Gleeson College Curriculum Guide 2026 - Middle Years | 33 Year 9 Subjects STEM LEARNING AREA: Science LENGTH: Semester 1 SELECTION: Elective LEARNING SUMMARY: Students are introduced to the Design Thinking Process (empathise, define, ideate, prototype, and test) and apply it in a hands-on, team-based environment. They explore real-world environmental issues related to sustainability, ecosystems, or climate, and identify a specific problem to address through an impact statement. Students brainstorm, sketch, build, and test functional prototypes, refining their solutions through multiple iterations, simulating real engineering processes. They develop their research literacy and learn how to interpret peer-reviewed scientific literature to inform their design decisions. The program encourages creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking while addressing meaningful challenges that impact the environment and society. ASSESSMENT: Students demonstrate their learning through two major projects where the full design thinking process is used to develop a solution to a real-world problem. Welcome Learning at Gleeson College Gleeson Staff Contacts Year 7 Overview Subjects Year 8 Overview Subjects Year 9 Overview Subjects VISUAL ARTS LEARNING AREA: The Arts LENGTH: Semester SELECTION: Elective LEARNING SUMMARY: Students further develop creative and critical thinking through a variety of art and design projects. They explore visual communication by engaging with language, materials, and creative processes, manipulating media to suit their individual interests. Students investigate historical and contemporary artists and designers, using this research to inform their own artmaking. They work with techniques such as printmaking, portraiture, artist studies, and graphic design, developing ideas through experimentation and reflection. Practical and written tasks help students express personal responses to themes and ideas, building both visual and written literacy. Resolved works demonstrate their problem-solving skills and conceptual understanding. ASSESSMENT: Students demonstrate their learning through practical tasks, reflection, and research tasks.