English

Poetry Comes to Life at Applecross

Recently, Applecross Senior High School students had the opportunity to participate in a special poetry incursion that brought the power of poetry to life through performance. The event featured two engaging sessions: one focusing on War Poetry and the other exploring the beauty and power of poetry in everyday life.

Students were captivated as professional performers presented a range of poems with energy, emotion and dramatic flair. In the War Poetry session, students explored the experiences of soldiers and the impact of conflict through powerful works that highlighted themes of courage, sacrifice and loss. Hearing these poems spoken aloud allowed students to connect more deeply with the emotions and perspectives of the poets, creating a far greater impact than simply reading the words on a page.

The second session celebrated the beauty and versatility of poetry. Through humour, storytelling and thought-provoking performances, students discovered how poetry can capture moments, express emotions and communicate ideas in unique and memorable ways. Many students were surprised by how accessible and engaging poetry could be when performed with passion and confidence.

Throughout both sessions, students remained highly engaged, responding enthusiastically to the performers. The interactive nature of the presentations encouraged students to think critically about language and meaning, while also enjoying the experience.

One of the key messages from the incursion was the importance of hearing poetry spoken and performed. Poetry was originally designed to be heard, and performance brings rhythm, tone, pace and emotion to the forefront. By listening to poetry, our students gained a richer understanding of a poem’s meaning and the feelings it is intended to evoke. 

The incursion was an enjoyable and valuable learning experience that demonstrated the enduring power of poetry and inspired students to see poetry as something to be experienced, not just read.

Applecross Students Shine in the Western Australian Debating League

Students from Applecross Senior High School have once again demonstrated their talent, teamwork and determination through their participation in the Western Australian Debating League (WADL) this year.

Throughout the season, students competed against schools from across Perth, debating a wide range of challenging and thought-provoking topics. From social issues and technology, to environmental and ethical questions, students were required to think critically, research thoroughly and communicate their ideas with confidence and clarity.

One of the highlights of the competition was the strong sense of teamwork developed within each debating team. Students worked closely together develop arguments and anticipate the responses of their opponents. The collaborative nature of debating encouraged students to support one another, build trust and recognise the importance of working towards a common goal. Many students reported that one of the most enjoyable aspects of the competition was the opportunity to work alongside their peers and celebrate successes together.

The season also challenged students to step outside their comfort zones. Debating against experienced teams from other schools required resilience, adaptability and confidence. Whether speaking in front of adjudicators, responding to unexpected arguments or defending complex positions, Applecross students consistently rose to the challenge and represented the school with professionalism and enthusiasm.

Their hard work and commitment were rewarded with outstanding results. Applecross Senior High School was proud to have one of its Junior Division teams and one of its Senior Division teams progress all the way to the WADL finals. Reaching the finals is a significant achievement and reflects the dedication, preparation and teamwork shown by students throughout the season.

Participation in WADL provides students with valuable skills that extend far beyond the debating arena itself. Students develop confidence, public speaking skills, critical thinking and the ability to work effectively with others.

Congratulations to all students involved in this year’s competition. Their efforts have been a credit to themselves and to the Applecross school community.

Justina Pereira, Head of Learning Area - English