Year 9 and 10
Year 9 & 10 Teaching & Learning
During the middle years at Geelong High School, students have the opportunity to broaden and enrich their experiences through a combination of core and elective subjects so that they are in an informed position when making pathway decisions.
In Year 9, students continue their core studies in Mathematics, English, Science, Humanities, Health and Physical Education. Students also choose elective units in collaboration with parents and teacher counsellors, areas of interest such as Art, Technology, HAPE and languages. Interested students also have the opportunity in Year Nine to participate in the Geelong Positive Engagement Program (GPEP), which connects them to volunteer work and community organisations, develops their leadership skills and fosters positive thinking.
During Year 10, in addition to core studies in English and Mathematics, a range of elective subjects are available to students that prepare them for potential VCE studies. These subject selections are made in collaboration with parents and GHS Course Counsellors. Students entering Year Ten are encouraged to consider accelerating their learning by taking on the challenge of a VCE Unit 1 & 2 sequence or a Vocational Education & Training (VET) course to begin to prepare them for the demands of their senior years of schooling. Many students find accepting this challenge to be rewarding and discover an enhanced sense of pride and purpose in their studies.
Geelong Positive Engagement Program (GPEP):
The Geelong Positive Education Program (GPEP) is open to Year 9 students via application. GPEP is a multi-purposed program, enabling students to actively contribute to improving the world they live in and their own understanding of themselves through Positive Education.
Students looking to challenge themselves and to make a positive difference in their communities find joining GPEP a rewarding experience. Students are encouraged to build upon their character strengths and to develop a growth mindset when encountering difficulties in school and in life. Students also develop their understanding of ways they can make a positive impact, whether it is through animal welfare, promoting environmental sustainability or in other ways. Indeed, one of the most enjoyable aspects of the class are the excursions to charitable and volunteer organisations where students actively participate in helping.
Areas of Study:
GPEP encompasses three main areas of investigation, including animal welfare, sustainability and disadvantage in our community. Positive Education is intertwined, where students learn about their own character strengths, how to deal with difficult situations and how to view challenges with a growth mindset.
Volunteering:
Students work with charities and volunteer organisations during school time. This includes working on projects with animals, on environmental projects, with primary aged students and participating in activities which will benefit members of our society in less fortunate situations.
Camps:
Students take part in a number of camps throughout the semester, including local and Melbourne camps. Later in the year students undertake an interstate or international camp providing students with opportunities to contribute in a positive way to the lives of people less fortunate than ourselves.
Accelerated Learning:
Students can accelerate their learning by taking on the challenge of a VCE Unit 1&2 sequence or a Vocational Education & Training (VET) course to begin to prepare them for the demands of their senior years of schooling. Accelerated enrolment in VCE subjects will be dependent on an application process. Students must have a track record of high attendance and effort and be able to prove they have the necessary commitment.
For further information:
Contact: Vanessa Shipp – Middle Years Leading Teacher