Teaching & Learning
End of Term 2: Teaching and Learning
International Students News
International Student Club
International Student Club is still running on Tuesday lunchtimes, but this term we pivoted to karaoke and card games, due to high demand.
International Student City Excursion
On Monday the 24th of June, the International Students took a trip to the city to explore some different parts of Melbourne.
We started at the Immigration Museum, which was a first visit for many of us. We enjoyed the Immigration Museum’s temporary ‘Joy’ exhibit, which offers immersive experiences made by different storytellers. We revelled in the many colours, “almost too many colours to comprehend”, according to Sovan (Year 10).
The exhibit was very nostalgic for the teachers, specifically the replica of the video rental shop full of VCRs. It was a history lesson for the students, who asked, “did this exist before Spotify?” and were baffled by the idea of having to rewind the tape for the next person.
Isabella (Year 7) helped translate some Spanish titles for some beautiful art by Venezuelan-born Australian artist Nadia Hernández. Minh (Year 12) pointed out some similarities between ancient art and the painting of the Persian mythic bird by Afghanistan-Australian visual artist and poet Elyas Alavi and Sher Ali. Students also enjoyed climbing the large bunny created by local artist Beci Orpin to recreated the excitement of childhood.
Students were able to write their own contributions to the special wall of stories about what brings us joy.
After leaving the ‘Joy’ exhibit, we observed the many historical artefacts in the museum and read about the history of migration to Australia, reflecting on the changes and continuities in Melbourne.
We visited Hosier Lane and were awed by the fact that almost all of the art had changed since some of us had seen it last, which was only a few months ago for those on last year’s city excursion. Mimi (Year 10) and Minh (Year 12) were quick to identify which art was AI and which was not, putting their skills from their Art classes to use.
We also had enough time to browse the Top Arts exhibition in the Ian Potter Centre, which displays outstanding work from VCE students who completed Art subjects in 2023. Cathy (Year 11), Ikko (Year 10) and Kamila (Year 12) liked a particular piece that combined digital animation and graphite paper.
After lots of art appreciation, students got their steps in and their energy out after lunch at Holey Moley, playing a few holes of mini golf.
For some students, like Isabella and Sahib (Year 7), this was a completely new experience. Jenny and Nancy (Year 8) said that this was their favourite part of the day. Students played in groups and got a chance to really get to know some of their classmates outside of their immediate friendship circles, and there was a lot of laughter, supportive encouragement and holes-in-one all round!
Year 11 Psychology Term 2 Brain Studies
It was a very hands-on term in Year 11 Psychology, with students exploring “how mental processes and behaviour are shaped by the brain”.
Students learned about the structure of the brain, including the regions and lobes of the brain and their functions, making shrinky-dink brain keyrings to help them remember these. This was Bishu’s favourite activity this term.
Classes also undertook a sheep’s brain dissection, organised by Mr Carmody and our fabulous Lab Tech, Ms Gowrishan.
Finally, we studied the structure of the neuron, making a diagram of a neuron out of edible materials, before investigating the functions of these parts of the neuron. Dante stated that this was his favourite activity.
Isavella observed that “the interactive activities we did helped solidify the content that we learned”.
Harshini enjoyed “learning in new ways” and Bidhu enjoyed the “collaborative” activities.
Sara Crespo - Liu
International Student Coordinator
NAIDOC Week
As part of our NAIDOC Week celebrations the Year 10 Café Cooking classes hosted students from some of our local primary schools for a Native Ingredients Cooking Class.
Appreciating the traditional ingredients and flavours that have been used in foods and natural remedies on this land for thousands of years is a tangible way for our students to connect with our country’s Indigenous history. Through food, students can also appreciate the living cultures that cook with and use the ingredients today. Students from Oakleigh South Primary and Huntingdale Primary joined a Café Catering class.
In the class, Year 6s and Year 10s were paired up and together made lemon myrtle butter biscuits.
This class was preceded by a tour of the native plants around the school. A great time was had by all, Year 10s enjoyed the opportunity to be teachers, showing their young proteges the procedures of working in a kitchen, for the Year 6s it was an opportunity to try something new. Most importantly, everyone ended the day with warm biscuits!
The "Smashed" Project
On Monday 17th June, the Smashed Project ran an incursion, providing an impactful and educational experience focused on the risks of underage drinking. The incursion featured as an important component of our Year 8, 9 and 10 Health curriculum, where we focus on developing our students’ skills and knowledge in a strengths-based manner, to equip them with the tools to navigate their teenage years and beyond. The Smashed incursion provided a compelling theatrical performance and subsequent interactive workshop, wherein students explored the potential consequences of alcohol misuse and learned strategies to resist peer pressure. The performance engaged students with a clever balance of humour and realism, seeming to resonate deeply with students and spark meaningful discussions. Students provided positive feedback and when asked to share responses and contribute to reflective discussions, did so proactively.
Jacinta Wallace
HPE KLA Leader
Exciting Developments in Year 7 English Class: Students Delve into "Coraline"
We are thrilled to share some exciting updates from our literature classes! Our students have been immersing themselves in the captivating world of Neil Gaiman's "Coraline," exploring its rich themes, complex characters, and engaging plot.
Their journey through this novel has been both enlightening and enjoyable, and we are proud of their hard work and dedication.
In recent weeks, students have been comprehending the intricate narrative of "Coraline." They have delved deep into the story, unravelling its mysteries and appreciating the nuances of Gaiman's writing.
This dark fantasy tale, which follows the adventures of a young girl named Coraline as she navigates a parallel universe, has provided ample opportunities for critical thinking and analysis.
A significant part of our exploration has been focused on character analysis. Students have been examining the various characters in the novel, from the brave and curious Coraline to the sinister Other Mother.
By analysing these characters, students have gained insights into their motivations, development, and relationships. This exercise has not only enhanced their understanding of the novel but has also helped them develop essential analytical skills.
To further enrich their experience, students have been comparing the novel with its 2009 film adaptation. This comparison has been a fascinating exercise, highlighting both the similarities and differences between the two mediums.
In their analysis, students noted that while the core story remains the same, there are notable differences in the portrayal of certain characters and events. For example, the movie introduces a new character, Wybie, who is not present in the book. Additionally, the visual and auditory elements of the film provide a different experience compared to the imaginative engagement required by the novel.
Through these comparisons, students have learned to appreciate the unique qualities of both the book and the movie. They have discussed how the different mediums can influence the audience's perception and interpretation of the story.
Our students' journey with "Coraline" has been an enriching educational experience. They have not only deepened their comprehension of the novel but have also honed their analytical skills through character analysis and comparative studies.
We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing how these skills will benefit their future literary endeavours.
Stay tuned for more updates on our exciting classroom activities and student achievements!
Amanda Tate
English and Humanities
Year 10 CAT Session
Our Year 10 students recently showcased their culinary creativity in a practical CAT session focused on food styling. Their design brief was to style a classic brownie for a restaurant dessert menu.
Students explored the principles of food styling and presentation, learning how to transform a simple brownie into an elegant dessert. They experimented with various garnishes, such as fresh berries, mint, and artistic drizzles of chocolate sauce and ice cream.
Some students added a touch of sophistication with gold leaf and delicate icing patterns, while others focused on creating contrasting textures with biscuits and nuts.
The results were spectacular, demonstrating the students' newfound skills and creative flair. The beautifully styled brownies not only looked restaurant-ready but also highlighted the importance of visual appeal. This practical session was a delicious success as well as a testament of the student’s preparation skills and enthusiasm towards the task.
Noor Jenkins
Food Technology
Debating Team
South Oakleigh College's Senior Debating team has shown exceptional talent and determination this year, remaining undefeated in the regional competition.
Our formidable team has triumphed over some of the top schools in the area, including Mazenod College, Caulfield Grammar, John Monash Science School, and Glen Waverley Secondary College. This impressive record has placed us at the top of the ladder for the region, filling us with hope and anticipation as we look forward to the state rounds of debating.
Our success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our senior debaters. With key contributions from all team members, supported by strategic insights and exceptional argumentation skills, our team has consistently demonstrated excellence in oratory. Their unwavering commitment has set a high standard for our school.
In addition to our senior team's remarkable achievements, our Junior Debating team has been diligently honing their skills. Meeting every Thursday at lunch, these aspiring debaters are preparing for the DAV Junior Schools Programme, which will take place later this year. Their enthusiasm and dedication promise a bright future for South Oakleigh College's debating culture.
An exciting highlight of Term 3 will be the annual Teachers v. Students debate, a highly anticipated event that brings the whole school together. This friendly yet competitive debate offers students a chance to challenge their teachers and showcase their debating prowess in a fun and engaging setting. It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved to experience the dynamic and spirited nature of debating at South Oakleigh College.
As we continue to strive for excellence, we are hopeful that our Senior Debating team will carry their undefeated streak into the state rounds, showcasing the talent and hard work that define South Oakleigh College.
Nicholas Morlin
Debating Facilitator
In the Footsteps of Digenis Akritas
The exhibition, organised by the Pedagogical institute ‘Hellenism of Anatolia – from the Aegean to Pontus” under the auspices of the Australian Federation of Pontian Associations, showcased elements that unite the Greek communities of Greece and Cyprus through the legend of Digenis Akritas, a bold warrior of the Byzantine Empire.
This exhibition also commemorated the sorrowful anniversaries of 50 years since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and the illegal occupation of the northern part of the island, as well as 105 years since the genocide of the Greeks of Pontus.
South Oakleigh College students were given detailed information about the museum exhibition. They toured the premises and participated in educational programs presented by the exhibition's organisers.
During their visit, the students had the opportunity to study various written materials, images, and objects of the time of Digenis Akritas.
These recourses helped them learn about both tangible and intangible aspects of cultural heritage. The students collaborated in groups exchanged ideas and engaged deeply with the historical and cultural content of the exhibition.
Dimitra Maniatis
Greek Head of Languages
Law Week 2024
In Week 6 of Term 2, SOC marked Victorian Law Week 2024. Students have enjoyed activities relating to the legal system across many of their subjects.
Notably, Year 9 Accelerated English students embarked on an immersive journey into the art of persuasion through Atticus Finch’s closing remarks in To Kill a Mockingbird. Focusing on the intricate use of metalanguage, they honed their analytical skills and crafted their own persuasive writings to enrich Finch’s speeches.
The culmination of their efforts took place in our TV studio, which was transformed into a courtroom setting for the day. With roles as jurors and judges, students passionately delivered their speeches, showcasing their rhetorical prowess and dramatic flair – utilising costumes and props from Legal Studies.
Also, every lunchtime, students enjoyed film screenings in our fabulous Christine Strachan Theatre. This year, we watch the classic The Castle as well as The Man Who Sued God, with iconic comedian Billy Connolly. Both films are Australian made and produced, depicting our own legal system.
If you haven’t already, everyone in the College community is encouraged to check out the Law Week website: www.viclawweek.org.au – there is plenty of free information as well as videos to watch on demand, regarding all sorts of legal issues, including understanding scams and staying safe online, the ins and outs of fines and infringements, rental rights and family law advice.
Jacinta Marlborough
Legal Studies Teacher
Japanese Learning
Year 7 Online Language Exchanges
To mark the teaching of their ‘Basic Conversation’ unit, some Year 7 Japanese students in Ms Tynan and Ms Bui’s classes had the fortunate opportunity to participate in an online language exchange with a primary school in Yamaguchi prefecture.
This was held through Zoom meetings that were mutually supervised by teachers at both South Oakleigh College and in Japan, and students had the chance to practise their language skills and exchange facets of each other’s culture.
Year 8 Water Calligraphy
The final week of Term 2 was celebrated through ‘water calligraphy’ activities with the Year 8 Japanese classes. As part of their Hiragana and Katakana revision, students learnt about the art of 書道 (しょどう/shodou), Japanese calligraphy, and how to hold 筆 (ふで/fude) brushes.
Sessions were held in South Oakleigh College’s art rooms where water was the means for writing practice, rather than ink. The activity in itself was a chance for mindfulness at the end of a busy Semester, whereby students had the opportunity to relax and watch as the special ‘paper’ provided allowed for the water to evaporate and erase, allowing for additional writing practice.
Bonnie Tynan
Japanese Head of Learning