Year 9 marks the beginning of an exciting new journey into Middle School—a time for students to explore their identity, values, and aspirations. Students are supported to build resilience, empathy, and a positive mindset, while developing strong study habits and organisational skills that will serve them well in future years.
The Year 9 curriculum framework at Diamond Valley College ensures that students complete core subjects that develop essential cognitive and personal skills, while also choosing from a wide range of electives. Our aim is to set students up for success by providing a supportive environment and a purposeful, challenging program of study. Students are encouraged to understand the reasons behind their learning choices and to select subjects that will stretch and broaden their skills.
In Year 9, students have the opportunity to tailor their program to their interests and academic strengths, while also expanding their experience with new subjects and meeting the Victorian Curriculum requirements. They are expected to take greater responsibility for their learning by actively participating in class, engaging with their studies at a higher level, and maintaining excellent attendance.
Year 9 Camp
A major highlight of Year 9 is the City Experience in Melbourne’s CBD, where students learn to navigate the city using public transport, manage their time, and work both independently and in teams. This program helps students develop a sense of responsibility, build confidence in unfamiliar environments, and broaden their independence while exploring how the city supports cultural diversity and social connection.
School for Student Leadership
The School for Student Leadership is an external program/camp for a selected group of Year 9 students designed to develop their independence, problem-solving skills, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.
Work Experience
Year 9 students participate in a structured work experience program, giving them the opportunity to explore potential career paths, develop workplace competencies, and gain insight into real-world work environments. This hands-on experience helps students make informed decisions about their future studies and career aspirations.
Curriculum
The core Year 9 subjects are English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science and Humanities. In addition to these, students can select from a wide range of electives, allowing them to pursue their interests, develop new skills, and explore potential pathways for future study.
Personal Development Learning
In the Junior and Middle Subschools, all students participate in a Personal Development Learning subject. In Year 9, the PDL subject is Discover.
Year 9 Curriculum Structure
