English Department Update
The year has begun with enthusiasm in English classes across THS. Many year levels launched into learning through creative writing, exploring core ideas such as identity, humanity, play, and more. We have emphasised writing engaging openings (the first section) and closings (the final section) to a variety of text types. In Year 7, students took part in the much-loved Treasure Talks — a yearly tradition that continues to engage and excite.
In this section of the newsletter, we are proud to showcase a selection of student work that highlights the voices of budding writers from our diverse school community. These pieces reflect the imagination and effort our students bring to English each day.
A big thank you to all students who contributed their learning tasks, and to the dedicated English teaching staff who support and extend our learners so capably.
Seamus Kavanagh
Head of English
Abigail Wallace - Year 12: Opening to a piece exploring the idea of ‘play’ and the stimulus: ‘I think that making life fun is a serious business’.
From the outside, Gregory knew he appeared plain. If it wasn’t his impressively boring, tight-fitting grey suit, or his particularly non-offensive tie, it was probably his shiny, shaved head that gave Gregory his no nonsense, serious-only appearance. Gregory’s employees found it unsettling the way his scalp was able to reflect the artificial LED light of the office to such alarming distances. Light would catch from the seemingly poreless lump of flesh that was his head, nearly blinding his inferiors as he patrolled his kingdom. Gregory knew his existence was belittled and mocked, but after all, he was running a serious business, he did not exist to make their life fun.
Hunter Lynch - Year 11: Opening to piece exploring the idea of ‘identity’
It was a sunny, warm morning in Cape Paterson. I was peddling my bike uncontrollably fast as I raced down to the ocean. I could smell the salty seaweed in the air, which was different from the polluted, crowded odour of what I was used to. As I rode closer to the sea, I could hear the waves crashing down. Arriving at the lifeguard's tower just as the sun was rising low over the horizon, I admired the glassy surface of the ocean - midnight blue and decorated with the white foam of its relentless state.
From the lifeguard's tower, I watched the grace of silhouettes carving the ocean’s surface with their boards. As the sun continued to rise, it illuminated the figures and the waves they were riding. They were majestic, imposing, and barreling towards the shore. Looking more closely, my heart skipped a beat. The waves dwarfed the surfers to a degree that I have not yet seen at this point break. Like the swell that I was watching, I felt a surge of energy fill my body - I knew that today I would surf that point break and prove myself as a surfer.
Dahlia Gray - Year 11: Closing to a speech exploring the idea of ‘identity’
The “highschool dream” varies for everyone. I truly believe that I lived mine. Though there were ups and downs, my time at highschool has turned me into someone understanding, it has broadened my horizons, it has given me knowledge of concepts I would've never dreamed about. It turned me into a chef, a poet, an artist, a speech-giver, a lawyer. This school has changed me like no other experience in life has even come close to.
I would just like to express my gratitude. I would just like to say I am so grateful for all my teachers who pushed me to achieve above and beyond what I ever thought I could. They let my dreams come true. I have been given the greatest gift I could get from my time at Thornbury. I just hope that you all can experience this amount of support too.
Thankyou for your time.
Jemimah Douglas-Gillett - Year 10: Opening to a piece exploring the idea of ‘humanity’
The expansive estate of the illustrious Explorer's guild was more impressive than 18 year-old Felix Morello could ever have imagined. Ecstatic wonder danced in his eyes as he drank in the sparkling stone towers that burst skyward, taller even than redwoods. The adorned door frame was woven intricately with patterns like vines in a canopy. Arms fizzing with barely contained excitement, he thrust open the wide double doors before him. Boldly, he stepped inside.
Veronica Smith - Year 8: Closing to a piece exploring the idea of ‘peace’
The next few days in the city are exciting. We go to see thrilling shows and dine in fancy restaurants. The wispy, withering wind of the city gives the evenings an eerie mood. I’m actually starting to enjoy the busyness of the city. A week has passed by filled with shopping, dining and appreciation of the arts. I also meet people my age like her next door neighbour’s kid Logan. Who it turns out, I will be going to school with, when we go back. Plus, my parents are going to get an apartment here so I can live with them! Even though I’ve had a tough time leaving Merricksville, I think I’m going to be happy here too.
Fleur Sandercock - Year 8: Opening to a piece exploring the idea of ‘peace’ and ‘escapism’
The bright beach houses stood alone among the dull local houses that lined the drawn-out tarmac roads. The sun illuminated the too-green grass. Her bike rattled from the bumpy and rough road. The green leaves danced in the summer breeze and glowed from the light of the sunset that stretched across the horizon. The sunset eventually met with the sparkling sea that looked like it went on forever. She hopped off her bike and guided it down a steep sand path. She leaned her bike against a wooden stump and set down her towel and bag.
Millie Crawford - Year 7: Opening to a piece employing an ‘action first’ writing strategy and imagery/onomatopoeia
It's pitch black when the sirens start up again. The familiar screams through my head as people push and fall. I can hear the loud drone of planes in the sky above us as I break through the crowd, sprinting like I used to in the races at school. BOOM! I watch in horror as the concrete stairs where I was sitting just a few seconds ago are blown to pieces.