Teaching & Learning

English Language

During Term 3 the Year 11 English Language classes have been undertaking oral presentations focusing on the etymology of different words. As they were only 2 minute presentations each, they were asked to make them as interesting and as exciting as possible. With some students choosing to bring in props to get the class engaged, while others chose to create videos to take some of the anxiety of presenting out of the mix. It was a very entertaining and informative time in the English Language space. 

Amber Partington, Lydia Burns, & Mary McCarthy

Science

Year 9 

During our unit on electricity year 9 students discovered a unique way to create an electric circuit that included the incorporation of earrings, ears and a couple of smiling participants.

Year 11 Chemistry

Students showing off in their finest PPE gear as they perform titration experiments as part of their scientific investigation task.

Gab Warren

English

Year 9 English classes are currently studying Shakespeare's Much Ado About nothing, please enjoy Jo M's wonderful adaptation:

Aaron Zampichelli

VCE VM

Literacy Podcasts

Our Literacy VM class was given a SAT task which included getting into groups and writing a script for a podcast. Our objective was to come up with a topic to talk about collectively and make points individually to talk about. We were given free reign on how to structure the podcast including our language, our location and if we filmed it or just audio recorded. My group was Stefan, Ali, Angus and Warsame and our podcast topic was “Unveiling Conspiracies”. This experience was really quite enjoyable because of its flexibility and choice of topic.

Money and Income Numeracy 

In numeracy we are currently learning about payslips and the importance of understanding your pay also making sure you are being paid what you are owed. It is important you need this skill because it is a crucial part of life 

Financial Literacy Incursion 8/9

On the 8th of September, a speaker from the salvation army came into our classroom to give us a talk about money and gambling. We learnt about saving money and how best to spend it, the odds of gambling and how it's made so they always win. We also learnt about the effects that gambling has on people's behaviours and actions, and where to get help for ourselves or others if we ever need it. The excursion was great because we all left with a better understanding of how to use money efficiently and how to control spending and gambling urges.

Careers Expo 18/8  

On the 18th of August, the VCE VM class attended a careers expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. We spent the day travelling to the city and heading to the MCEC, and had the majority of our time being able to freely explore around the expo. At the expo, there were many opportunities and vendors for us to reach out and get a head start in our careers. There was also a section dedicated to competitions in trades, such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, automotive, bricklaying and much more. It was great being able to watch the many trades and see what the actual work for those trades are like and many of us were able to get connections and career opportunities for after we graduate. 

Sausage Sizzle trial 2 16/8 

On Wednesday the 16th of August The VCE VM year 11 class conducted a sausage sizzle trial run. In cohesion with the preparation for the term 4 colour explosion. The VM students and their work related skills teacher Paul Arney had set up a meeting spot at Coburg Coles to buy their ingredients needed. They headed to school and started the process of heating the grill and starting to cook. Throughout the first two periods each person was allocated jobs and roles to help speed up the process. The class finished and cleaned up on time and enjoyed the food. 

 Production Volunteering

The Personal Development VCE VM class worked together to build props, paint fences, and transporting heavy equipment. For one week, the VM class was divided into groups of 4-5 to assist the performers with hair and makeup, cleaning up, and checking off the guest list. They were all examples of collaboration, resilience, trust, and patience. 

PDS trust challenge

On the 1st of September, The VCE VM class was paired up by Olivia Stray to participate in a trust obstacle course. Olivia set up this obstacle course to build trust, build teamwork, recognise the relationship the VCE VM class has developed over the past 3 terms and most importantly build trust, teamwork, communication and problem-solving for the Colour Explosion The VCE VM class is running in Term 4.

At the beginning of the challenge, the students of the VCE VM class were not confident at all with doing this challenge and didn’t really see the point in it but as soon as the class saw all the other students doing the obstacle course, the other students gained information from watching the other students and eventually the challenge ran smoothly and trust, teamwork, communication and problem-solving was built in the VCE VM class.

Colour Explosion

The Colour Explosion will be held on Thursday 5th October and Friday 6th October 2023. 

Before both of the days of the Colour Explosion, students should:

• Pay and consent to the event on Compass
• Be aware, the sausage sizzle will be run on Thursday and Friday at Lunchtime
• Be aware, that the colour explosion will be run during period 5 on Thursday for years 10, 11, and 12 and during period 5 on Friday for Years 7, 8, and 9.

On the day of your Colour Explosion:

• On Thursday 5th October, years 10-12 students should wear clothing that they are happy to have stained as the colour will not wash out
• On Friday 6th October, years 7-9 students should wear clothing that they are happy to have stained as the colour will not wash out
• Bring correct materials such as water bottles and money for the sausage sizzle
• Students will bring their bags to the Colour Explosion to be supervised by staff and will not be allowed to enter into school buildings after they have participated in the Colour Explosion
• Please note: students must be in full school uniform on the day their year level is NOT participating in the colour explosion. 

Events cost: $5.00 (Pay & consent on Compass)

Sausage Sizzle Food Costs:  

Sausage - $3.50

Can or Bottled Water - $2.00

Drink and Sausage Combo - $5.00

We will be posting additional information and details at the start of Term 4.

VCE VM Class

Year 11 Spanish

The Year 11 Spanish students have been working hard over this last term. Our studies have included studying the history of Latin America, including the Mexican revolution, finishing in a self-researched oral presentation about a topic of our choice. Some stand out presentations included Irene’s presentation on Frida Kahlo and Aidan’s passionate presentation on the Tehuelche, indigenous people from Argentina. In the second half of the term, we read a Mexican novel titled “Como Agua Para Chocolate” (Like Water for Chocolate). This was a real test of our Spanish comprehension abilities, but we pulled through and ended the area of study with an alternate scene writing task. The term has also been filled with fun activities, like our signature “Martes de música”, where we listen to and critically analyse Spanish music every Tuesday, and food-tasting, such as lessons based in the café or the delicious Chiles de Nogada featured in our novel. It has also been great for our learning to get to collaborate in our composite class with the Year 1`2s. This has also allowed for great out of class opportunities, such as Patrick’s invitation to participate in an exchange program in Spain. We’re very excited for him. ¡sigue adelante! Keep it up!

The Year 11 Spanish class

Irene A, Aidan C, Patrick G, Freddy M, David M, Pepper T, Veronica V

Shark Tank

On September 6th, VCE business students showcased their entrepreneurial prowess at the annual Shark Tank event. Working in groups, these students ingeniously crafted innovative products and services designed to elevate the quality of life at Coburg High School. With an audience comprising their peers, parents, and the discerning CHS Sharks, they presented their visionary ideas for evaluation. Among the standout concepts were;  beeswax sustainable lunch packaging, a CHS pop-up event space, Compass cash cards, driving lessons, stationary vending machines, and even functional AI marking software.

The event proved to be an astounding success, but in the end, only one team could emerge victorious. We extend our congratulations to Saskia, Nikola, Bilal, and Mustie, who clinched the coveted first place and a $100 voucher for their exceptional achievement.   Shout out to our exceptional students who displayed unwavering commitment, as well as our esteemed CHS Sharks for their invaluable participation and support.

EJ Hogan

Library

Hello hello from the CHS Library,

It has been a quiet term here in the library as far as events go but definitely not with the readership. It is always an absolute joy to see students come in to sit quietly and read, whether it be a 1200 page monster like Ulysses (Augie C!) or Where’s Wally. 

While events are quiet we do have our annual CHS Reads Top 10 Favourite Books of 2023 voting currently happening. Wow, what a response! There have been so many votes coming through. Which book will win the coveted number 1 spot? I cannot wait to begin the count over the coming holidays. The top 10 will be announced during Week 2 of Term 4 during CHS Reads very own Book Week. YAY!

Well, that’s about it for now. Until next time, adieu.

Dianna Jarnet

Philosophy

Year 11 Philosophy is currently studying the history and philosophy of human rights, starting from the French Declarations of the Rights and Duties of Man and Citizen, and ending after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The bulk of our investigation has entailed close readings of philosophical responses to such declarations. Thinkers we have studied include Locke, Rousseau, Bentham, Marx, Weil and Arendt.  We have also studied the work of Associate Professor Jessica Whyte of UNSW. On Wednesday 13th September, Professor Whyte generously discussed her work with the class over a video link. Her contributions to our understanding of her work were substantial, as were her general reflections on philosophy and university life. We thank Professor Whyte for her time.

Ohad Kozminsky