Student

UNIQUELY YEAR 9

This program allows students in Year 9 to step out of the classroom for a unique learning experience. They are given the opportunity to look more closely within; to develop a better understanding of themselves and to grow in awareness of the world and their place in it. Since the introduction of the program in 2003, students have participated in activities as varied as milking cows and shearing sheep, having a traditional afternoon tea at the Windsor, attending a performance of Swan Lake at the Arts Centre, traveling the Great Ocean Road, and attending the Moonee Valley Harness Racing.

Year 9 students, in collaboration with their Homeroom Teacher and other College staff, design a number of experiences for the year. These can be broadly captured in four main categories:

1. Melbourne / City experiences

   An opportunity for students to be exposed to a whole range of events and activities that they would not normally tap into in their forays to the city, including:

   • The Rialto Tower observation deck
   • Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
   • IMAX film studio
   • Circus Oz interactive workshops
   • Early morning fresh produce markets
   • Telstra Dome and MCG tours
   • Yarra River cruise
   • Melbourne Metro nightclub tour
   • Dining out in key eatery strips
   • State Library
   • Federation Square
2. Rural / Country experiences

   These experiences provide opportunities to take the students out of their suburban comfort zone and expose them to the joys, delights and learnings that country Victoria has to offer. Some of the key places, and there attractions, are:

   Swan Hill

   • Winery tour
   • Regional art gallery
   • Pioneer Settlement education program
   • Murray River cruise
   • Sound and light tour
   • McKillop College liaison
   • Water sport activities

   Beechworth

   • Cross country skiiing
   • Ned Kelly tour
   • Bushwalking
   • Historic jail tour
3. Coastal experiences

   These experiences vary widely in the way that the beach and coastal attractions are used. They are designed to utilize the surf and at the same time appreciate the land forms of some of Victoria’s most beautiful and popular places. Lorne, Warrnambool and Anglesea will by called upon with activities including:

   • Learning to surf and body board
   • Line dancing in a local town hall
   • Erskine Falls bushwalk
   • Cheese tasting in Timboon
   • Walks throught coastal rainforest

Regardless of where the Uniquely Year 9 Programs take place, they will all incorporate the key criteria set out for them which include an educational component each day, a spiritual and civic aspect, cultural experiences along the way, and an emphasis on artistic expression at some point. These provide the fundamental parameters for the students, Homeroom Teachers and supporting staff as they dream about and put into action the wonderful opportunities at hand through Uniquely Year 9.