By Years 9 and 10, students are beginning to assert themselves as individuals with powerful voices, and many develop an interest in social justice initiatives, such as the Amnesty International Club, Climate Council and charity work. At the same time, students are emotionally ready to challenge themselves emotionally, socially and academically.

The Year 9 Program at Ivanhoe Girls' is about meeting those challenges with an array of exciting opportunities to expand learning, while offering the stability and support of the School environment.

From Outdoor Education camps, Leadership Days, initiatives with industry-based groups, and the TREK program, students experience a range of opportunities designed to challenge their thinking and develop real-world skills. 

TREK

The semester-long Year 9 subject, TREK, is an enquiry-based journey based on the concepts of Know, Think, Create and Connect. Students are challenged to work towards a personal goal of their choosing, with projects as varied as Stand-Up Comedy and Swimming Time Trials.

In another element of the TREK program, students learn new skills, such as woodworking and mechanics, and use technological tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters. They learn design principles and apply their knowledge to a variety of creative tasks. 

Finally, their newly developed skills are put to use in the Community Engagement component of the program. Students work together on a project with a connection to the broader community. This may be achieved through working with an external agency or creating a social enterprise. Often students design and develop products to sell to staff and students, while raising awareness of a social justice issue at the same time.