Year 9 Curriculum Book 2023
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Year 9 Curriculum Book
2023
ADDRESS CONTACT WEBSITE
20 Wattle Valley Road Ph: (03) 9754 6435 www.bhcs.vic.edu.au
Belgrave Heights VIC 3160 Fax: (03) 9754 6488
Email: office@bhcs.vic.edu.au
PRINCIPAL
MR PETER CLIFFE
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
MRS VICKY FRAANJE
MR IVAN SESKIS (2023)
HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
MR PAUL LEWRY
YEAR 9 LEVEL COORDINATOR
MR BEN WHITE
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS BOOKLET WAS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PUBLISHING.
SUBJECTS, COURSE CONTENT AND OTHER PROCEDURES MAY CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME.
Table of Contents
LAST YEAR OF MIDDLE SCHOOL ............................... 4 ELECTIVE SUBJECTS ..................................... 20
YEAR 9 OVERVIEW .......................................... 5 DESIGN TECHNOLOGY - WOOD ...................... 20
DRAMA ......................................................... 21
PROGRAM STRUCTURE .................................... 6
FOOD TECHNOLOGY ...................................... 22
2023 TIMETABLE STRUCTURE .......................... 6 LANGUAGES - FRENCH ................................... 23
STUDY AND HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS ........ 7 OUTDOOR EDUCATION .................................. 24
ELECTIVE PROGRAM ........................................ 7 ROBOTICS ..................................................... 25
YEAR 9 PROGRAM .............................................. 8 VISUAL ART ................................................... 26
VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS ........................... 27
WHY RUN A YEAR 9 PROGRAM? ...................... 8
CHALLENGE PROGRAM.................................... 9
‘WHO AM I?’ PROGRAM .................................. 9
SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM (SLP) ...............10
CITY PROGRAM ..............................................11
CORE SUBJECTS .......................................... 12
CHRISTIAN STUDIES........................................12
ENGLISH.........................................................13
HEALTH/PHYSICAL EDUCATION ......................14
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE – CIVICS &
CITIZENSHIP ...................................................15
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE – ECONOMICS
& BUSINESS ...................................................16
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE - HISTORY .....17
MATHEMATICS ..............................................18
SCIENCE .........................................................19
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 3
LAST YEAR OF MIDDLE School
Each learning area has established appropriate learning outcomes relevant to the School’s aims
and Christian teaching. The key competencies are acknowledged as essential ingredients across
the curriculum for the spiritual and vocational preparation of young people to develop the skills
necessary to equip them for the outside world. Great care is taken in presenting the educational
programs in a caring, loving and stimulating environment.
The primary responsibility for the education of children begins with their parents. The Bible gives
us the instruction, “Train up a child in the ways of the Lord and when he is old he will not depart
from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
Our curriculum is based on a “Non-denominational Biblical Christian World View” and it is our
hope that all students attending our school may recognise and know the power of God’s saving
grace. Individual pastoral care and opportunities for servant leadership are some of the strengths
of our school. As a School, we seek to help students discover their God-given gifts and talents. We
are passionate about nurturing these gifts and seeing students develop them to their full
potential.
The School seeks to make a strong link between real world issues and the Bible’s relevance in
young people’s lives. The application of this is practical and experiential, offering opportunities for
students to respond to the Gospel’s foundations of justice, restoration and renewal. This is woven
throughout our curriculum with a focus on being able to apply Christian principles to the
complexities of life today.
The curriculum at Year 9 seeks to provide a program that will give the students some choice in
their learning. The school aims to provide a rich, useful and stimulating educational experience,
one that provides for the development of their skills, abilities and character.
The curriculum consists of a number of ‘Core Subjects’ and ‘Elective Subjects’. ‘Core subjects’
refers to those subjects that are compulsory for all students, while ‘Elective Subjects’ refers to
those subjects where students must make a choice in what they will study. In accordance with the
guidelines set down by ACARA, BHCS has implemented the Australian Curriculum. The subjects for
which a national curriculum exists include English, History, Maths and Science with more to follow
in the coming years. The elective subjects aim to introduce students to experiences and skills they
would not meet in the regular curriculum. These elective subjects are outlined in this booklet.
In addition to the elective program, students will be introduced to the core subjects of English,
Maths, Science and Humanities, and the Year 9 Program. The Year 9 Program runs on a Friday and
aims to introduce students to learning in a new environment outside of school. These studies are
intended to provide a multi-disciplinary approach to learning in which Key Learning Areas are
taught in a more hands-on fashion.
“ACT JUSTLY, LOVE MERCY, WALK HUMBLY”
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 4
Program Structure
YEAR 9 OVERVIEW
In Year 9, students are provided with the opportunity to develop who they are, their confidence
and their self-esteem. This in turn, equips them with the skills to tackle VCE, VCE VM and/or other
studies resourcefully as well as preparing them for lifelong learning. It is our hope that all of our
families will see their young people growing in confidence and independence, ready to embrace
their future years at BHCS and beyond.
SOME OF THE MAIN ELEMENTS THAT MAKE UP YEAR 9 INCLUDE:
Homegroup: Each morning starts with Homegroup/devotions. This is a time for building
relationships, developing faith and friendships, a time of sharing and prayer, to connect, to read
notices and to inform students of upcoming events and things they needs to know.
Student Support: Having a network of teachers and support staff (Chaplains, Learning Assistants,
First Aid, etc.) is vital in supporting students.
It is equally important that we work in partnership with parents and families to best support their
children, educationally and emotionally. This is a team effort. Parents, please know that the
Homegroup teacher and subject teachers are a great resource for you to call on for support.
Connection: Students have the opportunity to go on two camps.
• Challenge Camp (Term 1)
• City Camp (Term 4)
In addition to this, we have the Year 9 Program, which is explained in more detail on the following
pages.
Not to mention, Year 9 is also made up of their regular classes, excursions, CSEN competitions, and
opportunities for electives, preparation for exams, and more!
We look forward to great year together!
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 5
Program Structure
2023 TIMETABLE STRUCTURE
50-minute periods - six periods a day over a 10-day cycle.
MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL (Year 7 to 12)
START FINISH
Devotions 8.45am 9.00am
Changeover 9.00am 9.05am
Period 1 9.05am 9.55am
Changeover 9.55am 10.00am
Period 2 10.00am 10.50am
Recess 10.50am 11.10am
Period 3 11.15am 12.05pm
Changeover 12.05pm 12.10pm
Period 4 12.10pm 1.00pm
Lunch 1.00pm 1.40pm
Period 5 1.45pm 2.35pm
Changeover 2.35pm 2.40pm
Period 6 2.40pm 3.30pm
PERIOD ALLOCATION
SUBJECT/ACTIVITY
(10 DAY CYCLE)
Christian Studies 2
Electives* 8 (2 electives x 4 periods)
English 9
Mathematics 9
Science 7
Health / Physical Education 5
Humanities (History, Civics & Economics) 6
Wellbeing/Assembly 2
Year 9 Program 12
TOTAL 60
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 6
Program Structure
STUDY AND HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS
Students in Year 9 will be expected to spend up to one per night on weekdays, completing
study/homework for a number of subjects. This will help students to learn important
organisational skills that will assist in their future learning. Homework tasks will be varied and
relate to the curriculum being taught within the classroom.
Homework may not be set every night by the subject teachers. If this is the case, students are
encouraged to use their homework time in other ways. They can use their time to study for an
upcoming test, to participate in some wider reading and/or plan ahead for an assignment.
Remember to never overlook quality family time. It’s an important part of your child’s overall
development.
ELECTIVE PROGRAM
Students are offered a range of new subjects in Year 9 with some choice as to which of these
subjects they participate in. Choices should be based on their interests, talents, and skills. These
are referred to as Elective Subjects and students are required to select two electives per semester.
This ensures students will get the opportunity to experience a variety of elective subjects and even
provide them with an understanding of what subjects they might like to study moving into Year 10
and beyond. Subjects on offer may vary each year and/or semester.
The majority of students receive their first or second preferences for elective subjects. However,
some elective subjects do have a smaller capacity than normal class sizes. For this reason, some
students may miss out on their first and second preferences and be given their third preference.
Please note that elective classes can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
Electives are grouped into blocks. Students will complete one elective per block. At subject
selection time, they will be required to number their preferences for each block. Failure to
correctly indicate four different subjects from each block may result in a student having their
elective choices allocated for them.
Parents are strongly encouraged to spend time discussing these selections with their children. If
either students or parents have any more queries about the electives or the process involved in
selection, they are encouraged to contact their Homegroup Teacher or Team Leader.
PLEASE NOTE: Not all of the elective subjects listed in this document will be running at one time.
Subjects being offered are subject to a number of factors including staffing and student interest.
More information will be communicated to families in the year prior. Furthermore, new elective
subjects are added from time to time and these may not have been included in the current
handbook.
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 7
Year 9 Program
The purpose of the Year 9 Program is to build self-confidence and resilience in young people; to
engage students by using their God given gifts; and to provide learning opportunities for students
outside the conventional walls of the classroom.
Year 9 is an essential year during which we try to help students to not only understand
themselves, but to also gain understanding of others.
In line with this, the focus for the Year 9 Program is as follows:
• You - Understanding others (interpersonal development)
• Me - Understanding themselves (meta-cognition and personal learning)
• Our World - Understanding the world (community engagement)
WHY RUN A YEAR 9 PROGRAM?
Belgrave Heights Christian School recognises that there is a significant opportunity to provide our
Year 9 students with a vibrant year of fresh experiences in a new environment. Experience has
shown that some Year 9 students exhibit symptoms of boredom and a disengagement from
learning. Students at this level often feel very much like the “middle child.” They are ready to
accept greater responsibilities and challenges, but feel unable to do so in a traditional school
structure.
Taking this into consideration, BHCS developed an innovative program designed to cater for
individual abilities and learning styles. These provide Year 9 students with the skills, not only to
tackle VCE studies resourcefully, but also to prepare them for life- long
learning. The Program has similarities with those recently
developed in some of the most successful schools in
Melbourne and other places.
The program is broken up into four topics, covered
term by term.
• TERM 1: Challenge
• TERM 2: Who am I?
• TERM 3: Service Learning Program
• TERM 4: City Experience
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 8
Year 9 Program
CHALLENGE PROGRAM
Students are involved in a term of practical • Tree adventures
and challenging activities during Term 1. The • Learning to Sail with Yachting Victoria
students will be engaged in a multi-
disciplinary study, visiting various places of • Surfing
interest around Victoria, while exploring the • Surf Kayaking
focus of the Year 9 program (as described on
• Beach Safety
previous page.)
• Clean up Australia Day
Some examples of places and activities that
• Grand Prix
may be incorporated could include the
following: • Group Hike
• Paddle Boarding
‘WHO AM I?’ PROGRAM
Term 2 draws students’ focus inwards to look • Healthy relationships
at their personal development and growth. • Character Strengths
Students participate in a range of • Digital Thumbprint
challenging, fun and engaging activities, that
• Victoria Police
are designed to create more thoughtful, co-
operative and compassionate young people,
who skilfully work together to resolve social, Other activities that the students participate
environmental, economic and political in may include:
problems.
• Financial planning
During the term guest speakers and • Fitness for life
motivational speakers visit the School to
speak to Year 9 students about topics such • Food for life
as: • Study skills for life
• Cybersafety
The overall aim of the term is to bring
• Mental Health
students to the realisation that once they
• Drugs and alcohol develop the ability to look inward, they will
• Public Transport come to understand their areas of strength.
In turn, they will then be able to contribute
• Values for life meaningfully in the upcoming Service
Learning Program.
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 9
Year 9 Program
SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM (SLP)
As part of the Year 9 Program, students will be offered the chance to experience a range of unique
volunteering opportunities. These will be related to the areas of Community Service and
Mentoring.
SLP PROGRAM
In conjunction with the local and wider community, BHCS has developed an ‘Action and
Volunteering Program.’ This provides Year 9 students with the opportunity to visit Community
Centres within the Belgrave and surrounding areas during the term.
The ‘Service Learning Program’ encourages students to learn about their local community by
participating as active volunteers. It is based on experiential learning where students practise
valuable life skills while volunteering in the community.
The program aims to provide students with the following learning outcomes:
• An awareness of the roles and functions of local community organisations
• An awareness of differences in the way others live
• The development of communication skills with others who are not their peers
• An ability to reflect and learn from experience
Examples of some places that students may visit or be involved in include:
• Nursing Homes • Salvation Army
• Aged Care Hostels • Kindergartens
• Senior Citizens Centres • Keen on Green
• Special Development Schools • Convention Centre
• Community Health Services • Primary Schools
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 10Year 9 Program
CITY PROGRAM
Students will be required to learn about the City of Melbourne and will travel into the city during
Term 4. Students will be engaged in a multi-disciplinary study of the city and its surroundings. This
incorporates visits to various places of interest throughout the City of Melbourne.
Examples of places that students may visit could include the following:
• Parks and Gardens
• Art Galleries
• MCG
• Victoria Market
• Urban Seed/Big Issue
• Indigenous Heritage
• Parliament House
• Magistrates Courts
• BHCS Amazing Race
The remainder of the Year 9 Program will be spent at school in groups linking aspects of their
learning to the visits they’ve made into the city. Much of what the students would be studying on
their trips into the city will be relevant to areas of Science, SOSE, Art, Maths, English, etc. It also
helps students gain valuable life skills.
Throughout the city program, students will be encouraged to reflect on their experiences. They
will then use their observations to respond to, and create a presentation centred around the big
question, “Is Melbourne the most liveable city?” Parents will be invited to their child’s final
presentation.
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 11Core Subjects
CHRISTIAN STUDIES
OBJECTIVES ASSESSMENT
• To instil an interest in God’s Word. Assessment for this subject may include
• To develop a knowledge of Christ and following:
trust in God.
• Book work during class
• To teach students how to apply the Bible
• Participation in class
to everyday issues and our lives.
• Assignment work
• To help students to understand the
progress of the story in The Bible and the • Other presentation work and quizzes
way that God continues to work
throughout history and today.
CONTENT
The course covers a series of topics relating
the Bible to issues of Christian living and an
overview of the history of the Church.
• A Sneaking Suspicion (by John Dickson)
o Making choices
o Body Image
o Wealth
o Media
o Alcohol
o Relationships
o Suffering
o Death
o Other religions
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 12Core Subjects
ENGLISH
OBJECTIVES • Reading
• To gain a critical understanding of o Students are to read/view and
language as an instrument for clear, respond to a range of texts,
honest and effective communication including novels, short stories,
newspaper articles, and films.
• To write in a fluent, coherent and
grammatically appropriate manner o The study of the set class texts will
involve various activities, including
• To write in different modes, suitable for
analytical and creative writing, oral
different audiences
work, drama, and thematic studies.
• To read with understanding both set
texts and wide reading novels,
• Writing
responding orally and in written form
o Participate in a range of writing
• To communicate clearly and fluently in
types
both a formal and an informal manner
o Develop writing techniques
o Planning and drafting
CONTENT
o Mechanics of writing (spelling,
• Speaking and Listening
punctuation, grammar)
o Reading aloud
o Vocabulary extension
o Formal oral presentations
o Informal class and group discussion
ASSESSMENT
o Debating
Assessment for this subject may include
following:
• Taking part in discussion sessions
• Reading and studying the texts closely
• Completing written assignments and
essays
• Giving oral presentations
• Written Exams
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 13Core Subjects
HEALTH/PHYSICAL EDUCATION
COURS DESCRIPTION SEPEP involves the students taking on
responsibilities for organising and planning
Health and Physical Education (PE) classes
much of their sport lessons, including warm
will incorporate both theoretical and
up, skill development (peer teaching),
practical components. Over each semester
management of a team, umpiring and
students will cover a variety of topics, where
scoring.
they will learn to critically analyse and apply
Health and PE information to devise and As part of a team within the class students
implement strategies for maintaining healthy work together through a series of sports and
and active habits. are rewarded for their teamwork,
organisation, performance and
OBJECTIVES sportsmanship. This culminates in a finals
• To develop physically, with regards to series and an overall winner based on the
skill proficiency, agility, flexibility, above categories.
strength, speed and endurance specific
to particular sports. Health topics include:
• To develop a Christian perspective • Challenge, risk and safety
toward competition, in that the activity • Promoting healthy communities
is for the enjoyment of ‘all’, and to • Personal identity and relationships
develop respect for the efforts of others
• Sexuality and sexual relationships
regardless of their ability.
• Nutrition for good health
• To share in the planning and
administration of sport experiences.
ASSESSMENT
• To work effectively within a group towards Assessment for this subject may include
common goals, such as teamwork, following:
sportsmanship, and co-operation.
• Participation
• To develop and apply knowledge about
umpiring, warming up and training. • Fitness Testing
• Involvement in the SEPEP Program
CONTENT • Leadership of class warm up and skills
Sport Education Physical Education Program
(SEPEP) includes: Badminton, Basketball, • Written tests
Cricket, European Handball, Football, Netball, • Project work
Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball.
• Group work
• Risk assessments
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 14Core Subjects
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE – CIVICS & CITIZENSHIP
OBJECTIVES ASSESSMENT
The Civics and Citizenship curriculum aims to Assessment for this subject may include
ensure that students develop an following:
understanding of the following key areas:
• Written tests
• Understanding of Australia’s political • Research assignments
system and how it enables change
• The ways political parties, interest • Project work
groups, media and individuals influence • Classwork
government and decision making
• Research and inquiry projects
processes
• Features and principles of Australia’s
court system, including its role in
applying and interpreting Australian law
• Global connectedness and how this is
shaping contemporary Australian
society.
Students will explore key questions including:
• What influences shape the operation of
Australia's political system?
• How does Australia's court system work
in support of a democratic and just
society?
• How do citizens participate in an
interconnected world?
CONTENT
• Government and democracy
• Laws and citizens
• Citizenship, diversity and identity
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 15Core Subjects
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE – ECONOMICS & BUSINESS
OBJECTIVES CONTENT
The Economics and Business curriculum aims
• Economics and Business knowledge and
to ensure that students develop an
understanding
understanding of the following key areas:
• Economics and Business skills
• Economics and business concepts by
exploring the interactions within the ASSESSMENT
global economy Assessment for this subject may include
• The concept of an ‘economy’ and explore following:
what it means for Australia to be part of
• Written tests
the Asia region and the global economy
• The interdependence of participants in • Research assignments
the global economy, including the • Project work
implications of decisions made by
individuals, businesses and governments • Classwork
• The responsibilities of participants • Research and inquiry projects
operating in a global workplace.
Students will explore key questions including:
• How do participants in the global
economy interact?
• What strategies can be used to manage
financial risks and rewards?
• How does creating a competitive
advantage benefit business?
• What are the responsibilities of
participants in the workplace and why
are these important?
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 16Core Subjects
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE - HISTORY
OBJECTIVES ASSESSMENT
The History curriculum aims to ensure that Assessment for this subject may include
students develop: following:
• Interest in, and enjoyment of, historical • Journals
study for lifelong learning and work, • In-depth Studies: Written, Oral, Slides,
including their capacity and willingness Graphs, Maps, Annotated Illustrations,
to be informed and active citizens; Reviews
• Knowledge, understanding and • History Exhibition: Love & Sorrow (Year 9)
appreciation of the past and the forces
that shape societies, including Australian • Essays
society; • Project Work
• Understanding and use of historical • Exams
concepts and skills, including sequencing
chronology, using historical sources as
evidence, identifying continuity and
change, analysing cause and effect and
determining historical significance;
• Capacity to undertake historical inquiry,
including skills in the analysis and use of
sources, and in explanation and
communication of arguments.
CONTENT
• What has the 18th Century got to do
with me? (1750 - 1920)
• What are the international, national, and
personal impacts and significance of
World War I?
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 17Core Subjects
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics provides students with All students generally study the same core
essential skills and knowledge, as it develops material. Students in Extension Maths will
the numeracy capabilities that all students learn at a faster pace and to a greater depth
need in their lives. It also provides the than the other classes, extending their
foundations for further study of Maths. knowledge, particularly in the area of
Functions and Graphs and Algebra in
All students study the Victorian Curriculum preparation for advanced study of
up to the end of Year 10. From Year 10, the Mathematics in VCE.
curriculum provides pathway options suitable
for students of differing abilities and CONTENT
interests, and with a range of future career
In all topics, attention is paid to revision of
and study plans.
concepts and skills introduced in the previous
year to provide a foundation for new
OBJECTIVES learning. Topics covered include some or all of
To ensure that students: Pythagoras’ Theorem, Trigonometry,
• Are confident, creative users and Algebra, Linear Equations, Linear Graphs,
communicators of mathematics, able Measurement, Financial Mathematics,
to investigate, represent, and interpret Congruence and Similarity, Proportion and
situations in their personal and work lives Rates, Probability, Statistics and Indices.
and as active citizens.
ASSESSMENT
• Develop an increasingly sophisticated Assessment for this subject may include
understanding of mathematical concepts following:
and fluency with processes, and are able
to pose and solve problems and reason in • Assignments and tests
Number and Algebra, Measurement and • Summary or review notes
Geometry, and Statistics and Probability.
• Classwork
• Recognise connections between the areas
of mathematics and other disciplines and • Projects
appreciate mathematics as an accessible • Short written responses
and enjoyable discipline to study.
• Problem-solving and modelling tasks
STRUCTURE • Examinations
At each year level, mathematics classes are
timetabled concurrently. This enables
differentiation of the curriculum and flexible
groupings to meet the individual learning
needs of students. At Year 9, maths classes
consist of General Maths and Extension Maths.
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 18Core Subjects
SCIENCE
OBJECTIVES
• To develop an appreciation in the
ASSESSMENT
student of the beauty, order and Assessment for this subject may include
complexity of God’s creation. following:
• To teach students scientific and • Maintaining a complete set of notes
experimental skills of accurate • Set exercise and revision sheets
observation, exploration, classification,
discrimination, communication and • Class discussions
recording. • Project work
• To teach students to use scientific • Practical laboratory work
concepts, terminology, apparatus,
principles and application. • Written laboratory reports
• To appreciate science as relevant to • Topic tests
themselves and society. • Written exams
CONTENT
• Physics
o Energy and light
o Electronics
• Biology
o Respiratory, circulatory, digestive
and immune systems
• Chemistry
o The atom and chemical reactions
o The dynamic earth
• Ecology
o Interactions and relationships
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 19Elective Subjects
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY - WOOD
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is an extension of the skills developed in
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Year 7 and 8 and leads into VCE Product On completion of this unit, students should
Design and Technology. Students develop a be able to:
familiarity with a range of power tools. • Choose appropriate materials for the
They are introduced to machines such as the development of items
disc sander, router, wood lathe, and biscuit
joiner. Students are taught more advanced • Develop ideas for the design and
joinery skills and to design their own work. production of items
Students are also introduced to software • Evaluate the success of simple examples
applications such as CAD, Google SketchUp, of production
etc.
• Choose appropriate wood joints and
surface finishes to suit the product
TOPICS
Topics of study include:
• Safety
• The design process
• Drawing (communications)
• Methods of joining and shaping
materials
• Surface finishing
• Use of other materials for technology
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 20Elective Subjects
DRAMA
COURSE DESCRIPTION LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this unit, students should
This course will build on previous experience, be able to:
and make provision for each student to
develop the confidence necessary in • Select, combine and manipulate
preparing for performances. Students will dramatic elements to construct a
work individually and in small groups within performance.
the classroom to rehearse and present a
performance to a live audience. Students will • Use starting points such as observation
study elements of performance as well as and experiences to construct a character.
stagecraft. • Talk and write analytically yet informally
about observations of drama.
TOPICS • Rehearse and refine a performance for a
This unit introduces students to the elements live audience.
of drama and puts them to work in scripts,
improvisations, stagecraft and play building. • Contribute to an element of stagecraft
Students will create performance pieces for the live performance.
utilising their skills in voice and movement
workshops throughout the unit.
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 21Elective Subjects
FOOD TECHNOLOGY
COURSE DESCRIPTION LEARNING OUTCOMES
In Food Technology, students gain skills to
At the completion of this subject, students
prepare nutritious, well-balanced meals that
should have gained:
are tasty and satisfying. Students should gain
an understanding of ingredients and cooking • Competence in a variety of methods
processes used to make quality food of cookery.
products while building on the food
• An understanding of the nutritional
preparation techniques covered in Year 8.
requirements of youth as well as menu
Students are taught more challenging food
planning for well-balanced meals.
preparation skills, while being encouraged to
confidently plan, design, and prepare • An intercultural understanding
appealing food for family meals. At the same including past, current and future
time, students should also be acquiring other cultural influences on Australian food
important food preparation techniques such choices.
as nutrition, time management and the safe • Social and employability skills including
use of kitchen equipment to name a few. working in teams, making responsible
Students work with the “Technology Process” decisions and handling challenging
which is an important generic skill for many situations.
occupations in the Design and Technology
field. Learning good food preparation
techniques and practicing them at home is an
awesome way to develop culinary skills for
the future.
TOPICS
Topics for this subject include:
• Hygiene and kitchen safety skills
• Safe food handling
• Methods of cookery
• Understanding the nutritional
requirements of youth
• Skills for planning well-balanced,
nutritious meals
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 22Elective Subjects
LANGUAGES - FRENCH
Students who have shown an aptitude for Language areas that will be introduced
French during Years 7 and 8 are encouraged to and/or extended:
continue with this subject in Years 9 and 10,
particularly if they have aspirations to study • Confident recall of the high frequency
French in Years 11 and 12. Studying a regular and irregular verbs.
language enhances literacy skills, improves • Development of the past tenses of the
memory and brain function, helps develop Passé Composé and the Imparfait.
critical thinking and problem solving skills,
• Understanding of use and formation of
fosters respect and understanding of other
the Conditional tense.
cultures, and creates employment and career
opportunities. • Formation of negative sentences.
• Questioning skills to empower students
COURSE DESCRIPTION to find out information for themselves.
This course seeks to give students
• Effective use of adjectives/adverbs to add
opportunities to expand their knowledge of
interest and detail to communication.
useful vocabulary and grammatical structures
for personal communication in the target • Vocabulary expansion to include terms
language. The course materials provide of cooking, fashion, sports, technology,
computer based support activities for class and family home life.
and home use. Cultural information is up-to-
date and relevant to students’ interests and LEARNING OUTCOMES
current experiences. Students are given At the end of the two year program, students
training in oral and aural language skills and should be able to:
regular practice in writing on topics or themes
using unit vocabulary in a meaningful way. • Communicate at a functional level in
speech and writing using French.
TOPICS • Comprehend native French speakers
Topics for this subject include: who are aware that they are second
language learners.
• Travel destinations in France and the
francophone world. • Appreciate both the satisfaction and the
challenges of learning another language.
• Career opportunities where French is a
prerequisite. • Be more informed and aware of the
contributions made by a culture different
• Popular past-times. to their own
• Environmental issues facing Europe and • Be aware of the value of second
the world at large. language learning and its benefits to
• Current trends in popular teen culture. many career paths in the global economy
of the 21st century.
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 23Elective Subjects
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
o This could be through a team sport,
COURSE DESCRIPTION individual pursuit or simply getting
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award out there and be physically active.
(the Award / the Duke of Ed) is a positive and • Skill
rewarding challenge of self-discovery. o Unleashing talents and broadening
personal interests and skills.
The Award program is one of individual
challenges. It presents young people with a o Anything from refereeing, to digital
program of voluntary activities that production, to learning a musical
encourage personal discovery and growth, instrument, to jewellery making.
self-reliance, perseverance, responsibility and Generally nonphysical in nature.
service to the community. Each person who • Adventurous Journey
does the Award learns a skill, becomes more o This Section is all about discovering
physically active, volunteers in their a sense of adventure and requires
community and undertakes a team an expedition or exploration to be
adventure. undertaken in a small team (4-7
people) in a challenging and
Duke of Ed is offered in over 130 countries
unfamiliar environment, with an
worldwide and is available at Bronze, Silver
agreed purpose.
and Gold levels, each progressively longer
and more challenging.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
NB: Although the Duke of Ed award is • Demonstrate skills such as team work,
currently not being offered, students may communication and self-confidence.
undertake a modified version of the Duke of • Work with their peers to achieve goals
Ed Award as their Outdoor Education through group activities.
Curriculum. They will not receive an award • Appreciate outdoor activities, while
at the end of the course. understanding the safety required in
doing these activities, as well as the skills
TOPICS and fitness required to participate in
• Voluntary service these activities.
o Connecting with the community by • Appreciate the environment in which
giving useful service to others. these activities take place.
o Any area of interest in the
community, such as youth work, IMPORTANT NOTE
the environment or charity work. The Outdoor Education elective incurs an
• Physical Recreation additional cost due to the camps and
o Improving physical fitness and excursions associated with it.
wellbeing, and getting active.
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 24Elective Subjects
ROBOTICS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Using the latest technology from ‘Lego • Obstacle Course
Mindstorms’, the Robotics elective is a hands- • Pinball Machines
on course that involves two main facets:
construction and programming. It is definitely • Strongest crane
a subject for problem solvers, especially for • Sumo Wrestling Robot
those students who enjoy making simple
• Table Top Racer
machines to solve challenging problems.
Most challenges involve students working in • Tabletop Walker
pairs against other students to build superior • Tug of War Robot
robots. A challenge usually lasts between 3-5
periods, allowing students to progress • Vending Machine
through 6-8 challenges per semester.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
TOPICS At the completion of this subject, students
Some topics and challenges covered in this should be able to:
elective may include:
• Construct simple and complex robots.
• Automatic Catapult • Use ‘Lego Mindstorms’ to program
• Ball Skirmish robots.
• Colour Sorter • Connect a robot to an iPad via Bluetooth.
• Dancing Robot • Use thinking skills to solve challenging
problems.
• Fastest Car
• Use trial and error, and perseverance,
• Jousting Robot regardless of obstacles.
• Line Follower
• Maze Runner
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 25Elective Subjects
VISUAL ART
COURSE DESCRIPTION LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the completion of this subject, students
Students evaluate how visual representations
should be able to:
communicate artistic intentions in artworks
they make and view. They evaluate artworks • Conceptualise and develop
from different cultures, times and places representations of themes, concepts, or
including the work of Aboriginal and Torres subject matter to experiment with their
Strait Islander artists. During this study, developing personal style while
students analyse connections between visual reflecting on the styles of other artists.
conventions, practices, and viewpoints that
represent their own and others’ ideas while • Develop, manipulate, and refine
identifying influences of other artists’ on materials, techniques, and processes to
their own artworks. Students manipulate represent their own artistic intentions.
materials, techniques, and processes to • Evaluate how representations
develop and refine their ideas and subject communicate artistic intentions in
matter in their own artworks. This subject artworks they make and view to inform
can lead to further study in VCE Studio Arts their future art making.
and/or Visual Communication and Design.
• Analyse a range of visual artworks from
contemporary and past times to explore
TOPICS differing viewpoints and enrich their
Topics include: visual art making, starting with
Australian artworks, including
• Painting those of Aboriginal and
• Drawing Torres Strait Islander
Peoples, and
• Mixed Media
international
• Printmaking artworks including
• Art those from the
appreciation Asian region.
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 26Elective Subjects
VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
COURSE DESCRIPTION LEARNING OUTCOMES
Visual Communications looks at the way
At the completion of this unit, students
visual language can be used to convey ideas,
should be able to:
information and messages in the fields of
communication, environmental and industrial
• Make and present visual
design. This course aims to teach students to
communications, which explore themes,
generate, develop, and produce original
issues, and ideas with a variety of
concepts using the design process while
methods.
making and presenting their visual
communications. Students work on skills, • Use a visual communication production
techniques and processes, and explore process to develop and present
various ways and methods to develop a communications appropriate to a brief.
personal style in order to enhance their visual • Analyse and evaluate the purposes and
communications. This includes content of visual communications and
experimentation and practice using various present a written analysis of this
media and materials in the areas of digital information.
and freehand drawing. Students are also
taught to develop digital drawing skills using • Read, understand, and complete
a range of computer software. Visual instrumental drawings according to the
Communications can lead to further study in Australian Standards Conventions.
VCE Visual Communication Design. • Use digital drawing programs with
competence.
TOPICS
Areas of study include:
• Designers and design styles.
• Rendering with a variety of media and
materials.
• Working to a design brief.
• Developing competence using different
drawing systems including digital,
paraline, perspective, 2D and 3D.
• Visual Communication in historical
and/or cultural contexts.
• Marketing Design and target audiences.
BHCS YEAR 9 CURRICULUM BOOK – 2023 | PAGE 27Year 9 Curriculum Book Belgrave Heights Christian School OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF VICTORIA INC. (A0016947K)
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