Gleeson College Curriculum Guide 2026 - Middle Years | 32 Year 9 Subjects SPECIALIST AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL* LEARNING AREA: Health & Physical Education LENGTH: Full Year SELECTION: Elective LEARNING SUMMARY: Students with a strong interest in Australian Rules Football build on their skills through practical training and targeted theory lessons. They refine core skills and focus on ruck craft, midfield stoppages, forward leading patterns, and defensive exit strategies. Tactical development includes game sense strategies, match setups, and decision- making using video simulations. Theory topics include sports safety and strapping, umpiring course and match performance reviews. Coaching is delivered by accredited coaches and guest speakers. While this subject continues from Year 8, students may enrol without having completed the previous course. Prior playing experience is expected, and participation in external football teams is desirable. Entry is open to male and female students, and may involve a trial. Additional costs apply. ASSESSMENT: Students demonstrate their learning through practical assessments and theory tasks. Welcome Learning at Gleeson College Gleeson Staff Contacts Year 7 Overview Subjects Year 8 Overview Subjects Year 9 Overview Subjects SPECIALIST NETBALL* LEARNING AREA: Health & Physical Education LENGTH: Full Year SELECTION: Elective LEARNING SUMMARY: Students build on the skills developed in Years 7 and 8, with a focus on both coaching and advanced gameplay. The program develops confidence and competence across key areas of netball, including footwork, ball skills, attacking, defending, shooting, fitness, strategy, and team dynamics. Students also explore coaching strategies, learning how to support and guide younger players. The course is designed for students with strong netball ability and includes theory lessons to support holistic athlete development. Practical sessions are supported by specialist coaches, and students follow a targeted program to strengthen their understanding and prepare for future netball pathways. Entry may involve a trial, and additional costs apply. ASSESSMENT: Students demonstrate their learning through practical assessments and theory tasks. SPECIALIST WORLD FOOTBALL* LEARNING SUMMARY: Students deepen their understanding of the ‘Gleeson Way’ of playing by refining their ability to work within a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on maintaining possession and transitioning fluently from defence to attack. They develop key tactical concepts such as pressing, pressuring, counterattacking, and transitioning between game phases. Students enhance their technical and tactical awareness in a high-tempo, competitive environment and use ICT to support performance analysis and skill development. As part of the program, students’ complete online modules and undertake the Level 4 Referees Course through Football South Australia to build their knowledge and confidence in refereeing. Entry may involve a trial, and additional costs apply. ASSESSMENT: Students demonstrate their learning through practical assessments and theory tasks. LEARNING AREA: Health & Physical Education LENGTH: Full Year SELECTION: Elective