English & Literacy

In our classrooms…

As we approach the half-way mark of the term, our students and teachers are gearing up for a busy final five weeks. Most of our year levels have got lots of assessments coming up. Our year 10 students have got exams for the first time next week and we are hoping that they are studying hard. Our year 11 and 12 core English students are writing (or have just finished) creative responses to their respective texts and our year 9 students are learning about the art of persuasion evident in many reality television shows. Our year 8 students have been reading Things A Map Won’t Show You and our year 7 students are analysing song lyrics. It’s a busy time of year.

Debating

Debating is a fantastic way for students to develop their critical thinking and public speaking skills. This year, we have got two teams representing the College in the Debaters Association of Victoria's inter-school debating competition: an A grade team, made up of Year 11 and 12 students, and a C grade team, made up of students from Years 8 and 9. Both teams have now completed three rounds of debates, on topics including politics, the environment and human rights. Last week, both teams competed in a secret topic, where they had only an hour from the announcement of the topic to the beginning of the debate.

Early next week, there will be a call-out for Year 7 and 8 students who are interested in the Junior Debating program. This program is designed for students with no formal debating experience. They will receive training from Wantirna College staff, as well as from representatives from the DAV, and will have the opportunity to compete in three debates against neighbouring schools. Any interested Year 7 and 8 students are encouraged to participate to build their confidence, public speaking skills and their ability to develop and defend reasoned arguments.

A big thank you to Ben Karwan who is leading our two debating teams and training them at lunchtimes to perfect their skills.

Please don’t hesitate to contact him if you would like further details.

In the library…

BLACK OUT POETRY.   On Tuesday lunchtimes, students can repurpose old books by blacking out words to create poetic works of art. Led by the wonderful Debbie Mantzanidis and Diane Seehunsen students have produced some stunning work. Please pop past he library and see their gorgeous poems on display. (Siobhan Haynes 9F poetry).

Carrie Wallis

English/Whole School Literacy