Learning Across the
Senior School
YEAR 8 INTER-HOUSE PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION
During our Senior School Assembly on Tuesday, we held the final of our annual Year 8 Inter-House Public Speaking Competition. Our 4 finalists were Bronte (Barry), Amber (McGrath), Camille (Mulhall) and Tilda (Ward). The students presented their speech inspired by our 2024 school value ‘Sincerity’. The standard of speeches was exceptional and our guest judge, Bec Pannell commented on the high quality of public speaking skills displayed by our finalists. We congratulate Camille on being awarded the Individual Public Speaking Champion and Mulhall House for receiving the 2024 Inter-House Public Speaking Shield.
Reflection from Year 8 student Camille:
“Participating in the public speaking competition has been an amazing journey that tested me in so many ways, from first preparing my speech to presenting it to all of Mulhall it has truly been a roller coaster of emotions, highs, and lows. The preparation process was difficult, researching my topic, crafting my speech, and rehearsing tirelessly to ensure my message was clear and direct. My peers and I all would have faced moments of self-doubt, but what mattered is that we pushed through, and all delivered meaningful speeches. The support and camaraderie between the participants were truly admirable. At the end of my speech everyone was so supportive and encouraging, making it an unforgettable experience”.
Mrs Fiona Griffiths
Leader of English and Languages
INTRODUCING MEDIA STUDIES
In 2024, Loreto College introduced Media Studies at Stage 1. The subject is an English elective that differentiates itself from existing English courses by covering a wider breadth of digital texts and assessing production and research skills.
Across the year, students have had the opportunity to respond to contemporary and prevailing social phenomena through independent research into representational issues in the media, data analysis of converging media consumption, and news reporting in the form of a self-produced video essay.
Students have access to equipment new to the college, such as podcasting kits and lighting rigs, to enhance the quality of their production material and to build hands-on creative industry skills.
Stage 1 student, Phoebe Smith, has remarked on the subject, stating:
“[through the subject] I gained a deeper understanding of the concepts of the Male and Female Gaze and how the media can influence our perceptions of people and events. For my first assignment, I focused on media coverage on Imane Khelif’s success in the 2024 Olympics. Most media outlets chose to portray her in a negative light, undermining her success, however I interrogated their organisational biases. I also learnt how to create a video essay, exploring various aspects of filmmaking such as the different shots, angles and how to write a proper film script.
I have enjoyed learning about the different film techniques and engaging in the weekly Friday news quizzes. The quizzes have made me more aware and alert to the current events around the world. These activities made the class both informative and exciting as it is competitive.
Media has allowed me to stay on top of what’s happening around me in the world and has encouraged me to think more critically about various perspectives. The course offers a lot of creative freedom, allowing me to choose topics that interest me for each assignment.”
In 2025, the subject will be offered for the first time at Stage 2 and will expand its exploration of film analysis and creation, journalistic investigation, and communication and marketing theory. Students can look forward to creating their own original short films, working with industry experts and engaging with professional networks. They can also continue to look forward to being quizzed on current events through our ongoing, and highly competitive, Friday News Quiz.
Ms Stefanie van Gerven
Media Studies and English Teacher
Maths Pathway
Students in Year 7 are continuing to make excellent rates of progress on the Maths Pathway program. The minimum expectation for growth is 100%, which equates to a learning rate of one year of the curriculum in one year.
However, the average growth rate for the cohort since the start of the year is 172%.
We particularly congratulate the following students who have attained the best growth averages across the entirety of 2024:
Olivia Qian with 390% growth
Faith Thien with 317% growth
Siena Penprase with 295% growth
Zoe Reid with 290% growth
Sofia O’Rourke with 281% growth
There are a further 20 students with growth averages above 200% (double the expected rates) and many more exceeding the minimum 100% growth rate.
This is an excellent effort, and we commend these students on their industrious attitude and growth mindset towards their mathematics!
Mr Andrew Baker
Leader of Mathematics
Tasting the Moon: Learning Phases with Oreos!
Our Year 7 Science students have been learning about the Earth’s Moon as part of the Earth, Moon and Space Unit and lots of excitement was had representing the Phases of the Moon using Oreo biscuits! The girls carefully removed the top of each of the biscuits to reveal the cream layer and then scraped away the cream to show the different moon phases.
Year 8 Science students ROCK!
It was so satisfying to witness the Year 8 Science students thoroughly enjoy working with rocks recently as part of their Rocks and Minerals Unit of work. They were asked to choose an igneous rock on display in the laboratory (eg granite, pumice, basalt, obsidian and porphyry) and to research and share information about the chemical and physical properties, uses and other relevant facts about their rock. There was also an opportunity for a fun, creative photoshoot!
Ms Patty Warrender
Biology/Science Teacher
SACE Exploring Identities and Futures
On Wednesday, 20 November, we celebrated the achievements of our Year 10 Stage 1 students with the SACE Exploring Identities and Futures (EIF) Showcase.
The event highlighted the practical skills the students developed throughout the year as they explored their aspirations and future goals. It was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge their hard work and growth as they prepared for senior school and beyond.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this milestone!
