Humanities
UN Youth Australia - Crisis Point
A few weeks ago, we were given the opportunity to attend UN Youth’s Crisis Point event. The day compromised of interactive problem - solving activities centred around contemporary issues. This year, we explored the republic movement in Australia. All the delegates were separated into 3 groups- the government, republicans, and monarchists.
I was placed in government as the minister of foreign affairs. Our main aim was to organise a referendum posing the question about whether Australia should become a republic. Throughout the simulation, we faced many challenges including conflict with opposing groups, a media circus, and unexpected twists.
But our critical-thinking and negotiation skills ensured the referendum’s success and secured our win. In the end, Crisis Point was a very inspiring and enjoyable experience that I would recommend to all!
Anna Issac, Year 10
Attending Crisis Point 2024 was an incredibly fun and enriching experience. The event was engaging and offered numerous opportunities to forge new friendships, get creative, and develop various skills. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, which made it easy for everyone to feel comfortable and contribute. Even though it was a more casual and fun environment, there was still a good balance of structure.
I enjoyed all the interactive workshops and group discussions; they were both fun and educational. Overall, Crisis Point 2024 was a fantastic experience that exposed me to new people and engaged me in discussions about global issues. For those who enjoy debating and delegating, Crisis Point is an excellent event.
Swathy Nair, Year 11
Economics
Year 10 Economics students have had a big few weeks: an excursion, 2 incursions and making significant progress in Banqer High.
The excursion was a 2 hour guided walking tour around the CBD run by Walking Tours of Melbourne and the street artist known as Mini-me. Students took to the streets to learn more about how economic factors and events have influenced the City of Melbourne.
The incursions, run by Talk Money, saw students explore some of the financial aspects of work, including the rights of employees, taxation and superannuation.
In Banqer High (which is like an online version of the boardgame classic, The Game of Life), students have been developing financial literacy skills and knowledge. For example, in the simulate game environment, students have:
- Opened bank accounts
- Made career decisions (including whether to go to Uni, and then pay off a HECS debt)
- Regularly gone to work (and been promoted) and paid bills
- Compared superannuation accounts
- Moved out of home and then either rented alone, or with friends
- Traded shares
- Investigated insurance options (and made insurance claims).
Some students have even gone so far as to take out a mortgage and purchase a house!
The Banqer High game has proven to be quite addictive for some, with students being recognised for achievements such as highest net worth and most regular attendance at work.
Overall, the past 3 weeks have been jam packed with learning about money ($) and the decisions people make that improve their financial wellbeing.
Written by Monet Atkins (Year 10) and Ms Simone Bomar (teacher)
