Year 7 – 10

Year 7 – 9 are often referred to as being the ‘Middle years’ of school. We believe these years are the important bridge between a positive beginning in the Primary Years to a successful and sustainable Senior Years program of study. As such, we have a strong focus on the three years of 7, 8 and 9 rather than include Year 5 and 6 in the ‘Middle Years’ as some schools do. Year 7 is an important transition point from Primary school into the Secondary School structure. Year 8 is a year to consolidate and build skills that are required to continue effectively and successfully at school. Year 9 is the important preparation year before entering the Senior Years program.

Students in Year 6 both from Edenhope College and from other schools, participate in a supportive and extensive transition program that culminates in a smooth and successful transition to Year 7 the following year. More details regarding transition can be found in the Year 7 – 9 Handbook.

These years also present as developmentally challenging for students as they move from childhood to the teenage years. We recognize the need to provide health, safety and social skills programs so that students are best equipped to deal with the physical, emotional and social challenges they are confronted with. It is also important for students to be challenged both academically and in other fields. In year 9, students are able to access the elective program to choose subjects they have a special interest in that are outside the core subjects of Mathematics, English, Health/PE, Science, German, Humanities and Civics. Electives can include arts, technology, design, music and other options.

Duke of Edinburgh and Advance programs are also accessible for Year 9 students. These intensive programs build team work and leadership skills as well as connecting students to the community and wider world through volunteering and service projects. Sporting opportunities are available in school, inter-school and regional competitions. There is an annual Camp for every Year level.

Students who demonstrate academic strength may be provided extension opportunities through specialist classes and programs.

Our Year 10 students have the opportunity to select one or more VCE/VET subjects to complement their mandated AusVELS curriculum. While subject to student ability in a range of areas, parental approval, and staff input, this enables Year 10 students to get a head start on their VCE studies, which can either lessen their load in Years 11 and 12, or, more importantly, improve their chances of a better ATAR result in their final year.

Year 10 students can also choose from a range of elective studies, making use of some of the excellent trade training facilities we have on-campus, such as the well-equipped art and photography and food technology trade centres. Students in Year 10 are also provided the opportunity to prepare for the rigorous demands of VCE with a range of core subjects, each of which can be followed into VCE studies.