English

English Update

KNOX Symposium

Students in Year 8 have begun their journey toward the Knox Symposium, where they will showcase their persuasive speaking and presentation skills. This term, they are working towards developing and delivering compelling arguments on important community issues, supported by carefully planned presentations and creative artifacts that propose meaningful solutions.

So far, students have engaged in fun and engaging activities to demonstrate the persuasive techniques they already possess, such as the challenge to ‘sell an unsellable dog’, laying the foundation for more structured skill development. 

Over the coming weeks, students will participate in a series of mini-lessons to develop persuasive language skills, to develop strong arguments, and practise using effective paralinguistic features to engage an audience.

Their learning will culminate in presentations to a small audience of students who will vote on the group with the most persuasive ideas. The symposium not only celebrates the hard work of our Year 8 students, but also builds excitement among our younger students as they look ahead to taking part in the future.

2025 Write a Book in a Day

This year, we’re excited to be entering two teams into Write a Book in a Day—one team from Years 7–8 and another from Years 9–10. Later this term, students will take part in workshops focused on developing their authorial skills and understanding the key elements of crafting a compelling book. In Semester 2, each team will dedicate a full day to the challenge of writing and illustrating an entire book within just 12 hours!

Run as a national competition, Write a Book in a Day is a true test of creativity, collaboration and time management. Teams are given unique story parameters on the day, ensuring originality, and all completed books are donated to children in hospitals across Australia.

 In addition to creating something meaningful for young readers, students will also be fundraising to support childhood cancer research. With awards for best books and illustrations at both state and national levels, this project is not only a great creative opportunity but also a way for students to make a real difference.

Ms Sarah Wilson

English Domain Leader