Pre-VCE (Year 9 & 10)
Years 9 and 10 are an important stage of Secondary School, where students begin preparing for the opportunities and decisions that shape their senior years. As students become more independent, they are challenged to deepen their knowledge, take greater ownership of their learning and begin exploring the pathways that best suit their strengths, interests and future aspirations. Whether continuing at the College or joining ICOM during these years, students are supported to transition smoothly into a learning environment that prepares them for success in Years 11 and 12.
Year 9 & 10 Points of Difference
As students progress through Years 9 and 10, they benefit from greater independence, increased subject choice and learning experiences that prepare them for the opportunities and decisions of senior secondary education.
Year 9 & 10 Student Services
Throughout Years 9 and 10, the Student Services team works closely with students, families and teachers as students navigate an important stage of adolescence.
As students mature and face increasing academic, social and personal challenges, dedicated pastoral care, wellbeing programs and individual support help them build resilience, confidence and the independence needed to make informed decisions about their future pathways.
Year 9 & 10 Overview & Curriculum
Years 9 and 10 build on the strong academic foundations established in the earlier years of Secondary School while introducing greater independence and choice. Alongside the core curriculum, students begin selecting elective subjects that allow them to explore their interests, develop new skills and begin preparing for future senior secondary pathways.
As students progress through these years, they are supported in making informed subject selections that align with their strengths, interests and future aspirations, providing a smooth transition into Years 11 and 12.
Elective Subjects
Electives become an increasingly important part of the Years 9 and 10 experience, giving students greater choice in how they shape their learning. Alongside the core curriculum, all students select elective subjects that allow them to explore new areas of interest, develop practical skills and discover their strengths.
As students begin preparing for Years 11 and 12, electives also provide valuable opportunities to experience subjects and programs that support future pathways, helping them make informed decisions about their senior secondary studies.
Year 9 & 10 Pathways
During Years 9 and 10, students begin preparing for senior secondary pathways at Islamic College of Melbourne, including VCE, VCE VM and the IB® Diploma Programme. Students considering a specialised pathway can enter our exclusive DEEP or SAP pathways, with each program providing targeted preparation for Years 11 and 12.
PATHWAY SELECTION: Y9–10 DEEP & Y11–12 VCE VM
DEEP & VCE VM
Beginning in Year 9, students with an interest in practical, hands-on learning or sport can enter the DEEP program. DEEP introduces students to vocational learning while supporting their interests, preparing them for the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) pathway in Years 11 and 12.
PATHWAY SELECTION: Y9–10 SAP & Y11–12 IB® DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
SAP & IB® Diploma Programme
From Year 9 onward, high-achieving students have the opportunity to prepare for the internationally recognised IB® Diploma Programme through our Secondary Accelerated Program (SAP). Students build the academic knowledge and learning habits needed for success in their IB® future studies.
Islamic Pathways
During Years 9 and 10, students can begin their Islamic leadership journey through two dedicated pathways. Students entering Year 9 can enrol in Islamic Leadership and Arabic Studies (ILIAS), with the opportunity to continue into the Diploma of Islamic Leadership (ILEAD) from Year 10 and graduate with a nationally recognised qualification alongside their VCE.
PATHWAY SELECTION: Y9 ILIAS
Islamic Leadership and Arabic Studies (ILIAS)
Islamic Leadership and Arabic Studies (ILIAS) is a specialised Year 9 elective for Mainstream students who wish to deepen their Islamic knowledge while developing leadership skills and Arabic language proficiency.
The program includes the nationally recognised 10949NAT Certificate II in Applied Language (Arabic) and serves as the direct pathway into ILEAD from Year 10. Students develop the academic, linguistic and leadership foundations needed to continue their Islamic leadership journey through to Year 12.
PATHWAY SELECTION: Y9–12 ILEAD
Diploma of Islamic Leadership (ILEAD)
From Year 10, students can undertake ICOM’s exclusive 22628VIC Diploma of Islamic Leadership alongside their VCE studies, combining senior secondary education with advanced Islamic leadership development.
Developed in collaboration with community leaders and organisations, ILEAD prepares students for meaningful service while responding to the needs of the Australian Muslim community. Graduates complete Year 12 with both their VCE and a nationally recognised AQF Level 5 qualification.
Secondary Enrolments & College Tours
Make the Move to ICOM
Years 9 and 10 are an ideal time for students to begin a new chapter at ICOM. With personalised support, continuity in learning and a welcoming school community, we help students settle quickly, build meaningful connections and continue their education with confidence.
Book a College Tour or learn more about Enrolment today.