Languages update

Another exciting term for Language learning at Box Hill High School! Our Year 12 students are diligently preparing for their external VCAA oral assessments after the holidays, as well as their written examinations later in Term 4. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our wonderful Year 12 teachers, Ms Lee, Ms Lin, and Ms Xu, for their dedication and care for their classes. We are confident that our students are in excellent hands. Our gratitude also goes to our two language assistants, who have provided invaluable opportunities for speaking practice and feedback. 

For our younger year levels, it’s been another vibrant term of language and cultural learning with exciting experiences inside and outside of the classroom. Here are three of our highlights.

PASCH Scholarship

by our scholarship recipient Alyssa, 10D   

Guten Tag!  - That’s good day in German.   My name is Alyssa, and I was awarded the 2024 PASCH scholarship. Every year the Goethe Institute awards between fifty and a hundred students from around the world to study German language and culture. My trip to Germany began on 22 June, this was my first trip overseas. It was daunting to travel overseas on my own, especially walking through Dubai airport. But it was such an amazing once-in-a-lifetime adventure, even the 36-hour transit each way! 

The program is for three weeks in the seaside town of Sankt Peter-Ording. On weekdays we had classes where we were only allowed to speak German! All the classes were focused on improving our written and oral German. I enjoyed the opportunity to use my artistic skills to share about life in Australia. We also visited Kiel University and listened to a lecture. 

On the weekends we explored nearby towns, visiting museums, markets, gardens and other tourist attractions. My favourite activity was going shopping and speaking to locals in German. Especially visiting our local ice cream shop and enjoying the summer warmth!

Going to Germany was such an amazing experience! Being able to have the opportunity to study and learn German in Germany was such a unique and immersive experience that I will never forget about. And I’d like to encourage all students learning German to continue in their studies and once in year 10 to apply for this awesome opportunity. I’d like to thank the Goethe Institute for giving me this incredible experience, I am forever grateful. Thanks to Frau Kuhn for igniting my passion to learn German and helping me find different ways to study. And finally, a massive thank you to Herr Smith, for always encouraging me and making class so much fun!   Auf Wiedersehen!    

German Poetry Competition  

by Matilda  S in 8J

On 2 August, a small group of students from Box Hill High School and other schools ranging from Years 7 to 9 went to Mount Waverly Secondary College to voluntarily compete in the German Poetry Competition Regional Finals, hosted by the AGTV (Association of German Teachers of Victoria).  After taking the bus to Mount Waverly, we arrived at the competition around midday and met with the other schools and separated into our groups. There were four groups: the Year 7 section, Year 8, Year 9, and the Year 8 open section. 

In the Year 8 section, many recited the poem Erlebnis by Joseff Guggenmos in German, whereas others were given different options. We presented our chosen poems to the judges to get scores, determining whether we’d pass into the state finals. 

Throughout this experience of speeches and trivia, we were awarded a certificate of participation and gifts such as lollies and German badges, while winners who placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd received a medal, their respective certificates, and more gifts as well. 

After coming second in the regional final, the next stage of the competition was the state final hosted at the Austrian Club in Heidelberg on 24 August. The club was quite a place; it was decorated with pictures of castles in Austria and had a cardboard cutout of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe too, a German polymath and writer. There were two separate rooms for judging on the side of the big hall, so luckily, we didn’t have to perform on stage in front of many people. 

At around 11 am, the lower secondary (Years 7 and 8) open section was called to perform in front of the judges and their families. I performed the poem Gefunden by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and then waited for the results. 

 While waiting, we had the opportunity to complete a trivia quiz for a prize, where I won a pack of Knoppers. The Austrian Club had amazing cake and was very generous, allowing each competitor free chips and a complementary drink. 

 Afterwards, the results had been announced. In each group, the top six students were given a trophy and certificate, and 1st place received an engraved plaque stored at the winning school for that year. I was placed 5th out of around 15 other students in my section (the lower secondary open section)! 

 Overall, it was an amazing experience that allowed many of us to get out of our comfort zone and celebrate learning German through poetry.  

Chinese Incursion  

To mark the Mid-Autumn Festival, Year 8 Chinese-language students participated in an exciting and culturally enriching dragon dance incursion on 16 September. This hands-on workshop introduced students to the vibrant world of traditional Chinese dragon dance, giving them a chance to learn both the basic knowledge and techniques behind this historic art form. 

During the incursion, students explored the cultural significance of the dragon dance, which is traditionally performed during festivals and celebrations in China to bring good fortune. Under expert guidance, they practiced the key movements and teamwork required to bring the dragon to life, mastering both the choreography and rhythm that create the dance's mesmerizing effect. 

The students’ energy and enthusiasm made the event a memorable celebration of Chinese culture and a perfect way to honour the Mid-Autumn Festival. By participating in this unique activity, the Year 8 students not only deepened their understanding of Chinese traditions but also had fun learning in an interactive, dynamic way.