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.

Feedback from parents:

Just wanted to pass on what was a very significant milestone in our Mentone Grammar journey. As you know Charlie* is currently undertaking the 9^4 program and loving every minute of it. The two of us trudged out in the freezing cold last night to attend his parent teacher interviews. The feedback aside (which was refreshingly positive), it wasn't until we made our way back to the car in the dark that Charlie made the comment "I love this school……………. (long Charlie like pause) everyone is so nice and I get the feeling they really care about me"

I was gobsmacked! This is so unlike him. I patted my inner self on the back and thanked myself for making the sacrifice to bring him here. After a turbulent start my dream for him is paying off.

* student name has been changed.