Electives 2018
Choices for Term 1
We are kicking off 2018 with another exciting seven-week Electives program for all students in Years 7-10.
The cost of the Electives program is included as part of the Years 7-10 composite fee and is also subsidised by the program budget. However, some subjects may have additional associated costs for special equipment, excursions, incursions and/or transport. Families are notified of these costs if they arise. Students should make their choices in order of preference and must have 3 options.
Students will receive on the first day back a copy of the program and ballot form, to be returned on FRIDAY 2 FEBRUARY. Please read the program carefully as some Electives require parent permission to participate. (Please note: Forms will NOT be accepted before Friday 2 February.)
Cycling and bike maintenance
Cycling is a great way to get around, be active and spend time with friends. Join us to explore some of Melbourne’s bike paths and cycling routes, learn bike maintenance and repair skills and meet some members of the cycling community. This class is open to everyone, all fitness levels and prior cycling experiences. If you don’t have your own bike and helmet, consider borrowing one from a friend or relative. Note: Written parent permission is required for this elective.
Join NATASHA PREWETT
Theatresports
In this Elective students will participate in a variety of improvisation games to assist in developing their drama skills. Each class is structured similar to a “Whose Line is it Anyway?” show. A sample list of activities would be Film Styles, Fixed Emotions, House Party and Mission Improbable. The list of options is endless, maybe even come up with a few of your own. No experience necessary.
Join ADAM SIMON
Philosophy unleashed!
Are you ready to tie your mind in a knot, and then untie it? Just don’t be surprised if you feel a bit different afterwards. Join us as we tackle some of the most perplexing questions of our time – questions like: Can an artificial intelligence be a person? Do bees use language? Does Instagram own your face? Could we write an app that tells us what the right thing to do is? Is the truth really out there, or does it all just come down to your opinion? Through short films, concept games, thought experiments and spooky science fiction stories, we’ll dive into all kinds of contemporary issues that have their roots in ancient philosophical puzzles.
Join MICHELLE SOWEY from
THE PHILOSOPHY CLUB
Rocket construction
In this elective students will learn the basic Physics behind rockets by constructing different types. Students will work individually with basic rockets and after testing different designs will compete in a variety of challenges. Once the basics are mastered students will work in groups on a larger scale rocket. Possible rocket designs include paper rockets, balloon rockets, matchstick rockets, water rockets and alcohol rockets.
Join DONAL UAHWATANASAKUL
Photowalk
Wear your walking shoes and bring a phone or device. Each week we will be walking, photographing objects, nature, patterns, colours - too many other ideas to mention. Your photos will be transformed once back at school into works of art using the Mac computers and software.
Join CLARE COMAN
Programming and electronics
Learn how to program an Arduino microcontroller using an “easy to get into C like” language, where the core skills learned are applicable to many other programming languages. The main focus of this course is learning how to programme and to understand how to interface through hardware, to the real world.
You don’t need any experience. We will develop your skills to confidently upload your code to an Arduino Uno (which you get to keep on completion), run sketches that will blink LED’s, sense light, create sound, detect magnetic fields, temperature and more. It’s a fun way to get to know technology and what actually underpins modern society, allowing your creative brain to dream up new ideas, machines and devices that can help you to achieve a vast array of things. So come join me for fun term of programming, electronics, soldering and more. Everyone welcome!
Join KARL VON MOLLER
Knit one pearl one
Knitting (and knitting circles) have existed through the ages. As Barbara Hannah Grufferman lists, knitting has a great deal of value and purpose: Take it With You: You can knit anywhere—waiting for appointments, travelling, really . . . anywhere! Multi-task to your heart’s content: Knit while watching TV, listening to music or audiobooks, talking with friends or day dreaming.
- Enforces Mindfulness Meditation
- Boost Your Memory
- Knitting as Art
Students will need to come with knitting needles and three large balls of wool. NB: Price of wool varies depending on quality. If this is your first time knitting perhaps choose a nice but cheaper option. Needles also vary so consult the sales person (Spotlight or suburban wool shops) to help make your choice.
Join KATE ELLIS
Book club
Book Club is an opportunity for students to nurture the joy of reading, have a chance to talk about what they are reading and why they like or don’t like their choices. There will also be time to think about writing, discuss what makes a good narrative, look at different genres and what they incorporate as well as understanding the importance of writing with an audience in mind. If you have a penchant for reading and writing then this elective is for you.
Join MARY ANN METCALF
Gardening and food security
Food Security’s mission is to create practical and meaningful ways to engage in solving Food Insecurity in Australia. The program is designed to give students a realistic insight into the diverse members of their community suffering food insecurity. Their classes and activities integrate the concept of nurturing a garden with nurturing people, resulting in a meaningful and enjoyable project.
Join THE FOOD SECURITY NETWORK
Kitchen garden
This term’s elective will focus on ethical eating or “eating green”. Not only will you source nutritious and delicious ‘green’ recipes, you will also cook up delicious food each week and take care of the kitchen garden crops.
Join JOHN COLLINS
Rock climbing Years 8-10
This will be a super fun Elective where you will learn how to rock climb (indoor top rope). We will focus on technique, projecting, route reading and setting climbing goals. You will work in pairs week by week on climbing drills, learning the mechanics and art of climbing so you can master difficult routes by the end of the Elective.
Climbing is an art - it combines meditation, focus, physical strength, patience, flexibility (mental and physical) and problem solving skills. You don’t need to have any experience, just an open mind and determination. Anyone can do it!
Remember, climbing is a dangerous sport, so we want participants who are going to commit and take it seriously. Note: Written parent permission is required for this Elective.
Join ZAHAVA ELENBERG
Tennis
Tennis Mad (Bill Madafferi’s team) provides coaching for all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced, in a relaxed and encouraging environment, making it easy for students to enjoy their tennis as they learn the various disciplines of the game. Getting to know each student’s strengths and weaknesses means progress can be made every lesson. Lessons are held at MCC Kew next to the Primary campus.
Join THE TENNIS MAD TEAM