourage positive and ongoing physical fitness behaviours and habits, as well as the ability to organise and conduct team sport competitions.

Future Directions
Successful completion of Year 9 Health and Physical Education can lead to Year 10 Physical Education and Fitness, Year 10 Health, Sport Education and Game Skills 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 History: Australia in the Modern World, Year 10 History: Rights and Freedoms, Year 10 Business and Economics, Year 10 Geography or Year 10 Global Citizenship.

Year 9 - Inquiry Based Learning Project

Inquiry Based Learning is an opportunity for students to develop 21st century skills in collaborative and supportive environments. All Year 9 students 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.

Students wishing to apply for either 8/9 Cantabile or 8/9 Youth Ministry must complete this application form.

Year 8/9 - 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 process to be considered for this elective Religious Education studies. Please ensure you complete the form that will be shared on the Year 7 & 8 Student TEAMS pages to be considered.

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 - Youth Ministry*

In Year 8/9 Youth Ministry, students will explore the Catholic faith through a hands-on approach to leading liturgical celebrations. This subject is an opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills and promote student voice in the faith life of the college. Students will explore recontextualisation and dialogue with our diverse school community to create and implement engaging and meaningful Catholic Identity events. 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 process to be considered for this elective Religious Education studies.

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: Arabic

Learners understand and use features of the Arabic sound and writing systems and make connections between spoken and written texts. They use appropriate pronunciation and intonation when communicating and interacting in a range of contexts and apply spelling rules when writing in Arabic script. They explore Arabic syntax and linguistic structures and begin to use metalanguage by identifying grammatical terms.

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

Year 9 - Languages: Japanese

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

The aim of the course is for students to become more fluent and accurate in both spoken and written language production. In this course students gain more control of grammatical and textual elements. At this level, students continue to develop their understanding of the relationship between language, culture and identity.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this unit will give students confidence to approach a variety of grammar tenses and communication purposes for Year 10.

Year 9 - 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, materials properties, rendering, basic animation, simulations, careers, and the history of 3D animation. The subject is designed to build skills in Art, Maths and Technology. Students will be given the opportunity to create objects in a 3D space and print them using a resin printer.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide additional skills for VCD/Art subjects, Mathematics, and general Technology subjects.

Year 9 - Arts: Dance

This subject covers cultural and social dance and their influence on modern Australian dance styles. Through the study of the history of dance, 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 Body Actions.

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.

Year 8 and 9 Arts: Drama

This subject covers two key genres in performance, Tragedy and Comedy and focuses on the development of skill learned in Year 7 (for those who studied Drama). Through the study of specific forms of Tragedy and Comedy 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 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 8 and in Year 9.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 9 or 10 Drama and VCE Theatre Studies in future years.

Year 9 - Arts: Media

The Media Arts curriculum encompasses the fields of media, art, and design. In Media Arts, students create visual representations that communicate, challenge, and express their own and others’ ideas, as both artist and audience. They develop their perceptual and conceptual understandings, critical reasoning, and practical skills through exploring the world through the media arts. Students learn about the role of the artist and designer, their contribution to society, and the significance of the creative industries. Media Arts has the capacity to engage, inspire and enrich the lives of students, encouraging them to develop their creative and intellectual potential.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide additional skills for Media and Arts subjects.

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 8 and 9 - Arts: Visual Arts

Students learn about the importance and significance of Art throughout history and in the broader context of society. They learn how to develop their ideas independently and collaboratively by research, experimentation, and refinement in a folio. Students learn how to 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 and discussing the art elements and principles.

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

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Art or VCD in Year 9 or 10.

Year 8 and 9 - Arts: Visual Communication Design

This subject covers the three fields of design: Graphic, Environmental, and Industrial. Students use the design process to work through a variety of assessment tasks and generate creative solutions. They will write a design brief, research existing designs, produce several sketches, experiment with materials, methods and media and create a final solution that meets the needs of the client.

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

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

Year 8 and 9 - Design Technology: Food

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.

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

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

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 Environmental Science in Year 10.

Year 8 and 9 - Design Technology: Materials Technology

In this subject, students will learn a range of skills applicable to working with wood and other materials, but also to other areas of design and production. This includes the safe and effective use of hand and power tools, joint making, and surface finishing techniques. Students undertake a project that enables them to develop a range of wood working skills. It also has scope to allow creativity and to extend them further with more challenging variations of the base task.

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

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

Year 9 - Design Technology: Systems Technology

Students will learn a range of skills applicable to electronics and systems technology as well as other areas of design and production. They will have the opportunity to explore emerging technologies, such as 3D design and printing and its possible uses in systems technology. Students utilise the design process for planning projects. They will also develop their skills in evaluating both finished products and their work practices.

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

Year 8 and 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.

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

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 8 and 9 - Digital Technologies: Creative Digital Solutions

Students explore the interrelated processes and associated skills by which they can create digital solutions.
Students engage in the four processes of analysing, designing, developing, and evaluating. The second part of the course allows students to explore the features of web apps and how data may be either exposed, changed, or corrupted by hackers. Students will explore vulnerabilities in web apps.

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

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to future Year 10 Digital Technology options.

Year 9 - Digital Technologies: Digital Systems and Networks

Computational thinking, a problem-solving methodology lies at the heart of this course and the Digital Technologies curriculum. Students develop real world computer science-based skills. Activities may include a module-based course coding, in HTML/CSS, and a project which involves collecting and analysing data to produce information and developing a website based on a relevant topic. Students apply computational thinking as a problem-solving methodology during these activities in their classes.

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

Year 9 - Digital Technologies: Robotics

The VEX Robotics Course provides students with exciting, open-ended robotics and research project challenges that enhance their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills through hands-on, student-centred learning. There is a large emphasis in this elective on collaboration and problem solving, rather than oppositional competition. Students will design, build and program robots in collaborative teams in order to complete a series of engineering or systems-based challenges. Students will learn to program a range of functions using a progression from block-based programming through to Python.

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

Year 9 - Humanities: Australians at War (Elective)

This unit aims to develop students’ understanding of Australia’s role in the first global conflict: World War I (1914-1918). It focuses on understanding the impact of the war on Australian society and identity, as well as examining the role that Australians had in determining the outcome of key battles during the war (such as Gallipoli and the Western Front). In doing so, students will be able to construct arguments about the emergence of a unique Australian voice and identity on the global stage through analysis of historical sources.

Future Directions
Completion of this subject can lead to further study in Year 10 Humanities: History – Australia in the Modern World and VCE History.

Year 9 - Humanities: Economics and Business (Elective)

The Economics and Business curriculum explores the ways in which individuals, families, the community, workers, businesses and governments make decisions in relation to the allocation of resources. It enables students to understand the process of economic and business decision-making at the personal, local, national and global levels and the effects of these decisions on themselves and others, now and in the future.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide the foundation for further study in Year 10 in subjects such as Business & Economics or VCE Business Management.

Year 9 - Humanities: Geography (Elective)

This subject covers the two main topics of Food Production in Australia and Global Tourism. The Food Production unit looks at the history and future of food production in Australia with a focus on areas such as the Murray Darling Basin region and the impacts food production has on Australia’s water resources and the environment in general. Innovations in farming techniques and technology are also explored to improve food security into the future.
The Global Tourism unit looks at where people travel and why. Population travel trends are investigated, and distinctions are made between recreational, cultural and leisure travel along with the impact tourism has on both people and places.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide a sound foundation for students to proceed to Year 10 Geography, VCE Geography and VCE Environmental Science.

Year 9 - Health and PE: Fitness and Training

In this subject, students explore the functions of the human body, including the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, muscular system, and the skeletal system. Students will also study the energy systems of the human body. Students will also discover the benefits of leading an active lifestyle. They will create an individualised training program incorporating their chosen components of fitness and training methods. Students will learn about key principles of training and how to apply them to their physical training plans. Students will learn how to adapt their training programs to increase fitness levels and training performance.

Future Directions
Satisfactory completion of this subject will provide the foundation for further study in Year 10 in subjects such as VET Sports Coaching and Health and PE elective options.

Year 9 - Science: Into the Galaxy (Elective)

This course will allow students to further develop their knowledge within the earth and space science domain, as well as having links to physical and chemical science. There will be an emphasis on the use of scientific inquiry and research skills as students explore various aspects of space. Students will also learn about the human endeavours that lead to our current understanding of the universe and how this has changed over time. There will be the opportunity for students to be involved in practical activities and excursions to foster a deeper understanding of the content.

Future Directions
The practical investigation and science inquiry skills covered in this subject will provide a good foundation for students to proceed to study Year 10 Science.

Year 8/9 - Extension Academy: 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 in Year 9 or at the Senior Campus.

Year 8/9 - Extension Academy: Health Sciences

The aim of the course is to further develop knowledge and skills within the health science domain. This includes practical elements from science and physical education, and key analytical skills such as finding and interpreting health data. There are opportunities to be involved in excursions and incursion with outside professionals delivering different programs so that students can expand their knowledge further. The course also shares links with science, physical education, and health.

Students are selected based off both their attitude towards the subject and their ability to complete work at an above standard level.

Future Directions
Students may consider pursuing science subjects such as Biology and Psychology or Health in Year 10.

Year 8/9 - Extension Academy: Literature

The aim of the Literature Academy 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.

Students are selected based off both their attitude towards the subject and their ability to complete work at an above standard level. Students may require their English teacher’s recommendation to be considered.

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 - Extension Academy: Performing Arts

The course provides students the opportunity to develop skills in various areas of Performing Arts. The purpose of this course is to extend upon students’ talents and skills. Students work collaboratively to create and present a performance that encompasses skills in Dance, Music and Drama, general performance technology and skill. 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 Performing Arts and learn to work with other areas in order to create original performances.

Students are selected based off both their attitude and abilities via an audition process.

Future Directions
Students may seek to pursue Performing Arts opportunities in Year 9 and at the Senior Campus.

Year 8/9 - Extension Academy: STEM

The aim of the STEM Academy is to further develop students’ inquiry, analytical, collaborative, and planning skills, while also providing opportunities to engage with various technologies. The course offers students the experience of working within small teams to develop solutions to real-world problems, along with skill development in construction, programming and 3D printing.

Throughout the course, students will cover advanced concepts studied within science, technology, engineering, art-based, and mathematic subjects. There is a focus on a major project which introduces the challenge to develop a solution relating to a given theme. This includes introducing various technologies available within the College.

Students are selected based off both their attitude towards the subject and their ability to complete work at an above standard level.

Future Directions
Students may seek to pursue a range of Science based subjects in Year 10.

Year 8/9 - Extension Academy: Sport (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 individual sporting pursuits.

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

Future Directions
Students may pursue Health and PE options in Year 9 and at the Senior Campus.

Year 8/9 - Extension Academy: Visual Arts

The aim of the Art Extension Academy course is to extend students who have excelled in Visual Art subjects and wish to strengthen and enhance their abilities in this area. In Art Extension Academy, students will engage in a variety of collaborative and independent art-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 art style and create resolved artworks. The course provides students with the opportunity to use specialist materials and to attend excursions that will further their understanding of contemporary and traditional art-making techniques.

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 Extension Academies page.

Future Directions
Completion of Arts Extension Academy can lead to pathways in Art including VCE Art Creative Practice or VCE Visual Communication and Design at the Beaconsfield Campus.