Year 9 NSW 2009 sample program

This home education program was approved by the NSW BOS in 2009.

2009 HOME EDUCATION PROGRAM
Meagan Year 9

We describe our style of Education as Eclectic, drawing from the following Styles.

Charlotte Mason philosophy:
Reading together as a family several times a week: We are currently reading: My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin, A children's book about the Titanic, A children's book about Native American Indians and a devotional for teenaged girls.
Last year we read the following books: Wind in the Willows, War Brides- a series of biographies written by English women who married Australian men serving in WW2, New Gold Mountain (diary of a Chinese Boy living on the Australian Goldfields), Milly Molly Mandy, Little Women and a devotional for young ladies from the puritan period.
Journaling: When we are traveling the girls always keep a journal filled with plenty of drawings, descriptions and thoughts. While at home and about the girls usually carry a small notepad to write their thoughts down.

Unit Studies:
This year we are doing a Unit Study on Astronomy and later in the year plan to study the Australian political system.

Natural Learning:
The girls have the freedom to pursue their own interests; they have plenty of free time during the week. This year they have made specific choices to drop some activities and start others, such as Meagan choosing to learn the piano (her choice) at 14 and Annie hearing about Gymnastic lessons and asking to begin.
During our travels within Australia we encourage the girls to explore areas of interest.
Every experience is a new opportunity to learn.

WEEKLY PLAN
Every Monday morning we sit down together and fill in our diaries, each girl is responsible to document their weekly schedule and social outings. They are aware of the work that needs to be done to ensure it will be complete by the end of the year.

English

• Meagan is an avid reader and we regularly go to the library for new books to read.
• Wednesdays 2-4pm Drama class. Currently looking at Improvisation for mid year performance. End of year production was Narnia with Meagan playing Morgrum- Chief of police.
• As a family we are reading ‘My Brilliant Career’ by Miles Franklin, a great opportunity to look at Australian Literature.
• Meagan is very computer literate and able to research any subject or idea she has via the internet.
• Meagan keeps a diary, and has kept an extensive diary since she was able to write, this gives her extensive time for reflection, problem solving and analysis as well as open communication with her parents, frequent conversations regarding her direction in life and current situation.
• Attending regular theatre productions; in the past year we have seen several Shakespeare plays, Wind in the Willows, Little women and Phantom of the Opera as well as others.

Maths

• Mathletics www.mathletics.com
• New Century Maths, Thomson Nelson Year 9 Stages 5.1/5.2
• Understanding Maths Year 9

Science

• Currently looking at International Year of Astronomy; we own 2 telescopes and are members of ASNSW (Astronomical Society of NSW). In May we are planning to attend their ‘Star Party’ near Mudgee where Fred Watson (Astronomer in charge of Anglo Australian Observatory) will be speaking.
• Subscribe to National Geographic.
• We own the collection of ‘Horrible Science’ books which Meagan has the opportunity to read.
• We are members of the Australian Museum and attend regularly.
• Meagan is very computer literate and able to research any subject or idea she has via the internet.

Human Society and Its Environment

• In 2008 our family took 5 weeks to travel to Townsville and back by car with camper trailer. While traveling we visited many National Parks, The Great Barrier Reef and Fraser Island. On Fraser Island we stayed 4 nights at an Aboriginal campsite and heard stories of dreamtime.
• Over Easter we went to the Snowy Mountains and walked up Kosciuszko.
• These activities have provided our children with the opportunity to explore Australia’s vastness and diversity.
• In 2009 we plan to travel to the Flinders Rangers and Kangaroo Island (South Australia) via Broken Hill and the Great Ocean Road (Victoria).
• Meagan keeps a journal of her travels.
• Our family have been hosting foreign home-stay students in 2009 providing opportunities for our children to experience other cultures.
• Meagan is very computer literate and able to research any subject or idea she has via the internet.
• We intend to do a unit study on Politics in Australia towards the end of 2009.

Creative Arts

• Weekly Art Classes.
• Meagan submitted a Charcoal drawing for the 2009 Royal Easter Show which was selected for display.
• Regularly attends Exhibits at the NSW Art Gallery.
• Member of Mascot Physical Culture Club.
• Weekly dance classes.
• Began learning the Piano in 2009.
• Plan to explore and attend exhibits at Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Meagan really enjoys using computer search engine to seek out different artistic styles and techniques.

Physical Development, Health and Physical Education

• Weekly dance classes.
• Member of Mascot Physical Culture Club.
• Enjoys bushwalking with the family.
• Meagan does not enjoy cooking, but regularly helps with meal preparation and planning.
• We are a Christian Family, heavily involved in our local Church, we attempt to apply Christian principals in all areas of family life and encourage our children to discover for themselves what their beliefs are and to make wise life choices.
• Youth Group- fortnightly, currently doing a study series titled ‘iRelate’
• Recently involved in writing a CV and applying for a job.
• Meagan has a desire to do some work experience, plan to approach local library about volunteering on a regular basis.
  Involved in Stanmore Baptist Church kids Club, member of the Drama Team.
• Plan to do First Aid course before the end of 2009.

Technological and Applied Studies

• Meagan enjoys watching the show ‘Grand Designs’, lifestyle program related to architecture.
• Is a keen photographer.
• Uses PC to manipulate computer based photos and art work.
• In 2008 attended a computer graphics course run by Pine Street Studios, Chippendale NSW.

Languages

• Meagan has expressed a desire to learn Japanese, despite some attempts to get this started; we have so far not begun. We are hopeful that in term 2 or 3 this will take place.
• Our family has been hosting foreign home-stay students in 2009 providing opportunities for our children to experience other cultures.

Author: Unknown