Student Involvement & Academic News 

THE CRUCIBLE

The study of Arthur Miller’s famous and timely play ‘The Crucible’ was supported this term by a visit from the Complete Works Theatre Company in August.  They performed key sections of the play for students, exposing and exploring the themes of intolerance, hysteria and goodness that underpin the story. 

Students also had the chance to discuss the play with the performers, gaining further insight into the play and also into life as a traveling performer.  It was a great opportunity for students to see a live interpretation of a text they are studying.

STUDYING THE HOLOCAUST

This term has been a busy one!  Year 10 students began the term with a series of events designed to familiarize themselves with the events of the Holocaust.  This allowed them to establish an understanding of the time and the circumstances which led to something as horrific as the ‘Final Solution’, and also gave students a solid context for their study of Elie Wiesel’s autobiography ‘Night’.

At the newly revamped and reopened Holocaust Museum students saw a selection of the exhibits, had an educational activity based on documents of the time, and listened to the testimony of a Holocaust Survivor.  It was an informative and educational experience.

Anyone wanting to visit the Museum to see more of the exhibits or tour the artifacts onsite with a guide, it is located in Elsternwick and open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 6pm, with extended hours during school holidays, and on Sundays from 10am to 6pm.

OEDIPUS THE KING

One of our important texts at Year 12 is the Ancient Greek tragedy by Sophocles, ‘Oedipus the King’.  Exploring such ideas as the destructive nature of hubris and exploring fate versus freewill, the play has endured for over a thousand years.  The Complete Works Theatre Company performed the entire play for students, bringing the text to life in an engaging, immediate way of live theatre performances.  A question and answer session at the end of the performance allowed students to gain further insight into the play through the reflections of the actors on the characters and themes.  Attending a live theatre performance is a great way for students to consolidate their knowledge of a text and they took full advantage of the opportunity.

YEAR 9-12 TAIKO DRUMMING

The Japanese students from Year 9 to 12 enjoyed a taiko drumming incursion on Friday, September 6th run by Toshi-san of Wadaiko Rindo.

The students were introduced to the drums using simple Japanese, and were allowed to try various drums. The students started learning simple rhythms, then progressed all the way through to a traditional song using not just drums but a variety of traditional music instruments.