Extraordinary learning!

This unique program has been designed and tailored specifically for the needs of Year 9 students, with separate girls and boys on-campus and off-campus programs. It provides students with opportunities to develop an array of essential life skills which also act as a springboard into the Senior Years.

Nine to the Power Four (9^4) is an experiential adventurous learning program. It is challenging (physically, emotionally and educationally), different and engaging.

9^4 means

• Year 9
• 9 concepts
• For 9 weeks
• 9 learning styles
• In 4 different settings

Nine concepts are explored

• Life skills learning
• Community Service
• Environmental Awareness
• Spirituality and exploration of the spiritual being
• Leadership
• Personal Management
• The World at Large
• Values Education
• Celebration of Achievement

Four different settings

• Mordialloc Life Saving Club or Parkdale Cricket Club: great local alternative classroom settings to kick off the program
• Shoreham, Westernport: Mentone Grammar's alternative learning facility on the beach
• Urban Space: an unforgettable city experience
• Country Experience: rural Victoria - a first for many

9^4 equips students with highly valuable skills and knowledge for now and the future. Students are encouraged to be more responsible, trustworthy and independent. The program builds self-confidence and self-efficacy. Students become more flexible and adaptable, compassionate, empathetic and tolerant and they learn enhanced investigation, reporting and presentation skills. 9^4 participants have a greater understanding of the link between school and real life.

What the students say:

A very good way to teach us how to cope with others, and show us some of the adventures of life.

We learnt so much about the city and were given a huge amount of independence.

It showed me how the other half of the country live. It showed me how my food has gone from paddock to plate.