Gleeson College Curriculum Guide 2026 - Middle Years | 26 Year 9 Subjects Welcome Learning at Gleeson College Gleeson Staff Contacts Year 7 Overview Subjects Year 8 Overview Subjects Year 9 Overview Subjects DESIGN & TECHNOLOGIES LEARNING AREA: Technologies LENGTH: Semester SELECTION: Elective LEARNING SUMMARY: In this course, students build on their skills in using tools, machines, materials, and CAD software to confidently design and create a range of products. Through hands- on projects, they develop problem-solving, decision- making, and project management skills while working with wood, metal, and digital technologies. Students explore mechanical processes such as hinges and levers and are introduced to metalwork techniques including sheet metal fabrication, fusion welding, and safe workshop practices. The course also emphasises collaboration, persistence, and self-reliance, with a strong focus on safety and the impact of technology on society and the environment. ASSESSMENT: Students demonstrate their learning by completing practical activities and investigations. DIGITAL DESIGN LEARNING AREA: Technologies LENGTH: Semester SELECTION: Elective LEARNING SUMMARY: Students are introduced to the world of digital technologies and their application in graphic design, offering opportunities to develop technical skills while expressing creativity through aesthetic design. They explore the digital design process through a range of mini projects, using industry-standard tools within the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. Students learn to manipulate images, text, videos, and vectors as they create a variety of digital products. Skills and topics may include photo editing, vector illustration, video creation and editing, animation, and web design, with an emphasis on design thinking and decision-making throughout. A higher specification device is recommended for this subject. Refer to page 5. ASSESSMENT: Students demonstrate their learning through practical activities and folios. DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES LEARNING AREA: Technologies LENGTH: Semester SELECTION: Elective LEARNING SUMMARY: Students create digital products across four units: Digital Systems, Data, Digital Games, and Group Projects. They explore networks, GML coding, data handling, hardware, and video editing. Students analyse data sets, develop object- oriented programming skills through game development, and complete a technology investigation. They extend their GameMaker skills by using Arrays and Switches to design complex 2D games or simulations based on changing themes. Students write GML scripts, test each other’s games, and provide constructive feedback. They also analyse data to address ethical dilemmas, such as crocodile hunting in the Kimberley, and explore C# by building a Flappy Bird remix in Unity. ASSESSMENT: Students demonstrate their learning through practical activities and investigations.