University Campus Learning

Art for Soul, Out of Classroom Program

Tilda Jukes, Year 9, University Campus

The Art for Soul out of class program was an incredible experience giving students the chance to work with artist Belinda Fox, in a 2-day workshop where we created concertina books. Throughout the workshop we learned many new techniques using ink, prints, spray paint and water colour which we used to create our books, I had never created something quite like it before, it was a fun way to relax and be creative.  

On the Wednesday, the Art of Soul and Music groups joined together to go watch Sunset Boulevard after a morning of graffiti walks across Melbourne. On the Thursday we went to Heide Museum of Modern Art and explored hair, and how it can be turned into art, again giving us a different view on art and different ways of expressing it. On the Friday we went to the NGV’s Pharaoh exhibition which was extraordinary. Overall, the week was astonishingly fun, and relaxing, while still engaging and extremely interesting as it built on our techniques for art, which I highly recommended to everyone doing the out of class programs in the future. 

Thrilling Success! 2024 Year 9 Swimming Carnival

Riley Tyebji, Year 9, University Campus

The air was buzzing with anticipation on the day of the annual swimming carnival. Year 9 students boarded the bus to the pool, where a fantastic venue and a day of fun awaited them. Everyone settled into their respective house sections along the left wall overlooking the pools. The event featured a variety of swimming races and fun activities, ensuring that swimmers of all skill levels had the opportunity to participate. 

On the day, all students were divided into six groups: three for boys and three for girls. During the first rotation, the girls enjoyed three exhilarating activities: a water slide, a challenging slippery obstacle course, and novelty events. Meanwhile, the boys competed in swimming races which included 25 m freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and relays. The pool room echoed with laughter and cheers as students enthusiastically supported their teammates. In the second rotation, the boys took their turn with the fun activities while the girls participated in the races. The palpable excitement and energy throughout the venue made the day truly unforgettable. 

 After a hard-fought battle from all four houses, Lincoln House emerged victorious, showcasing their exceptional team spirit and swimming skills. The University Campus house program emphasizes fun and togetherness, creating an atmosphere of support and enthusiasm. And the swimming carnival also highlighted the competitive spirit among the students.  This memorable day at the pool will undoubtedly be cherished by everyone who participated. A special thanks to Ms Purchase for her meticulous planning of the day.  

Thriving Minds Conference: An Enriching Experience

Riley Tyebji, Year 9 

Attending the Thriving Minds Conference as a Year 9 student was both exciting and educational. Hosted at the Plenty Campus of Ivanhoe Grammar School, the event required an early morning start to take a taxi there. 

 Upon arrival, we kicked off with an engaging discussion on genetics, epigenetics, and transhumanism. An Oxford University speaker explored the complexities of human genetics and the potential future impacts of these technological breakthroughs. This thought-provoking session prompted many of us to reflect on the moral implications of these advancements. 

 Following the lecture, we participated in an exercise based on the classical Greek tale, The Ring of Gyges. The task involved debating and discussing the moral challenges presented in the story. Randomly grouped with students from various schools, we engaged in discussions on topics like greed, decision-making, and power. This activity not only encouraged meaningful debates but also provided a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and hear other viewpoints. 

Lunchtime offered a much-needed break and an opportunity to explore the Plenty Campus. Following this, we regrouped for a discussion on Aristotle and his philosophy. The speaker explained Aristotle's contributions across various fields and how his ancient theories still impact ethical reasoning today. This deep dive into Aristotle's thought process was both fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable. 

The day concluded with a debate on the statement, 'This house believes that the finely tuned design of the universe points to the existence of God.' Our own Oliver Hely argued the negative side, leading to a stimulating discussion that encouraged us to explore the complex relationship between philosophy, religion, and science. 

The Thriving Minds Conference offered more than just lectures; it was a deep dive into friendship, ethics, and knowledge, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. I’m grateful to the school for the opportunity to attend the conference.