In Year 9, compulsory subjects for the full year are Religious Education,  Mathematics, Health & Physical Education. Year 9 students must also select an English stream, Science stream, Humanities stream and a Language stream.

 

 

Religious Education

 

 

 


Overview

Year 9 Religious Education has four main learning sequences that are designed to allow students the opportunity to encounter faith and church tradition within the classroom context.

  • Students explore and encounter the role of prayer in the Catholic Tradition, with a focus on Marian Devotion and the Stations of the Cross, in a unit that challenges them both spiritually and morally.

  • Students research the lives of women in the Old Testament/Hebrew Scriptures and complete an in depth study on the book of Ruth.

  • The Australian Catholic Church unit includes an inquiry project and an excursion into the City of Melbourne which explores the unique history of the church, shaped by Irish Catholic convicts and successive immigrants from around the world, and the role that it plays in society today.

  • Inspired by women such as Mary Mackillop, students investigate historical and contemporary women who have lived out the Beatitudes and carried on the work of discipleship begun by the women of the early Church.

Assessment

Year 9 Religious Education involves many different forms formative and summative assessment.

The main assessment pieces include:

  • The Stations of the Cross Art Installations – Students are encouraged to apply the message of the Passion of Christ to a modern day context and, as year level, develop an “Avila Way of the Cross” for the community

  • An in-depth study of the book of Ruth

  • An inquiry based project into the history of the Australian Catholic Church and its impact on society; and the role of significant people in the church and the ripple effect of good and evil in the world.

 

Year 9 Mathematics

Mathematics is a core subject that must be undertaken for a full year. In Semester 1 most students will complete the mainstream mathematics program. In Semester 2, students have the opportunity to continue with mainstream mathematics or invited to participate in extension mathematics based on their levels of achievement in Semester 1.

 

 


Overview

The content covers the following strands:

  • Number and Algebra
  • Measurement and Geometry
  • Statistics and Probability

Students are required to learn, practise and apply mathematical algorithms, routines and techniques. The use of technology (CAS calculator and laptop) is incorporated into the course. This allows the students to solve more complex questions and grasp a better understanding of skills required. Students engage in activities which develop:

  • knowledge of facts and technical skills
  • depth of conceptual understanding
  • ability to communicate using clear and precise mathematical language
  • ability to tackle non-routine problems in an organised and systematic way
  • ability to apply what has been learned to solve real problems
  • ability to conduct investigations using mathematics
  • logical reasoning and understanding of proof at the appropriate level of sophistication
  • practical ability in measuring, estimating and making sensible use of calculators and computers.

Assessment

Assessment is based on facts, skills, problem-solving and application tasks. There is continual assessment throughout the year with reports issued at mid-year and the end of the year. Examinations in Mathematics are conducted in June and November.

In Semester 2 of Year 9, students who have excelled in Mainstream Mathematics during Semester 1 will be invited to undertake Extension Maths.

 

Extension Mathematics

Semester 2

 

 


Overview

This unit continues with the outline given for Year 9 Mathematics but is taught at a more comprehensive and detailed level. Additional topics within the Year 9 course outline are taught to extend and challenge the more able students.

Assessment

Assessment is based on facts, skills, tests, problem-solving and application tasks.  Results are reported throughout the semester and an end of semester report is issued at the end of the year.

Pathways

Students who successfully complete this subject in Year 9 may elect to study Year 10 Mathematics A.

 

Accelerated Mathematics

 

 


Overview

Year 9 Accelerated Mathematics is offered, by invitation only, to a select group of highly capable students towards the end of Year 8.

This course compresses all the content from the Year 9 Mathematics and Year 10 Mathematics A into one year. It is a fast-paced course for highly able students only.

Prerequisites

By invitation only.

Assessment

Assessment is based on facts, skills, tests, problem-solving and application tasks. There is continual assessment throughout the year with reports issued at mid-year and the end of the year. Examinations in Mathematics are conducted in June and November.

Pathways

Students who successfully complete this subject in Year 9 may elect to study a Year 11 mathematics pathway in Year 10.

 

Physical Education

 

 


Overview

The Year 9 Health and Physical Education Curriculum is informed by a strengths-based approach. Rather than focusing only on potential health risks or a deficit-based model of health, the curriculum has a strong focus on supporting students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills they require to make healthy, safe and active choices that will enhance their own and others’ health and wellbeing. Health and physical education is the key learning area in the curriculum that focuses explicitly on developing movement skills and concepts students require to participate in physical activities with competence and confidence.

Students undertake units of work ranging from first aid, drug education and sexual health to themed-based physical activities such as invasion games, striking & fielding games, net & wall games, Cirque du Avila, SEPEP and movement for life (fitness).

Assessment

Avila health and physical education students will approach learning by utilising their critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration skills. In doing so, they will develop the key character qualities of curiosity, initiative, persistence, adaptability, leadership and social awareness. Students will undertake a variety of common assessment tasks which include:

  • Collaborative tasks
  • Reflective journals
  • Self and peer assessments
  • Theoretical tests
  • Skills assessments

Pathways

Year 10 Health and Physical Education.