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. As we have planned for 20187, we have done so 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.
CITY EXPERIENCE [NWS 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, Christian Living, 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.
Students will explore two essential questions during City Experience:
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.
TASMANIA TRIP [NWS Year 9]
Tasmania, an isolated island state off Australia’s south coast known for its vast, rugged wilderness areas, largely protected within parks and reserves. A wonderful opportunity for students to explore, immerse and engage with Australia’s culture, nature and landmarks.
Students arrive early at the college to be transported to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport for their flight into Launceston. On arrival, we are picked up by our coach and taken to our first destination, Cataract Gorge. A unique natural formation overlooking the South Esk River. Here students are able to walk along a pathway originally built in the 1890s along the cliff face featuring beautiful views of the river. The next stop is The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, which is the second oldest museum in Australia. However, visiting the gallery today you wouldn't know it, the gallery's collections sit in a stunning contemporary design, sensitively integrated with the museum's heritage buildings. The last stop for the day leads the group down to Hobart at the Youth Arts and Recreation Centre. It is a great place for students to unwind and get involved in an art, music and recreation workshops after a long day of sight-seeing.
On Day 2, a drive from Hobart towards the Tasman Peninsula offers glimpses of an exciting coastline, surging ocean and early morning mist on the water while passing through sleepy fishing villages. The Tasman Peninsula is known as the home of the Port Arthur Historic Site, where the tale of convictism is interpreted in a way that transports students into another time and place in history. On this visit, students are confronted and challenged by aspects of Australia's early history. The rugged sea and coastline in the area has resulted in many shipwrecks and the area received world heritage listing because it conserves a diverse array of both natural and cultural features of outstanding global significance. Here students explore unusual rock formations like the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen and the Blowhole.
Tasmania also offers the most pristine example of temperate rainforest found in Australia and makes up one of only three remaining temperate wilderness areas in the southern hemisphere. On Day 3, the group heads to the Tahune Airwalk located in the Southern Tasmanian forest. This experience offers a range of breathtaking views of the forest up to 50 metres above the river. This opportunity will challenge students to consider the impact that we have on our nave flora and fauna, and how we can improve our stewardship of the Earth. On the drive back into Hobart we stop to visit Mount Wellington towering above the city offering amazing views of the area. Wellington Park connects Hobart's urban landscape to the bush offering extensive walks and tracks that offer the opportunity to see a diverse range of fauna, including dozens of bird species and animals including possums, platypus and echidna.
On Day 4 students head back into Melbourne and are transported from the airport back to the college. The Tasmania Camp will push students out of their comfort zones and encourage new experiences. It is our hope that we will see personal growth and the chance to make lasting memories and friendships.
COMMUNITY SERVICE [NWS 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 week long placement from a range of organisations. 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.