Teaching & Learning
Term 3: Teaching and Learning
Monash University Excursion
On Friday of 19th July – our Year 9 Accelerated Science class was invited to attend this event at the Woodside Building at Monash University Clayton Campus through our partnership with Monash Tech School.
At this event, representatives of Clean Energy Companies were present in the one space for students to ask questions, listen and learn about their company names, what they do, and future trajectories.
Students came face to face with multiple industry leaders to participate in 5-minute interview rounds to maximise the exposure to these wonderful guests who volunteered their time to support this initiative.
It was an amazing opportunity to network with business leaders and discuss future pathways.
Students and company representatives were also able to share in a light meal at the conclusion of the event and continue their conversations.
For the next part of the day, students were given a tour of the Monash Clayton Campus. Starting with lunch at the Campus Centre. Here students enjoyed a serve of ‘Bubble Tea’ followed by meals from the many eateries present.
After lunch we went around the campus and explored the various faculties, libraries and amenities on site, ending our walk at the Sports and Recreation Building.
Despite the cold weather and wind, we arrived back at SOC filled with inspiration and shared stories of what we’d learnt from the day.
A huge thank you goes out to Judith Graeme from Monash Tech School for organising this fantastic event.
Steve Kuruc
Learning Specialist STEM | OEP
Victorian High Ability Program Participants
Throughout Terms 1 and 2, selected students have actively participated in the "Victorian High-Ability Program".
This enriching initiative has provided them with an exceptional opportunity to engage in advanced learning beyond the regular curriculum. These dedicated students have undertaken additional work each week, demonstrating remarkable commitment and enthusiasm.
The focus of the programme has been on problem-solving and extension tasks, designed to challenge their intellect and stimulate critical thinking. Our students have tackled complex problems fostering a profound understanding and appreciation for their studies.
Amanda Tate
English and Humanities
Debating Team
Our senior debaters at South Oakleigh College have shown outstanding talent and dedication in this year's Debating Association of Victoria's Schools Competition. The team was undefeated in all preliminary rounds, demonstrating their exceptional skill and teamwork. However, a narrow defeat in the final round means they won't be advancing to the finals.
A special mention goes to our final speaker, Ana Donnelon who achieved an extraordinary score of 78 points, a rare feat in the competition. Despite not making the finals, their achievements have made us incredibly proud.
Congratulations to the entire team for their hard work and dedication. We look forward to more outstanding performances in future competitions. Our junior debaters will begin their rounds this month. We are excited to see their talents unfold and anticipate strong performances from our younger students.
Nicholas Morlin
Debating Facilitator
VCE Legal Studies – VCAT & Juries Excursion
On Friday 19 July 2024, the VCE Legal Studies students visited the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) as well as participating in the Juries Session at the County Court of Victoria.
In the morning, students made their own way into the CBD to meet at VCAT. Firstly, students of Unit 3 shared their knowledge about VCAT with the students of Unit 1, who are yet to explore this aspect of the Study Design.
Next, we were greeted by VCAT staff member Ellen and invited into an empty VCAT hearing room. Ellen gave us a run-down of what VCAT does, as well as provide insights into the inner workings of the institution.
Students then took part in some role plays, including playing the role of VCAT members, applicants and respondents giving evidence from the witness box.
In the afternoon, we made our way to the County Court to participate in a Juries Session. All the students have learnt about the jury empanelment process, and now got to experience sitting in an authentic Jury Pool Room and watching the video real potential jurors are shown.
We then proceeded to a Court Room to role play the jury empanelment process, complete with students playing the parts of judge, associate, tipstaff, legal practitioners and potential jurors. The student playing the accused sat in the Dock with their legal representative, in order to make the necessary challenged during the Parade, with those ‘selected’ for jury duty, getting to sit up in the Jury Box.
The students really enjoyed the interactive sessions and seeing the curriculum come to life in authentic contexts. Staff at both sessions were impressed with the way the students conducted themselves – they did the College proud!
Jacinta Marlborough
Legal Studies Teacher
Japanese Learning
In celebration of Tanabata (七夕) in July, the Japanese team at South Oakleigh College organised a few initiatives around the school.
Tanabata, also known as the ‘Star Festival’, is a popular Japanese festival celebrated from 7th July to August around various regions in Japan. The origins derive themselves from a Chinese legend where the star-cross lovers, Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair) are finally allowed to meet for one night a year in the Milky Way.
Because of the rare occurrence of this event, the festival is seen as an auspicious time where one’s heartfelt wishes are likely to come true. Tanzaku -strips of paper containing one’s wishes -are a common feature of the festival, tied onto the branches of smaller trees, such as bamboo.
Junior Japanese classes from 7-9 were taught about the Tanabata Festival and discussed the values and lessons of the originating legend. Using their Japanese skills, many students challenged themselves to write their own tanzaku using Japanese.
On the lunchtime of 17th July, all students and staff were invited to participate in a session of Tanabata-themed origami and paper-craft. Common crafts included paper ring chains and origami cranes.
For the whole of July, staff, students and visitors to South Oakleigh College were welcomed to write down their own tanzaku and tie to our bamboo tree, located near the Front Desk at Reception.
As of current, the bamboo tree features a myriad of students’ wishes from our work the first week or so of Term 3, as well as some of the paper decorations created by those who participated in the origami session.
Bonnie Tynan
Japanese Head of Learning
Welcome new International Students
A warm welcome to our new international students this semester -
Year 8: Betty Maraki, Samadhi Rathnayake, Sean Xu and Stelios Maraki
Year 9: Yuanhong Li
Year 10: Naomi Chen and Sheng Yang
If you see these students around, please introduce yourselves and make them feel welcome!
Sara Crespo - Liu
International Student Coordinator
Media Students Dive Deep into Cinematic Worlds
Our Year 11 Media students have embarked on an exciting journey through the captivating realm of film. By delving into the unique styles and storytelling techniques of their chosen directors, they have gained invaluable insights into the art of narrative. From the imaginative visions of Michel Gondry to the quirky brilliance of Wes Anderson and Tim Burton and the epic grandeur of Christopher Nolan, students have had the opportunity to delved deep into the art of filmmaking.
As they prepare to submit their Unit 2 Outcome 1, our students are honing their skills in analysing narrative codes and conventions. This foundational knowledge will serve as a springboard for exploring the diverse codes and conventions employed across various media forms including photography, animation and advertising.
This unit has not only exposed students to the intricacies of filmmaking but has also broadened their understanding of media as a whole. They are developing a critical eye for the messages and meanings embedded within our visual culture and how various video editing software can be used to produce a cohesive narration.
We eagerly anticipate the exciting outcomes of their investigations and look forward to sharing their insights with the wider school community.
Stay tuned for more updates on our Media students' creative endeavours!
Wood Tech Students Hammering Out Success
Our Wood Tech students have hit the ground running this term! They’ve already dived headfirst into the world of design challenges, safety protocols, and the fundamental tool of any woodworker: the humble hammer and nail.
Mastering the workshop environment is crucial for creating a safe and efficient workspace. Our students have been diligently learning the ropes, ensuring they’re well-prepared to hone their skills in the workshop.
As the term progresses, we’re excited to see our students transform designs into tangible products. Through hands-on experience and careful documentation, they’ll develop essential problem-solving and practical skills.
Watch this space for updates on our students' impressive woodworking projects!
Renee Gross
Media and Arts Teacher