English
English is the study of all aspects of the language. The Year 9 student will continue to develop her spoken and written expression; her listening and reading skills; her awareness of how she communicates through the visual media and her ability to understand what she views and watches.
Mathematics
The emphasis in Mathematics is on building confidence and improving competence in basic numeracy skills, developing problem solving strategies and learning to think mathematically.
Science
Science involves learning about and understanding the world in which we live. Science and technology are major influences in our daily lives. The Year 9 students will meet many new situations and will carry out experiments and investigations. These will help her develop skills in observation, testing ideas, recording and interpreting data, researching and using scientific equipment. She will learn to ask the questions “why” and “how” to clarify her ideas.
Social Studies
Social Studies helps students’ understanding of the world and provides them with the skills and knowledge to play your role in society. The students’ focus in Year 9 is on the relationships that exist between people and the environment. They will also learn about how societies and communities function and gain an understanding of the diverse cultures and identities of people within those communities. Learning about past events and experiences and how they have been interpreted over time will help them understand the past, the present and imagine possible futures. Economic activities are also studied so that students gain an understanding of their place in the economic world. The Year 9 student, through social inquiry, will explore and analyse values and develop research skills.
Physical Education and Health
Through Physical Education students will learn a variety of motor skills, a range of interpersonal skills, positive teamwork strategies and an understanding of basic anatomy and physiology. Students will also develop their sense of leadership and effective communication skills. In Health Education students develop their understanding of the factors that influence the health of individuals, groups and society. Students examine factors associated with mental wellness, reproductive health and positive sexuality. Positive attitudes toward personal fitness and health are encouraged.
The Arts
Students study all four aspects of the Arts curriculum: Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts. They learn in each area for one term. The purpose of our Arts course is to provide an introduction to a more thorough investigation of the Arts in Year 10. Students will develop the skills necessary to work both independently and collaboratively to construct meaning and produce works.
Visual Art
Visual Art explores a range of art making skills. Students are introduced to observational drawing in pencil, ink, dye and paint. They investigate art from a range of cultural origins and produce specific artistic outcomes that range from an intricate pattern design to a coloured still life painting and a relief sculpture work.
Music
Students are introduced to musical instruments, composing and song writing. They investigate different musical genres and learn music theory. Avonside Girls’ High School employs itinerant music teachers so that free tuition in strings, percussion, wind instruments, the guitar and voice are available. A small charge is made for the hire of instruments. Students who participate in itinerant music lessons are expected to be part of a choir or musical group at school.
Dance
Dance explores a range of expressive movement that has intent, purpose and form. Students learn to express personal, group and cultural identities to convey and interpret artistic ideas and to strengthen social interaction. Student will develop practical knowledge and skills in performing and choreographing.
Drama
Drama is the expression of the human experience through a range of theatrical techniques and forms. It provides students with the opportunity to develop a wide range of personal and performance skills. Students will workshop and investigate a number of theatre forms such as mime and improvisation, building towards a group performance.
Languages
All students study Languages and choose two 6 month subjects from those listed below. In addition students may be directed to take Language Development to support their literacy in all subjects.
Maori
Maori is one of the official languages of New Zealand. Students learn to use and enjoy Te Reo Maori and Tikanga Maori which are distinctive of the character of New Zealand life.
French
French represents the Romance languages and culture of Europe. It is an international language spoken by people through the world, one of the official languages of the European Community and has strongly influenced the development of English.
German
German represents the Germanic languages and cultures of Europe. English is a member of this language family, so German and English are first cousins. German in the most widely spoken mother tongue in Europe.
Japanese
Japanese represents the Asiatic languages and culture. The language is written using a combination of Japanese characters. Learning Development Literacy and numeracy skills are essential in everyday life and in learning. Students will further develop their reading and comprehension skills and their basic number skills. They will also focus on developing confidence in using fundamental skills for improved literacy and numeracy. The focus of this course is to ensure students are sufficiently competent to be able to learn well in all curriculum areas.
Technology
The Technology curriculum provides students the opportunity to gain experience in design, planning and problem solving in small groups as they design, construct and evaluate projects. All students study Food Technology for one term; they choose three other Technology subjects for the remainder of the year.
Food Technology
Food technology focuses on the requirements of good nutrition and safe food handling. Students learn through practical activities where they prepare, cook and serve healthy food.
Textile Technology
Textile technology provides students opportunities to develop a range of skills to plan and construct a textile item. They learn decision making and evaluation skills and practical work is reinforced with written work.
Graphics
Graphics provides students opportunities to undertake design activities which build on their knowledge of the design process and stimulate their creativity. They are introduced to a range of drawing systems and drawing materials which allow them to communicate and present their ideas effectively.
Hard Materials Technology
Hard materials technology enables students to design, plan and construct projects using a range of materials. They investigate and solve practical problems through the technological process.
Digital Technology
In digital technology students investigate digital practices to support learning across the curriculum.
