Around the Grounds - Senior School

Year 7 PBL

The Year 7 students were engaged in a Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit focused on "Understanding Government and Citizenship." They are exploring the different levels of government, the roles and responsibilities of elected officials and the importance of active citizenship. This unit is designed to help them understand how government decisions impact their daily lives and to encourage them to become informed and active participants in their communities. The unit ended with an election where the students presented their own party and policies to the year level.

Mr Greg Hellard

Head of STEM

Year 8 Drama

This term, our talented Year 8 drama students embarked on a creative journey, reimagining classic fairytales with their own unique and imaginative twists. The culmination of their hard work was a spectacular performance of "Twisted Fairytales" presented to the entire Year 7 and 8 cohorts, who were left enthralled and thoroughly entertained.

From the initial spark of an idea to the final curtain call, our students have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill. They have not only penned their own clever and witty scripts but have also taken on the roles of costume designers, prop masters and set creators. The level of ownership and creativity displayed has been truly outstanding.

The performances themselves were a testament to the students' collaborative spirit and engaging stage presence. Each group brought their reimagined tale to life with confidence and flair, captivating their audience with humour, drama and a healthy dose of the unexpected. From ‘Puss in Boots’ to ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ then ‘Beauty and the Beast’ the laughter and enthusiastic applause that filled the auditorium were a clear indication of the shows' success.

We are incredibly proud of every student involved in this project. They have not only developed their theatrical skills but have also learned invaluable lessons in teamwork, problem-solving, and creative expression. This term has been a showcase of their immense talent, and we congratulate them on a job exceptionally well done!

Ms Danielle Growse

Head of Drama & Productions

Year 9 Media Broadcast

This semester marked our sixth edition of the Year 9 Media Broadcast project - and in many ways it was the best one yet!

The project is designed to simulate a real world industry environment, as students work with high end production technology and must communicate as a team to achieve a smooth, entertaining and high quality final product.

The broadcast is always a great opportunity for Year 9s to express their creativity - the inclusion of a Formula 1 race outside the studio was an especially fun addition this time around! Students also get to highlight stories that matters to them at Huntingtower - this semester featured segments about HT’s international trips, the culture of lunchtime basketball and discussions about the best canteen food.

Thank you to the Year 9 Media class and to Troy and Jack for their ongoing support for the project!

Mr Stefan Sakellaridis

Head of Rayner

Year 9 Geography

On our recent Geography fieldwork trip, our students visited The Cape at Cape Paterson, a leading sustainable community in Victoria. They explored a range of real-world environmental solutions, including 8-star energy-efficient housing, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and water-saving practices. 

Highlights included a guided tour of the Cape Community Farm, where students learned about composting, worm farming, and urban food production. They also studied local biodiversity and wetland restoration, seeing first-hand how nature is being regenerated in once-cleared landscapes. This hands-on experience gave our students valuable insight into sustainable living and inspired ideas for building a more climate-resilient future.

Mr Rodney Jones

Geography Teacher

Year 9 PBL

Term 2 saw the Year 9s venturing out into the community to create and build connections with the elderly, participate in conservation efforts by planting indigenous flora through parts of Valley Reserve, learn the art of coffee making, and become strong independent young people through the practice of self-defence.

With a focus on integrity and the intention of fostering civic engagement, promote social responsibility and leadership skills, and raise awareness of community issues in a real-world context, students took to these challenges in often unfamiliar environments with enthusiasm and a willingness to give back.

Many came to the realisation that connecting with and to the wider community was an essential part of journey through life and have grown a deeper appreciation of their place in society. Some experienced getting their hands dirty for the first time while planting in Valley Reserve. And most have taken the invaluable skills of brewing coffee so they can soon join the workforce and start bleeding our pockets dry with overpriced skinny lattes and almond cappuccinos.

Well done on serving the community, Year 9.

Mr Raz Sappideen

Year 9 Coordinator

Year 10 Holocaust Museum Excursion

On Tuesday 16 August, the Year 10 cohort were given a unique opportunity to expand on their History studies by visiting the Melbourne Holocaust Museum. The Year 10s were given a guided tour of the various exhibits and were also given the special opportunity to speak to Joe Szwarcberg, a 95-year old Holocaust victim who shared his story of survival and even answered some questions from the class. 

The excursion also featured a screening of the award-winning film Jojo Rabbit at Classic Cinemas in Elsternwick.

Overall, this experience was an excellent extension of the History course which also reminded our Huntingtower students to fight against hatred and continue practicing kindness in our community.

Mr Stefan Sakellaridis

Head of Rayner

Food Technology