HUMANITIES

A SPOTLIGHT ON HUMANITIES

SECONDARY SCHOOLS PARLIAMENTARY CONVENTION: 19 & 20 AUGUST

A committed team of Year 9 students from St Joseph’s College recently took part in an exciting opportunity to engage with other young people across the state. Over two days, they participated in a Victorian Student Convention, where the central topic of debate was: 'Should the driving age in Victoria be lowered to 17?'

The event, held online to ensure students from both rural and metropolitan regions could join, provided a platform for young people to voice their opinions on an issue that directly affects their future independence and mobility. Students listened to expert speakers, explored the legal and social implications of lowering the driving age, and took part in structured debates with peers from other schools.

Our representatives spoke confidently and thoughtfully, considering both the benefits and potential challenges of changing the law. They examined questions of road safety, maturity, and fairness, while also reflecting on how such a change could impact rural communities, where young people often rely more heavily on driving for study, work, and social connections.

At the conclusion of the Convention, students voted on the proposal, weighing up the evidence and arguments they had encountered. After the votes were tallied, the proposal was rejected by a single vote. 

This experience not only deepened the students' understanding of democratic processes but also helped them develop important skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and respectful debate.

We are proud to acknowledge the efforts of Year 9 students Mia, Poppy, Layla, Nicola, Ava, Amaya, Majorca, Macey, and Sofia, who represented our school with enthusiasm, articulate expression, and passion. Special thanks to Amanda Morrison, Student Inclusion Leader and teacher of Economics, Legal Studies and Sociology, for organising and supporting this valuable learning experience.

Well done to all involved for demonstrating the spirit of active citizenship and for being such excellent ambassadors for our college.

AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS WEEK

Australian Business Week (ABW), is a dynamic, five-day project where students work in teams, taking on management roles to run a simulated business. The program integrates English, Mathematics, Economics, Visual Art and Design, and Business, guiding students to:

• Manage a business through computer simulation.
• Invent and develop a new product.
• Create a video and trade display to market their product.
• Present verbal and written reports on their activities.

ABW fosters independent and collaborative learning, nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset while teaching valuable skills in stress and time management – essential for senior high school students. Many thanks to Miss Paula Cox, Mrs Andrea Chamberlain, and Mrs Jodie Birnie for organising this valuable program for the Year 11 students, and to all the staff and community members who made this week a success. Congratulations to the team behind 'The Golden Palm' who took top marks for their presentation.

Mrs Michelle Winderlich

Humanities Learning Area Facilitator