Year 8 News
Vermont Secondary College
Join us as we push for Better Mental Health : 1-25 JUNE
Are you ready for The Push-Up Challenge?
Join us as we push for better mental health.
Get fit, have fun and learn about mental health by taking part in The Push-Up Challenge 2021.
This June, challenge yourself to complete 3,318 push-ups over 25 days to acknowledge the number of lives lost to suicide in 2019.
Get a team of up to 10 people together and sign up to the Year 8 Community page https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/community/vsc-year-8
Year 8 English: Poetry Workshop with poet and slam artist Alicia Sometimes
On Thursday 29th of April, the English department hosted a poetry workshop for Year 8 English students presented by poet and slam artist Alicia Sometimes.
Alicia is a poet, writer and broadcaster. She has performed her spoken word and poetry at many venues, festivals and events around the world. Alicia hosted Aural Text on 3RRR for 14 years and is a regular guest on ABC 774 and Radio National. She is currently part of the Outer Sanctum podcast (ABC) talking about diversity in Aussie Rules Football.
Year 8 English students have recently been working on an extensive poetry unit incorporating poetic devices, cautionary tales, listing poems, narrative poetry and performance poetry as their current assessment outcome. Alicia explored features of performance poetry with a focus on slam poetry and delved into the details and voice that go into making a well-rounded and engaging poem.
Students’ engagement and appreciation of the workshop are encapsulated in the following reviews by individual students:
“It was really engaging with the audience and taught us the different aspects of poetry.” Charlie Barnett 8H2
“I think that the performance was very informative and entertaining. Alicia Sometimes was exceptional at engaging the audience by including volunteers in her presentation. Overall, great experience!” Jessica Twomey, 8H2
“I think that the performance was filled with information and it had examples that we can understand. We can also use this information for our poetry performance. Alicia Sometimes is a great poet. It was very good and amazing.” Hannah Shoby 8H2
“I think that the poetry workshop was informative, and interesting! I liked learning about the steps to creating a poem, and the part where students read poems. The little reassurance she gave us for performing was nice too, and I hope others think that as well.” Dean Webster 8S3
Hannah S and Jessica T from 8H2 participating in dramatic reading
Zahra H from 8H2 reading
Justine Pearson in her dramatic reading of poetry with Alicia
Alicia and her audience of Year 8 English students
Alicia with Stevan who volunteered to participate in the workshop.
Alicia with Rhea M, Areeba S, Yanxi Z and Caitlin W from
Alicia offering Yanxi Z advice for her poetry performance
Hannah S and Jessica T from 8H2 participating in dramatic reading
Zahra H from 8H2 reading
Justine Pearson in her dramatic reading of poetry with Alicia
Alicia and her audience of Year 8 English students
Alicia with Stevan who volunteered to participate in the workshop.
Alicia with Rhea M, Areeba S, Yanxi Z and Caitlin W from
Alicia offering Yanxi Z advice for her poetry performance