Year 9

Introduction Our Teaching Approach Curriculum & Subjects Teaching & Mentoring Year 9 Example Day Go Extracurricular FAQ Admissions

Book Y7&8 Discovery Call

Introduction to Year 9

Welcome to Year 9 at Minerva's Virtual Academy (MVA). This pivotal year, typically for students aged 13-14, bridges Middle School learning and the commencement of GCSE preparation. At MVA, we ensure this transition is not just smooth, but also exciting and enriching. It's a time for students to deepen their understanding and begin to uncover their unique potential.

To get started with us, your child will need an internet-connected device and a place to study, and our brilliant teaching team, led by Lawrence Tubb our Headmaster, will guide you through a pivotal year of structured, world-class British home education, setting the stage for GCSE success.

What is "Year 9"?

Year 9 is a stage in the British educational system, typically involving students aged 13-14. It's a key year of transition where students deepen their learning and start to focus more on the subjects that they will be studying in their GCSEs.

Why choose MVA for Year 9?

MVA offers a unique approach to Year 9 education. We provide personalised learning experiences to help students aged 13-14 explore their interests and prepare for their GCSE studies. With MVA, students gain the benefits of flexibility, personal mentorship, teaching from some of the UK's top teachers, and a diverse, global learning community.

Our Teaching Approach

Our award-winning teaching approach combines cutting-edge virtual learning technology with the very best teachers and mentors from some of the UK's top schools.

Flipped Learning

Helped by their personal mentor, students study independently on our interactive Virtual Learning Platform (VLP) before heading into class to enrich their learning with our brilliant subject teachers.

The Four Pillars

Beyond lessons, the "Four Pillars" ensure we're always delivering a broad and highly-stimulating education for every child in our care:

Virtual Learning Platform
Live Lessons
Mentoring
Community & School Trips

Curriculum & Subjects

There are FIVE core subjects for Year 9 students at Minerva's Virtual Academy. They are Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Students can also take up to FOUR additional subjects, choosing from Art, Computer Science, French, Geography, History, and Spanish.

Our students also delve into a range of other subjects, providing a well-rounded educational experience. From the arts to humanities to languages, every student is encouraged to explore and cultivate their unique interests.

Year 9 at MVA is designed to ensure a smooth transition into GCSE studies. We emphasise developing solid self-study habits, enhancing understanding of key concepts, and building a strong foundation in each subject area. Our teaching methods promote independent thinking and resilience, both of which are crucial for success in GCSEs and beyond.

Teaching & Mentoring

At MVA, we believe in nurturing the whole student, not just their academic skills. That's why each of our students has a personal mentor to guide them through this crucial year. Our mentors assist with anything from self-study support to helping Year 9 students navigate the challenges and triumphs of this pivotal time in their school journey.

"A mentor at MVA is somewhere between an advocate and a cheerleader for their students..."
‍_{Emily, MVA Mentor}

Meet Our Teachers & Mentors

Year 9 Example Day

During Year 9 at Minerva's Virtual Academy, each day is an opportunity to immerse yourself in your subjects, develop your inquisitiveness, and broaden your capabilities, all within a supportive and structured environment.
‍
In between self-study periods, there are enriching activities such as After School Clubs and lively exchanges during our weekly Assemblies. You can also start to use our Social Rooms and Drop-In sessions, which are casual events run throughout the weeks to help you get more involved with MVA life and make stronger connections with your friends and teachers. The unique Wellbeing Programme is developed further for Year 9's and now includes specific advice on how to handle social media and digital lifestyles.

This is an example Year 10 Timetable, showing Monday to Wednesday only

As term progresses, you'll encounter the joys of Enrichment Week and School Trips, where your child will be invited to explore new places and cultures and to solidify the friendships they've made online, in person. Each day you'll celebrate achievements, share experiences, and build a sense of belonging and community that will stay with you for years to come.

Go Extracurricular

At MVA, our diverse range of extracurricular activities provides opportunities for students to discover new interests, develop leadership skills, and contribute to the MVA community.

After School Clubs
Student Interest Groups
World Changers
Wellbeing Programme
Drop-In Sessions
After School Tutoring
Guest Speakers
School Trips

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Year 9 and MVA in general. Please get in touch with us if you have more!

What is the structure of the Year 9 curriculum?

The Year 9 curriculum at MVA is a carefully curated blend of core and elective subjects. These include English, Maths, Science, History, and more, all while allowing students to explore a variety of other disciplines, such as Art, Music, and Computing. The curriculum is designed to build upon previous learning, prepare students for their upcoming GCSEs, and foster a passion for lifelong learning.

How will Year 9 prepare my child for GCSEs?

Year 9 is a crucial year of preparation for GCSE studies. We focus not just on building subject knowledge, but also on developing skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent study, which are essential for success at GCSE level and beyond.

What is the difference between a teacher and a mentor at MVA?

At MVA, both teachers and mentors play crucial roles in supporting our students, though their responsibilities and areas of focus are distinct. In short, while teachers focus on imparting knowledge and academic skills, mentors concentrate on individual guidance and personal development, ensuring each student is seen, heard, and supported in their MVA journey. For more information, see our Mentoring page.

How much self-study is required at MVA?

Answer coming soon!

How does MVA accommodate students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Year 9?

At MVA, we firmly believe that every student should be given the support and resources they need to reach their full potential. For students with SEND, we pair them with a personal mentor who has experience in this area. For more information, see the MVA for Diverse Thinkers page. It's also worth noting that outside of Live Lessons, our Virtual Learning Platform is designed to accommodate a variety of learning styles and needs, and many neurodiverse students prefer to learn this way.

How can MVA support my child if they're struggling academically in Year 9?

Academic struggles are part of the learning process, and at MVA, we're here to support your child through them. Our teachers and mentors provide personalised feedback and strategies for improvement to parents each week so everyone is on the same page. If needed, we can arrange one-on-one private academic tutoring for any subject via our sister company, Minerva Tutors.

Admissions

To join MVA in Year 9 and experience our award-winning virtual schooling first hand, the next step would be to book a Discovery Call or go right ahead and complete our Year 9 Enrolment Form to secure your child's place. We're excited to welcome your child to MVA!

Welcome to Year 9 at Minerva's Virtual Academy