Pakenham
Secondary
College
Year 9 2026
Electives
Handbook
Introduction
Acknowledgement of Country
Table of Contents
Introduction
Year 9 Timetable Structure 2026
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Duke of Edinburgh
21
English
Literature
Humanities
Business: Money Talks
Geography: Globetrotters
History: Revolutions
10
The Arts
Art
Digital Art & Design
Photography
Drama
24
25
26
27
Music
29
Technology
Fashion and Product Design
Food Studies
Digital Technologies
31
32
33
Return to Bookshelf
34
Science
Body and Mind: The Science of
Biology & Psychology
STEAM Explorations
Sport Science
12
13
14
Health & Physical Education
Active for Life
Power Up
Team Sports
Explore Outdoors
16
17
18
19
Wood Technology and Product
Design
Pakenham Secondary College recognises the Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri tribes as
the original inhabitants of the Cardinia region. The College respects Aboriginal sacred
sites, special places and objects, and fully supports the reconciliation process.
Acknowledgement of Country
P A G E 3 | P A K E N H A M S E C O N D A R Y C O L L E G E Y E A R 9 2 0 2 6 E L E C T I V E S H A N D B O O K
Depending on the program, you will be able to choose electives from any Key Learning
Area. Please refer to the Year 9 Timetable Structure on Page 4 for the details.
Costs associated with each elective are stated in the subject description included in this
booklet.
Introduction
Year 9 Timetable Structure 2026
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Year 9 Mainstream
Year 9 Enhancement
Year 9
Enhancement
Year 9
Applied Learning
Year 9
Mainstream
Subject and Number
of Periods
Subject and Number
of Periods
Subject and Number
of Periods
English
10 periods
Applied Literacy
7 periods
English
10 periods
Mathematics
10 periods
Applied Numeracy
7 periods
Mathematics
10 periods
Science (1 semester)
6 periods
Applied Science
4 periods
Science (full year)
6 periods
Humanities (1 semester)
6 periods
Applied Humanities
4 periods
Humanities (full year)
6 periods
Health - Plus a minimum 1
compulsory P.E. Elective
must be chosen
2 periods (Health only)
Health - Plus a minimum 1
compulsory P.E. Elective must
be chosen
2 periods
Health - Plus a minimum 1
compulsory P.E. Elective must
be chosen
2 periods
3 Electives per Semester
6 Electives in total
1 compulsory from Art, 1
compulsory from Design
Technology, 1 compulsory from
P.E. and 1 compulsory from
either Science or Humanities
The other 2 electives can be
chosen from any of the Key
Learning Area electives
Hands on Learning
10 periods
2 Electives per Semester
4 Electives in total
1 compulsory from Art, 1
compulsory from Design
Technology and 1 compulsory
from P.E.
The other Elective can be
chosen from any of the Key
Learning Area electives
2 Electives per Semester
4 Electives in total
1 compulsory from Art, 1
compulsory from Design
Technology and 1 compulsory
from P.E.
The other elective can be
chosen from any of the Key
Learning Area electives
Life Skills (1 semester)
4 periods
Applied Life Skills (1 semester)
4 periods
Life Skills (1 semester)
4 periods
Digital Technology (1 semester)
4 periods
Digital Technology (1 semester)
4 periods
Digital Technology (1 semester)
4 periods
English
Year 9 Elective - Literature
Course Description
Potential assignments:
Students will have the opportunity to:
Complete Close Readings of unique texts
Developing their own creative pieces through imaginative writing
Examine poems of their choosing and explore the devices of poetic language.
This elective aligns with VCE Literature and is recommended for students who are interested in
fields such as writing, creative arts, film and television production.
Cinema Excursion
Theatre Performances
State Library
ACMI
Melbourne Museum
Guest Speakers
Potential Incursion/Excursion Opportunities
$25 (approximately, for excursions)
Subject Cost
VCE Literature
Link to VCE/VET Subjects
Mr Travis Bhandari
Contact Person
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Combining the best of teenage-focused
coming-of-age fiction, this facet of literature
has provided some of the most well-known
characters, themes, and tropes in fictional
writing. Stories, poetry, films, and novels,
(from authors including John Steinbeck,
William Golding and William Shakespeare)
will introduce students to the tropes, ideas,
emotions and interesting adventures that are
inherent in Literature based on teenage
experiences and drama, as well as coming-
of-age stories.
Humanities
Year 9 Elective - Business: Money Talks
Course Description
Assessment Unit Assessments could include:
Money Talks is a semester length unit essentially on money. Or is it? Students are introduced to
the concept of an economy and explore economics on three levels.
Firstly, what does economics mean to me? What is a budget, credit, investments and shares?
Students look at ways to manage personal finance and how to better manage money and debt.
They explore the share market and other investments and participate in the ASX Sharemarket
game. Secondly, students look at what is involved in the Australian economy. How does the
government spend its money and where do they get it from? Students look at the role of
business in our Australian economy and, the responsibilities of social welfare. Finally, students
explore what it means for Australia to be part of the Asia region and global economy. Students
consider how we see our nation as part of the global world and how globalisation impacts our
decision making.
Research Tasks
Structured questions
Case studies
Significant Events Task
End of term tests
$0
Subject Cost
VCE Business Management
VCE Accounting
VCE General Mathematics
VCE Vocational Major
Personal Development Skills
Literacy
Numeracy
Link to VCE/VET Subjects
Mr David Telford
Contact Person
Resources
Oxford Textbook and teacher developed resources
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Year 9 Elective - Geography:
Globetrotters
Course Description
Assessment Unit Assessments could include:
In year 9 Geography students investigate the ways we are connected to places, and the ways
we are interconnected on a global scale. This involves analysing maps, data, videos, and other
information about topics such as the clothing industry, social media, sport and world leaders.
Students also study the different zones of the world known as Biomes and consider how we can
access and grow food within different biomes. Students investigate where our food comes from,
food waste and food insecurity, and create solutions to these significant global issues. Students
will conduct research out in the field at a local shopping precinct.
Fieldwork Activity
Mapping and Data Tasks
Structured Questions
Extended Responses
Case Studies
End-of-Semester test
Subject Cost
Resources
Oxford Textbook and teacher developed resources
$0
VCE Geography
VCE Business Management
VCE Vocational Major
Personal Development Skills
Literacy
Link to VCE/VET Subjects
Mr David Telford
Contact Person
P A G E 9 | P A K E N H A M S E C O N D A R Y C O L L E G E Y E A R 9 2 0 2 6 E L E C T I V E S H A N D B O O K
Year 9 Elective - History: Revolutions
Assessment Unit Assessments could include:
Structured Questions
Role Plays and Scripts
Extended Responses
Case Studies
Source Analysis and Object based learning
End-of-Semester test
Resources
$0
Subject Cost
VCE Modern History
VCE History Revolutions
VCE English
VCE Vocational Major
Work Related Skills
Personal Development Skills
Literacy
Link to VCE/VET Subjects
Mr David Telford
Contact Person
Oxford Textbook and teacher developed resources
P A G E 1 0 | P A K E N H A M S E C O N D A R Y C O L L E G E Y E A R 9 2 0 2 6 E L E C T I V E S H A N D B O O K
Course Description
This year 9 History elective aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the period
1750 to 1914. This era grew from the Enlightenment period that saw industrialisation and rapid
change in the ways people lived, worked, and thought about themselves and the world. It was a
time of nationalism and imperialism, and the colonisation of Australia was part of the expansion
of European power. The period culminated in World War I – the ‘war to end all wars’. Students
begin with an overview of the period 1750 to 1914 so that they can understand the context of the
period. Students then look at the Enlightenment and its impact on the lives of people in the 18th
and 19th centuries through the Industrial Revolution. Specifically, students explore ways in
which the movement of people was affected. The three topics of slaves, migrants and rebellion
will provide the context for this area of study. Imperial rivalry, originating partly from the Industrial
Revolution, culminated in World War I, and students study a range of aspects leading up to this
defining conflict.
Science
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Areas of Study
Subject Cost
Link to VCE/VET Subjects
Course Description
Embark on an intriguing exploration of the human
body and mind with our Year 9 elective: Body and
Mind: The Science of Biology and Psychology. This
course integrates the disciplines of biology and
psychology to provide students with a holistic
understanding of how the body and mind function
and interact. Through an engaging blend of
theoretical
study
and
practical
investigation,
students will delve into the complexities of human
anatomy, physiology, mental processes, and
behaviours.
Year 9 Elective - Body and Mind: The
Science of Biology and Psychology
Human Biology
Anatomy and Physiology
Homeostasis and Health
Psychology
Cognitive Processes
Emotions and Behaviour
Mind-Body Connection
Psychophysiology
Mental Health and Wellness
$0
VCE Biology
VCE Psychology
Ms Sonia Bhatia
Contact Person
Course Description
Areas of Study
Immerse yourself in the exciting world of STEAM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and
Mathematics) with our Year 9 elective, STEAM
Explorations. This course is designed to ignite
curiosity
and
foster
creativity
through
an
interdisciplinary approach that integrates scientific
inquiry,
technological
innovation,
engineering
design, artistic expression, and mathematical
analysis. Students will engage in hands-on
projects that challenge them to solve real-world
problems and develop critical 21st-century skills.
Year 9 Elective - STEAM Explorations
Scientific Inquiry and Discovery
Technology and Innovation
Engineering and Design
Artistic Expression and Creativity
Mathematics and Analysis
Practical Application
$20
Subject Cost
Link to VCE/VET Subjects
Contact Person
Various VCE Science, VCE Mathematics and
VCE Art/Technology subjects
Ms Sonia Bhatia
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Course Description
Areas of Study
Dive into this fascinating intersection of science
and sports. This course is designed to provide
students with an understanding of how scientific
principles apply to athletic performance, training,
and overall health. Through a combination of
theoretical learning and practical application,
students will explore the key components of sports
science, including physiology, biomechanics, and
psychology.
Year 9 Elective - Sport Science
Exercise Physiology
Biomechanics
Sports Psychology
$0
Subject Cost
VCE Physical Education
VCE Health and Human Development
VET Sport and Recreation
Link to VCE/VET Subjects
Contact Person
Ms Sonia Bhatia
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Health & Physical
Education
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Areas of Study
This elective is for students interested in exploring a
range of inclusive and alternative sports suitable for all
ages and abilities. You’ll take part in activities that
promote lifelong physical activity, especially for those
who may not participate in competitive or high-intensity
sports. Activities may include garden games (such as
bocce,
Finska,
and
frisbee),
adapted
soccer,
badminton, pickleball, and lawn bowls. Students will
have the opportunity to design their own activity or
sport that encourages being active for life.
Year 9 Elective - Active for Life
Course Description
Participation trends in Sport & Physical Activity
National Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour
Guidelines
Enablers and Barriers to Physical Activity
History of Games both in Australia and around the
World
Inclusive Sport Programs including the VIS and
Paralympics
Subject Cost
$0
VCE Physical Education
VET Sport and Recreation
Link to VCE/VET Subjects
Mr Adyn Tocknell
Contact Person
Areas of Study
Subject Cost
This Year 9 elective is designed for students eager to
explore a range of fitness activities that promote overall
health and wellbeing. Throughout the course, students
will participate in Pilates, High-Intensity Interval Training
(HIIT), weight training, and Zumba. Each activity offers
unique physical and mental benefits, and students will
learn proper techniques, training principles, and how to
tailor these workouts to suit individual needs and goals.
The course also includes visits to specialised fitness
facilities, giving students the chance to experience
professional environments. By the end of the elective,
students will have developed greater confidence in their
physical abilities and a deeper understanding of how to
maintain lifelong fitness.
Year 9 Elective - Power Up
Course Description
Fitness Components
Benefits of Physical Activity
Gender Issues in Physical Activity and Sport
$0 (there may be excursion costs associated
with this elective)
VCE Physical Education
VET Sport and Recreation
Link to VCE/VET Subjects
Mr Adyn Tocknell
Contact Person
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This Year 9 elective is ideal for students who are
passionate about traditional physical education and
team-based sports. It offers a dynamic opportunity to
develop fundamental movement skills, improve game
sense, and deepen your understanding of teamwork,
strategy, and sportsmanship. Throughout the course,
students will actively participate in a range of sports
and games, including striking and fielding games,
invasion games, target games, and net and wall
games. The emphasis will be on skill development,
tactical awareness, and working effectively as part of a
team in a fun and supportive environment.
Year 9 Elective - Team Sports
Course Description
History of Physical Activity and Sport
Leadership in Sports
Categories of Sports
Fundamental movement skills
Areas of Study
Subject Cost
$0
VCE Physical Education
VET Sport and Recreation
Link to VCE/VET Subjects
Mr Adyn Tocknell
Contact Person
P A G E 1 8 | P A K E N H A M S E C O N D A R Y C O L L E G E Y E A R 9 2 0 2 6 E L E C T I V E S H A N D B O O K
This engaging elective is ideal for students with a
passion for nature, adventure, and physical challenge.
Aligned with VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies,
it provides a strong foundation for those looking to
undertake Units 1 and 2 Outdoor Education in Year 10.
Students will participate in a range of outdoor
recreation
activities,
including
stand-up
paddleboarding, surfing, indoor rock climbing, and an
overnight hike. The course also includes local
excursions to explore and connect with the natural
environment within walking distance of the school. This
subject is perfect for students interested in outdoor
recreation, education, or environmental science,
offering both practical experiences and valuable
knowledge of the outdoors.
Year 9 Elective - Explore Outdoors
Course Description
Types and classifications of Australian outdoor environments
Motivations for being in outdoor environments, including mental health benefits
Risk in the outdoors and how to manage it
Planning and participating in outdoor experiences
Hard skills for outdoor living including camp set-up, cooking, hygiene and minimal impact
strategies.
Areas of Study
Upfront Cost
$0
Please note: In 2026, each excursion and camp which will need to be completed to meet
outcomes, will be charged separately throughout the year. The total cost for these will be
approximately $500.
CSEF funds may be allocated to camps.
VCE Outdoor and Environmental Education
VET Sport and Recreation
Link to VCE/VET Subjects
Ms Jamie Gourlay
Contact Person
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Duke of Edinburgh