It is widely accepted that Year 9 is a time when students need to be re-engaged with their education and be given opportunities to learn in dynamic environments. Our planning for Year 9 has been done with a determination to improve the way we are meeting these two key needs. We have also been motivated by the challenges that youth are facing through their immersion in a culture that encourages them to be focused on themselves and has so willingly moved away from its Christian heritage.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we believe there is a need to recapture the vision for ministry, discipleship and community service that has driven Christian for millennia to impact their generation, and indeed the world, with the message of the Gospel.
The Year 9 program at Waverley Christian College is fundamentally committed to realising the academic potential of students whilst challenging them to look beyond themselves.
In short, the central aim of our Year 9 program is to encourage students to consider their place in the world and the contribution they can make to it.
The Year 9 curriculum is divided into 2 sections – Core subjects and Elective subjects, and is designed to allow students to exercise choice and take responsibility for their decisions. Teachers recommend that students consider their elective choices in the light of:
At this year level, Electives are designed to give foundational skills, and to encourage interest and participation. If a student chooses to study a specialist subject in Year 10, these skills will be further developed.
Waverley Christian College has a rich extra-curricular program, with many opportunities for enrichment and engagement. We encourage all students to get involved in activities of interest to them. See ‘Co-curricular Activities’ for a list of available options.
CITY EXPERIENCE [WS Year 9]
The City Experience Program is yet another exciting opportunity to take students beyond the classroom into the diverse environment of the City of Melbourne.
Research suggests that Year 9 is a time where practical, stimulating and real-life experiences have the biggest and most positive outcomes. The City Experience is essentially a hands-on academic program that incorporates aspects of a variety of subjects, including: English, History, Geography, Commerce, Maths, Personal Development, Physical Education and the Arts, whilst retaining a civics and citizenship focus.
As part of this program students will have the opportunity to visit:
City Experience will also require students to grow in the areas of group-work and the development of their negotiation skills. One of the key outcomes of the program is the fostering of confidence in our students and a healthy experience of both independence and interdependence.
We trust that students will find the experience fun and rewarding, drawing on their new insights to help shape their education throughout Year 9 and into future years.
Students will discover that many of Australia's richest resources, opportunities and diversities are found in the city. They will develop life-long skills in cooperation through group work in a real setting. They will also benefit from learning how to navigate the city and our public transport system in a safe and efficient manner.
More detailed information about the City Experience Program will be provided to students and parents closer to the time.
TASMANIAN TRIP [WS Year 9]
Year 9 students have the unique opportunity to travel to Tasmania for five days. They will spend significant time in one our country's most beautiful examples of God's creation and engage in outdoor opportunities which will challenge and stretch them beyond their comfort zones, whilst we also set time aside to focus on their spiritual and personal growth.
Our adventure will begin as we set sail overnight on the Spirit of Tasmania. Upon arrival, we will explore breathtaking Cataract Gorge and students can take the opportunity to ride a chairlift with the world's longest central span of 308 metres. Students will also use a zipline through the tree tops at Hollybank Adventure Park.
As a part of our Outdoor and Environment program, we then spend two days exploring Freycinet National Park which students will be able to explore through day hikes, beach walks, and sea kayaking.
Our final day includes a visit to the historical and picturesque Richmond as well as visit and climb Mt Wellington.
The Tasmania Trip will provide students with the chance to make memories that will last a lifetime and strengthen their relationship with peers and staff in preparation for Senior schooling.
More information will be provided to students and parents at the start of the year.
COMMUNITY SERVICE [WS Year 9]
The Community Service Program takes place in the last week of Term 2 and provides an opportunity for Year 9 students to be personally challenged, encourage others and to develop empathy and an understanding other people's circumstances.
By actively engaging with members of their community students develop an increased sense of social responsibility – a more global view of society and heart for helping others. They are exposed to a diversity of cultural backgrounds and apply their learning to real human needs.
Community service enables students to develop life skills and knowledge while providing a service to those who need it most. It also has a lasting, positive impact on both students and the people they have served.
Students select their placement from a range of organisations including: Aged Care Facilities, the Salvation Army and the Peter Mac Cancer Centre. In the lead up to this program students will undertake OHS as well as First Aid training to help prepare them for the environment in which they will serve.
Students are accompanied by staff to their placements, and given every opportunity to discuss progress.