Head of Department - Student Services (Middle Schooling)
Years 9 and 10 are a key point in a student's schooling, as the choices they make begin to shape their Senior School pathway.
As the Head of Department – Student Services (Middle Schooling), I work with students and families to help them understand the options available and make informed decisions about their learning. Guided by our Middle School philosophy of Discover who you are, explore what's possible, build the direction for your future, I support students as they identify their strengths and interests, explore potential career and study pathways, and prepare for subject selection in Years 11 and 12.
My role is to ensure students have the information, guidance, and support they need to confidently plan their next steps.
James BrewerHOD - Student Services Middle Schooling
Year 9
In Year 9, students will study three core subjects for the year, two core subjects for a semester each (History and Health and Physical Education) and select two electives that they will study for the year.
Core subjects include:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- History (one semester)
- Health and Physical Education (one semester)
Students will select two electives for the year from the following curriculum areas:
- The Arts
- Technologies
- Languages
- Humanities
- Health and Physical Education
All students participate in a weekly PROUD Pathways lesson designed to support their personal and academic development. These lessons focus on building the skills and knowledge students need to be successful at school and beyond, including goal setting, study and organisational skills, academic wellbeing, career exploration, and social-emotional development. Through PROUD Pathways, students are encouraged to reflect on their strengths, explore future opportunities, and develop the confidence to make informed decisions about their learning and future pathways.
Students in Year 9 participate in a weekly Sport afternoon where they have the opportunity to play interschool competition or recreational activities.
The Curriculum Handbook provides detailed information to assist students to plan subject selections.
Students select their Year 9 subjects during Term 3 of Year 8.
Year 10
Students in Year 10 begin the transition to the senior school. They continue to have opportunities to specialise in areas of interest and success when developing their career pathway.
In Year 10, students will study three core subjects for the year, two core subjects for a semester each (History and Health and Physical Education) and select two electives that they will study for the year.
Core subjects include:
- English – one of Introduction to Essential English, English, or Introduction to Literature
- Mathematics – one of Introduction to Essential Mathematics or Mathematics
- Science
- History (one semester)
- Health and Physical Education (one semester)
Students will select two electives for the year from the following curriculum areas:
- The Arts
- Technologies
- Languages
- Humanities
- Health and Physical Education
Students in Year 10 participate in a weekly PROUD Pathways lesson that focuses on preparing them for Senior School and beyond. Through these lessons, students explore potential career and post-school pathways, develop an understanding of subject prerequisites and pathway options, and set meaningful academic and personal goals. The program also supports students to strengthen their organisational skills, build resilience, and maintain positive social and emotional wellbeing as they navigate this important stage of their education.
Students select their Year 10 subjects during Term 3 of Year 9.
SET Planning process
Whilst there are many options available to students, careful planning and commitment is needed to be successful. To help young people and their parents/carers make decisions about their options in the senior phase of learning, all Year 10 students participate in the Senior Education and Training Planning process.
A Senior Education and Training Plan (SET) Plan helps students structure their learning around their abilities, interests and ambitions. As part of the planning process, students think about their future, consider their abilities and investigate their options for careers and further education.
The student, their parents or carers, and the school meet during Term 3 of Year 10 to develop the SET Plan, which details what, where and how a student will study during their senior phase of learning The SET Plan is reviewed periodically throughout senior school to monitor the student's progress.