Years 9 & 10

In Years 9 and 10, English empowers students to navigate the world with clarity and confidence. Through novels, non-fiction, media, poetry and multimodal texts, students:

• Explore identity, voice and their place in a global community
• Engage with current issues and diverse perspectives
• Develop strong analytical skills and the ability to question and evaluate ideas
• Create compelling persuasive, creative and reflective texts
• Build confident speaking and listening skills through discussion, debate and presentations

Additional support is available for eligible English as an Additional Language (EAL) students.

Languages are central to Korowa’s vision of preparing globally aware, culturally intelligent young women. Languages offered are Chinese, French, German and Japanese.

Students continue with at least one language in Year 9, with the option to take a second. They will:

• Deepen skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing and viewing
• Explore cultural practices, values and perspectives in Chinese, French, German and Japanese
• Reflect on how language and culture shape identity and worldviews
• Build intercultural understanding and confidence in communicating across cultures

In Year 10, students can extend their language learning through full-year electives and, for eligible students, accelerated VCE language study.

Mathematics in Years 9 and 10 is designed to support, challenge and extend every learner.

• Students are placed into classes that best match their learning needs.
• In Year 9, pathways include Mainstream, Extension and Accelerated Mathematics.
• In Year 10, students may study Mathematics at Mainstream, 10A level, or VCE Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2.

Across all levels, students:

• Build strong numeracy and algebraic reasoning
• Apply mathematics to real-world contexts and problem-solving
• Develop higher-order thinking, logical reasoning and data literacy

This differentiated approach ensures each girl is both supported and extended as she prepares for senior study.

Year 9 Science takes a real-world approach, exploring systems and interactions across biology, chemistry and physics. Students:

• Investigate everyday phenomena through experiments and practical work
• Develop abstract thinking and an understanding of scientific models
• Learn to analyse data, evaluate evidence and design investigations

Year 10 Science becomes more specialised. Students:

• Choose from options focused on the Natural World (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences) and the Physical World (Physics, Chemistry, Space Sciences)
• Select either “Exploring” subjects, which connect concepts to everyday applications, or “Investigating” subjects, which emphasise analytical and data-driven skills in preparation for VCE
• May be eligible for VCE Biology Units 1 and 2 as part of an accelerated pathway

In Year 9, Technology and STEM electives such as Digital Design: Data Analytics and Applied Design and Technology allow students to:

• Learn coding and data visualisation
• Use CAD, 3D printers and automated technologies
• Design and prototype solutions, from model vehicles to engineered products

In Year 10, technology electives such as Imagine Th-App and Applied Design, Technology and Engineering deepen skills in:

• Coding and algorithmic thinking
• App and game prototyping
• Engineering design, project management and real-world challenges, including opportunities to participate in events such as the Victorian Energy Breakthrough Challenge

Humanities and Commerce subjects invite students to become “knowledge architects,” young people who analyse the past and present to build a better future.

In Year 9, all students study:

• History: The Making of the Modern World: industrialisation, nationalism, imperialism and World War I
• Geography: Biomes and Food Security, balancing agricultural production, environmental sustainability and global food systems

Electives such as The Feminine Touch – Women Through the Ages and 21st Century Global Markets / Money, Markets and Me allow students to:

• Explore the stories and contributions of women across history
• Build financial literacy and an understanding of global markets and entrepreneurship
• Examine how economic and social forces shape our world

In Year 10, students can select from a rich suite of Humanities and Commerce subjects, including:

• History and Humanity: critical thinking through the study of the Holocaust and World War II
• Geography: Sustainable Futures – wellbeing, environmental change and sustainable development
• Thinking Critically with Commerce: legal, business and economic concepts
• PsychQuest: introductory psychology, exploring behaviour, memory and personality

Students may also apply for VCE Business Management Units 1 & 2 or VCE Legal Studies Units 1 & 2 as part of an accelerated pathway.

Across these subjects, students learn to research, write, argue and think ethically about the complex challenges facing local and global communities.

Across Years 9 and 10, Performing Arts electives help students build confidence, creativity and communication.

• Drama develops expressive skills, script interpretation and production roles through subjects such as Act & React and Bringing the Stage to Life, where students take a play from page to performance.
• Dance electives (from …5,6,7,8 in Year 9 to choreography and showcase subjects in Year 10) build technical skill, creative expression and understanding of the broader dance industry.
• Music programs such as Music Makers and Kool Skools in Year 9, and Music Matters in Year 10, develop performance, composition and aural skills, including opportunities to write, record and produce music and experience professional studios.

Partnerships with organisations such as Malthouse Theatre’s Suitcase Series give students authentic performance and creation experiences on contemporary issues.

Visual Arts and Media electives nurture visual literacy, design thinking and creative problem-solving.

Year 9 electives

• Art Express: identity, self-portraiture and three-dimensional work
• Exploring Multimedia: photography, animation and media forms
• Explore Design: product and communication design
• Creative Textiles: fabric design, garment construction and upcycled fashion

Year 10 electives

• Art: portraiture and explorations of the natural world
• Ceramics: functional and sculptural forms in clay
• Creative Design Studio: design of environmental spaces and interactive experiences
• Media: film, photography, podcasts and digital storytelling

These electives allow students to develop strong folios, experiment across mediums and respond critically to the images and messages that shape our world.

A lifetime of wellness is central to learning in Years 9 to 10. All students continue with Health and Physical Education (PE), where they:

• Develop fitness and movement skills
• Learn about respectful relationships, risk-taking and personal safety
• Explore strategies for mental health, resilience and balanced living

Specialist electives extend this learning:

• Body in Motion (Year 9): anatomy, body systems and injury management
• Sports Science: Unleashing Performance Potential (Year 10): energy systems, biomechanics, sports technology, ethics and sport psychology
• Café for a Day (Year 9): food, entrepreneurship, nutrition and running a real café experience
• Food for Thought (Year 10): advanced culinary skills, sustainable food practices, menu design and food styling

These subjects give students practical skills, scientific understanding and a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

Across Years 9 and 10, Korowa’s programs connect learning to authentic contexts, including:

• Participation in theatre and performance initiatives such as the Suitcase Series
• Recording projects in professional music studios
• Design, technology and engineering challenges that involve industry-standard tools
• Opportunities to compete in events such as the Victorian Energy Breakthrough
• Projects that explore entrepreneurship, financial literacy and social enterprise
• Service learning and social justice initiatives that encourage active citizenship

These experiences help students see the relevance of their learning and develop confidence as communicators, problem-solvers and leaders.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.