Around the School   

Artwork: Andrew Spencer, Year 9, University Campus

Ryan Delios, Year 12, Ridgeway Campus 

The one thing about the EVATT competition that makes it different from anything else I have done before is its structure: it’s a Model UN competition. Instead of debating in teams of 3 against another team, we had to debate a multitude of different teams. All teams will debate on a resolution, employing diplomacy to form alliances. Using these connections, we were able to propose and pass amendments that altered the final resolution.  Representing the United States, my team and I were able to hold a high amount of influence in the debate, delivering speeches, and asking questions of other nations. Through this, we were able to have an experience that changed the way we thought about debating. It also allowed us to think critically about the differing stances nations would have on world issues. 

Pranav Sudheesh, Year 12, Plenty Campus 

Day 3 of the NEA leadership incursion was a valuable experience where we were able to develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. There were two main parts to the process: a seminar by David Reid, a mental health clinician and mental performance coach, and project planning between schools. 

In his seminar on leadership, David shared real-life stories and advice on teamwork, adapting to challenges, listening to different opinions, and what it means to truly be a leader. He taught us skills such as setting anchors and conducted exercises which aim to help us communicate more fluently. Through these processes, we were able to increase our skills as well as meet and form connections with new people. The rest of the day involved our project with Mernda Central College, in which we worked together to create a presentation on “Closing the Gap” about mental health between students and teachers.  

Overall, Day 3 of the NEA leadership incursion was a valuable experience that built our skills, confidence, and connections through David Read’s guidance and collaborative projects with other schools. 

Alex Zhou, Year 9, Ridgeway Campus 

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to participate in the philosophy excursion at Melbourne University. It was an eye-opening experience that allowed us to explore the big deep questions about life, knowledge and reality. It’s less about memorising facts and more about thinking carefully, questioning assumptions, and forming strong reasons for your ideas. The jam-packed day started when we heard an inspiring lecture from Carley Tonoli about Moral Repercussion of Large Language Models. It allowed me to question and think beyond about the advantages and the disadvantages or the flaws they do to the world. This excursion was a great opportunity for us to question and learn about different aspects of philosophy and why we study it. I particularly enjoyed exploring the stunning Melbourne University campus in Parkville. We got to immerse into university life by listening to lectures and discovering new areas and buildings that inspired us to delve into many different subjects. The excursion was tremendous and really inspired us to think beyond and discover new things.