Year Nine

Year Nine is an educational year group in schools in many countries including the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. It is usually the ninth year of compulsory education and incorporates students aged between thirteen and fifteen.

Australia

In Australia, Year 9 is usually the tenth year of compulsory education. Although there are slight variations between the states, most children in Year 9 are aged between fourteen and fifteen.^[1]

New Zealand

In New Zealand, Year 9 is the ninth year of compulsory education, and the first year of secondary education. Children entering Year Nine are generally aged between 12.5 and 14.^[2] Year Nine pupils are educated in secondary schools or area schools.^[3]

United Kingdom

In England and Wales, Year Nine is the ninth year after Reception. It is the ninth full year of compulsory education, with children being admitted who are aged 13 by 1 September in any given academic year.^[4] It is also the year in which pupils are formally assessed against National Curriculum levels.^[5] With effect from 2009, National Curriculum Tests are no longer compulsory in this year group.^[6] Year Nine is usually the third year of Secondary school and was previously known as the 'third year' or 'third form'. In some areas of England and Wales, It is also the final year of Key Stage 3. Year 9 pupils tend to be aged between 13–14 years old. Pupils also choose their options in Year 9, for their GCSE qualifications. In Scotland, Year Nine is the equivalent to Second year where pupils start at the age of 12 or 13 and end the at the age of 13 or 14 in Second year pupils pick subjects for Third year. It is also known as S2. In Northern Ireland, Year Nine is the second year of Secondary education. Children in Year 9 are aged between 12 and 13. It is the second year of Key Stage 3.^[7]

United States

In the United States Year Nine is 8th Grade and is the last year of Junior High School / Middle School.

References

1. "Cost/Benefit Analysis Relating to the Implementation of a Common School Starting Age and Associated Nomenclature by 1 January 2010" (PDF). Atelier Learning Solutions Pty Ltd. Retrieved 2009-01-10.
2. "School years and levels". Team-up website. Ministry of Education. Retrieved 2009-01-10.
3. "Types of schools". Team-up website. Ministry of Education. Retrieved 2009-01-10.
4. "The secondary curriculum". National Curriculum website. Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. Retrieved 2009-01-10.
5. "National Curriculum teacher assessments and key stage tests". Directgov website. Retrieved 2009-01-10.
6. "Major reforms to school accountability including an end to compulsory national tests for fourteen-year-olds. More support in Year Seven to help children make the jump to secondary school. Ed Balls announces new ‘school report cards’". Press Release. Department for Children, Schools and Families. Retrieved 2009-01-11.
7. "The Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006". Retrieved January 2009.-