SCHOOL NEWS
PHILOSOPHY NEWS
FREE Lecture at the University of Melbourne, Thursday, 12 September 2013 at 6.30pm Theatre A, Elisabeth Murdoch Building, The University of Melbourne
RSVP: It's free, but the University likes people to book in advance so they know how many people to expect. You can do that here: http://bit.ly/threecultures
What the talk is about: Logic has been an important part of philosophy since the work of Aristotle in the 4th Century BCE. Developments of the 19th and the 20th Century saw an incredible flowering of mathematical techniques in logic, and the discipline transformed beyond recognition into something that can seem forbiddingly technical and formal. The discipline of logic plays a vital role in mathematics, linguistics, computer science and electrical engineering, and it may seem that it no longer has a place within the humanities.
In this lecture Prof. Restall will explain why this perception is misplaced and dangerous, and that in a time of increasing specialisation and differentiation between the cultures of the humanities, the sciences, and of engineering, logic not only has much to give to the humanities, it also has much to learn.
Please email Michelle Rocca at roc@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au for more information.
A BUSY TIME FOR LANGUAGES AT MCKINNON
Since the start of Term 3, language students had many exciting opportunities to participate in several co-curricular activities offered by the Languages faculty.
Year 9 and 10 German students attended the GERMAN DAY OUT on 25 July 2013. The student forum – Der X-Faktor: Deutsch – in the Melbourne Town Hall informed students about future career opportunities with the German language. A slide show of the McKinnon Exchange could be viewed on entering the Town Hall. Speeches and scholarships were presented and most of our students were quite surprised to hear that German will not only be of advantage when considering opportunities in German-speaking countries but also that many German companies have set up subsidiaries in Asian countries and around the world. Young guest speakers were talking about their experience and how the language has supported their career. Roxanne Pedder (9E) participated in the SBS Radio quiz that concluded this session and won a day at the SBS Radio station. After lunch we went to the Forum to watch a new German film - "Patty's Catchup", which was offered by the MIFF Next Gen. Although presentations seemed to be lengthy for some, they were worthwhile and inspiring and everyone enjoyed the movie in the afternoon.
On 28 July, all Year 8 French students also went to the Melbourne International Film Festival to see a French-Belgian animated movie called ‘Approved for Adoption’. Students enjoyed this original movie based on the true story of a young Korean child adopted by a Belgian family. Originally written as a “graphic” novel, the director used a mix of images and cartoons to create the special atmosphere of this film. The screening triggered students’ thoughts about family, adoption and cultural differences. It was a real success and a beautiful day for students and teachers.
Another big event in our calendar year was the annual Cuckoo excursion. This year four big buses made their way to the Dandenongs for an experience of authentic German food and cultural infusion. After soup, a main course from the buffet and deserts (many just could not pile enough of them on their plates), the Cuckoo staff entertained with a Sing-along and invited students to become cow-bell musicians. Many made it to the dance floor and enjoyed the Chicken dance, the Nutbush, the Macarena and the Hokey Pokey. Time always passes to fast at this event and many would have liked to stay a bit longer!
In the same week, on Friday 16 August, Year 7 German students enjoyed a session of traditional dancing with Rowan Classen, who you might know from his Uncle Tobys’ Le Snack TV advertisement. After a warm-up students enjoyed learning first moves in slap-dancing and everyone had fun moving to the sound of traditional German folk music!
With subject selections in sight, the BYTES program will offer language and intercultural modules in partnership with the language faculty. Students can choose the Chat Worldwide option, which looks at basic forms of communication in French and German using modern technologies and cultural and social conventions. Job global will prepare for necessary communication and social skills to work abroad. My culture –Your culture is about making friends abroad, looking at youth culture here and there; through this options students will be given the opportunity to work and exchange views with our Spanish sister school. Chat Worldwide and Job global will give students the possibility to access the VET Certificate II in Applied Language (nationally recognized diploma) in Year 10, even if they dropped out of language at the end of Year 8.
What is the Certificate II in Applied Language?
It is a national recognition of their Language learning. Students achieve practical language skills in social and vocational contexts.
The Certificate II in Applied Languages is divided in four units. Unit descriptors are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for languages. The CEFR was developed by the Council of Europe. It sets guidelines and provides a method of assessing and teaching which applies to all languages in Europe. The CEFR is a basis for the mutual recognition of language qualifications, thus facilitating educational and occupational mobility. It is increasingly used across Europe in the reform of national curricula, by international consortia and in other countries.
Andrea Fowler
Head of Languages
Teacher of German