At Newhaven College, Year 9 isn’t a year to get through — it’s a year to grow through. We understand that for many young people, Year 9 can be a time when school starts to feel... disconnected. That’s why we’ve created a program that’s anything but.
Join us for our Year 9 Information Night and discover how we’re keeping students engaged, inspired and challenged at one of the most important stages of their schooling journey.
Year 9 at Newhaven College - an experience to be cherished
An
unforgettable journey awaits in Year 9. Nestled within the expansive grounds of
Newhaven College lies our purpose-built Environmental Centre, a sanctuary for
hands-on learning. Here, students don ranger-style uniforms and sturdy boots, signalling the shift to a new pace of education.
The
Year 9 Environmental Centre embodies our commitment to an innovative and
immersive curriculum. Our aim is simple: to ignite students' curiosity and
foster active participation in their learning journey.
Our carefully crafted program embraces diverse teaching
methodologies, placing experiential learning at its core. Through meaningful
engagements and practical experiences, students not only deepen their academic
knowledge but also nurture personal growth, creating memories that endure far
beyond the classroom.
Welcome to Year 9
Year 9 is a pivotal year, filled with exciting academic challenges, personal growth and opportunities to discover new passions. Our program aims to challenge students and build understanding and expertise through creating meaningful experiential learning opportunities throughout the Bass Coast and beyond.
The Year 9 Environmental Centre fosters excellence by building strong relationships with all students. We empower them to explore their interests and discover what motivates them, setting them on a path to success in Senior School and into the future.
Sam Foura
Head of Year 9
Where learning comes to life
The Year 9 curriculum looks different from the other years. We progress with core subjects and introduce new ones. We approach all subjects using methods that connect students with the world around them. This innovative program sparks student engagement with learning.
Core academic subjects
English
In Year 9 English, we aim to help students develop a critical understanding. This helps them apply English in all kinds of situations, from casual chats to more formal talks.
Mathematics
The Year 9 Maths program gives students a wide set of skills and techniques. This helps them pick the best path for their math studies in their Senior years.
Science
Our Year 9 Science digs into topics like Energy, the Carbon Cycle, and Chemistry.
We also learn about the coordination of the human body. We focus a lot on learning through hands-on experiments and reporting our findings.
Unique subjects and experiences for Year 9 students
Xplore
This class connects different subjects to help students see how learning relates to their own lives. We explore the world around us in Bass Coast and South Gippsland. Students become aware of the physical, biological, social and cultural environments around them.
City Cite
Students dive into city life for ten days on the City Cite camp with outings and guest speakers. They navigate public transport, do group tasks, and reflect on their experiences.
Elective Subjects
Students pick two elective subjects for a semester.
Subjects can include: Japanese, Music, Art, Astronomy, Business, Design Technology (Wood / Metal or Textiles), Food Studies, Australian History, Renaissance History, Computer-Aided Design, Drama, Outdoor Pursuits and Photo Imaging and Design.
Community
Students have the opportunity to engage with community groups and organisations, as well as dive into social structures within society. All students will have the opportunity to assist in Aged Care and deliver Literacy and Numeracy programs in our Junior School.
Peak Pursuit
Students culminate their year by completing their Peak Pursuit.
Peak Pursuit is designed to empower Year 9 students through choice, challenge, and celebration. Students opt into a journey tailored to their interests, with
the opportunity to push beyond their comfort zones and build lasting memories in
their final term of Year 9.
This elective includes the Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey,
a student-selected challenge experience, and the awarding of a unique Year 9
Peak Pursuit lapel pin - a symbol of growth, effort and resilience.
The experience culminates in a final celebration on the last day
of their trip, where students, parents and staff come together to reflect on
the transformative Year 9 journey.
Options include: Catch n Cook, Adventure Art, Wollangarra Camp, Hiking and Bike Packing. Opportunities may vary each year.
Examinations
Year 9 is when students first get a taste of exams. This is a chance for them to start building exposure to exams and prepare for senior school and VCE study.
Deepening Connections
In Year 9 our teachers develop a closer bond with students. We focus on their pastoral care this year as it's known to be a challenging one in adolescence.
Students get one-to-one attention. Many students love Year 9 and are sad when it comes to an end. They leave ready to broaden their academic horizons and clearer about their identity.
"The Year 9 centre is really wonderful. My boys became a bit more mature, a little bit more independent. By the end, their eyes were opened that they have to start exams and they need to put some effort in."
Mother of sons in Senior School
Places available for next year
Would you like your child to experience the rich learning experience of Year 9 at Newhaven College? Let's talk.
Contact us to check if places are available for Year 9 or other years.
