A different Approach
Students are immersed in an exciting year of learning with our award-winning Year 9 Connections Program. Drawing on experience and research, the Connections Program has been purposefully designed to foster personal capacity and development.
The program is specifically implemented during the distinctive phase of adolescent development in Year 9 and strives to enhance student connection across academics, community, service, adventure, self-awareness, independence, environment, culture and relationships.
Research and experience tells us all that Year 9 is a time of unique adolescent growth, where students have specific social and learning needs. It is often a period where they can become disengaged with a formalised curriculum and the year-on-year structure required at school. Our program attempts to address these needs by promoting self-directed and collaborative learning, effective communication, independence, and responsibility. Further, the program supports students to investigate their place in the world and to explore options for future pathways.
Core Objectives
- Develop an awareness of Indigenous and sociocultural issues.
- Engage in social justice efforts and community service.
- Understand the cultural, political, and environmental influences which shape their lives.
- Develop students’ intercultural understanding (Cultural Intelligence).
- Develop a global mindset and establish new and varied connections.
- Develop knowledge, skills, and values from direct experiences outside a traditional academic setting to build personal capacity.
Students embark on four distinctive week long trips in Terms 1, 2, 3 and 4. The cohort is divided into four groups, with each group attending one of four locations per term - Melbourne, Minjerribah, the Yumba at Mitchell, or the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Each one of these locations offers something unique and special. The trips are rotational, so every student has the opportunity to attend all four locations. For each trip, the students focus on a project task. To achieve this, they are further divided into smaller groups. Developing the personal skills to work with a diverse range of peers is a key outcome of this learning experience. For this reason, it is important that students do not simply rely on an established friendship group as being the most important aspect of a trip.
Social Justice Melbourne
The key objective in Melbourne is to engage in social justice efforts and community service.
While in Melbourne, students complete an infomercial project on the theme of ‘social justice’ and tackle some thought-provoking issues. They also enjoy some of Melbourne’s multicultural highlights and become more confident at using public transport to navigate their way independently in a large city.
Unique to the program is the special bond that St Andrew’s have developed with St Vincent de Paul, whereby the students spend two evenings working with Brother Doug and his team who support the city’s homeless people. With this vivid experience, students soon realise they may have a stronger connection to marginalised individuals in society than they may have originally thought.
Students engage in various city activities alongside immersive workshops as part of appreciating the ‘big city’ experience. They are encouraged to reflect on how cities must provide for the interests and entertainment of the people, while also considering whether all have equal access to participating. They tour Ormond College (Melbourne University), where several Alumni have undertaken undergraduate studies. They also take in the Queen Victoria market, absorbing the sights and sounds of this vibrant marketplace.
Culture and Environment - Minjerrabah
A particular objective of the North Stradbroke island/Minjerrabah trip is to develop an awareness of First Nation people and sociocultural issues.
While camping at Minjerrabah for the week, the students quickly delve deep into the rich history and cultural traditions of the local First Nation’s Quandamooka people, and the impact of European colonisation. Linked closely to the Year 9 Humanities curriculum, the students explore the topics of Land Rights, Native Title, the Stolen Generation, mortality rates, discrimination, the stolen wages, loss of language and much more.
Quandamooka Elders share their stories while students learn about and participate in cultural rituals from traditional medicine, and dancing as storytelling to hunting methods which are still implemented today, and art workshops. The dynamic mix of presenters and activities ensures a unique hands-on learning experience.
Gunggari Nation – The Yumba at Mitchell
The key objectives for the Mitchell trip are to develop intercultural understanding and increase an awareness of Indigenous and sociocultural issues.
Yumba means ‘home’ in Gunggari language. It is a historically and spiritually significant place to Gunggari people as it has been home to them for many generations. It is a place for Gunggari people to come back On Country and reconnect with their historical home, culture and Elders. This magical place is where the students camp in swags under the stars for the week and get hands on with building projects to help restore the Yumba to be fit for purpose.
As well as working hard on projects, the students learn about the history of the Gungarri nation and spend time chatting with Elders. Towards the end of the trip, students experience the beauty of Carnarvon Gorge on Bidjara Country. One of the most spectacular places to visit in Australia, students spend a day exploring the Gorge before heading back home.
Adventurous Journey – Sunshine Coast Hinterland
The key objective for the Adventurous Journey is to develop knowledge, skills and values from direct experiences outside a traditional academic setting to build personal capacity.
This four-day hike from Harry’s hut to Teewah beach includes part of the Cooloola Great Walk and has some of the most scenic hiking in Queensland. While on this journey students delve into the heart of nature, taking charge of every aspect from planning routes to packing essentials. This trip is designed to grow invaluable life skills, build lasting friendships and develop critical thinking and planning skills.
With a focus on minimal impact practices, students learn to leave no trace, minimising their environmental footprint while maximising their connection to nature. This immersive experience isn’t just about conquering trails and overcoming obstacles; it’s about fostering a deep respect for the natural world and understanding our role within it. This trip qualifies students for the Adventurous Journey component of the Duke of Edinburgh award, which all students are encouraged to pursue.