Coding
Year 9 Coding introduces students to fundamental coding concepts through various programming languages such as Python and Javascript. Students explore what coding is and why it is important; in particular they learn about it's real-world applications in industry.
Students explore basic coding concepts such as algorithms, variables, and loops. Students are also Introduced to computational thinking and problem-solving skills that they apply when coding programs to perform calculations, input/output operations, and simple decision making.
Students are encouraged to apply creativity and innovation in designing and implementing coding projects.
Emerging Technologies
This subject focuses on developing understanding and skills in computational thinking. Topics include emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, Drone Programming, and Sphero-Bolt robot Programming. Students also learn to use spreadsheets, computational thinking and Python programming.
Students investigate the role of hardware and software in managing, controlling and securing access to data in networked digital systems. This includes knowledge and skills necassary for acquiring, storing and validating quantitative and qualitative data, and for analysing and visualizing data to create information. Python coding will also be introduced to develop students’ programming skills.
Students also follow the Design process to develop a digital system for an end user. Students do this by developing, creating and evaluating alternative designs for interactive solutions.
Students plan and manage projects using interactive and collaborative approaches; they learn to identify risks, consider safety and sustainability and use ICT tools such as Thonny, Canva, REPL.IT, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and TinkerCad to create information products.
Year 9 Emerging Technologies would be suitable for students who have an interest in emerging technologies, information technology, problem-solving, designing, programming, spreadsheets and multimedia.
Fabric Printing and Production
In this subject, students explore the world of fabric printing and its role in the textiles industry.
Students investigate a range of traditional and contemporary fabric printing techniques and utilise these to create and engineer their own designs for print.
Student will learn about a range of career pathways in this field, and how to license their art for use in textiles production.
This course is optimised to prepare students for Year 10 Textiles, where the skills they acquire can be further developed.
Food Studies
Year 9 Food Studies builds on skills acquired in Year 8. This course looks at the the environmental impacts of growing and consuming food products. Students use enquiry-based learning throughout the semester as they investigate, design, produce and evaluate a wide variety of food products from many different cultures. Students are taught to prepare food competently and independently, as well as make nutritious food choices.
The unit commences with an investigation into the ethics of the takeaway food industry and students are taught during practical lessons how to make more nutritious versions of their take-away favourites. We investigate food styling and create a folio of students' own work and in the final assessment, students are guided through the process of designing and producing a young child's birthday cake, with outstanding results.
Food safety and hygiene practices, teamwork, and the nutritional properties of different foods are important elements in this course of study.
Students undertake one practical lesson each week, during which they gain competence in the use of a wide range of tools and equipment within the Food Studies Kitchen, and two theory lessons each week.
Loyola College is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all its students, and consideration is made for students who experience adverse reactions or intolerances to particular foods. Peanut products are not used in any Food Studies recipes, however other allergens may be used. Full disclosure of any anaphylactic allergies will need to be communicated to the relevant teaching staff member prior to commencing this unit.
Robotics
The Year 9 Robotics provides a comprehensive introduction to robotics, covering fundamental concepts in robot design, electronics, programming, and control systems. It emphasises hands-on learning through practical projects and encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in robotics, systems technology and related STEM fields.
Textiles
In Year 9 Textiles students develop their sewing and design skills.
Students create a Personal Fashion Profile and research their own personal preferences in fashion by creating mood boards and researching clothing styles.
Students are taught to interpret and use commercial sewing patterns, and to safely use sewing machines and other textiles equipment. Students apply these skills by producing a pencil case and a pair of shorts featuring decorative finishing. Students are taught and encouraged to think critically and creatively throughout all assignments.
Wood
This course teaches students real-world, industry relevant skills, and builds the knowledge, independence and confidence of the students who undertake it.
Students learn to use both power- and hand-tools to master skills. They join components with drills, screws and clamps. They create grooves using trim routers, and they measure, cut, and finish components using saws, jigs and hand-planes.
Once these skills are mastered, students create a pollinator hotel using plans. They then complete a folio to design own ecological product to support native wildlife in their neighbourhood. This could be a birdhouse, batbox, frog-shelter or anything else that local wildlife need. Students create exact digital models and plans of their ideas using CAD software. Finally, students build their own design; a beautifully-finished product represents the culmination of their skill-development and creative work.
