Vermont Secondary College Newsletter

Geography News

Vermont Secondary College

GEOGRAPHY NEWS

In the last issue of the newsletter, you saw the wonderful fieldwork opportunities that our Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students had been participating in during Term 1. Don’t worry, we did not forget about the junior Geographers! Even when we check in with the senior students, they still have very fond memories of their first few fieldwork experiences. This is where geography gets to shine as a tangible, hands on and worthwhile subject area. We are all inhabitants of the world – whether natural or human factors at question, we all have decisions to make when it comes to global issues and ethical morality. An important decision coming up for the Year 8 is electives for 2025 – Geography Out on the Town is a great opportunity to expand on geographical studies. Students are encouraged to speak to any of the great Geography teachers at VSC for any tips, recommendations and explanations relating to future pathways, careers in geography and tips and advice. For now, enjoy some of the highlights from students and their recent fieldwork!

RECENT FIELDWORK

  • YEAR 7 GEOGRAPHY – MR NYHUIS, Year 7 Student Manager and Geography Teacher

Throughout late Term 1 and early Term 2, Year 7 Geography students attend an adventurous jaunt down to the local park, Bellbird Dell, for a fieldwork excursion. Students were tasked with investigating how the park contributes to the liveability of Vermont as a suburb and were required to identify key natural and human features, flora and fauna of the park, and typical activities that might be undertaken in this location. Students were also requested to carefully draw a precise sketch of landscape in Bellbird Dell – producing some stunning results.

Attached below is a sketch from Bonnie N.

 

Bonnie wrote: “The field sketch I have made is showing one of the resting spots at Bellbird Dell, as there is a bench you can sit on. There are many resting spots, but this area is surrounded with lots of nature like trees, bushes and plants. Although it is not shown in the sketch, opposite to this area is a nice open space for you to do your own personal activities. In the background of the sketch, you can also recognise a building or house surrounded by trees.”

 

What a thoughtful reflection! Many students produced pieces just like this, and Bonnie (along with all our Year 7 Geography students!) should be very proud of their efforts in this subject.

  • YEAR 8 GEOGRAPHY – BILL DUIVEMAN, Year 9 Student Manager and Geography Teacher

Year 8 Geography Fieldwork to Blackburn Lake was to test the hypothesis - to what extent does Blackburn Lake deserve the designation of sanctuary status.  Students were introduced and briefed on the history and development of the sanctuary over time by the City of Whitehorse Environment Education Staff. Students then ventured out to explore the wetlands and forested areas of the sanctuary. 

 

Year 8 Geography classes participated in fieldwork at the Blackburn Lake Sanctuary. Students were researching three different landscapes: Wetlands, woodland and human, with a view to examining whether Blackburn Lake deserves the designation of a sanctuary. Field work provides the opportunity for students to experience the environment first-hand. 

 

“Going to Blackburn Lake Sanctuary and participating in the fieldwork allowed us to think about the environment and nature, as well as how humans affect this environment. We learnt many things about the Indigenous history of the Sanctuary as well.” Isabelle D 

 

“When we went to Blackburn Lake it was not only fun, but it was also a really good learning experience” Xavier F. 

 

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

 Coming Up in Week 8 – Wednesday 5th of June, Vermont Secondary College will be celebrating World Environment Day, linked in with our sustainability captains and Geography subject area.

 

World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated annually on 5th June and encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment. It is supported by many non-governmental organizations, businesses, government entities, and represents the primary United Nations outreach day supporting the environment.

 

First held in 1973, it has been a platform for raising awareness on environmental issues as marine pollution, overpopulation, global warming, sustainable development, and wildlife crime. World Environment Day is a global platform for public outreach, with participation from over 143 countries annually, including participation from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, the United States and many more. Every year, the program has provided a theme and forum for businesses, non-government organizations, communities, politicians, and stars to advocate environmental causes.

 

This year, the theme is ‘land restoration, desertification and drought resilience’ – and the conference is being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We are seeking out students from Years 7, 8, 9 & 10 to join the Vermont Secondary Geo Teachers and sustainability leaders at lunchtime, in N21/19, on Wednesday June 5th for a range of activities (prizes up for grabs!), including:

  • Booklet Competition
  • Paper Plate crafts
  • Geography and environmental themed snacks

In the meantime, students from all Year levels are welcomed to enter in the following competitions, where a $20 dollar canteen voucher is up for grabs for each competition (more info will be posted on Compass to students):

  • Photo Competition: Best Natural Landscape Photo
    • Must use your own camera or phone to take, outside of school hours. Must include a short description/bio of how and why this is a unique natural landscape photo.
  • Design Competition: Design a Drought Resistant City
    • Must include annotations of drought resistant infrastructure and features – can be created digitally on a design program or Minecraft, or physically via paper design.

Submissions for these competitions can be handed in from now, to any of the following Geography Teachers, BUT MUST BE HANDED IN BY FRIDAY 31ST OF MAY (As grand prizes will be given out on World Environment Day, Wednesday June 5th, at lunchtime, one prize only for each competition).

 

Mr Nyhuis, Ms Muirden, Ms Moraitis, Ms Allison, Ms Todaro, Mr Connell, Mr Duiveman or Ms Bowen.