Years 7 - 9 Update

The 7-8 Community News

Remote learning - Indigenous Contemporary Dance 'Excursion' 

Over the course of 2020, students in year 7-8 have been exploring world history with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, Ancient world and early civilisation. This combining with our current focus of Citizenship, Diversity, Identity and Laws has resulted in a development of students world knowledge and created a variety of practical learning experiences. 

While learning remotely during Term 3, students were able to engage in an Indigenous Contemporary Dance WebEx excursion. This was facilitated by Sermsah, an extremely engaging instructor from The Nikki Visaj Movement. 

This virtual excursion educated students about the histories and stories that are told through Indigenous dance moves and some cultural etiquette of dancing. Sermsah shared both personal and cultural experiences for our students to participate in, while choreographing an Indigenous dance that our students were taught. 

This was a highly interactive, engaging virtual excursion where students not only had the opportunity to participate in the dance but were also encouraged to share their story and family history.

Sermsah ended the virtual excursion with two different perspectives of Australian history that have been depicted through art. This promoted and encouraged rich discussions amongst our students that deepened their already learnt knowledge.

Student Feedback

On Wednesday 26 August, HC3 were introduced to a great Indigenous dancer named Sermsah.

He talked a little bit  about himself and where he’s from and he asked where we were from and everyone answered. I liked this as its kind of got me closer to fellow classmates that I don’t know very well. 

When we finished that segment, Sermsah showed us some dance moves. Everyone joined in and it was really enjoyable. The dance included nearly all Australian animals, even some that were kind of hard but it was fun trying to follow him and especially watching Mr Moran trying to follow, but he tried his best. Mr Moran’s own kids joined in as well which was cool and they did really well. At the end of the teaching we all knew the fantastic dance that Sermsah taught us. 

Finally, we got to practice the steps a few times which I liked because I’m a bit of a slow learner but the dance was really nice and it made me feel like I’m a part of Sermsah's culture. At the end everyone was stuffed, everyone one was red faced and puffed including Sermsah. 

This was a great excursion and thank you to the teachers who organised this. What a great day!

The 7-8 community were involved in an incursion with a very special guest teaching the class a couple of things such as learning choreography, dancing and learning some key information about the Aboriginal culture. 

First of all, the man introduced himself and explained some information for us to learn and it was very interesting. 

We were all amazed by the topic and listened very carefully. We were asked questions which some of us answered but most of us were pretty shy speaking through the devices. 

We did a couple of stretches and exercises to warm us up, it was already tiring but we had a lot more to enjoy! 

The lesson started easy and slow but I’ll admit the class wasn’t that great at dancing but like Mr Moran says 

“we are a no judgement class“ and I agree. 

It was delightful to see most of the class participating in it and having their cameras on. I'm sure everyone was having fun or if not, at least getting their blood pumping through their bodies. 

After learning most of the choreography the guest showed us how it was properly done. I must say I was quite jealous of how well he danced. The class had a lot of fun dancing and learning some new information from his culture and I’m sure we’d love another experience/activity like this again in the future. 

THANK YOU!

If you want to learn the dance check out this video

Year 9 Update

During Term 3 Year 9 Humanities students have been learning about colonial era Australia, including the experiences of convicts, settlers, bushrangers and explorers, including the Afghan cameleers and the gold rush. 

Over the remote learning period they have completed an assessment project focusing on one of these areas. The assessments have been of a really high quality and just go to show what amazing work our students are capable of, even when working from home! 

Towards 2021 - Year 10 Course Selection

Like most people, Year 9 are looking forward to 2021 and hopeful of a great year ahead. 

Year 10 is looming for our cohort and they are very aware that they are coming to some serious decisions about the pathways ahead for them. The recent online information session on Course selection was like many things this year, a new way of presenting course information as was the online registration process to select course preferences. This has taken place smoothly. Informal conversations with a number of families and students indicates that there is a deal of excitement about starting the final three years of schooling.

Congratulations to all who contributed to the Year 10 Course selection process. If you have not yet made selections please use this link

If you need help email: edval@nbc.vic.edu.au 

Download the Year 10 Booklet