Humanities

Vocabulary Update

The Humanities Domain has had a focus on teaching vocabulary for several years. We adopted an evidence based direct instruction model. Students complete a multiple choice pre-test, are then taught the words by their teacher, revisit the words regularly using a range of activities and, finally, complete a post test. Data is recorded in Guttman charts to enable teachers to select the most appropriate words to teach and to track progress. 

Over the next few weeks most classes in years 7-10 will be involved in a competition against students completing the same subject to see what class can achieve the highest average. Winning classes will each receive a trophy and some very exciting prizes. Any student who achieves 100% on their post-test will also receive a prize. We are hoping that this competition will assist to motivate students to perform at their best. If you have any questions, comments or would like a copy of the words that your child is learning, please email lang.elizabeth.e@edumail.vic.gov.au.

Humanities

In this edition and following editions of the school newsletter we are going to interview Humanities teachers about next year.

Georgia Campbell-

History Co-ordinator and Humanities Teacher.

Hi Georgia, can you tell me a bit about yourself?

I grew up in Hamilton and after I finished year 12, like some students here, I too was enticed by the bright city lights and moved to Melbourne to study a Bachelor of Arts at Melbourne University, majoring in Australian Indigenous studies and Anthropology and Social Theory. I then continued at the university completing my Masters of Secondary Teaching. I was fortunate enough to complete one of my placements here at Wanganui, and started my teaching career last year, working in the Humanities and English learning areas.

I understand you volunteered to teach at Mooroopna next year, can you briefly explain why you decided to make this change?

At university there are so many opportunities to design new units of work, and exercise creativity. However, sometimes this can be a little more difficult when you get to a school where the curriculum is already developed. When I was designing these new units for the Humanities, all of which I am genuinely passionate about, I realised how great it would be to be able to put my vision for them into practice.   

What are you looking forward to about next year?

I’m really looking forward to meeting new students and collaborating with teachers from the other schools, so that we can make next year a really great one. I think there is a real opportunity for more student agency, which is something I believe is crucial to engaging young people in education. Plus, on a more sentimental note, I feel very lucky to be moving over to Mooroopna with the year 7s I started my career with last year, continuing to build old and new relationships.