In Year 9, learning is characterised by consolidation and progression. Across their core subjects, students build on the literacy, numeracy and scientific thinking skills developed in earlier years, applying them with greater depth and independence. A stronger emphasis is also placed on developing students critical thinking skills.
Year 9 offers more flexibility in students’ subject choices. Students no longer need to specifically pick one Arts and one Technologies subject but have open choice from the elective subjects offered at Nazareth.
Health & Physical Education*
Students will be invited to trial for or continue with Football, Soccer, Basketball, Netball and Volleyball Academies. If successful, the chosen Academy sport will replace Physical Education in a student’s timetable for one semester.
Elective Subjects
In addition to the compulsory subjects of study listed above, students will have the opportunity to undertake FOUR elective subjects.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: One Semester
Students develop a broad range of skills and knowledge through exploring different materials and using industry recognised CAD software. They use technologies, such as 3D Printers, and Laser Cutters to complete two projects. A detailed design folio, which includes references to aesthetic principles and environmental issues, are a major component of the theory assessment.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: One Semester
Students extend their creative and technical skills through a range of art and design practices, including perspective drawing, sculpture and painting. They develop ideas through research, experimentation and folio work before creating resolved artworks that communicate meaning. Students investigate design movements, artists, and designers from different cultures, times and places, strengthening their understanding of visual conventions through analysis, evaluation and critical reflection.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: One Semester
Students choreograph, rehearse, perform, and respond to dance, engaging with various styles and techniques. They develop composition skills using dance elements, genres, and techniques while exploring ideas and improvisation. Students actively participate in choreography and technique, including sharing dance through performance and analysing dance to enhance communication and understanding across cultures and contexts.
Students refine choreography, technique, and performance while engaging with diverse styles and dance elements. They aim to manipulate and enhance their technically advanced skills, through genre or style specific techniques. Students partake in numerous performance opportunities while emphasising composition, improvisation, analysis, and interpretation to enhance communication and understanding across cultures and contexts.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: One Semester
Students develop a range of skills and knowledge through the use of materials such as solid metal materials and sheet metal. They develop practical skills in the production of set projects using hand tools and workshop machinery. Students complete a design folio and related theory tasks to develop their knowledge of the Design Process and to gain an understanding of workshop safety and material sustainability.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: One Semester
Students develop a range of skills and knowledge through the use of materials such as solid timber and manufactured board. They develop practical skills in the production of set projects using hand tools and workshop machinery. Students complete a design folio and related theory tasks to develop their knowledge of the Design Process and to gain an understanding of workshop safety and material sustainability.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: One Semester
By the end of Year 9, students explore how digital media concepts create meaning and shape representations. Students experiment with techniques, styles, and genres to produce digital solutions for specific audiences. Students apply responsible digital media practices, considering ethical implications in production. Students present their work and reflect on how digital media and design choices impact audience interpretation.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: One Semester
By the end of Year 9, students develop digital solutions by breaking down problems and evaluating approaches. Students interpret and manipulate data and structure digital documents effectively. Students design, test, and implement algorithms using procedural programming. Students explore how digital systems process and secure data, identifying cybersecurity risks. Using digital tools, students create interactive content, collaborate on projects, and apply privacy principles to manage their digital footprints responsibly.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: One Semester
In Year 9 Drama, students research how drama communicates meaning throughout history. They collaborate to create Commedia dell ‘Arte performances, applying style specific skills like sustained characterisation. Students perform scripted plays at the Middle School Drama Showcase and critically evaluate how various elements of drama convey meaning in a live theatre response.
Students refine acting and performance skills, building confidence and ensemble experience while exploring various dramatic techniques. They develop technical skills in focus, voice, movement, characterization, and stagecraft. Through improvisation, group-devised work, and script-based performances, they engage in rehearsal and performance response, collaborating with students on a combined production.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: Full Year
Students analyse how texts inform, influence, and engage audiences. They explore representations of people, places, and ideas, considering context and aesthetic qualities. Through reading, writing, and multimodal tasks, they experiment with text structures, literary devices, and voice to shape meaning and express ideas effectively across various forms and audiences. During Semester 1, students create a suspense narrative and a persuasive speech, as well as studying a class novel and a range of poetry.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: One Semester
Students develop decision-making, problem-solving, and creative skills through the study of food. They prepare delicious recipes using various cooking methods and ingredients while considering budgeting and the benefits of using in-season, local produce. Students explore sustainable practices and develop an understanding to make informed, practical food choices that benefit individuals, families, and communities.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: One Semester
Students explore how human activities and environmental processes shape places. They examine the impact of people on environments and how environments influence human activity. Students ask questions about geographical challenges, collect and analyse data, identify patterns, and draw conclusions. They evaluate strategies, predict impacts, and make recommendations using geographical knowledge and concepts.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: One Semester
Year 9 Humanities integrates History and Civics & Citizenship to examine how people, ideas and institutions have shaped societies and continue to influence Australia today. Students investigate the Industrial Revolution, the making of the Australian nation and World War I, exploring change, continuity, perspectives and historical significance through source analysis and historical inquiry. They also examine Australia’s democratic and legal systems, civic participation, media influence, identity and diversity. Through inquiry, analysis and evidence-based argument, students develop the skills to evaluate historical and contemporary issues, analyse multiple perspectives, and consider their role as active and informed citizens in Australia and the wider world.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: Full Year or One Semester
Students further expand their knowledge and understanding of the Italian language and culture. They explore grammatical structures, broaden their vocabulary, and enhance their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students analyse and extract information from spoken and written texts. Topics vary and may include housing, cuisine, and travel.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: Full Year or One Semester
Students read, write, and increase their knowledge of Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji using elongated vowels, double consonants, and contractions. They explore grammatical structures, increase vocabulary as well as how to analyse and extract information from a range of spoken and written texts and multimodal sources. Topics may include shopping, daily routines, seasons, housing, directions, and school life.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: Full Year
Students apply Pythagoras’ theorem and trigonometric ratios to right-angled triangles and solve problems involving surface area and volume of prisms and cylinders. They explore rational and irrational numbers, exponents, and Cartesian coordinates. Students also use mathematical modelling to solve problems in financial contexts, with linear and quadratic functions, and analyse graphical and algebraic relationships.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: Full Year
Students develop performance, composition, and analytical skills, engaging with diverse musical styles and traditions. They refine aural and theoretical knowledge while exploring musical elements through solo and ensemble performances. Students critically analyse compositions and performances, applying their understanding in their own work. Assessment includes practical performances, theoretical tasks, and composition projects.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: One Semester
Students explore digital music production and learn to create, mix, and edit using software instruments and audio files. They develop skills in beat-making, sampling, and sound design, working in genres like hip-hop and electronic music. Through practical projects, students analyse how music technology shapes modern music. Assessment includes composition, arranging, and research tasks.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: Full Year
Students refine movement skills, apply concepts in unfamiliar situations, and adapt strategies for success. They propose and evaluate community fitness interventions to enhance well-being. Students also assess leadership, collaboration, and ethical behaviour in various movement contexts
Students further develop their skills, speed, agility, fitness, strength, stamina, small-sided games, and tactical awareness through coaching and feedback. They will analyse data to develop their game sense in a range of situations. Students will reflect on their skills and performance, setting personal goals for their future.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: Full Year
Students explore human dignity, morality, and spirituality through engagement with Scripture, Tradition, and contemporary contexts. They examine identity and relationships, developing emotional intelligence and respectful communication. With a focus on Catholic Social Teaching and Integral Ecology, particularly Laudato Si’, students analyse the interconnectedness of people, creation, and justice. They interpret and apply Church teachings to real-world issues, demonstrating ethical reasoning and a growing sense of responsibility for the common good through dialogue, reflection and action.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: Full Year
The Rite Journey program partners with families in helping our students navigate the journey into adulthood. Through class activities, discussions, challenges, a mentoring program, and the Year 9 camp, we seek to equip students to be confident, capable, and compassionate young men and women. Each stage of the journey is marked by a memorable event to honour your child’s transition into young adulthood.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: Full Year
In Year 9 students explain how scientific models and systems—such as body coordination, reproduction, and energy transfer—relate to real-world phenomena. They plan and conduct reliable investigations, addressing ethical considerations and accurately analysing data. Students use scientific language and representations effectively to communicate evidence-based conclusions and evaluate claims, demonstrating an understanding of the connections between science, technology, and society.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: One Semester
Students will explore diet, sleep, training, conditioning, sports injuries, recovery, and athlete education. Students analyse data to improve performance, explore training cycles, and develop strategies for athlete and team growth. Topics include nutrition, hydration, gym training, motivation, injury prevention, recovery methods, and the impact of drugs on performance and mental health.
Subject Pathways:
Course Length: One Semester
Students explore textiles as a creative and functional design medium, developing their own ideas through the design and production of original textile products. They investigate contemporary textile practices, sustainable design, and emerging technologies while experimenting with materials, techniques, and embellishment. Students work through the design process to create purposeful, innovative, and aesthetically considered solutions that reflect individual creativity and intent.
We are committed to supporting students and families as they prepare for Year 9. If you have any questions about subjects or timetables, please don’t hesitate to contact us by emailing [email protected]
