Senior School
(Years 11 and 12)

Year 11 VCE Legal Studies | VCE Art Making and Exhibiting ACCA and NGV excursion |
Senior School Team

Year 11 VCE Legal Studies - Moorabbin Justice Centre visit

On Thursday August 1st, the Year 11 VCE Legal Studies class had the great opportunity of visiting Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court. We all met at Highett Station at 8.30 am, feeling excited and curious about the types of cases we might hear. Before walking into the court, we took photos on the main staircase, and upon entry, we went through security, giving us a firsthand insight into the protocols that are in place to ensure safety and order within the justice system. After successfully passing security checks, we met Mo, a social worker. Mo introduced himself and provided an overview of his job, the types of cases the Family and Children's Court handles, as well as the court’s processes.

Due to an open and transparent justice system, we had the opportunity to sit in on various cases, both criminal and civil, such as minor offences, minor theft, robbery, traffic/driving offences, family violence, intervention orders, guilty pleas, contest mentions, etc. It was amazing to see the different roles that the Magistrates, Clerks, Barristers, Solicitors, and court staff play in ensuring the smooth and efficient operations of cases within the court, their roles, and also their responsibilities. Additionally, it was particularly interesting to have the Magistrate address us and tell us about what doing his job is like, how he handles cases, and makes decisions based on only the law and the facts of the case, maintaining impartiality throughout. It was equally fascinating to be able to see how impartial and unbiased he has to be in real life, suggesting we go and see as many cases as we can, as well as what a day at the court consisted of.

Moreover, we learnt about what a working day for legal workers in this court encapsulates, and why there are delays and backlogs of cases and hearings, providing us with a newfound respect for the justice system, its processes, and its operations, in the delivery and maintenance of justice in society.

The Year 11 VCE Legal Studies class extends their gratitude to Ben and the staff at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court for accommodating this educational visit, and to Mrs Lakoumentas for organising and taking us on this insightful excursion. - Taya R. 11B

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Our excursion to the Moorabbin Magistrate Courts was an enlightening experience. The visit offered a firsthand look at the workings of the local justice system. The staff were welcoming and provided clear explanations about court procedures. Observing the proceedings gave us valuable insights into legal processes and the role of the judiciary. Overall, it was an informative and engaging trip that deepened our understanding of the legal system. - by Zoe V. 11D

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On Thursday the 1st of August, Ms Lakoumentas’ legal class visited the Moorabbin Magistrates Court. Once we arrived, we were split into two different courtrooms and watched numerous trials take place. This was a great learning experience, as we got to watch first-hand what happens in a courtroom. We spoke to one of the magistrates and a bench clerk, who gave us a bit more of an insight as to how the judiciary works. After a long day of watching many different types of cases, we all agreed that this excursion deepened our knowledge about court and court proceedings. - by Eleni A. 11B

VCE Art Making and Exhibiting ACCA and NGV Excursion

Last week, students studying Units 2 and 4 of Art Making & Exhibiting visited the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) and the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Ian Potter Centre.

At the NGV the students explored the Grace Crowley and Ralph Balson exhibition, whose collaborative practice and artworks are considered seminal examples of Australian abstract art. At ACCA, the students explored the Future Remains exhibition. This exhibition showcases artworks by artists from across Australia who utilise reclaimed and reframed materials, and cultural and ideological inheritances to better understand the past, present and future. The students were given guided tours of both exhibitions and learnt about exhibition design, curation and art conservation. The first-hand research and experience of these exhibitions that the students gained, will assist them in their final planning and study for the outcomes of this subject.