WISDOM & SERVICE PROGRAM

YEAR 9 WISDOM & SERVICE PROGRAM (WASUP 2024)

Our Wisdom & Service Upskill Program (WASUP) ran during the last 3 days of Term 2, and by all accounts was an overall success. Unlike previous years' job skills programs, this year's program ran independently of our Year 9 Camp, allowing our students to access a greater range of work and life-skill focused programs, including new additions such as DIY Woodwork and Introduction to Make-up & Beauty, both of which were extremely well received by our students.  

I thank all of the staff that took on the time and initiative to develop new workshops that expanded our range in which students can be immersed. Moving forward, we view the WASUP as an opportunity for members of our community to share their work/industry insights and passion with our students. If there is an immersion program that you (or someone you know) would like to offer our Year 9 students next year, please get in touch with me at pas@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au so that we can add it to our offerings.

Please find below student reflections of the WASUP program:

Chris Pantelios

Year 9 Curriculum Program Coordinator

During the Making Beats program, I got the opportunity to work with different types of artists who specialise in making techno beats and rock’n’roll. During the part where I had made techno type beats, which was the only part where we made beats, thanks to their help, I was able to create a sick song using the samples that the software ‘Ableton’ had provided for us. Our techno artist had taught us how to align and make samples sound good together and in loops too. He had made it straight forward so that all of us in the class could learn how to mix beats together. Another part of the Making Beats program is that we learnt how to use cables to pack and unpack them and also how to use them to set up drums in case we ever wanted to be a rock band member.

During the Customer Service program, in the first part we had to talk about our experiences with dealing with customer services at places for example; supermarkets, electronic stores, fast food places, etc. In our class, Mr Abela, our facilitator for the customer service program, taught us how to and how not to deal with customers, meaning we had to learn that ‘the customer was always right’ and that we should not ever have a serious argument with a customer as it could make the situation worse, and by putting yourself in the argument, could result in consequences.

Lachlan Porter, Year 9

Participating in the barista training course during WASUP was a rewarding and eye-opening experience. Over the three days, I gained practical skills that extended beyond the classroom and provided a taste of real-world job training. One of the highlights was learning the art of making espresso-based drinks. From pulling the perfect shot of espresso to mastering milk frothing techniques for cappuccinos and lattes, each step was greatly taught by our experienced instructor. What stood out most was the emphasis on attention to detail and the precision required in making high-quality coffee. The hands-on practice sessions were both challenging and fun. 

It was satisfying to see my progress from making simple mistakes to creating well-made coffee. Additionally, the course underscored the importance of customer service and communication skills, which are essential in the hospitality industry.

Shania Uduwela, Year 9

During the WASUP I have learned so much information about saving lives. I have been in the Bronze Medallion Program, during the program it ran through important lifesaving details to save those on the beach and on the land. Such as DRSABCD and how to find and use a defibrillator. DRSABCD is D for Danger, R for Response, S for Send for help, A for Airway, B for Breathing, C for CPR and D for defibrillator. 

In this Bronze Medallion Program I found it very useful to learn how to save lives and I really enjoyed doing it with my friends.

In the Coaching and Umpiring program it gave me an insight of what it really means to be a coach and umpire. It is very important to plan my steps to coach students on how to play that sport. It takes a lot of patience and thinking to get people to learn as fast as possible. For the umpiring part we learnt a lot that umpires are a very important part of the game we play, and they do make mistakes as athletes also make mistakes the umpire also will sometimes make mistakes too.

Jayvier Yang, Year 9

CPR was by far the most engaging and interesting one out of all of them. The people who ran it were really kind and took their time while explaining the instructions. The slideshow they presented us was informative and easy to follow along. They had clear instructions and were there to help you along the way. I think that doing this program was really helpful because it gave me life skills.

What my brand was an interesting topic. Exploring what interviewers look for in a resume and during your interview. Learning about how certain things that are out of your control to change might affect you in your journey in finding a job. It was useful to know that sometimes I might not get a job because of stereotypes.

Customer service was an informative program. It taught me a lot of ways to deal with customers that are not having the best day. It also taught me that sometimes customers might let out their anger on you and it’s not your fault. I feel like it was important to know as teenagers are more likely to have a job involving customer service as their first job.

Hen Yomtovyan, Year 9

The WASUP program was such an awesome and fun experience for me! It had a great mix of cool activities and helpful stuff that made it really interesting. I loved how everything was planned out, so we got to do a bunch of different things. The teachers and instructors were amazing. They knew so much and really cared about helping us learn. This made it easier for me to understand the subjects we were learning and feel more confident about my schoolwork.

The hands-on activities were the best part. We got to do real-life stuff instead of just sitting and listening. The CPR training was super interesting because it taught me how to save lives in an emergency. The barista workshop was really fun too. I learned how to make different kinds of coffee, which is a cool skill to have and could even help me get a part-time job someday. Learning these practical skills was awesome because they can be really useful in the real world, not just in school.

The makeup sessions were also a highlight for me. The course was quite liberating and enjoyable, giving me a chance to be creative and try out different looks. It was a fun way to express myself and I loved experimenting with all the different styles.

Another great thing about WASUP was how it helped us grow personally. We did activities that improved our leadership and communication skills, which are really important. We got to meet new people making the experience even better.

Overall, the WASUP program was a fantastic mix of learning and fun. It taught me useful skills, and allowed me to be creative, all while meeting new students. It was definitely a memorable and valuable experience that’s going to help me in the real world and when I start looking for jobs!

Alex Bouris, Year 9

Learning about 3D printing has been fun and exciting. At first, I thought it was complicated, but I quickly learned how to use the software and tools. My favourite part was designing my first model. My friends and I shared ideas and helped each other, which made the process easier. 3D printing showed me how to design 3D objects and see how useful it is, like making toys or solving problems. This experience made me want to learn more and I learnt a lot not only about 3D printing but also the process and technology. 

Ian Kui, Year 9

Before completing the WASUP Program, I was unsure about completing these skill courses, as I was scared to embarrass myself or not be able to complete the tasks required. Upon completing it, I was surprised at my ability to complete activities and obtained numerous skills that I can now implement into my future.

When completing the Customer Service program, I found that the activities not only taught me how to implement the skills I obtained in the course, but it also made it engaging. By utilising working with peers and taking into account feedback as the course was running, the activities became really engaging.

Furthermore, by bringing in guest speakers for Making Beats it helped give me the perspective of how the music industry works from people who have careers inside of it. This showed their first-hand experiences with the material they informed us about, including personal anecdotes to support what we were learning. Also learning about not only making beats and the materials required, but actually learning about the industry as a whole helped show the dedication these people had to their craft and also how a career in the industry works as a whole.

While completing the barista course, active feedback and support from the people demonstrating each coffee allowed for not only a safe environment to learn, but also helped me obtain skills correctly. It provided me with skills that will help me with a part-time job in the future, and also allows me to make coffees just for me in the future.

As a result, I believe that the WASUP program provided me with skills that will support me in the future, and I am very lucky to have been given this opportunity. I am extremely grateful that I tried my best and fulfilled these opportunities to the fullest.

Jackson Torres, Year 9

Before the WASUP program, I would never have thought that I’d choose or even enjoy the Customer service program. At first the thought of receiving calls from furious customers, dealing with a thief in the front store, seemed extremely irritating and distant from me, it was never something I would sign up for. However, as I started the day with nothing, I left the room with useful skills that not only have to be used when servicing someone, but on a day-to-day basis. The program started off with identifying what careers and jobs require ‘customer service’, which not so surprising, was basically every single career. 

All jobs require a decent amount of communication skills and teamwork to achieve the best result. I learnt that sometimes, being independent is a great quality, and it should be shown, but it is also important to know how to block out my own stubbornness when facing someone that had been taken by emotions and know how to compromise with others. Later in the afternoon, we got to solve different varieties of crises and issues from customers as a professional company, and to achieve a win-win result for both an unsatisfied customer and the store. By the end of the day, I got a whole lot of answers and tips for how to deal with customers and even just a scene in my daily life that includes two people with different points of views. 

Honorary Leung, Year 9