Incursions and Excursions
Year 12 English Excursion: Exploring the Ancient World
As part of their study of Oedipus the King, the Year 12 English class recently embarked on an excursion to Melbourne’s Hellenic Museum, located in the historic Old Treasury Building.
Students had the unique opportunity to examine and even handle ancient artefacts, gaining a tangible sense of how the play might have been experienced by its original audience. A highlight of the visit was exploring the personification of the Fates, with some students even having their fortunes told by a modern-day oracle — bringing the themes of fate and destiny to life.
After a brief lunch, the excursion continued to the State Library of Victoria. Here, students discovered the vast resources available to support their own studies, learning how to make the most of one of Melbourne’s most important cultural institutions.
The day provided valuable insights into both the ancient world and the resources at hand for modern scholarship, enriching the Year 12s’ understanding of Oedipus the King and the study of literature more broadly.
The Oracle!
Aphrodite
Outside the museum
Iris - the messenger
Studying real artefacts
Thinking poses
The Oracle!
Aphrodite
Outside the museum
Iris - the messenger
Studying real artefacts
Thinking poses
Year 12 English Excursion: Oedipus the King on Stage
To deepen their study of Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, the Year 12 English class recently attended a performance at East Doncaster Secondary College. The play was brought to life by the talented actors of the Complete Works Theatre Company, who performed for the students of both Warrandyte and East Doncaster.
The production offered valuable insight into how the play might have appeared in its original setting. The use of masks allowed the audience to clearly identify different characters, echoing the traditions of ancient Greek theatre. The powerful performances captured the tension, emotion, and drama of Sophocles’ work, helping students connect with the text in a vivid and memorable way.
Many students reflected afterwards on how useful the performance was in helping them grasp the play’s complexity. Seeing the text in action gave them a clearer understanding of the characters and themes, and made the story come alive beyond the page.
Fiona Dzur - Head of English
Laura McCarthy - Learning Specialist - Literacy