Co-Curricular Opportunities  

Artwork: Arthur Mathieson, Year 10, Ridgeway Campus

Riley Tyebji, Year 11, Ridgeway Campus

This year, I had the exciting opportunity to take on the role of a Junior Debating coach for a Year 7 team. Having both been involved in debating for several years, myself and fellow Year 10 coach (Hugo Lethbridge-Ford) were keen to share our knowledge and experience with younger students who were just beginning. We not only wished to develop our debaters in the technical aspects of debating but additionally, grow their confidence and public speaking skills.  

When we first met our group of six eager Year 7 students, we began by introducing them to the fundamentals of debating: the importance of structure, the roles of the three speakers, and how to develop a logical argument. During the season, we moved on to more advanced skills, including rebutting opposing arguments, persuasive essay writing, and public speaking skills. We put them through mock debates, mentored them to refine their speeches, and encouraged them to discover their own unique debating styles. 

It was such a rewarding and enriching experience coaching the team during the season. We watched them grow not only as debaters but also as confident communicators. There were moments of victory and loss, but every round brought improvement and improved collaboration. It was so rewarding to see their passion and development throughout the season. Overall, being a coach for the junior debating team has been a highlight of my year, a wonderful experience led by Mr Henshall which deepened my appreciation for leadership and teaching. 

Xander Bilston, Year 11, Plenty Campus 

On Monday the 15th of September, the Founder's Centre saw the Drama Club’s first and only performance of Dr Seuss’ The Lorax, an adaptation of the 1971 book and the 2015 movie, fully lead by students and hosted at the Plenty Campus. Each element of the show was decided, designed and directed by the talented members of the Drama Club, allowing an incredible amount of personality to be displayed in each department, whether it was costume, set decor, lighting or acting. The play follows the story of Ted & Audrey, two young children who seek out a tree from the reclusive Once-ler, a man who tells his story of greed and ignorance, and how he ultimately lead to the extinction of the truffula trees, despite the Lorax's wise warnings.  

Each student was committed and passionate to present the inspirational and exciting script to its fullest. The play, being just under an hour long, went swimmingly, as the actors were alert, well-rehearsed and brilliant performers, leaving the audience in thunderous applause. I highly recommend Drama Club to any considering it, the experience is unforgettable.