Year 11 Literature Excursion: Voices of Country

Recently, our Year 11 Literature students participated in an enriching excursion to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and the Koorie Heritage Trust as part of their study of First Nations perspectives in English.

The day began at the NGV, where students engaged in a guided learning program exploring contemporary works by First Nations artists. Our guide, Jenny, challenged students to look beyond the surface of each artwork, probing their thinking and encouraging them to decode the stories, symbols, and messages embedded within the pieces. Through thoughtful discussion and analysis, students deepened their understanding of important concepts such as connection to Country, cultural identity, the ongoing impacts of colonisation, and reconciliation. The artworks provided powerful insights into how First Nations experiences and perspectives can be expressed through visual storytelling and connected meaningfully to the literary texts studied in class.

In the afternoon, students participated in a First Nations walking tour led by the Koorie Heritage Trust. Accompanied by our knowledgeable guides, Sean and Greg, students walked alongside Birrarung (the Yarra River), learning about the rich cultural history of the area and the enduring connection of First Nations peoples to Country. The guides shared fascinating knowledge about traditional fishing practices, tools, weapons, possum skin cloaks, and the sophisticated ways Aboriginal peoples lived sustainably with the land and waterways. Students were highly engaged throughout the tour, asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating genuine curiosity about the histories, stories, and perspectives being shared. Birrarung is the traditional name for the river and is often translated as "a place of mists and shadows" or "river of mists."

The excursion provided students with a valuable opportunity to connect classroom learning with lived cultural knowledge. By engaging directly with First Nations art, history, and storytelling, students gained a deeper appreciation of the diverse perspectives that continue to shape Australia today. It was a memorable and meaningful learning experience that will undoubtedly enrich their understanding of the texts and themes explored in Voices of Country Literature Unit we are beginning. A big thank you to Megan Tulloch- Nasir for attending on the day.

Ms Jane Carter

English Domain Leader/ Literacy Learning Specialist

VM Trades Fit and Technology Expo

On Wednesday 3 June, the Year 10 students, along with the Year 11 and 12 VM students attended a Trades Fit and Technology Expo to explore different career pathways and training opportunities available after school.

Throughout the day, we visited a wide range of stalls and spoke with representatives from organisations and education providers including RMIT, Chisholm, Bunnings and Linfox. We learned about different courses, apprenticeships, traineeships and career options, while hearing personal stories from people working in a variety of industries.

The expo was also full of interactive activities. Students had the opportunity to test their skills in a truck driving simulator, play a "Guess the Milk" challenge at the Bega stall, build a model house in under two minutes, use trade tools such as a nail gun and mini saw, answer questions while playing darts, and complete a colour-order challenge. There were also plenty of giveaways, including bags and other free merchandise.

One of the highlights was the truck simulator, which gave students an insight into how challenging it can be to operate a large vehicle. It was surprising to see how slowly a truck moves and how much concentration is required when driving one.

For many students, the experience helped broaden their understanding of the opportunities available after high school. One student reflected that speaking with exhibitors showed them that it is okay not to have their entire future planned out straight away, as there are many different pathways that can lead to successful careers.

The Trades Fit and Technology Expo was an engaging and informative experience that encouraged students to think about their future goals and explore the many options available to them after school.

Sarah W & Riley P

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