Humanities News

Beginning of Term 3:

Humanities News

Unit 4 Legal Studies Incursion: 

Parliamentarian Visit – Mr Ryan Batchelor MP 

Early this year, I invited all parliamentarians both state and federal, representing the area in which our College sits to visit our VCE Legal Studies students. While many did not respond at all or declined, a handful were kind enough to offer to make time for a visit. The first such visit occurred on Monday 30 June 2025, when the Unit 4 Legal Studies class welcomed Mr Ryan Batchelor MP into our class. Ryan represents the Southern Metropolitan region in the Legislative Council (the upper house of Victorian parliament – the state equivalent of the federal Senate). Ryan graciously shared his own story, from when he was a student in this region, to entering politics, until now.  

Having just finished learning about the Constitution and parliament’s role in law-making, the students had many questions to ask – filling the gaps between classroom learning and the bigger picture. Having experience working in parliament at both the federal and state levels, Ryan brought to life in particular the topic of resolving inconsistencies between state and federal laws, which we have studied. Ryan used the recent High Court case regarding the taxing of owners of electric vehicles (EVs) in Victoria as an example of how a seemingly theoretical concept can have real life impacts, familiar to us all. 

The valuable insights shared by Ryan increased student engagement and deepened our understanding of what parliamentarians do, not just on sitting days. The students have already completed their first SAC for Unit 4 and are working towards their next SAC which links this learning to the judicial law-making and the relationship between parliament and the courts. Ryan’s visit has prepared the students well. 

We look forward to welcoming more of our parliamentary representatives into our classroom in the near future… 

Jacinta Marlborough 

VCE Legal Studies Teacher 

After years of eloquence, strategy, and fierce intellectual competition, our Senior Debating Team has officially taken its final bow. Their last debate was marked by poise, grit, and the same passion that has defined their incredible run.

Over the past few years, this team has built a legacy of excellence, winning an astonishing 21 out of 25 debates. Their consistency, teamwork, and commanding presence made them a formidable force in the regional circuit. Whether they were dissecting complex global issues or defending moral dilemmas, our debaters represented South Oakleigh College with distinction and pride.

Their final debate may not have ended in victory, but their journey has been nothing short of triumphant. They leave behind a record that future teams will aspire to match and a culture of confidence, camaraderie, and critical thinking that will continue to thrive in our debating program.

We thank each of our Senior Debaters for their unwavering commitment, and we look forward to seeing the many ways their voices will shape the world beyond school.

Vale Senior Debaters of 2025!

Nicholas Morlin

Debating and Public Speaking