Year 9 Investigation X has taken learning beyond the traditional classroom and into the local community, giving students the opportunity to investigate real places, issues and systems through first-hand experiences.
Throughout the semester, students have participated in a diverse range of experiences, including citizen science beach litter audits at Keast Park and Kananook Beach. Students learnt to identify microplastics and nurdles, sort and classify litter, and record their findings using formal data sheets.
The beach investigations were about much more than collecting rubbish. Students used consistent sampling methods to gather evidence before considering where different types of litter may have originated, how it reaches the beach and why particular items accumulate in certain locations.
“Before Investigation X, I had never heard of nurdles!”
Students have also explored the local community through a range of other experiences. They packed bread for the JPC Companion Van, heard directly from Victoria Police about policing and working within the community, and explored the justice system through a virtual presentation from a barrister and a visit to Frankston Magistrates' Court.
For many students, seeing the justice system in action provided a new perspective.
“Real court is very different from the TV shows.”
One student said the visit had even sparked an interest in Legal Studies and learning more about how the law works.
A visit to Repco Frankston also gave students the opportunity to meet local staff and learn from people working in the community.
Across the student feedback, a consistent theme was the value of getting outside the classroom and encountering people, places and ideas they may not otherwise have experienced.
“We actually get to talk about the real world and go out and see it at the site and not just in the classroom.”
Students described Investigation X as practical and immersive, with opportunities to explore topics in greater depth and make connections between what they learn and the world around them.
For some, the experiences have also encouraged them to think differently about their role in the community and consider new possibilities for the future.
“I have really enjoyed this subject and the beach audits especially! It has made me want to do more volunteer work in my own time.”
Investigation X is about giving students the opportunity to notice, question and investigate the world around them. By learning through real experiences, students are developing their ability to gather evidence, consider different perspectives and make connections between their learning and the wider community.
Student quotations are drawn from the 2026 Investigation X student feedback survey and have been lightly edited for spelling and punctuation only.