Years 9 & 10
Years 9 and 10
A powerful turning point
In Years 9 and 10, our mission is to help young people become thoughtful, ethical and engaged citizens who can influence their world for good.
We want every girl to develop a clear sense of purpose and direction; strong analytical and critical thinking skills; confidence in her voice (spoken, written and digital); and the courage to question, challenge and lead. We help her develop healthy habits that support long-term wellbeing; and a deep awareness of global issues and diverse perspectives.
Finding her North Star
Years 9 and 10 mark the shift from broad exploration to more intentional choice, but our values of courage, curiosity and integrity remain the foundation of learning. They guide classroom discussions, learning choices and leadership opportunities as students engage with complex ideas and real-world issues.
Teachers, mentors and wellbeing staff work closely with families to ensure each student feels guided, stretched and supported as she begins to map out her Senior School and post-school pathways. With approximately 30 subjects and pathways to VCE study, Years 9 and 10 are designed to keep options open while helping each girl move towards her own “north star.”
Year 9
Year 9
The Year 9 experience includes a robust core program in English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Languages, Health and Physical Education; alongside a choice of three year-long electives and learning that connects classroom concepts with real-world issues.
By the end of Year 9, students have a solid foundation from which to choose their Year 10 and VCE pathways.
Year 10
Year 10
The Year 10 experience includes a core program in English, Mathematics, Science, Health and Physical Education, and seven electives across the year, including full-year and semester-long options.
Students have the opportunity to study some subjects as part of an accelerated pathway, and gain real-world learning through industry partnerships, performances, engineering challenges and community-based projects.
By the end of Year 10, students are ready to enter VCE with confidence, clarity and a sense of purpose.
Beyond the classroom
Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing remains at the heart of the Years 9 and 10 experience. Our approach includes:
- A dedicated mentor for each student and regular mentor group time
- Wellbeing programs tailored to the needs of middle and later adolescence
- Ongoing focus on digital safety, consent, respectful relationships and healthy boundaries
- Study skills, organisation and exam preparation support
- Careers and pathways guidance as students begin to consider VCE and post-school options
- Strong communication between school and home
We believe that when students feel safe, connected and known, they are free to challenge themselves and thrive.
Co-curricular opportunities
Students in Years 9 and 10 can extend their interests through a wide range of co-curricular programs, including:
- Competitive sport and fitness programs
- Music ensembles, choir and instrumental tuition
- Drama productions and dance companies
- Debating, public speaking and student media
- STEM, coding, robotics and design clubs
- Visual arts, photography and creative writing groups
- Social justice, service and environmental action groups
- House leadership and broader student leadership roles
These experiences build confidence, teamwork, leadership and a strong sense of belonging. Click to read more about co-curricular opportunities.
Year 9 Signature Programs
Korowa’s two Year 9 Signature Programs, Trek and Quest, are immersive four-week experiences designed to challenge students beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom.
Positioned intentionally at this pivotal stage of adolescence, these programs recognise that Year 9 is a time when young people are developing greater independence, self-awareness and confidence in who they are becoming. Whether through the physical challenge and teamwork of Trek or the service, collaboration and community focus of Quest, students are encouraged to step outside their routines, build resilience, deepen their relationships with others and discover new strengths within themselves.
Both programs reflect Korowa’s belief that some of the most important learning happens through real-world experience, purposeful challenge and meaningful connection.
Trek
Trek
For more than 30 years, Trek has been a defining Korowa experience. This iconic four-week wilderness expedition takes Year 9 students from the Australian Alps to Ninety Mile Beach by foot, bike and raft.
Living and travelling together in small teams, students learn self-sufficiency, navigation and collaboration. They build leadership and interpersonal skills as they confront challenges, adapt to changing conditions and support one another.
Trek is a journey of endurance, discovery and shared achievement, a rite of passage that every Korowa alumna remembers.
Quest
Quest
Korowa’s Quest program offers Year 9 students a different kind of adventure. Quest is a four-week immersive experience focused on service, community and personal development.
Students work together on meaningful projects that benefit others, from environmental initiatives to local community partnerships. They learn to plan, problem-solve and collaborate, developing leadership, empathy and self-reliance.
Quest helps students understand their capacity to influence the world around them, and the satisfaction of making a genuine difference.
Outcomes
Parents choose Korowa for their girls because our program delivers:
Purposeful Pathways
With clear links between Years 9 and 10 subjects and future VCE options; accelerated pathways for students ready for additional challenge; and time and guidance to explore their interests before specialising.
Academic Challenge, With Care
- Differentiated classes in English, Maths, Science and Languages
- High expectations, with personalised support
- Teachers who know each student and track her progress closely
Voice, Leadership and Influence
Korowa delivers subjects and programs that empower young people as advocates and influencers. It offers leadership roles across year levels, Houses, co-curricular and service programs. And it gives students opportunities to design projects that create positive change.
Future-Ready Skills
- Strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, scientific thinking and digital capability
- Experiences that build collaboration, creativity and critical thinking
- A global outlook through languages, humanities and cross-disciplinary learning
A Seamless Journey to VCE and Beyond
Students are prepared for the final years of high school through thoughtful subject design and assessment, and structured guidance with subject selection and pathways. They enter VCE confident, capable and ready to pursue lives of purpose.
Applications now open
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Frequently asked questions
How are subjects chosen in Years 9 and 10?
Students receive detailed information and guidance before making selections. In Year 9, every student studies a core program and chooses three year-long electives (including the option of a second language). In Year 10, students choose seven electives across the year, including options for full-year subjects, languages and, where appropriate, VCE Units 1 and 2.
Can my daughter accelerate into VCE subjects in Year 10?
Yes, selected VCE Units 1 and 2 are available to Year 10 students who are ready for an accelerated pathway. Entry is based on demonstrated readiness and is discussed with the student, her family and relevant Heads of Department during the subject selection process.
How is placement decided for Mathematics and Science?
Placement is guided by a review of assessment data, teacher recommendations and the student’s learning needs. This ensures she is appropriately challenged and supported, and on the right pathway for her intended VCE mathematics and science choices.
What support is available for wellbeing and study skills?
Mentors and wellbeing staff provide structured programs on organisation, study techniques, digital responsibility and managing stress. Students also have access to learning support, careers advice and counselling services if needed.
Can my daughter continue with or add additional languages?
Yes. In Year 9, students continue with at least one language and may add a second. In Year 10, languages can be studied as full-year electives, and eligible students may pursue accelerated VCE language study.
How do co-curricular and academic programs fit together?
Korowa encourages students to participate broadly while maintaining balance. Staff work with families and students to ensure that co-curricular commitments support, rather than compete with, academic progress and wellbeing.
Book a tour today to see our vibrant learning community in action and discover why Korowa is the right choice for your daughter's education.
