English & Literacy

English

Term 1 has been one with many successes within the English faculty. A reminder to all families that students can continue their wide reading of texts they’re interested in by borrowing from the Yarrabing library, or borrowing from a much wider selection of texts from Melton Libraries. The term 1 holidays is an excellent time to catch up on some leisurely reading!

On that note, English teachers would like all students to have read their booklisted texts prior to studying them in class. We recommend these are read during holiday periods, or throughout the first semester:

Year 7 - The Secret Library of Hummingbird House

Year 8 - The Giver

Year 9 - A Midsummer Night's Dream and Nona & Me

Year 9 Enrichment (Elective) - Life of Pi

Debating

We have had our first debating team participate in the Debater’s Association of Victoria (DAV) interschool competition with a cracking start! Yarrabing was able to win our first two debates with flying colours against schools within the Coburg region. Our Year 9 team consisting of Zoe (9G1), Angad (9G2), Jaskirat (9R1) and Tejas (9G2) are certainly making us all proud! 

The first two debate topics were:

1. ‘That it should be free to camp in all national parks in Australia.’

2. ‘That it should be compulsory for all young people to complete 50 hours of community service each year.’

The following are some reflections from our team following the first debate:

“I think debating is important because it helps you gain the skill of confidence in public speaking and also cultivates critical thinking skills. It also helps with research skills, and overall, it’s a great opportunity to sharpen your logical, analytical and speech skills.” - Zoe Gonzaga

“The experience was both exhilarating and daunting – during, and even after the debate. As my first debate, it was incredibly thrilling, yet humbling. It showcased how we, as students at Yarrabing, had evolved. We were no longer simply students sitting in a classroom taking notes, but students who put pen to paper in pursuit of achieving something greater, something stupefying not just for us, but for Yarrabing.

Meetings were held every Monday, hosted by either Mr. Walsh or Ms. Tokaker. On some occasions, we were lucky enough to have both teachers assisting us. As the debate grew closer, these meetings became longer and more frequent throughout the week. Each session showing better progression upon the last. Together, we researched, drafted, and refined our arguments on a shared document that eventually grew to an impressive eleven pages of detailed research and planning. As the debate approached, we began rehearsing and timing our speeches as a group, which – in the end, led to exceptional results.

I developed a range of chief skills; collaboration, time management, and communication. I also learned how to control my intonation and deliver my ideas with greater confidence. Most importantly, debating consolidated my ability to remain calm under tough times while being able to control composure in front of an audience.

In the end, I firmly believe that debating in schools is vital – not only for the experience itself, but for the skills it consolidates. Public speaking, improv, and performing under pressure are only a very small part of what debating truly means. To fully understand its aura, you have to experience it yourself!” - Jaskirat Saini

We wish our Year 9 team the best of luck with their next debate in June.