What's happening in Year 9?

It has been a busy and exciting time for our Year 9 students! First, a huge thank you to all the parents and guardians who attended our 'Meet and Greet' BBQ a few weeks ago. It was fantastic to connect with you and share in a relaxed and enjoyable evening. Your support is always appreciated!

Meanwhile, NAPLAN has been well underway in Weeks 6 & 7. If students have been absent for any of the tests, we have a brilliant team working to provide as many opportunities as possible to get all students caught up on these tests when they return to school. We encourage all students to continue putting in their best effort as they work through the remaining assessments this week. Remember, these tests are just one way to showcase your learning progress—so stay focused, do your best, and be proud of your achievements!

Whilst NAPLAN has been a huge focus in these past few weeks, learning in classes has not slowed down ...

MATHS - The first unit in Maths that Year 9 have engaged with requires them to consider and calculate both the surface area and volume of various 3D shapes, including rectangular, triangular and cylindrical prisms. Students have also considered real world applications for their answers, implications of incorrect measurement and understanding how to calculate the capacity of these objects.

ENGLISH - In their first English unit in Year 9, students viewed the documentary Blackfish. This follows the story of an orca named Tilikum, who is captured at two years of age, and sent to perform at various theme parks, including SeaWorld in Florida. Students are using this documentary, and some of their own research, to write an essay that persuades readers of their stance on the statement: Killer Whales should not be kept in captivity. Here’s what some of them had to say:

“Killer whales in captivity have a shorter life span than in the wild.” (Tristan S)

“In captivity, killer whales don’t have enough space to move, which causes their dorsal fins to ‘flop over’ when that muscle isn’t being used.” (Mia H)

“Killer whales should be in the ocean with their families, not in captivity.” (Tjay & Tyson S)

“The ocean is the natural environment where killer whales should be.” (Ruby K)

“SeaWorld punishes its Killer Whales in captivity when it cannot perform tricks, which is cruel.” (Eamon F)

SCIENCE - Year 9 Science has started the term focusing on some fundamentals of chemistry including basic atomic structure and how that relates to trends on the periodic table. We have explored the history and the scientists whose theories changed the atomic model and have introduced the students to radioactivity and nuclear decay. Students also had an opportunity to debate each other about the pros and cons of radioactivity.

HaSS - In the first HaSS unit for the year, students explore a series of mini lessons on the significant events from the 1750-1914 period. These events are examined through the lens of several historical key concepts.

These events include:

• The cause and effect of population fluctuations during the Industrial Revolution (with a focus on the Malthusian Trap)
• Understanding the significance of the Napoleonic Wars and Britain's rise to power
• Exploring changing political and economic ideologies
• Understanding differing perspectives of Tasmania’s Black War 
• Considering empathy through the Boxer Rebellion and the fight against imperialism
• Exploring the contestability of Ned Kelly's legacy
• Investigating evidence from the Battle of Beersheba